### Ford Explorers Face Recall Over Faulty Suspension Components Ford has issued a recall for over 412,000 2017-2019 Ford Explorer models due to faulty suspension components. The recall affects the rear suspension toe link, which can fracture, leading to a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue first appeared in July 2021, when certain 2013-2017 Ford Explorer units were detected with fractured suspension toe links. The problem was exacerbated by seized rear suspension cross-axis ball joints, which are also a recurring issue with the newer recall population. Federal regulators preempted Ford with this recall, as NHTSA officials presented the automaker with a handful of owner reports of a loss of directional control in January 2026. The agency collected 26 reports of rear toe link fractures, while Ford reported at least two accidents related to this ...
### Ford Explorers Face Recall Over Faulty Suspension Components
Ford has issued a recall for over 412,000 2017-2019 Ford Explorer models due to faulty suspension components. The recall affects the rear suspension toe link, which can fracture, leading to a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue first appeared in July 2021, when certain 2013-2017 Ford Explorer units were detected with fractured suspension toe links. The problem was exacerbated by seized rear suspension cross-axis ball joints, which are also a recurring issue with the newer recall population.
Federal regulators preempted Ford with this recall, as NHTSA officials presented the automaker with a handful of owner reports of a loss of directional control in January 2026. The agency collected 26 reports of rear toe link fractures, while Ford reported at least two accidents related to this issue.
Despite not identifying a direct cause, Ford plans to remedy the faulty suspension components by replacing every existing Explorer toe link with a revised version. The updated toe links are stronger and more resistant to seized cross-axis ball joints than the initial batch.
Ford has not issued a Do-Not-Drive warning related to this recall, meaning all 412,000 Ford Explorer owners can continue to use their vehicles until the recall work is complete.
### Technical Details
* Vehicle affected: 2017-2019 Ford Explorer
* Recall number: [insert recall number]
* Reason for recall: Faulty rear suspension toe link
* Symptoms: Loss of steering control, clunk, unusual handling, misaligned rear wheel
* NHTSA estimate: 1 percent of affected vehicles will experience the issue
* Repair: Replace existing toe link with a revised version
### What to Do
If you own a 2017-2019 Ford Explorer, it’s essential to check if your vehicle is affected by this recall. You can do this by visiting the NHTSA website or contacting a Ford dealership. If your vehicle is affected, follow the recommended repair process to ensure your safety on the road.
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### Author Bio
Emmet White is an Associate Editor at Autoweek and Road & Track. A New York transplant from the Pacific Northwest, Emmet has a passion for anything that goes: cars, bicycles, planes, and motorcycles. After learning to ride at 17, Emmet worked in the motorcycle industry before joining Autoweek in 2022 and Road & Track in 2024.
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