Recall 23V199 affects 674 2020-2022 Ford Explorer vehicles for missing parking-brake software after rear-axle bolt fracture. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 674 2020-2022 Explorer SUVs under recall 23V199 because a prior powertrain control module update left out the automatic electronic parking brake feature, and the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt can fracture and disconnect the driveshaft. Without the parking brake applied, the vehicle can roll away or lose drive power, which increases crash risk; Ford dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The powertrain control module, or PCM, is the computer that manages major powertrain commands on the 2020-2022 Ford Explorer. In this recall, its software also needs to trigger the electronic parking brake, a motorized brake that holds the vehicle after Park is selected.
On affected Explorers, the earlier recall software update did not include that automatic parking brake command for certain powertrain versions. Ford says the recall program began before every needed software calibration was ready for dealers. The problem matters because the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt can fracture and let the driveshaft disconnect, so the missing parking brake command leaves the vehicle without the intended backup hold when shifted to Park.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner will not get a reliable early symptom that the PCM update is incomplete or that the axle bolt is about to break.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2020, 2021, and 2022 model years, with the PCM software tied to parking brake and automatic transmission control.
| 2021 Ford Explorer | Electrical |
|---|---|
| 2021 Ford Explorer | automatic transmission |
| 2020 Ford Explorer | Electrical |
| 2020 Ford Explorer | automatic transmission |
| 2022 Ford Explorer | Electrical |
| 2022 Ford Explorer | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 674 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
A disconnected driveshaft can let the vehicle roll away when the electronic parking brake is not applied, or leave you without drive power. Either situation increases the risk of a crash. Set the electronic parking brake every time you park, and schedule the PCM software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2022 Ford Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free PCM software update that adds the intended automatic electronic parking brake function.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V199 and Ford recall 23S16 when you call.
- Set the parking brake every time you park until the Ford dealer completes the update.
- Stop driving and contact a Ford dealer if the Explorer loses drive power or the driveshaft disconnects before the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician updates the powertrain control module software. The update adds the automatic electronic parking brake function that was missing from the earlier recall repair when the Explorer is shifted into park. The software update and labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid for a related remedy before owner notification, Ford's general reimbursement plan covers documented costs. Bring repair invoices or other paperwork to the service desk, or contact Ford customer service, so Ford can review the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 24, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 24, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| March 24, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 3, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 31, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V199?
Recall 23V199 covers 674 2020-2022 Ford Explorer vehicles with a PCM software issue tied to the electronic parking brake. The earlier software update under recall 22V-255 did not add the intended automatic parking brake feature when the vehicle shifts to park.
What should I do if my 2020-2022 Ford Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Explorer is included in recall 23V199. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the PCM software update. Reference Ford recall number 23S16 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford dealers will update the PCM software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Ford dealer for vehicles included in recall 23V199.
What is the safety risk with recall 23V199?
The safety risk is rollaway or loss of drive power. If the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt fractures and the driveshaft disconnects, the Explorer can roll away without the electronic parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also remove drive power and increase crash risk.
When did Ford notify owners about recall 23V199?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on May 31, 2023. If you bought the Explorer used or never received a letter, the VIN check still decides whether your specific vehicle is included. Ford customer service can also be reached at 1-866-436-7332.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V199000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V199 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V199000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →