Ford is pulling back more than 412,000 Explorer SUVs across the United States after federal safety officials flagged a rear suspension problem that could compromise a driver's ability to steer.
The recall covers 2017 to 2019 Ford Explorer models and centers on a rear suspension component known as a toe link, which can crack and break. Federal safety officials say that if the part fails, "drivers could struggle to steer properly, raising the risk of a crash." Ford has stated it is not aware of any injuries linked to the issue, and dealers will inspect and replace the part at no cost to owners.
According to the Daily Mail, the issue has drawn scrutiny from auto industry observers, who say Ford's recall volume raises legitimate questions about the automaker's quality control track record. While no one disputes that recalls are a normal part of the auto industry, the sheer frequency of Ford's corrective actions in recent years has prompted a closer look at what's going on inside Dearborn.
The defective component is a rear suspension toe link — a part that helps maintain proper wheel alignment and, by extension, steering stability. When that part cracks or breaks, the vehicle's rear wheels can shift out of alignment. The result is a potentially dangerous loss of steering control.
Federal safety officials identified the problem and assigned the recall reference number 26S08. Ford estimates that only about one percent of the recalled SUVs actually have the defect. Still, with 412,774 vehicles in the recall pool, that means roughly 4,000 Explorers could be driving around with a compromised suspension part right now. Owners will receive notification letters in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Ford says owners can check for recalls through the Ford app or the company's recall page online.
This Explorer recall is far from an isolated event. In 2025 alone, Ford has issued 152 recalls — a staggering number that should give any prospective buyer pause. On top of this latest action, a separate recall affecting 40,655 vehicles was also issued for battery problems and brake pedal defects.
For a company that assembles more than 75 percent of its vehicles in the United States, there's a real tension between Ford's patriotic manufacturing footprint and its apparent difficulty keeping defects out of showrooms. Free-market advocates would note that competition — not government mandates — should be the primary driver of quality improvement. But when the recalls pile up this fast, consumers start voting with their wallets.
Auto expert and World Car of the Year judge Lauren Fix told the Daily Mail that the situation is "concerning," but not necessarily a "dealbreaker." She offered a measured take on what buyers should consider.
"What matters is how the company handles it and whether the specific model has a pattern of ongoing issues," Fix said. That's a fair point — one bad recall doesn't define an automaker, but a pattern of them certainly shapes consumer confidence.
Fix also acknowledged the broader pressures facing the industry. "Like many automakers navigating new technology and supply chain pressures, it has faced quality challenges in certain models," she said. At the same time, she credited Ford for its strengths, noting that "Ford offers strong trucks and SUVs, broad dealer support, and competitive performance and electrified options."
That's the kind of balanced assessment the market rewards. Companies that own their mistakes and fix them efficiently tend to recover trust faster than those that deflect. The question for Ford is whether 152 recalls in a single year represent a temporary growing pain or a deeper structural problem in its manufacturing and quality assurance processes.
If you own a 2017 to 2019 Ford Explorer, here's what you need to know. Ford dealers will inspect and replace the toe link free of charge. You don't need to wait for the notification letter — you can proactively check your vehicle's recall status through the Ford app or the company's recall page right now.
For prospective buyers considering a used Explorer from these model years, the recall is worth noting but not necessarily a reason to walk away. A repaired vehicle with a replaced toe link should be mechanically sound on that front. The Explorer Active 100A starts at $38,465, while the Explorer ST can run $54,905 or more — so these aren't throwaway purchases.
The broader takeaway here is simple: do your homework. Whether you're buying a Ford, GM, Toyota, or anyone else, checking recall histories is as essential as checking the Carfax. In a competitive market, automakers that fail to deliver reliable vehicles will eventually pay the price — not through government penalties, but through lost sales. That's how markets are supposed to work.