UPDATE: Ford Motor Company has just announced a major recall affecting 412,774 Explorers due to serious suspension issues that pose a potential crash risk. The recall targets specific 2017-2019 Explorer models equipped with cross-axis ball joint parts manufactured by SAF.
The issue arises from a potential rear suspension toe link fracture that can severely compromise steering control. This alarming development follows an investigation initiated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in late January 2023, after reports of loss of steering control in five 2018 Explorer models. Subsequent findings revealed an additional 26 reports of similar incidents.
Authorities have not pinpointed the exact cause of the problem, but early evidence suggests that the ball joint may be seizing, resulting in a dangerous “bending moment on the toe link.” While Ford reports it is unaware of any injuries linked to these fractures, there have been two incidents where vehicles collided with road barriers following toe link failures.
Affected owners will begin receiving notifications from Ford early next month. The automaker has committed to replacing the faulty toe links with stronger components designed to be “more resistant to a seized CABJ” than the recalled parts.
This is not the first time Ford has faced issues with the Explorer’s toe link system. In 2021, the company issued a recall for certain 2013-2017 models over similar concerns, only to find that vehicles produced after that recall were still equipped with SAF-made CABJ parts showing no signs of corrosion.
The urgency of this recall highlights ongoing safety concerns for Ford, affecting both new and older vehicles. As the automaker moves to rectify these potentially hazardous failures, it underscores the importance of swift action in safeguarding drivers and passengers.
Stay tuned for further updates as Ford continues to address this critical safety issue.
