Recall 19V435 affects 1,194,173 2011-2017 Ford Explorer SUVs for rear toe-link fractures. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 1,194,173 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles under recall 19V435 because the rear suspension toe links can fracture from stress on the rear suspension. A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash, and Ford dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear suspension toe link on a 2011-2017 Ford Explorer is a metal link that helps hold the rear wheel at the correct angle. That angle is called toe, and it helps the SUV track straight while the suspension moves over bumps, dips, and turns. The link has to stay rigid while the rest of the suspension moves around it.
On affected Explorers, high suspension movement puts repeated bending stress into the toe link near the inner turnbuckle area, where the link is adjusted. Over time, that reverse bending creates fatigue in the metal. The link can fracture, which lets the rear wheel move out of its intended alignment and makes the vehicle harder to control.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver will not get a dependable noise, light, or steering feel that proves the toe link is about to break.
Who's affected?
All listed years share the same rear suspension component, so the VIN check separates included SUVs from other Explorers.
| 2013 Ford Explorer | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2011 Ford Explorer | rear suspension |
| 2012 Ford Explorer | rear suspension |
| 2014 Ford Explorer | rear suspension |
| 2015 Ford Explorer | rear suspension |
| 2016 Ford Explorer | rear suspension |
| 2017 Ford Explorer | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 1,194,173 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no 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 toe link causes a sudden change in vehicle handling and increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so VIN confirmation matters. If your VIN is included, schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2017 Ford Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free rear toe-link replacement and ball-joint inspection that address the fracture risk and sudden handling change.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V435 when you call.
- Ask the dealer whether the rear wheel knuckles need replacement after the toe-link ball joints are inspected.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop driving if vehicle handling changes suddenly.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the rear suspension toe links, then inspects the rear toe link ball joints. If that inspection shows damage, the technician also replaces the affected rear wheel knuckle. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Ford has a reimbursement plan for owners who paid for this repair before recall notification. If you already paid for a related rear suspension toe link repair, contact Ford customer service and be ready to provide repair paperwork or receipts.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 10, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 11, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| June 11, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 24, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 24, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 26, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V435?
Recall 19V435 covers 1,194,173 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles with rear suspension toe links that can fracture from stress on the rear suspension. Ford dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, inspect both rear toe link ball joints, and replace rear wheel knuckles as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2017 Ford Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Explorer is included in recall 19V435. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the rear toe link replacement and inspection. Reference Ford recall number 19S17 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford's remedy says dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, inspect both rear toe link ball joints, and replace rear wheel knuckles as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a sudden change in vehicle handling if a rear toe link fractures. Ford's filing says a fractured rear toe link will increase the risk of a crash. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer repair if your Explorer is included.
What if I bought my Ford Explorer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If Ford never mailed you a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Explorer is included, then call a Ford dealer with recall number 19S17.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V435000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V435 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V435000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →