Ford recalling 775,000 SUVs for steering issue linked to six injuries

[July 17, 2021]  By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Ford Motor Co said on Friday it was recalling about 775,000 Ford Explorer SUVs worldwide for a steering issue linked to reports of six injuries in North America.

The recall covers 2013-2017 model year vehicles that may experience a seized cross-axis ball joint that could cause a fractured rear-suspension toe link, which could significantly diminish steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall covers 676,152 vehicles in North America, 59,935 in China and 38,600 elsewhere. The U.S. vehicles are in high-rust states.

Owner notifications will begin in late August. Dealers will inspect cross-axis ball joints and replace if needed and replace the toe links with a revised part.

Ford issued two other small recalls on Friday, nearly all of them in North America. One is for about 35,000 2020-2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty vehicles with 6.7-liter engines and single rear wheel axle for a rear-axle housing spring seat interface weld issue.

The Ford logo is seen at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., January 15, 2019. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

Ford is also recalling 41,000 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0-liter gas engines because the battery cable wire harness may not be properly secured.

The issue could result in a short circuit and potential fire. Ford is not aware of any accidents, injuries or fires related to the two smaller recalls.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Jonathan Oatis)

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