What the source says
The documented condition
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.
Consequence identified by NHTSA
Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Campaign 21V154000; report received 2021-03-10. Source checked 2026-10-18.
Source component: SUSPENSION:REAR
Compare the pattern
Symptoms and vehicle scope
Condition described by NHTSA
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.
Vehicles and limits
- NHTSA model names: EXPLORER. Model years: 2020.
- NHTSA campaign 21V154000
- The complete campaign lists 49 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
- A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.
Manufacturer position
What the official procedure directs
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.
Mileage context
Campaign 21V154000 is based on the recalled vehicle population and VIN, not a published mileage threshold. Mileage alone cannot confirm or exclude it.
Original evidence
Open the documents behind this record.
NHTSA safety recall · 21V154000 · 2021-03-10
NHTSA campaign 21V154000
Official component, defect, consequence and remedy; checked 2026-10-18.
Repair paths and safe checks
Match the action to the evidence.
Official recall 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.
Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.
Check the complete VIN
Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.
The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.
Record reviewed in the source on 2026-10-18. Confirm the current document and VIN instructions before arranging work.
How we check a problem · All records for the 2020 Ford Explorer