The Ford Explorer steering recall is about the rear suspension toe link, which can fracture and reduce steering control. Two NHTSA campaigns cover Explorers from 2013 to 2019: 21V537 (2013-2017) and 26V101 (2017-2019). The fix is free: dealers install a revised, stronger toe link.
Quick answer: check your VIN for both campaigns. Ford estimated about 2% of vehicles in 21V537 and about 1% in 26V101 have the defect, but a failed toe link can affect steering, so do not ignore a clunk or odd handling.
What the Ford Explorer Steering Recall Covers
| Campaign | Model years | Production window | US vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21V537 (Ford 21S32) | 2013-2017 | Sept. 4, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2017 | 631,176 |
| 26V101 (Ford 26S08) | 2017-2019 | May 16, 2017 to March 3, 2019 | 412,774 |
VINs are not in order, so a model year alone does not tell you if your Explorer is included. Counts are US figures from the NHTSA filings.
How a Broken Toe Link Affects Steering
The toe link holds the rear wheel’s alignment. If it fractures, the rear wheel can move out of position, which reduces steering control and raises crash risk. In 21V537, Ford traced the problem to a cross-axis ball joint that can seize after years of exposure to road salt, loading the link until it breaks. For 26V101, the root cause was not fully established in the filing, though a seized ball joint was one suspect. Ford reported two possible related accidents worldwide in 26V101, both involving a guardrail or barrier, and no known injuries.
Warning Signs to Watch For
- A clunking noise from the rear suspension
- Unusual handling or a vehicle that drifts or feels unstable
- A rear wheel that looks misaligned
How Ford Fixes the Problem
Dealers replace the toe links with a revised, stronger design at no cost. For 21V537, they also torque-check the cross-axis ball joint and replace the joint or knuckle if required. Ford ran a reimbursement program for owners who paid for earlier repairs; ask your dealer if you did.
How to Check Your VIN and What to Do Next
- Look up your VIN on NHTSA’s recall page (US) or the Canadian recall database, or ask a Ford dealer to check.
- Read the owner letter for any instruction about driving the vehicle before repair.
- Book the free repair. Ask the dealer to confirm parts are in stock.
- Ask for an alignment check afterwards.
Official reports: 21V537 and 26V101. For other Ford campaigns, see our Ford vehicles recall guide, the Ford Expedition brake recall and the rearview camera recall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Ford Explorers are in the steering recall?
Two NHTSA campaigns cover the rear toe link: 21V537 for 2013-2017 Explorers (631,176 US vehicles, built Sept. 2012 to Sept. 2017) and 26V101 for 2017-2019 Explorers (412,774 US vehicles, built May 2017 to March 2019). Not all vehicles are included, so check your VIN.
What is the problem?
The rear suspension toe link can fracture, which reduces steering control and raises crash risk. In 21V537, a seized cross-axis ball joint, mainly after years of road-salt exposure, put extra bending stress on the link.
What are the warning signs?
Ford and NHTSA list a clunking noise, unusual handling, and a misaligned rear wheel. If you notice any of these, have the vehicle inspected right away.
What is the fix and is it free?
Yes, it is free. Dealers replace the toe links with a revised, stronger design. For 21V537 they also inspect the cross-axis ball joint and replace the joint or knuckle if needed.
Does this apply to Canadian Explorers?
Counts in the filings are for US vehicles, and Canadian coverage can differ. Check your VIN with Ford Canada, the Government of Canada recall database, or your dealer.
