Suspension: rearRecall 21V-746 · 2011–2013 Ford Explorer
Ford Motor Company recall 21V-746 covers 150,723 2011–2013 Ford Explorer for a suspension: rear problem, reported to NHTSA on September 22, 2021. The manufacturer's latest report (2023 Q4) shows 40% of affected vehicles repaired.
Source: NHTSA recall 21V746000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The 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.
The risk
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.
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
40%repaired
Share of affected vehicles repaired in each quarterly report the manufacturer filed with NHTSA. 6,522 vehicles were listed as unreachable.