Suspension: rearRecall 21V-537 · 2013–2017 Ford Explorer
Ford Motor Company recall 21V-537 covers 631,176 2013–2017 Ford Explorer for a suspension: rear problem, reported to NHTSA on July 15, 2021. The manufacturer's latest report (2023 Q4) shows 57% of affected vehicles repaired.
Source: NHTSA recall 21V537000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
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.
The risk
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. 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. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How fast cars are being fixed
57%repaired
Share of affected vehicles repaired in each quarterly report the manufacturer filed with NHTSA. 14,286 vehicles were listed as unreachable.