Ford issues recall for 1.2 million vehicles over fears they could cause crashes

Car manufacturer Ford has recalled more than a million Explorer vehicles over fears of a fault which can affect steering and risks crashes.

The affected vehicles were built in Chicago between May 2010 and January 2017, the company said in a statement.

It comes after a driver reported hitting a curb because of a broken toe line.

Ford says around 1.2 million cars in the US are affected.

It said: "A fracture of a rear toe link significantly diminishes steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

"One customer reported hitting a curb when the toe link broke. Ford is not aware of any reports of injury related to this condition in markets included in this action.

The manufacturer has been forced to recall the vehicles in the US and Canada (Getty Images)

"This action affects approximately 1.2 million vehicles in the United States and federalized territories, approximately 28,000 in Canada and one in Mexico.

"Affected vehicles were built at Chicago Assembly Plant, May 17, 2010 to Jan. 25, 2017."

On top of this, around 120,000 F-150 vehicles have been recalled because of an issue with transmission calibration.

And a further 12,000 2010-17 Ford Taurus, 2009-17 Ford Flex, 2009-15 Lincoln MKS and 2010-17 Lincoln MKT vehicles have also been recalled in Canada.

This is because of a rear suspension toe link fracture issue.