Ford is recalling 2020-2022 Explorer SUVs because a rear axle bolt can fracture and disconnect the driveshaft. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 252,936 2020-2022 Explorer Hybrid, Explorer PHEV, Explorer Intercept Hybrid, and Explorer Police Intercept vehicles because the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt can fracture and let the driveshaft disconnect. A disconnected driveshaft can let the vehicle roll away in Park when the parking brake is not applied, which increases crash risk; Ford dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear axle mounting joint on the 2020-2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid, Explorer Intercept Hybrid, Explorer PHEV, and Explorer Police Intercept helps hold the rear axle in place while power moves through the driveline to the wheels. A bushing in that joint cushions movement, and the horizontal mounting bolt clamps the joint so the axle and driveshaft stay aligned under load.
On affected vehicles, the joint does not have enough bearing area for peak axle torque and normal manufacturing variation. That lets the joint surface deform, which raises bending stress on the bolt. Over time, the bolt can fatigue and fracture; if it breaks, the driveshaft can disconnect from the rear axle.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should not wait for noise, vibration, or a dashboard message to confirm the problem, because the filing does not identify an early symptom.
Who's affected?
Covers four Explorer variants across the 2020, 2021, and 2022 model years, with drive axle and driveline components listed for each.
| 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid | drive axle |
| 2020 Ford Explorer Intercept Hybrid | drive axle |
| 2020 Ford Explorer Intercept Hybrid | driveline |
| 2020 Ford Explorer PHEV | drive axle |
| 2020 Ford Explorer PHEV | driveline |
| 2022 Ford Explorer PHEV | drive axle |
| 2022 Ford Explorer PHEV | driveline |
| 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid | drive axle |
| 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid | driveline |
| 2021 Ford Explorer PHEV | drive axle |
| 2021 Ford Explorer PHEV | driveline |
| 2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept | drive axle |
| 2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept | driveline |
| 2021 Ford Explorer Police Intercept | drive axle |
| 2021 Ford Explorer Police Intercept | driveline |
| 2021 Ford Explorer Intercept Hybrid | drive axle |
| 2021 Ford Explorer Intercept Hybrid | driveline |
| 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid | drive axle |
| 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid | driveline |
| Units affected | 252,936 |
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 disconnected driveshaft can let the vehicle roll away after it is shifted into Park if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, set the parking brake every time you park and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid, Explorer Intercept Hybrid, Explorer PHEV, or Explorer Police Intercept is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free repair.
- Ask the dealer whether your vehicle needs the bushing and axle-cover replacement or the electronic parking brake software update that addresses driveshaft disconnection and rollaway in Park.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 22V255 when you call.
- Apply the parking brake every time you park until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician handles the repair based on the Explorer version. Some vehicles receive a replacement bushing and axle cover. Others receive an electronic parking brake software update. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Ford has a standard reimbursement plan for owner-paid repairs completed before recall notification. If you already paid for a related rear axle or parking brake repair, bring documentation to the dealer or contact Ford customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 14, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 19, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| April 19, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 6, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 6, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 9, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V255?
Recall 22V255 covers 252,936 2020-2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid, Explorer Intercept Hybrid, Explorer PHEV, and Explorer Police Intercept vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt can fracture and let the driveshaft disconnect. Ford dealers will replace the needed axle parts or update electronic parking brake software for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid, Explorer Intercept Hybrid, Explorer PHEV, or Explorer Police Intercept is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 22V255. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 22V255 or Ford recall number 22S27. The dealer will complete the assigned repair for 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 the repairs are free. Depending on your vehicle, the dealer will replace the bushing and axle cover or update electronic parking brake software.
What is the safety risk in recall 22V255?
The risk is vehicle rollaway. If the driveshaft disconnects and the vehicle is placed in Park without the parking brake applied, the vehicle can move and increase crash risk. Use the parking brake, then confirm your VIN and schedule the free Ford dealer repair.
When were owner letters mailed for Ford recall 22V255?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on June 9, 2022. Interim owner letters were mailed on June 9, 2022, and March 10, 2023. If you bought the vehicle used or missed the letter, check your VIN and call a franchised Ford dealer with recall 22V255.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V255000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V255 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V255000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (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 →