Ford Motor Company has issued a safety recall affecting approximately 380,000 2023-2025 Explorer SUVs due to a manufacturing defect in the rear suspension trailing arm that could fracture under heavy load conditions.
Defect Details
The recall addresses a heat treatment inconsistency during manufacturing that left certain trailing arms with reduced structural integrity, potentially causing fracture during heavy braking or while carrying maximum passenger and cargo loads.
- Affected: 2023-2025 Ford Explorer (all trims and drivetrains)
- 31 complaints to NHTSA including 4 reports of sudden loss of vehicle control
- 2 minor injury crashes attributed to the defect
- Repair involves inspection and replacement of both rear trailing arms
Owner Information
Ford dealers will inspect and replace the trailing arms at no cost. Parts availability is expected by late April, and owners will receive notification letters by May 1. In the interim, Ford recommends avoiding towing and limiting cargo loads to 50% of rated capacity.
