Ford issues SUV recall

Ford has issued a recall of about 775,000 Ford Explorers worldwide over a potential steering problem that may increase the risk of a crash.

The blue oval says some models of the SUV may experience a seized cross-axis ball joint, which may cause a fractured rear-suspension toe link and has the potential to reduce steering control. The problem has been linked to reports of six injuries in North America, reports Reuters.

The alert covers 2013 to 2017 model year vehicles and affects 676,152 units in North America, 59,935 in China and 38,600 elsewhere.

None of the affected SUVs were sold directly by Ford New Zealand, but privately imported or independently imported Explorers from that period may be on our roads.

Tom Clancy, a spokesman for Ford NZ, says: “Being a safety recall, Ford New Zealand will still do the work necessary as indicated in the safety recall free of charge to the owner. 

“However, being independently or privately imported, Ford New Zealand does not get notice or a record of these vehicles so we can’t notify the owners. 

“If someone has a 2013-2017 Explorer in New Zealand, they will need to check if their vehicle is affected.”

People can find out if their SUV is part of the recall at the Ford NZ website and if it is they should then contact a Ford dealer.

The marque says dealers will inspect cross-axis ball joints and replace if needed and replace the toe links with a revised part.