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Why do Lincoln rear suspension parts break or come loose?
Six Lincoln recalls all point at the rear axle. Rear toe links dominate: they can fracture on 2013-2018 MKT models built with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack, and on the 2019 Navigator the toe link fasteners may not have been tightened to the frame. Bolts and parts are the other thread — the 2020 Aviator's rear lower control arm bolts may not have been heat-treated, and 2021 Aviators may have received incorrect rear suspension module components after a labeling error. The 2020 Corsair can lack clearance between the rear coil springs and toe link brackets, and the 2023 Nautilus's incorrectly made rear shocks can damage brake hoses, half shafts and wheel speed sensors.
Warning signs to watch for
- Often no advance warning at all — Ford says a toe link or control arm bolt can break suddenly
- Handling that feels different or unsettled at the rear of the vehicle
- Abnormal rear tire wear (dealers inspect and replace tires under the Navigator recall)
- A brake pedal that feels soft or weak on the 2023 Nautilus
- Signs of rubbing where the rear coil spring meets the toe link bracket on the 2020 Corsair
Is it safe to keep driving?
None of these six notices tells owners to stop driving or to park outside. Still, two of the six are flagged critical: a fractured toe link on an MKT or a broken rear control arm bolt on a 2020 Aviator can take away control with no warning, so those should be repaired before further driving if you can arrange it. The Navigator, Corsair, 2021 Aviator parts mix-up and Nautilus shock recalls allow normal driving while you book the inspection — but stop and call a dealer if braking feels soft or weak.
What the free repair involves
All of these repairs are free. Dealers replace the rear toe links on the MKT and both rear lower control arm bolts on the 2020 Aviator. On the Navigator they tighten the toe link fasteners, adjust rear alignment and inspect the tires. Corsair owners get a clearance inspection, bracket trimming and a new spring; 2021 Aviators get wrong parts swapped; Nautilus shocks and brake hoses are replaced as needed.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 2 |
| high | 4 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-06-23 | Lincoln Nautilus rear shocks may damage brake hoses | high |
| 2021-11-10 | Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator got wrong rear suspension parts | high |
| 2021-03-10 | Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator rear suspension bolts can break | critical |
| 2020-08-10 | Lincoln Corsair rear coil springs can rub and break | high |
| 2020-02-10 | Ford and Lincoln rear suspension links can break | critical |
| 2019-10-28 | Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator rear suspension bolts loose | high |
Common questions
My MKT isn't a Police Interceptor — am I affected by the toe link recall?
That recall covers 2013-2018 MKT, Flex and Taurus vehicles built with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. If your MKT was not built with that package, this particular recall does not apply, and a VIN check at a Lincoln dealer confirms it.
Ford said parts weren't available for the toe link recall. What do I do?
The 2020 notice said remedy parts were not yet available and that a second letter would follow the first, mailed March 3, 2020. Ask your dealer whether parts have since arrived and have them ordered against your VIN.
Can bad rear shocks really affect my Nautilus brakes?
Yes. Ford says the incorrectly manufactured rear shock absorbers can damage the rear brake hose, rear axle half shaft, wheel speed sensor and stabilizer bar end links. A damaged hose means longer stopping distances, so book the inspection quickly.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.