Ford recalls over 238,000 Explorers to replace axle bolts that can fail after US opens investigation

Ford is recalling greater than 238,000 Explorers within the U.S. as a result of a rear axle bolt can fail, doubtlessly inflicting a lack of pressure energy or permitting the SUVs to roll away whilst in park.

The recall comes after U.S. protection regulators opened an investigation into the issue after getting two court cases that upkeep didn’t paintings in two earlier recalls this 12 months and in 2022.

Affected are certain Explorers from the 2020 through 2022 type years.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says in paperwork posted Friday on its web site that the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt can fracture and reason the driveshaft to disconnect, expanding the chance of a crash.

Dealers will replace a bushing and the rear axle bolt. They additionally will investigate cross-check the rear axle quilt for injury close to the bolt hollow and replace the quilt if injury is located. Owners shall be notified through letter beginning Nov. 6.

Ford mentioned in paperwork that it is aware of of 396 studies of rear axle bolt screw ups, and less than 5% led to lack of energy or let automobiles roll whilst they had been in park. The corporate says it’s no longer conscious about any crashes or accidents.

NHTSA opened its investigation in June after getting court cases alleging lack of energy due to failure of rear axle bolts although the Explorers had gained upkeep beneath the former recalls.

Ford’s treatment was once to replace instrument that routinely implemented the parking brake to stay the automobiles from rolling away. But the company mentioned in paperwork that there was once no treatment addressing the failed axle bolt.

Ford mentioned Friday that it was once changing axle bolts beneath provider campaigns ahead of the most recent recall.