Ford Just Issued Another Recall, This Time For Bad Suspension Components

412,774 Ford Explorer SUVs face another recall for faulty suspension components, said the company on Friday. Affected model years span from 2017 to 2019. The problem stems from the suspension componentry, which could fracture and break in around one percent of recalled vehicles. Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall, the recalled Explorers use certain cross-axis ball joint parts in their rear suspension systems, supplied by SAF. In some "loading conditions," the bad toe links can break. The report also states that joints may seize, causing the whole assembly to bend on the link, of course, leading to failure.

In its NHTSA report, Ford said it has found 26 reports of rear toe link fractures within the recalled group of 2017-2019 Explorers. Of these, two also experienced accidents, but no injuries or fatalities. Things kicked off in January when the NHTSA told Ford about five instances of 2018 Explorers suffering a loss of steering when their rear toe links failed. These were the SAF-made joints, which were already an existing revision of an earlier part that Ford used. Those suffered from corrosion issues.

Dealers were told to replace the old toe links with new ones, which will mean some time in the shop for Explorer owners. The new links are said to be stronger, hopefully remedying the problem once and for all.

If you want to obtain more information on the recall, you can check the link to the NHTSA report above, or search for NHTSA recall campaign 26V101. Owners will also be notified after March 9. Eager owners (and who wouldn't be) can check their VIN against the NHTSA's website starting on February 25. Unfortunately, Ford hasn't provided a timeline for a replacement.

The recall is the latest in a very long run of Ford recalls that, last year, led to the brand being the most-recalled automaker in America. Some of these recalls are part of a broader push for enhanced quality control at Ford, but in the meantime, the litany of recalls has certainly done a number on the brand's reputation.