Recall 26V101 affects 412,774 2017-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles for rear toe links that can fracture. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 412,774 2017-2019 Explorer SUVs because the rear suspension toe links can fracture. A fractured rear toe link can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk, and the Ford dealer repair will be free once Ford makes the remedy available.
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What's wrong?
For Ford recall 26V101, the rear suspension toe link on 2017-2019 Ford Explorer SUVs is part of the rear suspension that helps hold each rear wheel at the correct angle. It works with the cross-axis ball joint, a pivot point that lets the suspension move while keeping the wheel aligned. When those parts move freely, the vehicle tracks straight and responds normally to steering input.
On affected Explorers, Ford has not fully established the exact cause. Some reports point to a seized cross-axis ball joint. When that joint seizes, it puts bending force into the toe link, and the toe link can fracture under load. If the toe link breaks, rear wheel alignment changes suddenly, and the vehicle can lose directional control.
The warning signs are a clunk noise, unusual handling, or a rear wheel that looks misaligned. If you notice any of those signs, treat them as suspension symptoms that need dealer attention.
Who's affected?
Covers the rear-suspension toe-link component across the 2017, 2018, and 2019 model years.
| 2017 Ford Explorer | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2019 Ford Explorer | rear suspension |
| 2018 Ford Explorer | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 412,774 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 28 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 fractured rear toe link can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk. A clunk noise, unusual handling, or a misaligned rear wheel is a warning sign. If you notice those signs, stop driving and call a Ford dealer for guidance. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2019 Ford Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free rear toe-link replacement that addresses the fracture risk behind loss of steering control.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 26V101 and Ford recall 26S08 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid sudden steering inputs when you can.
What happens at the repair
Ford has identified the dealer fix as toe link replacement. Once the repair is available for this campaign, a Ford technician will replace the rear suspension toe links at no charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Ford uses its general reimbursement plan for this campaign. If you already paid for a toe link repair related to this defect before the recall notice, ask Ford Customer Service or the dealer service desk how to submit documented expenses.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 20, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 25, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| February 25, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 25, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 16, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V101?
Recall 26V101 covers 412,774 2017-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles with rear suspension toe links that can fracture. A fractured rear toe link can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk. Ford dealers will replace the toe links for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2019 Ford Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Explorer is included in recall 26V101. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the rear toe link replacement. Reference Ford recall number 26S08 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 says dealers will replace the toe links free of charge. The repair applies at any franchised Ford dealer for included 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control if a rear suspension toe link fractures. Ford's recall filing says that failure increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free toe link replacement with a franchised Ford dealer.
When were Ford Explorer owners notified?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on March 16, 2026. Used-vehicle owners or owners who missed the letter still need to check the VIN, because the year and model alone do not confirm inclusion in recall 26V101.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V101000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V101 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V101000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →