Dearborn, MI — May 15, 2022 — Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 252,936 SUVs over an issue with part of the vehicles’ drivetrain – called a driveshaft – and transmission which may cause them to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
The recall covers the following models:
- 2020 –2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid
- 2020–2022 Ford Explorer Intercept Hybrid
- 2020 Ford Explorer PHEV
- 2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept FHEV
Recall summary
Rear-wheel drive vehicles use a driveshaft to transmit the engine’s power and torque to the rear axle, which in turn transfers the power to wheels, propelling the vehicle forward.
On affected vehicles, the bolt that connects the axle with the driveshaft may fracture because of a supplier error. This could disconnect the driveshaft from the rear wheels, rendering the vehicle unable to stay in Park and increasing the risk of a rollaway.
The components involved in this recall are the rear axle cover with part number L1MW-4A028-G and the bushing with part number L1MW-4B425-B.
Recall risks
A rollaway ups the risk of a crash and injury.
Warning signs
Customers and dealer technicians have described the transmission making various sounds such as “loud, grinding, binding, or clunking noises.”
Other Ford recalls
One recent case of Ford driveshaft issues involved 184,698 F-Series pickup trucks, which were recalled in January over also because of of disconnecting driveshafts, as reported.
In October of last year there was a Ford Explorer recall due to the risk of the driver losing control of the vehicle, also as reported.
A Ford Police Explorer recall was initiated in January 2021, involving contaminated windshield washer fluid that can potentially compromise outward visibility, resulting in an increased risk of accidents.
The repair
Dealers will replace the bolt and axle covers, if needed. In some cases, a software update will be also be done to ensure that the electronic parking brake will engage when Park is selected. No fees will be collected for the service. Ford will reimburse owners for the costs of any previous repair work involving the component.
Affected owners will be notified between June 6, 2022 and June 10, 2022.
Is your vehicle part of this recall?
More than 252,000 vehicles are included in this Ford Explorer driveshaft recall. To see if your Ford SUV is part of this Ford recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.
