Safety Recall 21S11 – Rear Lower Control Arm Bolt and Nut Replacement – 2020 Lincoln Aviator & Ford Explorer

“This site contains affiliate links for which OEMDTC may be compensated”

March 10, 2021 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V154000

Rear Lower Control Arm Bolts May Break

Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V154

Manufacturer Ford Motor Company

Components SUSPENSION

Potential Number of Units Affected 49

 

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. 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.

 

Remedy

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.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

Check if your Vehicle has a Recall

 


AFFECTED VEHICLES

Vehicle Model Year Assembly Plant Build Dates
Aviator 2020 Chicago February 3, 2020 through February 13, 2020
Explorer 2020 Chicago January 21, 2020 through March 6, 2020

 

Affected vehicles are identified in OASIS and FSA VIN Lists.

 

REASON FOR THIS SAFETY RECALL

In some of the affected vehicles, the bolts that attach the rear lower control arms (RLCA) to the wheel knuckles may have missed the heat treatment process during manufacturing. A RLCA attachment bolt with missing heat treatment may fracture while driving. Fracture of a RLCA attachment bolt diminishes steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

SERVICE ACTION

Before demonstrating or delivering any new in-stock vehicles involved in this recall, dealers are to replace both rear lower control arm to wheel knuckle bolts and nuts. This service must be performed on all affected vehicles at no charge to the vehicle owner.

 

OWNER NOTIFICATION AND MAILING SCHEDULE

Owner letters are expected to be mailed the week of March 29, 2021. Dealers should repair any affected vehicles that arrive at their dealerships, whether or not the customer has received a letter.

 

SOLD VEHICLES

  • Ford has not issued instructions to stop selling/delivering or driving used vehicles under this safety recall. Owners should contact their dealer for an appointment to have their vehicles remedied as soon as practicable. Owners can continue to safely drive their vehicles.
  • Immediately contact any of your affected customers whose vehicles are not on your VIN list but are identified in OASIS. Give the customer a copy of the Owner Notification Letter (when available) and schedule a service date.
  • Correct other affected vehicles identified in OASIS which are brought to your dealership.
  • Dealers are to prioritize repairs of customer vehicles over repairs of new and used vehicle inventory.

 

STOCK VEHICLES

  • Correct all affected units in your new vehicle inventory before delivery.
  • Use OASIS to identify any affected vehicles in your used vehicle inventory.

 

DEALER-OPERATED RENTAL VEHICLES

The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act law effective June 2016 prohibits a rental company from selling, renting or leasing vehicles subject to a safety or compliance recall. Please consult your legal counsel for legal advice.

 

TITLE BRANDED / SALVAGED VEHICLES

Affected title branded and salvaged vehicles are eligible for this recall. 

 

OWNER REFUNDS

Refunds are not approved for this program.

 

RENTAL VEHICLES

Rental vehicles are not approved for this program.

 

LINCOLN PICKUP AND DELIVERY

Owners of 2017 MY and newer Lincoln vehicles have the option of requesting pickup and delivery service with a Lincoln loaner (up to 2 days), from their dealership. For details, reference EFC07715, 2020 Lincoln Pickup & Delivery Updates.

 

 

PARTS REQUIREMENTS / ORDERING INFORMATION

Part Number  Description Order Quantity Claim Quantity
W720438-S439 Bolt (4 in package, 2 required) 1 2
W714297-S440 Nut (2 in package, 2 required) 1 2

 

Order your parts through normal order processing channels. To guarantee the shortest delivery time, an emergency order for parts must be placed.

 


CERTAIN 2020 MODEL YEAR AVIATOR AND EXPLORER VEHICLES — REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BOLT AND NUT REPLACEMENT

 

SERVICE PROCEDURE

 

NOTE: This recall is to be performed on both the right rear and the left rear suspension.

 

1. Measure the distance from the center of the wheel hub to the lip of the fender with the vehicle in a level,  static ground position (ride height) before disassembly. See Figure 1a.

 

2. Remove both rear wheel and tire. Please follow the WSM procedures in Section 204-04A.

 

3. Using a jack stand, support the rear suspension to ride height. See Figure 2.

 

NOTICE: Make sure that the insulator pads are correctly positioned to prevent direct contact with other components.

 

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect the performance of vital components and systems. Failure of these fasteners may result in major service expense. Use the same or equivalent parts if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Tighten fasteners as specified.

