More than 126,000 Ford Explorer models are being recalled as they have suspension components that could break.
The recall involves 2011-2013 Explorers that were previously involved in a recall announced in July 2019. Affected vehicles may have been serviced with a rear knuckle containing a toe link cross-axis ball joint attachment manufactured by ZF that can seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
If the rear toe link fractures, it will significantly diminish steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford’s field data indicates that the rear toe link is particularly vulnerable in high corrosion areas where road salt is used in winter.
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The recall impacts 39,747 vehicles from the 2011 model year, 41,572 from the 2012 model year, and 44,714 sold for the 2013 model year. Impacted vehicles were built between May 17, 2010 and September 3, 2012. Importantly, the recall is only for Explorer models that have been registered or were sold new in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhoda Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail from November 1, 2021 and will be instructed to take their vehicle to a local Ford or Lincoln dealership. Technicians will inspect the suspension and if they determine that the replacement component from the previous recall is present, will replace it and other components as necessary free of charge.
