Ford issued a recall for more than 1.3 million vehicles on Thursday to fix an issue with the rear suspension and transmission control software problems. Ford says the recall applies to its Explorer SUVs, F-150 and Econoline trucks, Taurus, and Flex crossovers. The recall also applies to the Lincoln MKS and MKT crossover.
In a press release announcing the recall, Ford says a rear suspension toe link can break if the suspension moves a lot. That could create problems with steering control. One customer reported hitting a curb after the toe link on his vehicle broke, but the company says it's not aware of any injuries related to the recall.
More than 1.2 million Explorer SUVs between 2011 and 2017 are covered by the recall, Ford says. Dealers will install newly forged left and right toe links, which keep the vehicle's weight on the tires, free of charge.
Another 123,000 2013 Ford F-150 pickups are being recalled for a second time due to transmission issues after a previous software didn't prevent the vehicles from unintentionally downshifting into first gear. Dealers will update the transmission's software for free again.
The full list of vehicles affected by Ford's recall include:
- 2011-2017 Explorer SUV
- 2013 Ford F-150 pickup trucks
- 2010-2017 Ford Taurus
- 2009-2017 Flex crossover
- 2009-2015 Lincoln MKS
- 2010-2017 Lincoln MKT crossover
- 2009-2016 Econoline trucks - equipped with 5.4-liter V8 and 5R110W Torqshift transmission
You can see the full list of issues and problems on their website here.
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