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Ford Explorer Recall 21V746: Rear Suspension Part May Seize and Break, Causing Loss of Steering

NHTSA campaign 21V746, reported September 22, 2021, 150,723 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Certain 2011-2013 Ford Explorers in specific Northeastern, Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic states may have a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part in the rear suspension that could seize. If that happens, the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link can fracture.

A broken rear toe link can cause a loss of steering control, which increases the risk of a crash. Owners should not wait to have this checked.

The repair is free at an authorized Ford dealer. The dealer will check for a CABJ and, if one is found, inspect its tightness and replace the CABJ, knuckle, and/or toe link as needed. To check whether your vehicle is included, contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall 21S43, and check your VIN for open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 21V746Ford Motor Company
Component
SUSPENSION:REAR
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. These vehicles may be equipped with a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part that could seize, and result in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Risk
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealer will inspect for the presence of a CABJ. If a CABJ of any design is found, the dealer will inspect the tightness of the CABJ, and replace the CABJ, knuckle, and/or toe link as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S43.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Affected vehicles

Ford Explorer201120122013