Suspension:Rear (21V537000)

WARNING: This page is about the Explorer Base, 2.0L Eng VIN 9, which is a different variant/trim than selected.

Publication date: 2021-07-16
Reference number: 21V537000

SUSPENSION:REAR

NHTSA RECALL BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 21V537000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION

Model(s): 2013 FORD EXPLORER

2014 FORD EXPLORER

2015 FORD EXPLORER

2016 FORD EXPLORER

2017 FORD EXPLORER

Campaign No: 21V537000

Number of Affected Vehicles: 644055

Beginning Date of Manufacture: 1900 JAN

Ending Date of Manufacture: 1900 JAN

SYSTEM

SUSPENSION:REAR

DESCRIPTION OF DEFECT

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.

CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT

A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. An interim owner notification letter expected to be mailed in early September. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. Ford issued owners an interim notification on September 10, 2021. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Eastern Time. For more information call (800) 424-9393 or (202) 366-0123. For the hearing impaired, call (800) 424-9153.