Ford Recalls Over 412,000 Explorer SUVs Due to Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture Risk

What Happened

Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for specific Explorer models due to a defect in the rear suspension. The rear suspension toe links in these vehicles may fracture. This recall, identified by Ford as 26S08, is an expansion of a previous NHTSA recall (number 21V537).

Which Products Are Affected

The recall involves approximately 412,774 units. The affected vehicles include:

• Make/Model: Ford Explorer
• Model Years: 2017, 2018, and 2019

What You Should Do

Owners of the affected vehicles are advised to contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Authorized dealers will replace the rear toe links free of charge. Ford expects to begin mailing owner notification letters on March 9, 2026. Additionally, owners can search for their specific Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) on the NHTSA website starting February 25, 2026.

Why This Matters

A fracture in the rear toe link can result in a sudden loss of steering control. This defect significantly increases the risk of a crash, posing a serious safety hazard to drivers and passengers.

Source

Information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Campaign Number 26V101000.