Overview
- NHTSA filings say a rear suspension toe link can fracture and reduce steering control, prompting a U.S. recall of 2017–2019 Explorers.
- Ford reports 26 fracture incidents and two related crashes with no injuries identified to date.
- Dealers will replace the component with a stronger redesigned toe link at no cost, with owner letters scheduled to mail March 9–13.
- Investigators have not finalized the root cause, with a seized cross‑axis ball joint suspected of creating stress that can snap the link.
- Dealer notifications begin around February 25, the affected part combination was discontinued in 2019, and Ford estimates roughly 1% of vehicles may exhibit the defect.