Ford Explorer Drivers Could Lose Steering Control, Company Warns
» Posted March 9, 2026 • Resources | Share This Post
Ford is recalling more than 400,000 Explorer sport utility vehicles, citing a defect that could cause drivers to lose control.
The SUVs’ rear suspension’s toe links may fracture over time, the automaker recently told federal regulators. If a toe link breaks, it can significantly affect vehicle handling and pose safety hazards.
“Fracture of a rear toe link diminishes steering control, increasing the risk of a crash,” Ford said in a recall notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The company acknowledged that the problem is already causing chaos on the road.
“Ford is aware of two accidents globally potentially related to this issue involving vehicles hitting road guardrails/barriers following toe link fracture,” according to the recall report. “Ford is not aware of any injuries potentially related to this issue.”
The recall covers Explorer SUVs from model years 2017 to 2019. It comes nearly five years after Ford called back some 775,000 Explorers over a similar issue.
The company issued the previous recall in July 2021, saying defective cross-axis ball joints could cause the cars’ rear suspension toe links to fracture. Ford said at the time that it was aware of at least six injuries caused in accidents that may be related to the defect.
This time around, Ford plans to ask owners to bring their vehicles to authorized service providers for inspection and repair. Service providers will replace toe links with newer versions, according to the company.
Safety Issues for Ford Drivers
This is a sad old tune for anyone who drives a Ford. The once-famed automaker has led the industry in safety recalls for several years running and shows no signs of giving up that crown.
The recalls keep coming. In March, the company said it was recalling some 250,000 Ford and Lincoln SUVs due to a software defect that can disable rearview cameras and driver-assistance features.
There is some good news for Ford owners and lessors in California: You do not need to wait for defective cars to be recalled in order to get them fixed.
The state’s lemon law forces automakers to perform a full range of repairs on cars while they are under warranty. It also requires companies to buy back (or, in some cases, replace) vehicles they are unable to or simply decline to fix.
There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts required before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. That is one reason why it is important to consult an experienced California lemon law attorney, who will help you understand your rights and take action.
Talk with a Sacramento Lemon Law Attorney
If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a Sacramento lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.
Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Sacramento lemon law attorney.
