Recall 23V675 affects 238,364 2020-2022 Ford Explorer vehicles for rear axle bolt fracture and driveshaft disconnect. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 238,364 2020-2022 Explorer SUVs under recall 23V675 because the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt can fracture and let the driveshaft disconnect. A disconnected driveshaft can cause loss of drive power or a rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, and Ford dealers will complete the repair 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 axle bushing on the 2020-2022 Ford Explorer is part of the mounting point that holds the rear axle assembly in position. It helps control movement where the axle connects to the vehicle structure, so torque from the powertrain can move through the driveline without overloading the mounting bolt.
On affected Explorers, that joint does not give the horizontal mounting bolt enough bearing area under peak axle loads and normal manufacturing variation. The bushing material can deform where the fastener clamps it. That deformation raises bending stress in the bolt, and repeated loading can fatigue the bolt until it fractures. If the bolt breaks, the rear axle can shift and the driveshaft can disconnect.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not expect a noise, light, or change in driveline feel before the bolt breaks.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2020, 2021, and 2022 Explorer model years, all tied to the same driveline bushing.
| 2021 Ford Explorer | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2020 Ford Explorer | driveline |
| 2022 Ford Explorer | driveline |
| Units affected | 238,364 |
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 cause a loss of drive power while moving or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing crash risk. Apply the parking brake whenever the vehicle is parked, 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 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free subframe-bushing and rear axle bolt replacement that addresses the rear axle bolt fracture and driveshaft disconnect risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V675 and Ford recall 23S55 when you call.
- Apply the parking brake every time you park until the repair is complete.
- Ask the dealer to inspect the rear axle cover near the bolt hole and replace it free of charge if damage is found.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt, then inspects the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole. If damage is found, the technician replaces the cover as part of the recall. Parts and labor are covered. Ford's general reimbursement plan covered eligible out-of-pocket repairs paid before the owner notice, with eligibility estimated to end November 24, 2023. Bring any prior repair documentation and ask the service desk how that plan applies.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 6, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 9, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| October 9, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 6, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 19, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V675?
Recall 23V675 covers 238,364 2020-2022 Ford Explorer vehicles with a rear axle horizontal mounting bolt that can fracture and let the driveshaft disconnect. Ford dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt, inspect the rear axle cover, and replace the cover if damaged.
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 23V675. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free repair. Reference Ford recall number 23S55 when you call, or contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Ford says dealers will perform this recall repair free of charge. The dealer will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt, then inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole and replace that cover if damage is found.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. A disconnected driveshaft can lead to either condition, increasing crash risk. Until the repair is complete, use the parking brake every time you park.
What if I bought my Ford Explorer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Explorer is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer with recall number 23V675 or Ford recall number 23S55.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V675000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V675 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V675000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →