Ford is recalling nearly 413,000 Explorer SUVs in the U.S. due to a faulty rear suspension component called a “toe link” that could restrict a driver’s steering control. The recall affects 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles, with the company estimating that around 1% of the selected models are affected.
According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall report, the recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 21V537. The root cause of the issue has not been fully determined, but some reports indicate that vehicles experienced a seized CABJ, which could result in a bending moment on the toe link, potentially leading to fracture. Drivers with impacted vehicles may hear a “clunk noise, unusual handling, and/or a misaligned rear wheel” indicating the issue is present. Ford says it has not been made aware of any injuries associated with the steering issue, but there have been two accidents potentially related to the issue as of February 20.
Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) associated with the recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 25, and dealers will correct the issue “free of charge”. Owners should wait until they receive notification letters, which are expected to be mailed on March 9. Concerned vehicle owners can contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332 with the recall number 26S08. This recall is not the only one to hit Ford recently, as the company also opened another recall over a High Voltage Battery issue affecting certain 2023-2025 Ford Escape and 2023-2026 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The recall is part of a larger trend for Ford, which has seen a significant number of recalls in recent years. In 2025, the brand broke records for the most recalls of any automaker in a full calendar year, and it has seen more recalls over the past decade than all other auto brands, with 458 recalls from 2015 through 2024. As the recall process moves forward, Ford will likely face continued scrutiny over its vehicle safety and quality control measures. Vehicle owners can expect to receive notification letters and have the issue corrected free of charge, and Ford will likely work to address the underlying issues that led to the recall in the first place.
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