Nov 23, 2022SuspensionCrash
Driving about 50mph on dry country road, good visibility, when suddenly car pulled hard right. We went onto a grass embankment, I managed to pull left back onto the road, but car fish-tailed uncontrollably, we hit crash barrier, and finally came to a stop. Badly shaken but no injuries. Examining car, besides body damage, most notably rear drivers side wheel was mis-aligned with car by about 15 degrees. Photo of suspension I took shows broken toe-link, subsequently confirmed by body shop and loss adjuster. The car had new rear struts 2 days earlier, but at that time no report of a broken toe-link. I have subsequently learnt there is a recall for broken toe-link for Ford Explorers 2013-2017, but mine is 2018. But I suspect the recall should have been broader - my toe-link looks like one subject to recall.
NHTSA ODI 11494672
Nov 23, 2022SuspensionCrash
The contact called in for a client who owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact works at an independently owned auto body shop. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed into the body shop for inspection. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the driver’s rear toe link had fractured. The contact stated that while the owner of the vehicle was driving at an undisclosed speed, he lost control of the vehicle and spun out, and ran off the road causing damage to the vehicle. The contact stated that he was called by the State Police to tow the vehicle. The contact was unaware of any injuries being sustained during the failure. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 59,004.
NHTSA ODI 11494693