San Francisco: After receiving complaints about repairs meant to stop the vehicles from unexpectedly rolling away even while in park, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking into a Ford Motor Co. recall of more than a quarter million Explorer SUVs in the US.
A Ford software update that was created to apply the electronic parking brake if the drive shaft failed, according to the agency, fixed the issue, which was attributed to fractures of a rear axle mounting bolt that could cause the drive shaft to disconnect. However, two vehicle owners claim that after the repair, their SUVs began acting erratically.
One of those incidents reportedly involved the Explorer coming to a complete stop at up to 30 or 40 mph. In the other, while the driver was trying to disengage the electronic brake, it allegedly would suddenly start moving. There were no injuries reported in these incidents, but the first driver did claim that his Explorer started rolling downhill after an abrupt stop, possibly because the drivetrain had disengaged.
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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, were included in the initial recall. Hybrid Explorer Police models from 2020 and 2021 as well as 3.3-liter gas-powered models were also included.
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The 2021 Explorers were involved in both of the reported incidents. According to a Ford representative, the company is collaborating with the NHTSA on this issue.