Recall 24V091 affects 121 2023 Ford Explorer vehicles for loose or missing steering-knuckle-to-strut fasteners. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 121 2023 Explorer SUVs because the right-front lower fastener connecting the steering knuckle and strut is loose or missing. That connection can affect alignment, steering effort, or the brake hose, raising crash risk, and Ford dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The right front knuckle-to-strut fastener on the 2023 Ford Explorer clamps the steering knuckle to the front strut. The knuckle holds the wheel hub and connects the wheel to the steering and suspension. The strut supports that corner of the SUV and helps keep the tire aligned against the road.
On affected Explorers, the fastener was left loose or missing during assembly. Ford traced the issue to a period when the primary torque tool was offline for repairs. The backup wrench tightened the joint, but it did not record torque or flag a missed tightening step, so a vehicle left the plant with the right front joint not secured to specification.
Warning signs include the top of the tire leaning inward, a change in steering effort, or the SUV pulling to one side. If the tire rubs the strut or spring seat, the driver can also notice abrasion damage or a burning smell.
Who's affected?
VINs have been searchable since March 4, 2024.
| 2023 Ford Explorer | front suspension |
|---|---|
| 2023 Ford Explorer | steering linkage |
| Units affected | 121 |
| 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?
A loose or missing connection between the knuckle and strut can change tire alignment, cause a steering pull, or increase steering effort. It also can let the brake hose rub the tire, causing brake fluid loss and loss of braking ability. Watch for a tire leaning inward, steering changes, or a burning smell, and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023 Ford Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free right-front steering-knuckle and strut-fastener inspection and repair that fixes the loose or missing connection.
- Bring the Ford owner letter to the appointment, or reference recall number 24V091 when you call.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 if the dealer cannot find the recall or you need help with scheduling.
- Avoid long trips until the repair is complete, and stop driving if you notice steering pull, increased steering effort, a brake-fluid leak, or reduced braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the fasteners that connect the steering knuckle and strut, then tightens loose fasteners or installs missing fasteners as needed. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Ford's general reimbursement plan covers eligible remedies paid before owner notification. If you already paid for a related steering knuckle, strut, or fastener repair before the recall letter, ask Ford customer service or the dealer how to submit repair documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 8, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 12, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| February 12, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 4, 2024 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 4, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 8, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V091?
Recall 24V091 covers 121 2023 Ford Explorer vehicles with a right-front lower fastener connecting the steering knuckle and strut that is loose or missing. Ford dealers will inspect the fasteners, then tighten or install them as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2023 Ford Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Explorer is included in recall 24V091. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask for recall 24S04. The dealer will inspect the right-front fasteners and tighten or install them as needed for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Ford to complete the recall repair at no cost, and Ford's remedy says dealers will inspect the fasteners, then tighten or install them as necessary, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is steering or braking trouble from the loose or missing knuckle-to-strut connection. Ford says the defect can cause improper tire alignment, steering pull, increased steering effort, or brake hose contact with the tire that leads to a brake fluid leak and loss of braking ability.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for a steering pull, harder steering effort, or brake symptoms tied to fluid loss. These signs line up with Ford's recall description, but the VIN decides whether the free dealer inspection applies to your specific 2023 Explorer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V091000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V091 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V091000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →