Lincoln is recalling 20 2021 Aviator and Explorer vehicles in recall 21V870 for incorrect rear suspension parts. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
Lincoln is recalling 20 2021 Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles under recall 21V870 because labeling errors led to incorrect rear suspension module components. The wrong components can affect handling, ride height, and braking characteristics and increase crash risk, and Lincoln dealers will inspect and repair the vehicles free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The rear suspension module on the 2021 Aviator and Explorer is the assembled rear suspension unit matched to a specific VIN. It holds the parts that locate and support the rear wheels, so the vehicle tracks, turns, and reacts as engineered. The module has to match the build configuration for that exact vehicle.
On affected vehicles, the supplier mislabeled rear suspension modules. That labeling error let the wrong module get installed in the wrong vehicle. The part is not known to match the vehicle's intended suspension setup, and Ford said the vehicle response during dynamic maneuvers is unknown because those mis-build combinations were not tested.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not expected to feel a specific noise, light, or handling symptom that reliably identifies the wrong rear suspension module before inspection.
Who's affected?
Covers Aviator and Explorer models from the 2021 model year, both tied to the rear suspension module.
| 2021 Lincoln Aviator | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2021 Ford Explorer | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 20 |
| 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?
Incorrect rear suspension components can change handling, ride height, and braking characteristics. That raises the risk of a crash. There is no listed warning sign before the problem shows up, so schedule the inspection soon and pay attention to any change in how the vehicle rides, steers, or stops. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Lincoln Aviator or Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the free rear suspension module inspection and any incorrect-part replacement that fixes the handling, ride-height, and braking issue.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V870 and Ford recall 21S47 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lincoln technician inspects the rear suspension module and replaces any incorrect parts installed on the affected vehicles. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Separate reimbursement is excluded because the original warranty program provides a free repair for this concern. If you already paid for related work, ask the Lincoln service desk how the original warranty coverage applies to your prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| November 10, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 15, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| November 19, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 29, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 29, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 3, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V870?
Recall 21V870 covers 20 2021 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles with rear suspension module components that were installed incorrectly because of a labeling error. The wrong components can affect handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2021 Lincoln Aviator or Ford Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V870. If it is, contact a franchised Lincoln or Ford dealer to schedule the rear suspension module inspection. The dealer will replace incorrect parts as needed, free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 21V870, dealers inspect the rear suspension module and replace any incorrect parts as needed, free of charge.
Is it safe to drive a 2021 Lincoln Aviator or Ford Explorer with this recall?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The risk is still real: incorrect rear suspension module components can affect handling, ride height, and braking characteristics. Check your VIN, then schedule the free dealer inspection if your vehicle is included.
When were owners notified about recall 21V870?
Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Reference recall 21V870 or Ford recall number 21S47 when you contact the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V870000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V870 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V870000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →