2017–2019 models are being recalled for a defect that has persisted for more than five years. Ford Motor Company is recalling 412,774 Ford Explorer SUVs from model years 2017–2019 due to a rear suspension toe link fracture risk.
The issue has affected earlier 2013–2017 models as well. Two related crashes have been reported, though no injuries; owner notifications begin in March.
Owning a Ford Explorer has become increasingly frustrating for some drivers, and the latest recall reinforces that perception. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford is recalling certain 2017–2019 Explorer SUVs because their rear suspension toe links may fracture.
A total of 412,774 vehicles are involved. What compounds owner frustration is that the defect mirrors an earlier issue affecting prior model years.
The NHTSA describes this action as an expansion of recall 21V537, which previously covered 644,055 examples of the 2013–2017 Explorer. In effect, moving to a newer 2017–2019 model did not eliminate exposure to the same mechanical concern.
According to the recall documentation, cross-axis ball joint components and rear suspension toe links can fracture under certain load conditions. These parts entered production in May 2017 and were phased out in March 2019.
SAF is identified as one of the component manufacturers in this recall, while the earlier 2013–2017 recall referenced ZF Friedrichshafen, widely known for producing BMW transmissions.
The report states that “the root cause has not been fully determined to date.” The recurrence of the defect across parts from different suppliers suggests the possibility that the underlying design, rather than solely manufacturing execution, may be insufficient to withstand the stresses imposed by a fully loaded SUV.
Earlier reporting from 2021 indicated that some vehicles experienced seized cross-axis ball joints, potentially leading to bending of the toe link. Such deformation may ultimately cause fracture, producing clunking noises, abnormal handling behavior, or a misaligned rear wheel, according to the NHTSA.
Ford’s internal review committee in 2021 identified corrosion in seized ball joints, with affected vehicles often operating in U.S. and Canadian regions where road salt is commonly used. In other cases, sealing failures were cited, and revised parts supplied by SAF were intended to resolve the issue.
However, in January 2026, the NHTSA notified Ford that vehicles equipped with those updated components were still experiencing fractured rear toe links.
Ford has acknowledged two global accidents that may be associated with the suspension defect. In both cases, the affected Explorer SUVs reportedly struck guardrails or roadway barriers after a toe link fracture.
A sudden loss of stability can materially increase crash risk. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in connection with these incidents, suggesting that the events may have occurred at relatively low speeds.
Ford plans to notify dealers of the recall on February 25, and vehicle identification numbers will be searchable beginning that day. Owners of potentially affected Explorers will receive mailed notifications between March 9 and March 13. Until then, impacted drivers must wait for formal repair instructions and corrective measures.
