Ford has issued a recall of Explorer SUVs spanning the model years 2013-2017. Ford issued the recall for 350,000 Explorers in the U.S. and 25,200 in Canada. The recall is related to the rear suspension toe link. A toe link provides more weight on the rear tires, so they stay firmly on the ground. The part can fracture and increase the risk of a crash and serious injuries or death.
This is not the first time Ford has issued a recall for rear suspension toe links. In 2019 Ford issued a recall for 1.2 million Ford Explorers built between 2011 and 2017 for the same issue. Additionally, in early 2020 Ford also issued a recall for the 2013-2018 Flex, Taurus SHO, Taurus police car, and Lincoln MKT related to issues with the rear suspension. The part was recalled each time because this portion of the suspension can corrode and fracture which could cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash.
Ford issued a press release in which it said it was aware of thirteen accidents and six injuries because of the rear suspension toe link failing. Owners are told to bring their vehicle to a dealership for a “torque inspection of the cross-axis ball joint.”
If you or someone you know has been injured as the result of a vehicle defect, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling 713-231-9360 or toll free at 1‑800-594-4884.