7/16/21 - Major recall from Ford

Ford Motor Company announces three different recalls that will affect more than 800,000 vehicles.

The recall involves more than 770,000 of its most popular SUVs, after multiple reports of injuries due to a flaw in the rear suspension. The issue, Ford confirmed today, occurs when parts of the suspension fracture, and in the process “significantly diminishes steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.”

According to the automaker, the recalled Explorer vehicles “may experience a seized cross-axis ball joint that may cause a fractured rear suspension toe link. Affected vehicles may experience a clunk noise, unusual handling, or a misaligned rear wheel.”

Even if you don’t observe one of those three factors, it’s worth checking when and where your Explorer was manufactured if you have one from the impacted model years.

The recall covers Explorers built at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant between September 4, 2012 and September 30, 2017, along with at Elabuga Assembly Plant in Russia, between January 28, 2013 and July 28, 2017.

Ford says it has been alerted to six allegations of injury, related to the suspension issue, in North America.

The company is also recalling some 2020-21 Ford F-350 Super Duty vehicles , as well as some newer models of the Lincoln Aviator. 

Owner notification will begin in mid-August.