Ford recalls model year 2011-2013 Explorers

Ford Motor Company is recalling 126,033 model year 2011-2013 Explorers that were originally sold, or are currently registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The vehicles may be equipped with a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part that could seize and cause a fracture in the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.

A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Dealers will inspect affected vehicles for the presence of a CABJ. If a CABJ of any design is found, the dealer will inspect its tightness and replace the CABJ, knuckle, and/or toe link -- as necessary -- free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 1, 2021.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S43.