2020 Ford Explorer, 2020 Lincoln Aviator Recall: Rear lower control arm (RLCA) bolts that attach the rear lower control…
NHTSA campaign 21V154000 · Suspension · filed Mar 10, 2021 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
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.
The risk
Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
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.
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.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
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Other campaigns involving Ford vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 21V154000 (manufacturer number 21S11). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.