Ford Recall 2021: These Explorer, F-Series And Lincoln Vehicles Will Need Repairs

Ford (F) has issued three safety recalls that affect its F-Series trucks, Explorer SUVs, and Lincoln Aviator SUVs.

The recall for its F-350 Super Duty trucks include its 2020 and 2021 model year pickups that are equipped with a 6.7 L engines. In these vehicles, the rear wheel axle may have a rear axle housing with a spring seat interface weld issue. According to Ford, the rear driveline could disconnect because of the weld problem.

Drivers may experience vibration or shaking when driving at highway speeds or shuddering when they accelerate. If the driveshaft should disconnect, they could lose control of the truck when operating, or it could roll if the parking brake is not applied. Both instances could cause an accident, Ford said.

The recall affects 34,855 F-350 Super Duty trucks in North America. The trucks were built at the automaker’s Kentucky Truck Plant from Aug. 6, 2020 to May 15, 2021.

To repair the issue, Ford dealers will inspect the rear axle for deformities and replace the axle housing, if necessary. If the axle’s housing is not deformed, a weld repair will be added to the spring seats.

F-350 owners will be notified of the recall beginning the week of Aug. 16

Ford said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the recall.

Ford has also recalled about 774,696 2013 to 2017 Explorer SUVs globally that may have a seized cross-axis ball joint that could result in a fractured rear suspension toe link.

Vehicles with the seized cross-axis ball joint may have a clunking noise, unusual handling, or misaligned rear wheel. If the toe link does fracture, steering control could be reduced, which could increase the risk of a crash, Ford said.

The recalled Explorers were built at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant from Sept. 4, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2017, and at its Elabuga Assembly Plant in Russia from Jan. 28, 2013 to July 2017.

To remedy the problem, Ford dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint and replace it as required. They will also replace the toe links with a different part design.

The company said that it will begin notifying affected Explorer owners the week of Aug. 23.

Ford has received six alleged reports of injuries related to the issue in North America.

The third recall from Ford affects certain 2020 to 2021 Lincoln Aviator SUVs that are outfitted with 3.0 L gasoline engines that may have improperly secured battery cable wire harnesses. This could allow contact with the A/C compressor pulley, which may rub and cause a short circuit and a potential fire.

About 40,995 SUVs were impacted by the recall globally.

The SUVs were built at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant from June 19, 2019 to Jan. 5, 2021.

To fix the issue, Ford said that dealers will inspect the vehicle and add a tie strap if contact has been made with the battery cable and the A/C compressor pulley. If damage has occurred, Ford will replace the A/C compressor belt, gauge circuits, and battery cable harness while adding a tie strap as necessary.

Lincoln Navigator owners will be notified of the recall the week of July 30.

Ford is not aware of any accidents, injuries, or fires related to the issue.

Shares of Ford were trading at $13.85 as of 10:38 a.m. EDT on Friday, down 16 cents, or 1.14%.