Driving the news: Ford $F ( ▲ 4.11% ) is recalling 412,774 Explorer SUVs from model years 2017–2019 over rear suspension toe links that may fracture, increasing the risk of losing steering control.
For context: The recall covers Explorers produced between May 16, 2017, and March 3, 2019, that are equipped with cross-axis ball joints (CABJ) manufactured by supplier SAF.
For the affected vehicles, a seized CABJ can put a bending load on the toe link, potentially causing it to fracture and decrease steering control.
Ford has identified 26 reports of rear toe link fracture, including two accidents without injury.
Only 1% of recalled vehicles are estimated to have the defect.
Worth noting: This isn't Ford's first rodeo with Explorer toe links. A prior recall (21V537) was filed in July 2021 for 2013–2017 Explorers with an earlier CABJ design prone to corrosion from road salt.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the toe links with a stronger, revised design at no charge to owners. Owner letters are expected to arrive between March 9–13, and drivers can check their VIN here.
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