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Ford Explorer rear axle bolt can break, causing rollaway

NHTSA campaign 22V255000 · Reported 2022-04-14 · Ford Motor Company

high How serious is it? About this label

This is serious because a vehicle that rolls away on its own can injure someone or cause a crash, and although the notice does not tell you to park the vehicle, you should set the parking brake every single time you park until the repair is done.

What's wrong, in plain English

A bolt that holds the rear axle in place can crack and break. If it does, the driveshaft, the spinning bar that sends power to the rear wheels, can come apart. When that happens, putting the shifter in Park may no longer hold the vehicle still, so it can roll away on its own if the parking brake is not set. Depending on which Explorer you have, the dealer either replaces a bushing and axle cover or reprograms the electronic parking brake.

What you should do

1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your Explorer is included (Ford's recall number is 22S27).
2. Call your Ford dealer or Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 to schedule the repair.
3. The fix is free; in the meantime, always apply the parking brake before leaving the vehicle.

Affected vehicles (2)

Who to contact

Ford — official Ford recall lookup

Customer service: 1-866-436-7332

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Official notice

Component
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV, and 3.0L ST GAS vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Safety risk
A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in 'Park' without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover, or update the electronic parking brake software. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022, and March 10, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S27.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.