Ford is recalling over 238,000 Explorers to replace axle bolts that can fail which may cause a loss of driving power or allow the SUVS to roll away while they're in park.
Officials said the recall involves certain Explorer models from 2020-2022.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, said the axle can cause the driveshaft to disconnect which increases the risk of a crash.
Owners of the vehicles can take it to dealerships where a bushing and the rear axle bolt will be replaced. Dealerships will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole and replace it if needed.
Owners will be notified by mail starting November 6.
Ford said it is aware of 396 reports of rear axle bolt failures and that fewer than 5% caused loss of power or let vehicles roll while they were in park. The company said it was not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the bolt.
The NHTSA said it opened its investigation in June after getting complaints about a loss of power due to the rear axle bolts failing despite the Explorers receiving repairs under the previous recalls earlier this year and in 2022.
Ford's solution was to update software that automatically applied the parking brake to keep the vehicles from rolling away. There was no solution addressing the failed axle bolt itself, the agency said.
Ford said Friday that it was replacing axle bolts under service campaigns before the latest recall.
