The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·22V255000·Announced 2022-04-14

Ford Recalls 2020-2022 Explorers for Rear Axle Bolt Fracture Risk

Ford is recalling specific 2020-2022 Explorer models because a rear axle bolt may fracture, causing the driveshaft to disconnect and increasing crash risk.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (rear axle bolt fracture) that can lead to vehicle rollaway and crashes, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles, including Police FHEV, Police 3.3L, 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV, and 3.0L ST GAS models. The recall addresses a defect where the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture, which can cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in 'Park' without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash. The source text does not report any specific injuries, fatalities, or property damage associated with this defect.

Dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover or update the electronic parking brake software, depending on the vehicle model, at no charge to the owner. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 9, 2022, and March 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
FORD EXPLORER HYBRID, EXPLORER INTERCEPT HYBRID, EXPLORER PHEV, EXPLORER POLICE INTERCEPT
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — SUV
Hazard
Affected units
252,936

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (4)

  • EXPLORER HYBRID
  • EXPLORER INTERCEPT HYBRID
  • EXPLORER PHEV
  • EXPLORER POLICE INTERCEPT

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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