SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating a Ford Motor Co. recall of more than a quarter million Explorer SUVs in the United States after complaints were received about repairs designed to prevent the vehicles from unexpectedly rolling away, itself when parked Park.
The problem, which stems from fractures in a rear axle mounting bolt that could cause the driveshaft to disconnect, has been addressed by a software update from Ford designed to apply the electronic parking brake if the driveshaft fails, the agency said. However, according to two complaints from vehicle owners, their SUVs behaved erratically after the repair.
In one of those instances, the Explorer reportedly came to a complete stop at speeds of up to 30 or 40 mph. In the other case, it reportedly started moving while the driver was trying to release the electronic brake. No injuries were reported in these cases, although the first driver reported hitting a utility pole when the Explorer, after coming to an abrupt stop, began rolling downhill, apparently because the drive train was disengaged.
The original recall affected certain 2020-2022 Explorers with 2.3-litre engines, as well as 3-litre and 3.3-litre Hybrids and the 3-litre ST. Also included were the 2020 and 2021 Explorer Police hybrids and those with 3.3-litre petrol engines. Both reported incidents involved 2021 Explorers.
A Ford representative said the company is working with NHTSA on the matter.
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