Ford Motor Co. is recalling 252,936 Explorers sold in the United States to replace faulty bolts that can cause the vehicles to roll away while in park if the brake is not applied.
The recall covers certain 2020 through 2022 Explorers with 2.3-liter engines, as well as 3-liter and 3.3-liter hybrids and the 3-liter ST. Also included are 2020 and 2021 Explorer Police hybrids and those with 3.3-liter gas engines.
Documents posted Friday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that a rear axle mounting bolt can fracture, causing the drive shaft to disconnect, meaning the affected SUVs can roll away while parked.
Per the documents, Ford has fielded 235 warranty claims related to the issue but has not received any reports of crashes or injuries associated with the faulty bolts.
According to the company, dealers will either replace a bushing and the axle cover, or they will update electronic parking brake software, depending on the model.
Dealers will be notified beginning in April, and owners will be notified by June 10.
-- The Associated Press contributed to this report.
©2022 Cox Media Group
