2020-2022 Ford Explorer Driveshaft Disconnection Risk
Ford is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles because the rear axle mounting bolt may fracture, causing the driveshaft to disconnect. This can result in loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing crash risk.
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: This is a risk-of-harm vehicle recall involving a critical structural component (driveshaft mounting bolt fracture). The source text indicates the hazard can increase crash risk, but no injuries, deaths, or confirmed incidents are reported, placing it at High severity per the rubric cap of 3 for theoretical hazards without reported incidents.
Plain-English summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020, 2021, and 2022 Ford Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture over time.
If the mounting bolt fractures, the driveshaft can disconnect from the vehicle. A disconnected driveshaft results in loss of drive power. Additionally, if the parking brake is not engaged, the vehicle may roll away.
Either loss of drive power or an unintended rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
Ford dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt, and inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole, replacing it if damage is found. All repairs will be performed at no cost. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 19, 2024. 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 for more information. Ford's recall number is 23S55.
The recalled product
- Product
- FORD EXPLORER
- Brand
- FORD
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Category
- Vehicle
- Affected units
- 238,364
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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