Ford is recalling greater than 238,000 Explorers within the U.S. because a rear axle bolt can fail, potentially causing a lack of drive power or allowing the SUVs to roll away while in park.
The recall comes after U.S. safety regulators opened an investigation into the issue after getting two complaints that repairs didn’t work in two previous recalls this yr and in 2022.
Affected are certain Explorers from the 2020 through 2022 model years.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says in documents posted Friday on its website that the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt can fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect, increasing the chance of a crash.
Dealers will replace a bushing and the rear axle bolt. In addition they will inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole and replace the duvet if damage is found. Owners will likely be notified by letter starting Nov. 6.
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Ford said in documents that it knows of 396 reports of rear axle bolt failures, and fewer than 5% caused lack of power or let vehicles roll while they were in park. The corporate says it’s not aware of any crashes or injuries.
NHTSA opened its investigation in June after getting complaints alleging lack of power as a result of failure of rear axle bolts though the Explorers had received repairs under the previous recalls.
Ford’s treatment was to update software that robotically applied the parking brake to maintain the vehicles from rolling away. However the agency said in documents that there was no treatment addressing the failed axle bolt.
Ford said Friday that it was replacing axle bolts under service campaigns before the newest recall.