2011-2013 Ford Explorer SUVs Recalled Because Suspension Could Fail
Vehicles previously recalled and sold or currently registered in states with high road salt use are affected
If you live in a state where road salt is used and drive a 2011 through 2013 Ford Explorer, your vehicle may need recall work. Ford is recalling more than 126,000 Explorer SUVs because a suspension component could break and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
This recall includes only Explorers that have already had specific suspension components replaced once under prior recalls, and were initially sold or are currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C. All of these areas traditionally use road salt extensively in the winter months.
The reason for the recall is that the replacement part of the rear suspension could corrode due to exposure to road salt. This could result in the fracture of a major part of the rear suspension and reduce steering control, which increases the risk of a crash.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documentation, Ford is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the recall conditions.
The Details
Vehicles recalled: 126,033 Ford Explorer SUVs from the 2011 to 2013 model years.
The problem: Replacement rear suspension components may corrode, causing a ball joint to seize. If this happens, a part of the rear suspension could eventually fracture and may result in the driver losing control of the vehicle.
The fix: Ford dealers will inspect the vehicle to see whether the replacement component from the previous recall is present. If so, the dealer will replace it and other components as necessary, free of charge.
How to contact the manufacturer: Ford is expected to notify owners by mail beginning Nov. 1, 2021. Owners may contact customer service at 866-436-7332.
NHTSA campaign number: 21V746. Ford’s internal number is 21S43.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.
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