Ford recalls more than 410,000 vehicles; see affected models

How car recalls get reported

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officially start car recalls after receiving complaints from consumers.

Ford has recalled more than 410,000 SUVs due to a faulty suspension, which can increase crash risk.

The recall was published earlier this week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Ford Explorer recalls

By the numbers:

The Ford recall covers 412,774 model year 2017-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles due to a rear suspension toe link fracture that can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of a previous NHTSA recall number 21V537.

More than 410,000 Ford SUVs are being recalled over a suspension defect that could raise the risk of a crash. (Credit: KAREN BLEIER/AFP via Getty Images)

Ford estimates that only about 1% of the selected models are affected by the recall, according to FOX Business. 

The report said a driver may notice a clunking noise, unusual handling, and/or a misaligned rear wheel.

Ford is aware of two accidents globally potentially related to this issue involving vehicles hitting road guardrails/barriers following toe link fracture. Ford said it is not aware of any injuries potentially related to this issue.

Dealers will replace

What you can do:

The automaker said that notification letters are expected to be mailed to owners starting on March 9.

Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge.

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Owners can also contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332 for questions. 

Faulty suspensions analyzed in 2021

The backstory:

Faulty rear toe link suspensions in the recalled vehicles were first analyzed by Ford's Field Review Committee in 2021, according to the NHTSA recall report. 

Last month, the NHTSA contacted Ford regarding five Vehicle Owner Questionnaires they received describing a loss of directional control while driving resulting from a failed rear toe link on 2018 model year Explorer vehicles. Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) then opened an investigation into the concern. 

Earlier this month, Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed the concern and approved a field action.

The latest recalls follow a record year for the automaker. In 2025, Ford issued 103 safety recalls, surpassing its previous annual high with months still remaining in the calendar year, according to a Kelley Blue Book report.