 

4. Remove and discard the lower arm-to-wheel knuckle bolt and nut. See Figure 2.

 

5. Install the new lower arm-to-wheel knuckle bolt and nut. Only hand tighten the nut at this time. See Figure 3.

 

6. Adjust the jack stand to achieve the ride height measured in Step 1. See Figure 1b.

  • Tighten the new lower arm-to-wheel knuckle bolt and nut to: 258 lb.ft (350 Nm).

 

NOTICE: Tighten the suspension bushing fasteners with the suspension loaded or with the weight of the vehicle resting on the wheels and tires, otherwise incorrect clamp load and bushing damage may occur.

 

7. Lower and remove the axle stand.

 

8. Repeat Steps 1-7 on the opposite side of the vehicle. Then proceed to Step 9.

 

9. Install both rear wheel and tire. Please follow the WSM procedures in Section 204-04A.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Federal law prohibits selling motor vehicle parts or components that are under safety, compliance, or emissions recall. Unless a part is requested to be returned to Ford, all parts replaced under this FSA must be scrapped in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal environmental protection and hazardous material regulations. Refer to the Parts Retention, Return, & Scrapping section of the FSA dealer bulletin for further information.

 


 


2 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE MODEL YEAR
FORD EXPLORER 2020
LINCOLN AVIATOR 2020

 


8 Associated Documents

Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-21V154-3738.PDF 214.84KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [209.80 KB]

 


Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2021-2

RCLQRT-21V154-2648.PDF 211.126KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [206.18 KB]

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-21V154-0076.pdf 51.211KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [50.01 KB]

 


Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-21V154-4985.pdf 645.198KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [630.08 KB]

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – Dealer Message re NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD – Safety Recall 21S11 Certain 2020 Model Year Aviator and Explorer Vehicles Rear Lower Control Arm Bolt and Nut Replacement

RCMN-21V154-9787.pdf 640.786KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [625.77 KB]

 


Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2021-3

RCLQRT-21V154-3168.PDF 211.225KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [206.27 KB]

 


ISSUED Renotification Notice

RCRN-21V154-4080.pdf 545.272KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [532.49 KB]

 


Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2021-4

RCLQRT-21V154-4775.PDF 211.312KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [206.36 KB]

 


Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=21V154&docType=RCL

 


 

