Recall 16V245 affects 75,364 2014-2015 Ford Explorer SUVs for improperly welded rear suspension toe links. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 75,364 2014-2015 Explorer vehicles because the rear suspension toe links were improperly welded and can fracture. A fractured toe link can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk; Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear suspension toe link on a 2014-2015 Ford Explorer is a metal suspension arm that helps hold each rear wheel at the correct angle. That angle, called toe, keeps the tire tracking straight as the suspension moves over bumps and during turns. The part has to stay rigid so the rear of the vehicle follows the driver's steering input.
On affected Explorers in recall 16V245, the rear toe link was improperly welded by a supplier. A bad weld creates a weak point in the metal. As the suspension loads and unloads during normal driving, the toe link can fracture at that weak point. If it breaks, the rear wheel no longer holds its intended angle, which affects steering control.
Ford lists rear suspension noise, difficulty steering, or loss of steering control as warning signs. If you notice noise from the rear suspension or the Explorer becomes hard to steer, treat it as a sign that the rear toe link needs dealer inspection.
Who's affected?
Both listed model years use the same rear suspension scope.
| 2014 Ford Explorer | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2015 Ford Explorer | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 75,364 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fractured rear suspension toe link can cause loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Rear suspension noise or difficulty steering are warning signs. If that happens, stop when safe and call a Ford dealer for service. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 Ford Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free rear suspension toe-link replacement that addresses the fracture risk in the rear suspension.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford sent one, and reference recall number 16V245 (Ford recall 16S18) when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop driving if steering control changes.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the rear suspension toe links covered by recall 16V245. The repair is available, and Ford covers the replacement parts and labor under the recall. Ford's reimbursement plan covers eligible out-of-pocket remedy costs paid before owner notification, with reimbursement eligibility ending October 31, 2016. If you already paid for a rear suspension toe link repair tied to this condition, contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and keep documentation for the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 26, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 26, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| April 26, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 9, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 18, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V245?
Recall 16V245 covers 75,364 2014-2015 Ford Explorer SUVs with rear suspension toe links that were improperly welded and can fracture. A fracture can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk. Ford dealers replace the rear suspension toe links for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 Ford Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Explorer is included in recall 16V245. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule rear suspension toe link replacement. Reference Ford recall number 16S18 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Ford dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links free of charge at any franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control if a rear suspension toe link fractures. That failure can increase the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair and ask the service desk whether the vehicle needs special handling before your appointment.
What if I bought my Ford Explorer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Explorer is included, then contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 16V245 or Ford recall number 16S18.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V245000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V245 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V245000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →