More than a million Explorer sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in the United States are being recalled by Ford for potential steering problems.
The company announced that it is pulling out 1.2 million units of its Explorer SUVs from the market due to a potential suspension defect that could cause reduced steering control.
The second-largest automaker in the United States said Explorers from the 2011 to 2017 model years could have a fractured rear suspension toe link that could increase the risk of a crash if unresolved. This is especially the case for cars that frequently ride over rough terrain.
The company there is one report of a customer who reported hitting a curb when the toe link broke, but it is not aware of any injuries related to the defect.
About $180 million in costs will be incurred by Ford’s North America business unit to support the recall. Repairs and replacements, if necessary, will be at no charge to car owners.
Aside from the Explorer recall, the Ford also announced three other smaller recalls. Roughly 12,000 units of Ford Taurus and Flex cars as well as Lincoln MKS and MKT models sold in Canada will be recalled due to a similar problem with the toe links. The defect, which affects vehicles from the model years 2009 to 2017, has reportedly resulted in one crash involving minor injuries.
Some 123,000 Ford F-150 trucks from 2013 with six-speed automatic transmissions are also being recalled. The problem is being blamed on the transmissions that could unintentionally downshift into first gear. 4,300 units of Ford Econoline from model years 2009 to 2016 are also being recalled for having a weld in the clutch that could fail and prevent the vehicles from moving. The Econoline models are commonly used as ambulances or school buses.
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