Off the Engine Rails: Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Recall

Ford Motor Company has sent dealers a so-called “New Vehicle Demonstration / Delivery Hold”* covering 2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The engine rails may have been improperly heat-treated. This means affected Aviator and Explorer SUVs fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, “Occupant Crash Protection” and 301, “Fuel System Integrity.”

In the latest example of quality being off the rails at Ford, an engine rail may detach and contact the road while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. The unsafe vehicles were built in Chicago during April and May of this year.

Dealers will perform an engine rail strength test and replace the rails as necessary, free of charge as required by Federal regulations. If the engine rails require replacement, owners will have the option for a vehicle replacement or buyback. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 1, 2022.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 22C13. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

* Federal law requires dealers to complete this recall service before a new vehicle is delivered to the buyer or lessee. Violation by a dealer could result in a civil penalty of up to $21,000 per vehicle.