Ford Explorer, F-150 Part of Blue Oval’s Latest Recall
Around 1.2 million 2011-17 Explorers recalled for rear suspension issues involving travel over rough roads.
We trust our Ford trucks and SUVs to see us through whatever comes our way without fail. Tough trails, high streets, office parking lots, the quality that goes into our rides is second to none.
Sometimes, though, life happens, and the Blue Oval must issue a recall to fix whatever ails their products. Such a recall was issued today, according to CNN Business, with the biggest call-back directed upon the Explorer.
The model years affected are 2011 through 2017, per CNN Business, and involve the Explorer’s rear suspension. Specifically, Explorers that “frequently ride over rough terrain may experience a fractured toe link on their rear suspension, which can affect steering and increase the risk of an accident.” Ford reported one such incident from a customer who hit a curb in their Explorer, but no injuries were mentioned.
The 1.2-million 2011-17 Explorers affected by the recall will be fixed at Ford dealerships across the United States to the tune of approximately $180 million, all on the company. The fix, Ford says, involves replacing the rear toe links with new, forged units, followed by a suspension alignment.
Another Ford under the latest recall announcement is the 2013 F-150 equipped with the six-speed automatic. According to CNN Business, the transmissions could downshift into first without warning. Around 123,000 are affected, joining the 1.3-million 2011-13 F-150s with the same issue, as reported by Consumer Reports in February 2019.
Around 4,300 2009-16 Econoline cutaways equipped with the 5.4-liter V8 and the 5R110W transmission used as ambulances or school buses are also under recall. The issue in question involves “a capacitive discharge weld within a coast clutch component transmission,” according to Ford. The welds on the recalled vans may fail, eventually causing the vehicle to stall out entirely. Clutches and clutch cylinders will be replaced to remedy the issue.
Finally, select 2009-17 Flexes, 2010-17 Lincoln MKTs, 2010-17 Tauruses, and 2009-15 Lincoln MKSs are under recall in Canada for the same issue affected the 1.2-million Explorers previously mentioned. A total of 12,000 in the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan are affected, and will receive new left and right forged toe links.
Photos: Ford; Consumer Reports
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