Ford is recalling over 238,000 midsize sports utility vehicles because of a safety issue that could cause the vehicles to roll away while parked, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The recall applies to a specific range of Ford Explorers, namely those manufactured between 2020 and 2022, according to the federal safety regulator. The NHTSA reported in documents on its website that the potential exists for a fracture in the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt that could cause the driveshaft to disconnect on the SUVs.
The agency warned that if a driveshaft becomes disconnected, there is a risk of losing drive power or experiencing a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake isn't used. Either situation can raise the likelihood of an accident, it said.
NHTSA reported that it opened an investigation in June after receiving two consumer complaints of power loss due to rear axle bolt failures, even after the vehicles had been repaired in a previous recalls that were addressesd with a software update. The latest recall will linvolve inspections.
Ford dealers will replace a bushing and the rear axle bolt, reported MSN. The rear axle cover also will be inspected for damage near the bolt hole and replaced if necessary. Letters will be sent to owners starting Nov. 6.
