2013-2017 Ford Explorer Recalled Over Rear Suspension Safety Issue

Ford Motor Company is recalling select 2013-2017 Ford Explorer models due to issues related to the cross-axis ball joint.

The defect: in affected vehicles, cross-axis ball joint may seize up and cause the rear suspension toe link to fracture.

The hazards: a fractured rear toe link could result in severely diminished steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Ford is aware of six allegations of injury related to this issue in North America.

Components: cross-axis ball joint/knuckle, toe links.

Affected vehicles: select 2013-2017 Ford Explorer models assembled at the Ford Chicago Assembly plant between September 4^th, 2012, and September 30^th, 2017, and the Ford Elabuga Assembly plant between January 28^th, 2020, and July 28^th, 2017.

Number of vehicles affected: 774,696 vehicles, with:

• 676,152 units in North America
• 59,935 units in China
• 25,257 units in Ford’s International Markets Group
• 13,162 units in Europe
• 190 units in South America

The fix: dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint, replace the cross-axis ball joint and knuckle as necessary, and replace the toe links with a revised design part.

Owners should: wait for communications from Ford, which are expected to be mailed the week of August 3^rd, 2021. The Ford reference number for this recall is 21S32.

Ford is establishing a separate customer satisfaction program for Ford Explorer vehicles not sold or registered in U.S. corrosion states.

Contacts:

• Ford Customer Service: 1-866-436-7332
• FoMoCo Recall Number: 21S32
• NHTSA Toll-Free: 1-888-327-4236
• NHTSA (TTY): 1-800-424-9153
• NHTSA Website: www.safecar.gov

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