Bestseller No. 1
Suspension Dudes PAIR Front Sway Bar Stabilizer Links Mountaineer Pickup Explorer Ranger Ram, Bushings Made In USA K700542 K7275 (4 PC Link/Bushing Kit 1998-2010/29-30 MM Bar)
  • 🎯 VEHICLE FITMENT Before purchasing, please use fitment checker on top left to confirm proper vehicle fitment. If you have any questions regarding fitment, please reach out to us.
  • 💪 COATING Hardware specially coated with Black Zinc, to increase strength and corrosion resistance.
  • 🔴 BUSHINGS High Quality Made In USA Code Red Bushings that will outlast the others on the market today.
  • 👌 INSTALLATION For easiest installation, install while vehicle is on ground at normal ride height
Bestseller No. 2
ACROPIX Rear Suspension Sway Bar Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Bushing Fit for Ford Explorer 2011-2019 No.BB5Z-5A772-A, 8A8Z-5A772-B - Pack of 2
  • Fit for: for Ford Explorer Base, Limited, XLT 2011-2019 for Ford Explorer Sport 2013-2019 for Ford Flex Limited, SE, SEL 2009-2014 for Ford Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility Base 2013-2019 for Ford Special Service Police Sedan Base 2014-2018 for Ford Taurus Limited, SE, SEL, SHO 2010-2019 for Lincoln MKS Base, EcoBoost 2010-2016 for Lincoln MKT Base, EcoBoost 2010-2014.
  • OE Number:BB5Z-5A772-A, 8A8Z-5A772-B
  • Advantages: To replace your sway bar bushing, long service life, not easy to crack, discoloration or cracking, made of good-quality thermoplastic materials, durable use.
  • Easy Installation: Professional installation is highly recommended
  • Package Includes: 2 Pcs Rear Suspension Sway Bar Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Bushing
SaleBestseller No. 3
MOOG K202132 Suspension Stabilizer Bar Bushing Kit for Ford Explorer
  • COMPATIBILITY – Fits 2013-2013 Ford Police Interceptor Utility; 2014-2019 Ford Police Interceptor Utility; 2013-2013 Ford Explorer; 2014-2019 Ford Explorer; 2014-2015 Ford Explorer; 2016-2019 Ford Explorer; 2013-2019 Ford Flex; 2013-2019 Lincoln MKT
  • GET THE RIGHT PART -- Before purchasing, research to ensure that the part will fit your vehicle; enter all vehicle information (year, make, model, engine and trim) for compatibility and check qualifier notes
  • PREMIUM MATERIALS -- Made from high-quality natural rubber material for durability and ride performance
  • EXTENDED SERVICE LIFE -- Less prone to splitting, discoloring or cracking with age for long life
  • HIGHLY PRECISE ENGINEERING -- Optimized for quiet operation and helps to inhibit wear, salt, road grime and oils
Bestseller No. 4
Detroit Axle - Front End 12pc Suspension Kit for Ford Explorer Ranger Mazda B2500 B3000 Mercury Mountaineer Upper Lower Control Arms Ball Joints Sway Bars Inner Outer Tie Rods - w/Torsion Bar ONLY
  • For Use With One-Piece Right Upper Control Arm Design
  • Front Control Arms Kit Replacement for Ford Explorer 1998-2001 - [for Ford Ranger (w / Torsion Bar Suspension) 1998-2011] - 1999 Mazda B2500 (2WD; w / Torsion Bar Suspension) - [1998-2007 Mazda B3000 (w / Torsion Bar Suspension)] - 1998-2009 Mazda B4000 (w / Torsion Bar Suspension) - [1998-2000 Mercury Mountaineer (w / Torsion Bar Suspension)] - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  • Control Arms Kit Includes: 4x Front Upper & Lower Control Arms w/Ball Joints + 4x Front Inner & Outer Tie Rod Ends + 2x Front Sway Bars + 2x Rack & Pinion Tie Rod Boots + Bellows
  • Detroit Axle Suspension Components are Ready to Meet the Rigorous Demands of Today's Foreign and Domestic Passenger Cars, Trucks, and SUVs
  • The Products Undergo Impact, Wear, and Fatigue Testing to Help Ensure Quality and Durability
Bestseller No. 5
Monroe Reflex 911330 Suspension Shock Absorber for Ford Explorer
  • Package Dimensions: 25.8 L x 3.88 H x 5.23 W (inches)
  • Package Weight : 11.25 pounds
  • Country of Origin : China
  • Part Number: 911330
Bestseller No. 6
Aviator 2002-2005 For Mercury Mountaineer" />
SCITOO 2pcs Rear Sway Bar End Links Fit For 2002-2005 For Ford Explorer 2003-2005 For Lincoln Aviator 2002-2005 For Mercury Mountaineer
  • 【2pc Set Suspension Kit Fitment】 2002-2005 For Ford Explorer, 2003-2005 For Lincoln Aviator, 2002-2005 For Mercury Mountaineer
  • Suspension Kit Include】 2 x K80033 Rear Sway Bar End Link
  • 【When To Replace Suspension Kit】It's Time To Replace Your Suspension Kit If You Experience Any Of The Following: ① Steering Noise Sounds When Turning, ② Feeling Every Bump, Or ③ Difficulty When Steering
  • Suspension Kit Buyer's Guide】 A Complete Suspension Kit Typically Includes Control Arms, Idler Arm, Pitman Arm, Tie Rod Ends,Sway Bar Links And Ball Joints.All Of Our Suspension Parts Have Been Pregreased Before Delivery, Will Require No More Additional Work.✔️ PLEASE TELL US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS
