Ford Recalls More Than 7,100 Explorer SUVs in China Over Corroded Rear Suspension Parts

Ford Motor Company has announced a recall in China covering 7,133 imported Ford Explorer models from the 2017-2019 model years. The campaign applies to vehicles built between October 1, 2017, and October 4, 2018, and has already been registered with China’s State Administration for Market Regulation.

The issue centers on the SUV’s rear suspension. According to Ford, vehicles that spent years operating in cold-weather regions where heavy amounts of road salt and chemical de-icers are commonly used may develop severe corrosion inside the ball joint connection of the rear toe link.

Over time, that corrosion can cause the joint to seize, increasing the risk that the suspension arm itself could eventually crack or fail.

For drivers, the danger isn’t limited to noise or vibration. If the rear suspension link breaks, the vehicle’s handling can become unstable, especially during lane changes, braking, or highway driving. In certain situations, that loss of control could raise the risk of a crash.

Ford says dealers will replace the affected rear suspension links free of charge with updated components designed to better resist corrosion. Technicians will also inspect and adjust rear-wheel alignment during the repair process.

The latest action expands an earlier recall campaign involving imported Explorer SUVs that was first announced on July 8, 2022.

The problem highlights a common issue facing older SUVs operated in regions with harsh winters. In many cases, the biggest long-term threat doesn’t come from the engine or transmission, but from corrosion hidden underneath the vehicle after years of exposure to salt-covered roads.

For Explorer owners, the recall offers an official fix for one of the SUV’s more vulnrable weak points. Even outside China, owners of aging Explorers in snowy climates may want to have the rear suspension inspected, since corrosion and time tend to affect metal the same way no matter where the vehicle was sold.