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Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator rear suspension bolts may break
high How serious is it? About this label
Broken control arm bolts can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.
Key facts
| NHTSA campaign number | 21V154000 |
|---|---|
| Reported to NHTSA | Mar 10, 2021 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Part affected | Suspension:rear |
| Vehicles covered | 2 model/year combinations, model years 2020 |
| Do-not-drive advisory | No |
| Park-outside advisory | No |
| Repair | Free at any franchised dealer |
What's wrong, in plain English
On some 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles, the bolts attaching the rear lower control arms to the wheel knuckles may not have been heat-treated properly, which could cause them to break. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace both bolts, free of charge.
What you should do
2. Contact a Ford dealer to have both rear lower control arm bolts replaced. Ford customer service: 1-866-436-7332.
3. The repair is free.
Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?
Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 21V154000. More in how recalls work.
Affected vehicles (2)
Who to contact
Ford — official Ford recall lookup
Customer service: 1-866-436-7332
Lincoln — official Lincoln recall lookup
Customer service: 1-866-436-7332
The bigger picture
- Ford Suspension Recalls Involve Control Arms, Loose Fasteners, and Axles · all 18 Ford recalls in this area
- Lincoln Suspension Recalls Involving Rear Links, Bolts, Springs and Shocks · all 6 Lincoln recalls in this area
Other Ford Explorer recalls
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- Jul 14, 2026Ford Explorer Roof Rail Covers May Detachhigh
- Jul 14, 2026Ford, Lincoln Second-Row Seats May Shift Unexpectedlyhigh
- Jun 24, 2026Ford, Lincoln SUVs: Transmission Park System May Failhigh
- Jun 9, 2026Ford Explorer Park System May Fail, Rollaway Riskhigh
- May 27, 2026Ford Explorer Engine May Fail Suddenlyhigh
Official notice
- Component
- SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The rear lower control arm (RLCA) bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the wheel knuckles may not have been heat-treated, which could cause them to break.
- Safety risk
- Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace both RLCA bolts, free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S11.
Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.