Ford Rear Suspension Toe Link Fractures Have Resulted in At Least Two Accidents: NHTSA

Fractured rear suspension toe links may cause back wheels to shift out of alignment, leading to greater instability at higher speeds or during turns.

A recall impacting more than 400,000 Ford Explorer vehicles has been issued by the manufacturer due to rear wheel components that may break, causing a loss of steering control.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Ford Explorer recall on February 23, warning that the rear suspension toe links in certain 2017 through 2019 models may fracture and fail, potentially compromising vehicle stability.

A rear suspension toe link is a small metal bar at the back of a vehicle that keeps the rear wheels aligned. It helps the car remain stable and move straight.

Federal regulators indicate that when a toe link fractures, the vehicle’s wheels may shift, causing it to pull or feel unstable, which could increase the risk of an auto accident, especially at higher speeds or when turning.

According to the NHTSA recall report, Ford is aware of at least two accidents and 26 incident reports related to the current issue.

The manufacturer first became aware of the potential problem in July 2021, following an approved Field Service Action for certain 2013 through 2017 Explorer vehicles addressing rear toe link fractures in regions where road salt is commonly used. 

Analysis of returned parts revealed corrosion in the vehicles’ cross-axis ball joint (CABJ), which is a ball-and-socket joint in the suspension that allows the rear wheels to move smoothly while keeping them properly aligned.

The subsequent investigation prompted a recall of nearly 775,000 Ford Explorers, finding that affected vehicles were equipped with a CABJ design prone to corrosion due to a sealing failure. Subsequent model years were built with an updated design to address the issue.

However, earlier this year, NHTSA informed the manufacturer that it had received at least five Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting a loss of directional control due to a failed rear toe link in 2018 Ford Explorers. 

These vehicles were not included in the prior recall and were expected to contain the improved CABJ design, leading regulators to open a new investigation after additional failures were reported. While investigators have not identified a definitive root cause for the fractures, some reports indicate damage patterns consistent with a seized CABJ.

On February 13, Ford approved a field action and issued a voluntary safety recall covering approximately 412,774 Explorer vehicles from model years 2017 through 2019.

Drivers are advised to watch for a clunking noise, unusual handling or a misaligned rear wheel, which may indicate a problem. Customers will begin receiving notification letters on March 9 with instructions on how to receive free replacement toe links at a local dealer.

The company’s number for the recall is 26S08. Customers can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the company’s contact for this recall, Dusty Gardner, via email at dusty.gardner@dot.gov. 

Owners with any additional questions can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

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