This recall applies only to Explorers equipped with hybrid tech or Police Interceptors.
You should be watching your mailbox if you have a 2020 or newer Ford Explorer with hybrid technology, or an Explorer Police Interceptor. A recall could be coming your way. According to a recall filing with NHTSA Ford is recalling 250,000 Ford Explorers due to a horizontal rear axle mounting bolt that could fracture and cause the driveshaft failure. Disconnected driveshafts are bad enough. However, affected Explorers may also roll forward while they are parked with the parking brake off. Ford’s latest recall applies to 2020-2022 Ford Explorer Hybrids and 2020-2021 Ford Explorer Interceptor Hybrids. We had the chance to test, 2020-2022 Explorer PEVs, as well as 2020-2021 Explorer Police Interceptors. Ford’s NHTSA filing states that certain 2020-2021 Explorer Police Hybrids, Explorer Police 3.3L and 2020-2022 Explorer Police 3.3L are being recalled. The horizontal rear axle mounting bolt could fracture, causing the driveshaft to become disconnected.
Ford recalls that the rear axle mounting bolt could fracture under acceleration. This can cause the rear axle housing’s movement out of place, which can lead to severe vibration and noise. Ford continues, explaining that if the rear axle bolt is broken, the driveshaft/half shafts can become disconnected. This will result in loss of transmission torque to rear wheels, which is essential to keep the vehicle in park. The vehicle will roll in park if the parking brake isn’t applied. This increases the chance of injury and crashes.
Ford will issue recall letters to address this problem before June 6, 2022. Dealers will inspect and repair affected Explorers. Dealers will replace the axle cover and bushing or update the electronic park brake software based on the Explorer model. This recall, according to Ford’s NHTSA filings, is expected to affect 252,936 Explorers.l