  • 【Note】 SCITOO AUTO Provide Suspension Kit For Most Cars,Suvs,Trucks And Trailers.⚠ Please Carefully Select Your Vehicle (Year/Make/Model/Trim )In The Top Left Corner Of The Page To Confirm Compatibility,Or Refer To The Vehicles Information In Description
Bestseller No. 7
SCITOO 4pcs Suspension Kit Front Rear Sway Bar Links Fit 2011-2018 For Ford Explorer 2013-2018 For Ford Police Interceptor Utility
  • Suspension Kit Fitment】2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 For Ford Explorer; 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 For Ford Police Interceptor Utility
  • Suspension Kit Include】(1) X K750393 Rear Sway Bar End Link - Driver Side; (1) X K750394 Rear Sway Bar End Link - Passenger Side; (1) X K750616 Front Sway Bar End Link - Passenger Side; (1) X K750617 Front Sway Bar End Link - Driver Side;
  • 【When To Replace】 Replace your suspension kit if you experience: ①Steering Noise Sounds When turning ②Feeling Every Bump ③Difficulty When Steering
  • 【Buyer's Guide】A complete suspension kit typically includes control arms, idler arm, pitman arm, tie rod ends, sway bar links, and ball joints. All of our suspension parts come pre-greased, will require no additional work
  • 【Note】 SCITOO AUTO provide suspension kits for most cars, SUVs, trucks and trailers. ⚠ Please select your vehicle (Year/Make/Model/Trim) in the top left corner of the page to confirm compatibility or refer to the vehicle information in the description
Bestseller No. 8
Detroit Axle - 8pc Suspension Kit for FWD 2013-2018 Ford Explorer [Excludes Police Model] Front Struts with Coil Spring Rear Shock Absorbers Front Rear Sway Bar Links 2014 2015 2016 2017 Replacement
  • Fits FWD; Excluding Police Models
  • Struts Shocks Kit Replacement for 2013 Explorer (Built After 09/04/2012) - [2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Explorer]
  • Struts Kit Includes: 2x Front Strut and Coil Spring Assembly + 2x Rear Shock Absorber Assembly + 4x Front and Rear Sway Bar Links
  • Detroit Axle Strut Assemblies are Complete and Ready for Installation with no Additional Work or Special Tool Required for Installation
  • The Products Undergo Impact, Wear, and Fatigue Testing to Help Ensure Quality and Durability
Bestseller No. 9
A-Premium 6Pcs Front Suspension Kit, Lower Control Arm Sway Bar Link Outer Tie Rod End, Compatible with Ford Explorer 2011-2019, Police Interceptor Utility 2013-2019
  • [Vehicle Fitment]: Compatible with Ford Explorer 2011-2019 ✔ Police Interceptor Utility 2013-2019 ✔
  • [Installation Position]: Front Suspension Left and Right Side
  • [Ideal Replacement]: This suspension steering kit is replacement for above model's suspension system, and may help you resolve those problems: ① clunking noise ② steering wander ③ uneven tire wear ④ excessive vibration ⑤ poor handling !!!!
  • [Package Detail]: 2 x Front Lower Control Arm Assemblies, 2 x Front Outer Tie Rod Ends, 2 x Front Sway Bar Links
  • [Reference Part Number]: RK622216, 522-759, RK622215, 522-760, K750617, K750616, ES800952, BB5Z3079A, BB5Z3079B, GB5Z3079E, GB5Z3078C, GB5Z3078D, GB5Z3078E, BB5Z5K483A, GB5Z5K483A, BB5Z5K484A, GB5Z5K484A
Bestseller No. 10
SCITOO 12pcs Suspension Kit Front Lower Control Arm And Ball Joint Outer Inner Tie Rod End w/Boot Sway Bar Link Replacement 2011-2019 For Ford Explorer 2013-2019 For Ford Police Interceptor Utility
  • 【12pc Set Suspension Kit Fitment】 2011-2019 For Ford Explorer, 2013-2019 For Ford Police Interceptor Utility
  • Suspension Kit Include】 1 x K622215 Front Lower Control Arm And Ball Joint - Passenger Side, 1 x K622216 Front Lower Control Arm And Ball Joint - Driver Side, 2 x ES800952 Front Outer Tie Rod End, 2 x EV800893 Front Inner Tie Rod End, 1 x K750393 Rear Sway Bar End Link - Driver Side, 1 x K750394 Rear Sway Bar End Link - Passenger Side, 1 x K750616 Front Sway Bar End Link - Passenger Side, 1 x K750617 Front Sway Bar End Link - Driver Side, 2 x Front Steering Rack Boot
  • 【When To Replace Suspension Kit】It's Time To Replace Your Suspension Kit If You Experience Any Of The Following: ① Steering Noise Sounds When Turning, ② Feeling Every Bump, Or ③ Difficulty When Steering
  • Suspension Kit Buyer's Guide】 A Complete Suspension Kit Typically Includes Control Arms, Idler Arm, Pitman Arm, Tie Rod Ends,Sway Bar Links And Ball Joints.All Of Our Suspension Parts Have Been Pregreased Before Delivery, Will Require No More Additional Work.✔️ PLEASE TELL US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS
  • 【Note】 SCITOO AUTO Provide Suspension Kit For Most Cars,Suvs,Trucks And Trailers.⚠ Please Carefully Select Your Vehicle (Year/Make/Model/Trim )In The Top Left Corner Of The Page To Confirm Compatibility,Or Refer To The Vehicles Information In Description

Last update on 2024-06-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.

Leave a Comment

Share to...