The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighNHTSA·23V199000·Announced 2023-03-24

Ford Explorer driveshaft disconnect and parking brake recall

Ford is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles due to potential driveshaft disconnection and incomplete parking brake software, which could cause vehicle rollaway and loss of drive power.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: No injuries or deaths are reported in the source. The hazards are theoretical—the vehicle could rollaway and the mounting bolt may fracture. Per the severity rubric rule that caps theoretical hazards without reported incidents at score 3, this qualifies as High. The risk of vehicle control loss and increased crash potential justifies the High designation.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020-2022 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrains. The recall involves two issues: a previous software update did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, and the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture, potentially causing the driveshaft to disconnect.

Without the automatic electronic parking brake applied, if the driveshaft disconnects, the vehicle could rollaway. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in loss of drive power. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.

Ford will notify owners by mail. Dealers will update the vehicle's powertrain control module software at no cost. Owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) for more information.

The recalled product

Product
FORD EXPLORER
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle
Hazard
Affected units
674

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 (1)

  • EXPLORER

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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