2020 Ford Explorer · Suspension, wheels & tires
Rear control arm bolts may break and affect steering control
NHTSA campaign 21V154000 lists the 2020 Ford Explorer for a condition in which rear control arm bolts may break and affect steering control.
What the reviewed source says
Start with the documented condition, not a parts guess.
NHTSA lists the 2020 Ford Explorer in safety campaign 21V154000. The official record says: The rear lower control arm (RLCA) bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the wheel knuckles may not have been heat-treated, which could cause them to break. The stated safety consequence is: Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash. A make, model and year match does not confirm that a specific VIN is included or that the repair remains open.
Words owners may use
Does this match the moment?
Symptoms in the pattern
- A rear lower control arm bolt may be visibly broken
- Steering control may become difficult or be lost
Vehicles and scope
- 2020 Ford Explorer
- Vehicles included in NHTSA campaign 21V154000
- VIN confirmation is required
Manufacturer position
What the official procedure directs
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace both RLCA bolts, free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S11.
Campaign 21V154000 is based on the recalled vehicle population and VIN, not a published mileage threshold. Mileage alone cannot confirm or exclude it.
Original evidence
Open the documents behind this page.
Repair paths and safe checks
Separate the diagnosis from the action.
Complete recall 21V154000
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace both RLCA bolts, free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S11.
A year and model match does not confirm VIN eligibility. Do not substitute an owner repair for an open safety recall.
What owners reported
Did this repair fix the same symptom on your car?
Loading owner reports…
Check the VIN and record what happened
Check the 17-character VIN with NHTSA or Ford. Save campaign 21V154000, any warning messages and a short description of when the symptom occurred for the service appointment.
Do not recreate a dangerous symptom for a photo or video.
What owners reported
Did this repair fix the same symptom on your car?
Loading owner reports…
Useful before authorizing work
Read the method beside the problem
These guides explain the safety and evidence checks that apply to this problem file.
Check recalls by VIN
A VIN search checks the displayed NHTSA records for an unrepaired safety recall associated with one vehicle. A model search shows only the wider campaign population.
Read guide ↗When a car is unsafe
A warning light does not always mean the same thing, but weak brakes or smoke leave little room for experimentation. Damaged tires and certain recall instructions can do the same.
Read guide ↗Why symptoms overlap
“It makes a weird noise” is useful human language. Diagnosis begins when that language is tied to the exact vehicle and its operating conditions.
Read guide ↗More for this model
Other reviewed Ford Explorer conditions
2015 to 2019 Ford Explorer · Body & structure
Body or structural component may fail
The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
2021 to 2023 Ford Explorer · Fuel system
Fuel pump or delivery fault may cause a stall
The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
2020 to 2024 Ford Explorer · Visibility & cameras
Rearview camera image may not display
The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.