Ford Issues Three Safety Recalls Including Nearly 775,000 SUVs

Ford Motor Company has issued three safety recalls for distinct issue across various car and truck models. 

Specifically, the automaker is recalling an estimated 774,696 2013-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles because they may experience a seized cross-axis ball joint that may cause a fractured rear suspension toe link. Affected vehicles may exhibit a clunk noise, unusual handling, or a misaligned rear wheel. Fracture of a rear toe link significantly diminishes steering control, increasing the likelihood of a crash.

Ford is aware of six allegations of injury related to this condition in North America.

To fix the problem, dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint, replace the cross-axis ball joint/knuckle as necessary, and replace the toe links with a revised design part. 

The recall covers 676,152 vehicles in North America, 59,935 in China, and 38,600 elsewhere. The affected vehicles are located in high-corrosion states as defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or in regions with a combination of cold winter weather with relative high humidity and substantial road salt use.

Owner notifications will begin the week of August 23. The Ford reference number for this recall is 21S32.

In a separate action, Ford is recalling approximately 34,939 Ford F-350 Super Duty vehicles with 6.7-liter engine and single rear wheel axle for a rear axle housing spring seat interface weld issue. This, in turn, can lead to rear driveline disconnection. 

In the event of a disconnected driveshaft, there can be loss of motive power while driving or loss of transmission park function if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash.  

Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition.

To remedy the issue, dealers will inspect the rear axle and if the axle is deformed, the axle housing will be replaced. If the axle is not deformed, the dealer will perform a weld repair on the spring seats.

Owner notifications will begin the week of August 16. Ford’s reference number for this recall is 21S31.

Finally, the automaker is also recalling an estimated 40,995 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0-liter gas engines because the battery cable wire harness may not be properly secured, allowing contact with the A/C compressor pulley. Over time, the A/C pulley may rub through the wire harness insulation and contact the unfused battery positive (B+) circuit, resulting in a short circuit and potential fire.

Ford is not aware of any accidents, injuries or fires related to this concern.

To fix the problem, dealers will inspect the vehicle, and:

If there is no evidence that the battery cable has contacted the A/C compressor pulley, they will add a tie strap near the frame rail between the battery cable harness and the engine compartment harness. 

If any of the small gauge circuits are damaged, dealers will add a tie strap near the frame rail between battery cable and engine compartment harnesses and replace the A/C compressor belt.

If any of the four large gauge circuits are damaged, dealers will inspect the wire harness and replace the battery cable harness and will also add a tie strap near frame rail between battery cable harness and engine compartment harnesses and replace the A/C compressor belt.

Owner notifications will begin the week of July 30. Ford’s reference number for this recall is 21S34.