Ford Explorer Recalls Expand as Automaker Moves to Replace Fracturing Rear Toe Links
Ford is recalling 412, 774 model year 2017-2019 Explorers in a safety action that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says could affect steering control, part of a broader set of moves that total more than 450, 000 vehicles in two separate recalls. The ford explorer recalls announcement matters now because dealers will begin receiving repair notices on Feb. 25 and owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed starting March 9.
Ford Explorer Recalls target rear suspension toe link
The largest of the two actions covers 412, 774 Explorers because a rear suspension toe link can fracture, NHTSA notes. Toe links help maintain rear wheel alignment; a fractured toe link can change vehicle handling and raise the risk of a crash. Ford said dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links with a revised, stronger design at no charge to owners.
Scope and separate recalls in the action
the two recalls together affect more than 450, 000 vehicles in the U. S. In the second action, Ford is recalling 40, 655 vehicles to address battery failures and brake pedal defects that regulators said could increase crash risk. Ford said it is not aware of any injuries related to these issues.
Dealer and owner notices set for Feb. 25 and March 9
Dealers are scheduled to receive notification on Feb. 25, and owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning March 9. The repair for the 412, 774 Explorers will involve replacing the toe link with the stronger revised part, free of charge; the company will provide owners the details in the mailed notices beginning March 9.
These actions follow a year in which Ford expanded its safety and technical teams and issued a high number of recalls; in 2025 the company issued 103 safety recalls. The immediate step for affected owners is to watch for the mailed notice starting March 9 and to contact their dealer for the no-cost replacement once they receive their letter.
For now, dealers will begin receiving official instructions on Feb. 25 and owners should expect letters beginning March 9 outlining the repairs and next steps.
