Ford Rear Suspension Problems Result in Recall of 240K Vehicles

More than 240,000 Ford crossovers and sedans are being recalled due to a problems with the rear suspension, which may fracture and increase the risk of an accident.

The Ford rear suspension recall was announced by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on February 14, following the auto-maker’s discovery that the suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension, which result in a decreased steering ability.

Ford issued a press release on February 12 warning that if the affected vehicles are exposed to frequent full rear suspension articulation, such as driving off-road or on rough surfaces, the vehicles may be at an increased risk of the rear toe link fracturing, which would significantly diminish steering capabilities and increase the risk of a crash, especially at increased speeds.

To date, no injuries or accidents have been linked to the problem, however, Ford is asking drivers not to use the vehicles off-road, or on rough surfaces, until the rear suspension toe links are replaced.

The recall includes an estimated 242,122 model year 2013 through 2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The impacted vehicles include those sold to consumers and to police departments.

The vehicles were manufactured by Ford Motor Company of Dearborn, Michigan and distributed for sale in the United States and several other countries and regions. Approximately 211,207 of the vehicles were distributed for to licensed dealers in the U.S., 15,281 in Canada, 1,400 in Mexico, 230 in Europe, and over 14,000 in Asia Pacific and South America.

Ford indicates it will begin notifying customers of the recall beginning on March 2. When replacement parts become available, a second notice will be mailed to registered owners with instructions on how to schedule a free repair appointment at their local dealer, where dealers will be instructed to replace the rear suspension toe links.

Customers with additional questions or concerns regarding the recall may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln Customer Service at 1-800-521-4140 and reference the recall campaign number 20S04.