NHTSA recall · Reported July 15, 2021
FORD 2013-2017: SUSPENSION:REAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine,…
Ford recalled Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sol….
FORD 2013-2017: SUSPENSION:REAR was recalled by Ford in July 15, 2021. Reason: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registere…. Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, …. Verify recall #21V537000 with the NHTSA before acting.
The recall
Ford issued this NHTSA recall-Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registere….
- None
- agency class
- July 15, 2021
- reported
Sourced from official NHTSA enforcement records. Verify recall #21V537000 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
The number of affected units is not disclosed in the agency filing, which is common for drug and food recalls where lot-level tracking supersedes unit counts. Distribution scope (see Distribution below) directly affects the consumer exposure window and determines whether a recall remains regional or escalates into a nationwide advisory. Consumers holding this product should act on the agency's documented remedy above rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 3 from NHTSA - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Vehicles recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 7,783 vehicles recalls on record
Product description
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Reason for recall
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Hazard
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy, what to do
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
| Severity class | Not classified by agency |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 21V537000 |
| Date reported | July 15, 2021 |
| Date initiated | July 15, 2021 |
| Recalling firm | Ford |
| Affected scope | Not disclosed |
| Distribution | United States |
| Official source | NHTSA notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official NHTSA enforcement record. Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
What to do with this recall
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe link…
- Check the recall number (21V537000) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official NHTSA notice before acting. NHTSA notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official NHTSA record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
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Nationwide recalls with similar severity or category timing
Vehicle and equipment notices outside this manufacturer and filing state, matched by archive severity grade and report timing.
Similar severity · nearest report date
Same archive severity grade, closest by report date among other firms and states.
Similar Vehicles · nearest report date
Same product category, closest by report date among other firms and states (deduped against the severity set).
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Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026