Ford is recalling 238,364 Explorer sport utility vehicles because a rear axle bolt can fracture and fail. The defect could cause a vehicle to lose driving power or roll away unexpectedly while in park, increasing the risk of a crash. This safety recall covers specific Explorer models manufactured between 2020 and 2022.
The problem originates with the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt. According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this specific bolt can break under stress. A fracture would cause the rear axle housing to move out of position, which can lead to severe grinding or clunking noises from the rear of the SUV. If the bolt fails completely, the driveshaft can disconnect from the axle.
Safety Risks and Vehicle History
A disconnected driveshaft presents two distinct safety hazards. First, it results in a total loss of motive power to the wheels, which could be dangerous if it occurs in traffic. Second, the vehicle’s “Park” gear may no longer hold it in place. This creates a rollaway risk if the driver has not engaged the electronic parking brake. Ford noted in its report to federal regulators that it is aware of 396 warranty claims related to this issue.
This action is an expansion of a previous recall campaign addressing a similar problem. The automaker has continued to monitor field data, which prompted this larger recall to include more vehicles potentially equipped with the faulty component. The company has not indicated any reports of accidents or injuries connected to the axle bolt failures.
For owners, the solution will be provided at no cost. Ford will begin notifying owners of affected Explorers by mail starting around March 19, 2024. Dealerships have been instructed to replace the subframe bushing and the rear axle bolt. Owners can contact Ford customer service or check the NHTSA recalls website using their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for more information. Until the repair is performed, drivers are strongly encouraged to use their parking brake every time they park.
What to watch next will be the recall completion rate. Federal safety regulators monitor how many owners bring their vehicles in for the free repair, a key metric for the effectiveness of any safety campaign.
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Source: Original source
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Jordan Avery
Senior Automotive Reporter & News Editor
Jordan Avery has spent 10+ years reporting breaking automotive news from Detroit, Stuttgart, Tokyo, and the CES/SEMA show floors. Starting as a staff writer at a regional auto publication, Jordan rose through the ranks to become an award-winning automotive journalist with bylines at major outlets and press credentials covering every major OEM launch event globally. Jordan specializes in translating complex manufacturer announcements, safety recalls, EV battery developments, and global trade policy into clear, accurate stories that everyday car owners can act on. A former member of the Motor Press Guild and North American Car and Truck of the Year jury voter, Jordan maintains a vast network of OEM press contacts and has exclusive access to embargoed press materials. Jordan's newsroom ethic is simple: get it right before you get it first.
