Automaker cites potential fracture of rear toe link that could impair steering and heighten crash risk.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Ford Motor Company has announced a recall affecting 412,774 model-year 2017 through 2019 Explorer vehicles due to concerns that rear-suspension toe links may fracture, potentially compromising steering control and increasing the likelihood of a crash.
The company disclosed the action in a filing with federal regulators, issuing a formal recall report outlining the defect. According to the filing, a fractured rear toe link could result in diminished directional control.
The rear toe link is a suspension component that connects the rear wheel knuckle to the vehicle chassis. It helps maintain proper wheel alignment by controlling the inward or outward angle of the rear wheels, contributing to overall stability and even tire wear. If the component deteriorates or breaks, wheel alignment may be affected, leading to handling issues.
Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed beginning March 9. Customers seeking additional information may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall number 26S08.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the current recall expands on a previous campaign identified as 21V537. Affected vehicle identification numbers will be available for search beginning Feb. 25 through the agency’s website at NHTSA.gov. Dealers will replace the rear toe links at no cost to owners.
Ford stated that the root cause of the issue has not been fully determined. Some reports have described corrosion-related problems involving a cross-axis ball joint that can seize due to road salt exposure in colder regions. A frozen joint may place added stress on the toe link, potentially leading to fracture.
Drivers experiencing warning signs may notice a loud clunking noise, unusual vehicle handling, or visible misalignment of a rear wheel.
According to the company, Ford became aware of the matter in January after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notified it of five vehicle owner questionnaires describing loss of directional control. The complaints involved 2018 Explorer models and cited faulty rear toe links.
Subsequently, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group initiated an internal investigation and identified 26 reports of rear toe link fractures. The automaker said it is aware of two global accidents associated with the issue in which vehicles struck guardrails. No injuries have been reported.
The Explorer recall follows other recent safety actions by the automaker. In October 2025, Kelley Blue Book reported that Ford recalled more than 200,000 Explorer and Aviator vehicles due to trailer tail lights failing to illuminate because of a malfunctioning body-control module. Nonfunctioning tail lights can reduce visibility to other drivers and increase the risk of a collision.
Initial notification letters for that recall were sent in October, with additional notices scheduled for April 2026. Dealers will replace the body-control module in vehicles with fewer than 9,000 miles. For vehicles exceeding that mileage, technicians will conduct a functional inspection and replace the module if necessary. Repairs will be provided at no charge.
In September 2025, Ford also announced a recall involving nearly 1.5 million model-year 2015 through 2019 Lincoln, Mustang, Expedition, Edge, Transit, Econoline, and Ranger vehicles due to rear-view camera malfunctions. In affected vehicles, the display could appear distorted, inverted, or blank. Dealers are inspecting and replacing rear-view cameras as needed, free of charge.
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