Ford is recalling 2013 Explorer vehicles with a potential rear suspension toe link fracture risk due to a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) that could seize. Owners must have their vehicles inspected by a dealer.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford is recalling certain 2013 Explorer vehicles because a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) in the rear suspension can seize, leading to a rear toe link fracture and loss of steering control. This could increase the risk of a crash. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/1250675-ford-explorer-2013-recall-suspension-fracture-risk.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/1250675-ford-explorer-2013-recall-suspension-fracture-risk · Updated October 4, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #21V746000
“Ford Explorer (2013) Recall: Suspension Fracture Risk.” GovInfoNow, updated October 4, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/1250675-ford-explorer-2013-recall-suspension-fracture-risk. Based on NHTSA recall 21V746000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V746000).
A cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) in the rear suspension can seize, causing the rear toe link to fracture. This may lead to a loss of steering control and an increased risk of a crash.
Owners of 2013 Ford Explorers originally sold or registered in specific U.S. states are affected. Drivers in these states are most at risk due to the potential for rear suspension failure.
Check if your 2013 Ford Explorer has a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) in the rear suspension. The recall covers vehicles originally sold or registered in certain U.S. states.
Call 1-866-436-7332 to get information about your vehicle and the recall.
A dealer will inspect for the presence of a CABJ and check its tightness to determine if replacement is needed.
Dealer will inspect for the presence of a CABJ. If a CABJ of any design is found, the dealer will inspect the tightness of the CABJ, and replace the CABJ, knuckle, and/or toe link as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S43.
Ford is recalling certain 2013 Explorer vehicles because a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) in the rear suspension can seize, leading to a rear toe link fracture and loss of steering control.
Check if your 2013 Ford Explorer was originally sold or registered in specific U.S. states listed in the recall notice.
A dealer will inspect the CABJ for tightness and may replace the CABJ, knuckle, and/or toe link if necessary.
We’ve drafted a message you can send Ford to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 21V746000 — Ford Ford Hello, I own a Ford that is covered by recall 21V746000 from Ford. The official recall notice states: Dealer will inspect for the presence of a CABJ. If a CABJ of any design is found, the dealer will inspect the tightness of the CABJ, and replace the CABJ, knuckle, and/or toe link as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S43. I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this? Thank you.
Experiences, tips, and questions from readers. Every comment is reviewed before it appears.
No comments yet — be the first to share your experience.
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
