Ford has announced two major safety recalls affecting more than 450,000 vehicles across the United States, after federal regulators identified mechanical defects that could increase the risk of crashes.
The recalls address concerns involving rear suspension components, battery failures and brake pedal issues, according to U.S. safety officials.
Over 412,000 Ford Explorer SUVs Recalled for Rear Suspension Risk
The largest portion of the recall impacts 412,774 model year 2017–2019 Ford Explorer SUVs. The issue centers around a component known as the rear suspension toe link, which may fracture over time.
Toe links play a critical role in maintaining proper rear wheel alignment. If a toe link breaks, drivers could experience unexpected changes in vehicle handling or steering performance. Federal regulators warn that such a failure may significantly increase crash risk.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed that dealerships will replace the rear suspension toe links with a redesigned and stronger component at no cost to owners.
Ford has stated it is not aware of any injuries connected to the toe link defect.
Dealer notifications are expected to begin February 25, while owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed starting March 9.
Additional 40,655 Vehicles Recalled for Battery and Brake Concerns
In a separate recall action, Ford is calling back 40,655 additional vehicles due to battery failures and brake pedal defects.
Regulators indicated that battery malfunctions could result in unexpected vehicle shutdowns, while brake pedal defects may impair stopping performance. Both issues elevate the likelihood of accidents, prompting the precautionary recall.
Ford has not disclosed detailed injury reports connected to this secondary recall but emphasized that the corrective measures will be provided free of charge.
Ford’s Record-Breaking Recall Year Raises Industry Attention
The latest safety actions follow what has already been a historically high recall year for the automaker.
In 2025, Ford issued 103 safety recalls, surpassing its previous annual record with months still remaining in the calendar year. Industry analysts previously highlighted the surge in recalls as part of broader quality-control scrutiny within the automotive sector.
The recalls underscore the increasing regulatory oversight faced by major automakers, particularly as vehicles become more mechanically and electronically complex.
What Ford Owners Should Do
Owners of affected vehicles are encouraged to:
- Wait for official notification letters from Ford
- Contact authorized dealerships for free inspections and repairs
- Check their vehicle identification number (VIN) on official recall lookup platforms
Repairs related to the rear suspension, battery systems and brake components will be completed at no cost to customers.
Growing Focus on Automotive Safety
Automotive recalls have become more common in recent years as regulators push for stricter safety compliance standards. Suspension integrity, battery performance and braking reliability remain among the most critical safety elements in modern vehicles.
Ford’s latest recall actions reinforce how even widely sold and popular models like the Explorer remain subject to evolving safety reviews and engineering updates.
For affected owners, the recall provides a preventive fix — aimed at addressing potential risks before incidents occur.
