Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling some 2023 Explorer vehicles because the right-front lower fastener connecting the steering knuckle and strut may be loose or missing, according to document made public by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today. Lincoln Aviator models made at the same plant, Chicago Assembly, are not affected by this safety defect. (AutoInformed:Ford Recalls 1.88 Million Explorer SUVs for Trim Detachment)
A loose or missing connection between the knuckle and strut can cause improper tire alignment, resulting in a steering pull or require increased steering effort. Moreover, the brake hose may contact the tire and become damaged, resulting in a brake fluid leak and a loss of braking. Either of these circumstances can increase the risk of a crash.
Chronology
- On 9 January 2024, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) opened an investigation into a report of a missing fastener attaching the knuckle-to-strut on a 2023 MY Explorer vehicle. The Plant Vehicle Team (PVT)at the Chicago Assembly Plant (CAP) identified this issue during a daily warranty claim review.
- Ford confirmed the primary double spindle fixture tool which secures the right front knuckle-to-strut fasteners was offline for repairs for 121 Explorer rotations on 19 December 2023. Of the 121 Explorer rotations, Ford confirmed the fasteners were in place for 2 vehicles and 1 vehicle was fixed at the dealer. CCRG confirmed that this backup tool process did not affect Aviator vehicles because those vehicles do not utilize the same knuckle-to-strut joint and a different process is used to secure the right front corner.
- As of 24 January 2024, Ford is aware of one warranty claim related to this defect. Ford has not identified any VOQs (vehicle online complaint to NHTSA or the maker from an owner) related to this potential safety problem.
- On February 2, 2024, Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed the concern and approved a field action. Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this defect.
Dealers will inspect the fasteners, and tighten or install them as necessary, free of charge as required by US safety regulations. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed 4 March 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 24S04. 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 about NHTSA recall 24V091.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Ford Recalls 2023 Explorers for Loose Steering Knuckles
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling some 2023 Explorer vehicles because the right-front lower fastener connecting the steering knuckle and strut may be loose or missing, according to document made public by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today. Lincoln Aviator models made at the same plant, Chicago Assembly, are not affected by this safety defect. (AutoInformed:Ford Recalls 1.88 Million Explorer SUVs for Trim Detachment)
A loose or missing connection between the knuckle and strut can cause improper tire alignment, resulting in a steering pull or require increased steering effort. Moreover, the brake hose may contact the tire and become damaged, resulting in a brake fluid leak and a loss of braking. Either of these circumstances can increase the risk of a crash.
Chronology
Dealers will inspect the fasteners, and tighten or install them as necessary, free of charge as required by US safety regulations. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed 4 March 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 24S04. 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 about NHTSA recall 24V091.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.