Ford recalls over 238,000 Explorers to replace axle bolts that can fail

DETROIT — Ford is recalling greater than 238,000 Explorers within the U.S. as a result of a rear axle bolt can fail, probably inflicting a lack of force 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 upon getting two court cases that maintenance did not paintings in two earlier recalls this 12 months and in 2022.

Affected are certain Explorers from the 2020 through 2022 style 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 motive 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 can be notified by way of letter beginning Nov. 6.

Ford stated in paperwork that it is aware of of 396 experiences of rear axle bolt disasters, and less than 5% brought about lack of energy or let cars roll whilst they have been in park. The corporate says it’s now not conscious about any crashes or accidents.

NHTSA opened its investigation in June upon getting court cases alleging lack of energy due to failure of rear axle bolts despite the fact that the Explorers had won maintenance below the former recalls.

Ford’s treatment used to be to replace device that routinely implemented the parking brake to stay the cars from rolling away. But the company stated in paperwork that there used to be no treatment addressing the failed axle bolt.

Ford stated Friday that it used to be changing axle bolts below carrier campaigns prior to the most recent recall.