Ford is recalling their 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles due to an issue with their rear axle horizontal mounting bolt that can fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect. 2020-2022 Explorer owners can take their vehicles to a Ford dealership to get the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt replaced. Owners should be on the lookout for a notification from Ford, which is expected to be mailed by November 6, 2023.
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Description of the Issue
The recall involves the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt that may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect. When the bolt becomes fractured, the rear axle housing may move out of position, which leads to loud noise, vibration, and/or a disconnected driveshaft.
When this happens, the driveshaft and transmission parking pawl necessary to hold the vehicle in park will cease to function properly, causing the vehicle to roll away even when it is placed into the “Park” position. This can lead to an increased risk of crash and injury.
How Many Vehicles are Affected by the Recall?
A total of 238,364 Explorer SUVs from model years 2020–2022 are affected by this recall. If you own a Ford Explorer SUV from one of these model years, check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see if your vehicle is included in the recall.
Previous Addressed Issue by Ford
In 2022, Ford had previously addressed a related issue by updating the powertrain control module software in the affected vehicles. This software update ensured that the electronic parking brake would engage whenever the vehicle was put in park. This was done to address any potential safety concerns related to the rear axle bolt and subframe bushing.
Which Vehicles Are Affected by the Vehicle Rollaway Recall?
The following Ford vehicles are affected by the vehicle rollaway issue:
- 2020 Ford Explorer
- 2021 Ford Explorer
- 2022 Ford Explorer
About 238,364 vehicles have been recalled. If you own any of these vehicles, expect to receive a mail from Ford by November 6, 2023.
Reports and Incidents
According to reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there have been 396 reports of rear axle bolt failures in the affected Explorer SUVs. However, it is important to note that less than 5% of these failures have resulted in a roll-in-park or loss of power condition. While the number of incidents may be relatively low, Ford is taking proactive steps to address the issue in order to ensure the safety of its customers.
Notification and Recall
Owners of the affected Explorer SUVs will start receiving notifications of the recall starting on November 6, 2023. These notifications will provide detailed instructions on how to proceed and get their vehicles inspected and repaired. If you are an owner of a 2020–2022 Ford Explorer SUV, it is important to keep an eye out for these notifications.
Checking Vehicle Eligibility
If you own a Ford Explorer SUV from model years 2020–2022, you can check the NHTSA recalls site to see if your vehicle is included in the recall. The NHTSA website provides a search feature where you can enter your vehicle’s VIN (vehicle identification number) to determine its eligibility for the recall. It is recommended to regularly check for updates on the NHTSA recalls site and take necessary actions as instructed.
Other Recent Recalls
In addition to the Ford Explorer recall, there have been other recent recalls in the automotive industry. Hyundai and Kia recently recalled nearly 3.4 million vehicles for various issues, and GM recalled nearly 1 million vehicles due to an airbag issue. These recalls serve as a reminder of the importance of vehicle safety and the need to stay informed about any potential issues with your vehicle.
Summary of the 2020-2022 Ford Explorer Safety Recall
If you own a 2020–2022 Ford Explorer SUV, it is crucial to be aware of the recent recall due to a potential safety issue. Ford is recalling 238,364 Explorer SUVs from these model years because of a defective subframe bushing and rear axle bolt, which can result in a loss of power and potential rolling away of the vehicle. By staying informed, checking the NHTSA recalls site regularly, and following the instructions provided by Ford, you can ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.
Get Help With Your Ford Lemon Vehicle
If you own a Ford and it has been having issues, you might be driving a lemon vehicle. If this is the case, you might be entitled to a remedy such as a lemon buyback or a cash & keep settlement. When you give us a call, we will go over your situation together to see if we will be able to help. We offer free consultations, so it won’t cost you anything to find out if you have a lemon case.
