Suspension Fracture Risks Prompt Major Safety Recall for 2017-2019 Ford Explorers

2026-02-25 companies

Dearborn, Tuesday, 24 February 2026.
Ford recalls 413,000 Explorers over suspension fractures causing steering loss. This critical safety measure addresses defects in 2017-2019 models, following reports of two accidents linked to the failure.

Scope of the Safety Defect

The recall encompasses 412,774 Explorer SUVs manufactured between the 2017 and 2019 model years [1][3]. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the core mechanical issue lies within the rear suspension toe links, which are susceptible to fracture [1]. These components are essential for maintaining rear wheel alignment; a failure in this linkage can result in significantly diminished steering control, thereby increasing the likelihood of a crash [5]. While the recall population is substantial, Ford estimates that approximately 1% of these vehicles actually contain the defect [3][8].

Regulatory Timeline and Incident Reports

Regulatory pressure intensified in January 2026 when the NHTSA contacted Ford regarding reports of directional control loss, following the receipt of five Vehicle Owner Questionnaires [3]. Although Ford’s Field Review Committee had begun analyzing faulty rear toe link suspensions as early as 2021, this recent intervention accelerated the response [3]. To date, regulators have collected 26 reports of rear toe link fractures [5]. As of February 20, Ford acknowledged awareness of two accidents globally potentially related to this suspension fracture, though the company has confirmed that there are no known injuries associated with the defect [3][4].

Technical Analysis and Remediation Strategy

The mechanical failure is technically attributed to rear cross-axis ball joints (CABJs) that may seize, transferring excessive stress to the toe links and causing them to snap [7]. This specific configuration of ball joints and toe links was discontinued by the manufacturer in 2019 [3]. Prior to a complete fracture, drivers may detect warning signs such as a clunking noise, unusual handling characteristics, or a visibly misaligned rear wheel [5][7]. To address the safety risk, dealers will replace the existing toe links with a revised, stronger design free of charge [4]. Ford has not issued a “Do-Not-Drive” warning, implying that the 413,000 affected owners may continue to operate their vehicles pending repair [5].

Execution and Broader Quality Challenges

Ford has established a strict timeline for this compliance action, with dealer notifications expected to commence on February 25 and owner notification letters scheduled for mailing between March 9 and March 13 [3][4]. This recall arrives amidst a broader quality control struggle for the automaker; in a separate action announced simultaneously, Ford is recalling an additional 40,655 vehicles to address unrelated battery failures and brake pedal defects [1][4]. These consecutive safety actions follow a difficult fiscal period for Ford, which recorded a record 103 safety recalls in 2025, surpassing its previous annual highs [4].

Sources

Ford Recall