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Ford Explorer driveshaft may disconnect and vehicle can roll away

NHTSA campaign 23V199000 · Reported 2023-03-24 · Ford Motor Company

high How serious is it? About this label

This is serious because the SUV can lose drive power on the road or roll away after you park it, so get the free update promptly and use the parking brake and turn your wheels toward the curb whenever you park in the meantime.

What's wrong, in plain English

Two problems are covered here. The bolt that holds the rear axle in place can crack, which can let the driveshaft come loose — that means you can lose the power that moves the SUV. On top of that, an earlier software update left out a feature that automatically sets the electronic parking brake when you shift into park. Without it, the Explorer could roll away on its own. A dealer will load corrected engine-computer software.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your Explorer is included.
2. Contact your Ford dealer, or Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332, and ask for recall 23S16.
3. Have the dealer update the powertrain control module software — it is free, even if you already had recall 22V-255 done.

Affected vehicles (3)

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:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain. The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended. In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Safety risk
Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S16.

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