Ford Motor Company has issued a major safety recall affecting more than 400,000 sport utility vehicles in the United States after discovering a suspension defect that could lead to steering problems.
The recall covers 412,774 units of the Ford Explorer built between the 2017 and 2019 model years, according to information released by the automaker and federal safety authorities.
Regulators say the issue centers on a component in the rear suspension known as the toe link. This part helps control wheel alignment and keeps the rear wheels properly positioned during driving. In some vehicles, the toe link may crack and eventually break.
If the component fails, the affected wheel could shift out of position and cause drivers to experience a sudden change in steering control. Such a failure increases the risk of a crash, particularly at higher speeds or during sharp turns.
Authorities estimate that only a small portion of the recalled vehicles actually contain the defect. Ford believes roughly one percent of the SUVs may be affected.
Despite the seriousness of the potential issue, the company says it has not received reports of injuries linked to the defect.
Owners Will Receive Recall Notices Soon
Owners of the affected Explorers will receive official notification letters in the coming weeks. Once notified, drivers can schedule an appointment with their local Ford dealership.
Dealers will inspect the rear suspension and replace the faulty toe link component at no cost if necessary.
Ford has assigned the recall reference 26S08 for the Explorer issue. Vehicle owners can confirm whether their SUV is included by visiting the company’s recall website or checking through the Ford mobile app.
Additional Recall Announced
The Explorer recall was announced alongside another separate safety action involving 40,655 vehicles. That recall addresses battery related concerns and potential brake pedal defects which could also increase the risk of accidents.
Together, the recalls add to a growing list of safety campaigns issued by Ford in recent years.
Ford has faced increasing scrutiny over vehicle quality. In 2025, the automaker issued 152 recalls, the highest number recorded by any car manufacturer in a single year.
The company says the rising number of recalls reflects a more aggressive safety approach rather than declining vehicle standards. Ford executives have stated that the company is identifying problems earlier and acting faster to correct them.
The automaker has also expanded its use of artificial intelligence and improved component screening on production lines in an effort to catch faulty parts before vehicles reach customers.
Rising Recall Numbers Draw Attention
According to automotive analyst and World Car of the Year juror Lauren Fix, recalls by themselves should not automatically discourage buyers.
She noted that safety campaigns are common across the industry and often reflect stricter oversight and improved reporting systems.
Fix said what matters most is how manufacturers respond to the issues and whether a particular vehicle model shows a long-term pattern of unresolved defects.
A Key Model for Ford
The Explorer remains one of Ford’s most important vehicles. Known for its roomy cabin and family-oriented design, the SUV has long been a top seller in the United States.
Pricing for the latest models reflects its wide market appeal. The Explorer Active 100A starts at about $38,465, while performance focused trims such as the Explorer ST can reach $54,905 or more.
The Explorer competes directly with popular SUVs including the Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR‑V, and the Tesla Model Y.
Most Ford vehicles sold in the United States are produced domestically. The Explorer itself is assembled at the company’s manufacturing facility in Chicago, reinforcing its position as a flagship American built SUV.
Ford says affected owners should check their vehicles promptly and arrange inspections once recall notifications are issued.
Sources: Daily Mail