DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is recalling more than 1.3 million vehicles mainly in North America to fix rear suspension and transmission control software problems.

The largest recall covers over 1.2 million Explorer SUVs from 2011 through 2017. Ford says a rear suspension toe link can break if the suspension moves a lot. That can limit steering control. One customer reported running into a curb when a link broke, but Ford says it's not aware of any injuries.

Dealers will replace the left and right toe links, which keep weight on the tires.

The Explorer recall will cost Ford an estimated $180 million that will show up in the company's second-quarter results, Ford said in a filing with U.S. securities regulators.

Ford also is recalling 123,000 2013 F-150 pickups for a second time to stop transmissions from unintentionally downshifting into first gear. The recall covers pickups with 5-liter and 6.2-liter gas engines. A previous software update didn't work. Dealers will update it again.

FRANKFURT, Germany — Volkswagen says it is taking a stake in Swedish battery cell producer Northvolt AB and plans a joint factory in Germany ahead of increased production of electric vehicles next year.Wolfsburg-based Volkswagen said Wednesday that it would invest around $1 billion in joint battery activities with Northvolt that include acquiring an initial 20 percent in Northvolt.Volkswagen plans to step up production and sales of E-cars next year with its forthcoming ID. 3 compact.VW said it planned a 50-50 joint venture to build a battery cell factory in Salzgitter in its home region of Lower Saxony, whose government is a stakeholder in Volkswagen.Plant construction would start in 2020 at the earliest and production for VW would commence at the end of 2023 or start of 2024.