Photo: Ford
Not yet published on the federal watchdog’s website, the recall we’re covering today encompasses Ford Explorer utility vehicles built at the Chicago Assembly Plant from October 22nd, 2018, to April 11th, 2022.
As it happens, the rear axle mounting bolt may fracture during acceleration. You would assume that Ford’s engineers designed this mid-size crossover to perform as intended, but on the other hand, the remedy is even more ludicrous. The dealer notice attached below reads that a powertrain control module software update will be available sometime this quarter. Police vehicles, on the other hand, will receive replacement mounting bolts.
Let that sink in for a minute. Can you believe that Ford is updating the software to engage the park brake when park is commanded instead of installing more durable bolts? It simply boggles the mind how cheap the Ford Motor Company can be in certain scenarios. The parts required to repair police vehicles will be available by the end of the third quarter of the year.
The document lists 2020 to 2022 Explorers fitted with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost, 3.3-liter V6, the hybrid V6, the plug-in hybrid V6, and Explorer STs with the 3.0-liter V6. Ford has obviously issued a stop-sale order as well, advising its dealers to not demonstrate any in-stock vehicles until they are fixed.
There’s no word on the owner notification date, but given the scope of this recall, it’s likely going to happen in May. Or make that June at the latest.
Ford notes that a fractured bolt allows the rear axle housing to move out from its normal position, resulting in severe noise and vibration. In case the bolt goes to heaven, the drives shaft or half shafts may disconnect, resulting in loss of propulsion to the rear wheels, increasing the risk of a crash.
Let that sink in for a minute. Can you believe that Ford is updating the software to engage the park brake when park is commanded instead of installing more durable bolts? It simply boggles the mind how cheap the Ford Motor Company can be in certain scenarios. The parts required to repair police vehicles will be available by the end of the third quarter of the year.
The document lists 2020 to 2022 Explorers fitted with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost, 3.3-liter V6, the hybrid V6, the plug-in hybrid V6, and Explorer STs with the 3.0-liter V6. Ford has obviously issued a stop-sale order as well, advising its dealers to not demonstrate any in-stock vehicles until they are fixed.
There’s no word on the owner notification date, but given the scope of this recall, it’s likely going to happen in May. Or make that June at the latest.
Ford notes that a fractured bolt allows the rear axle housing to move out from its normal position, resulting in severe noise and vibration. In case the bolt goes to heaven, the drives shaft or half shafts may disconnect, resulting in loss of propulsion to the rear wheels, increasing the risk of a crash.
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