The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·25V166000·Announced 2025-03-14

Ford Explorer rear axle bolts may fracture and disconnect the driveshaft

Ford is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recalls 23V-199 or 22V-255, because the rear axle mounting bolt may fracture.

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: A fractured axle bolt that disconnects the driveshaft is a structural vehicle defect, which the rubric places at Severe.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255, under NHTSA campaign number 25V166000. The potential number of units affected is 4,247.

The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect. According to NHTSA, a disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied, and can also result in a loss of drive power.

Dealers will update the powertrain control module software free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

The recalled product

Product
FORD EXPLORER
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — Passenger vehicle
Hazard
Affected units
4,247

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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