Recall 24V598 covers 85,238 2020-2022 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles for engine-fire risk. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
Ford is recalling 85,238 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles under recall 24V598 because an engine failure can release oil and fuel vapor into the engine compartment, where hot engine or exhaust parts can ignite them. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury, and the Ford dealer repair will be free once Ford makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The engine in the 2020-2022 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility is the unit that turns fuel into power and sends that power through the drivetrain. These vehicles use 3.3L gas or hybrid engines. Inside the engine, connecting rods link the pistons to the crankshaft, and bearings help those moving parts spin under load without grinding against each other.
On affected vehicles, a bearing can seize during a high-load event. That failure can damage the piston and connecting rod, then breach the engine block. Once the block is breached, engine oil or fuel vapor is no longer contained inside the engine and can collect near hot engine or exhaust parts. Ford has not identified a single specific root cause for the bearing failures.
What you are likely to notice is tied to the engine failure itself. Ford says occupants can hear loud unexpected engine noise, such as a metal-to-metal clank, feel an unexpected loss of engine torque, or see smoke from the engine compartment.
Who's affected?
All listed model years point to the same engine bare assembly, part number L1MZ-6006-D.
| 2021 Ford Explorer | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2020 Ford Explorer | Engine |
| 2022 Ford Explorer | Engine |
| Units affected | 85,238 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 13 field incidents to date. |
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?
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury. Unexpected engine noise, a metal to metal clank, unexpected power reduction, or smoke from the engine compartment means you should safely park and shut off the engine promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2022 Ford Explorer with the Police Interceptor Utility Package is included in this recall.
- Watch for Ford's owner letter if your VIN is included, and follow the repair instructions before scheduling dealer work.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask whether the free PCM software update and engine inspection for recall 24V598 are open for your VIN.
- Park and shut off the engine promptly if you hear unexpected engine noise, lose engine power, or see smoke from the engine compartment.
- Bring the recall notice if you received one, and reference Ford recall 24S52 when you call.
What happens at the repair
Until the final dealer repair is available, Ford's guidance is to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible if you hear unexpected engine noise, feel an unexpected loss of engine power, or see smoke from the engine compartment. Once the repair opens, a Ford technician will update the PCM software, inspect for connecting rod bearing failure, and replace the engine long block if needed. Inspections, parts, and labor are covered under the recall. Ford's standard reimbursement plan covers documented eligible costs paid before the recall notice, with eligibility estimated to end September 5, 2024. Keep repair paperwork for the service desk or Ford customer service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 9, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 12, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| August 12, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 19, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 13, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V598?
Recall 24V598 covers 85,238 2020-2022 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. In an engine failure, oil and fuel vapor can enter the engine compartment near hot components, which can lead to an engine compartment fire and injury risk.
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 24V598. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference Ford recall 24S52. Ask for the PCM software update, the connecting rod bearing inspection, and any needed engine long block replacement.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recalled safety defects at no cost, and Ford says the dealer inspection and repairs are free. That includes the PCM software update, connecting rod bearing inspection, and engine long block replacement if needed.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for unexpected engine noises, an unexpected loss of engine power, or smoke from the engine compartment. Ford tells owners to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible if any of those signs appear, then contact a Ford dealer for recall guidance.
When were owners notified about this Ford Explorer recall?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on August 15, 2025. Used-vehicle owners, fleet operators, and anyone who missed the letter should still check the VIN, because the year and model are not enough to confirm whether a specific Explorer is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V598000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V598 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V598000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →