Recall 20V675 affects 454,941 2013-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles for a rear toe link fracture. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 454,941 2013-2017 Explorer SUVs previously repaired under recalls 16V-245 or 19V-435 because the outboard rear suspension toe link can fracture. A fractured toe link can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk; Ford dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The rear suspension toe link on a 2013-2017 Ford Explorer helps hold each rear wheel at the correct angle as the suspension moves. It connects through a cross-axis ball joint, a pivoting joint that lets the link move without forcing the wheel out of alignment. That steady alignment keeps the rear of the SUV tracking straight.
On affected Explorers in high corrosion states, that ball joint is vulnerable to seizing. Once the joint stops pivoting, normal suspension movement bends the toe link harder than designed, especially outboard of the turnbuckle. Over time, the outboard section of the toe link can fracture, leaving the rear wheel without the intended alignment control.
There is no warning sign before failure. Ford identified no owner-noticeable symptom before the toe link breaks, so the problem is not something to diagnose by feel, sound, or a warning light.
Who's affected?
Spans 5 model years with the same rear suspension knuckle assembly listed for each year.
| 2013 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 | 454,941 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fractured rear toe link can cause loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the toe link fractures, so take loose rear handling, unusual rear suspension movement, or related dealer guidance seriously. Schedule the inspection and repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2017 Ford Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free rear suspension toe-link inspection.
- Ask the dealer to inspect the cross-axis ball joint knuckle and replace it if needed, which fixes the rear toe-link fracture risk that can affect steering control.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one, or reference recall number 20V675 and Ford recall 20S62 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection and repair are complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the cross-axis ball joint knuckle where it attaches to the rear suspension toe link. If that joint or knuckle does not pass inspection, the dealer replaces the affected part free under the recall. Parts and labor are covered. Ford's standard reimbursement plan covered eligible owner-paid remedies completed before recall notification, with reimbursement eligibility ending January 8, 2021. Bring repair receipts or documentation to the service desk and ask Ford customer service how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 2, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| November 2, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 27, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 30, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 12, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V675?
Recall 20V675 covers 454,941 2013-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles with a rear suspension toe link that can fracture after prior recall work under 16V-245 or 19V-435. A fractured rear toe link can cause loss of steering control. Ford dealers inspect the rear suspension joint and replace parts as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2017 Ford Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Explorer is included in recall 20V675. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask for recall 20S62 service. The dealer will inspect the cross-axis ball joint knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as needed for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Ford to repair this defect at no cost. For recall 20V675, franchised Ford dealers inspect the cross-axis ball joint knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as needed free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my Ford Explorer before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but the risk is serious. In recall 20V675, a rear toe link fracture can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk. If the vehicle feels unstable, pulls, or makes unusual rear suspension noises, call a Ford dealer before driving farther.
What if I bought my Ford Explorer used?
The free repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner. Because this recall covers certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles tied to listed sale or registration states and prior recall repairs, check your VIN and reference recall 20V675 or Ford recall 20S62 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V675000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V675 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V675000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →