Table 1 shows one common suspension related problems of the 2021 Ford Explorer.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Suspension problems |
When driving to our local store I noticed my down shift to be rough, so I turned into the back roads, I heard lots of noise coming from the back of the vehicle and then I heard a loud pop and it was my rear axe differential bolt that snapped causing me to lose power.
On [xxx], we sent a 2021 Ford interceptor to j. C. Lewis Ford located at 309 w. Oglethorpe hwy, hinesville, georgia 31313 for a recall under 23s55. The recall is a safety issue related to a rear axle bolt and the possibility the bolt can fracture. We had the recall done and returned the vehicle to service. On or about [xxx], our fleet manager was called to the liberty county jail because this vehicle was making a loud noise from the rear end. Our fleet manager had the vehicle towed to the county shop where it was inspected. They concluded the vehicle would need to be towed to Ford for repair since the rear axle bolt fractured, the exact issue that was addressed under the recall. A few days later, we were notified that the dealer was refusing to pay for the repair since they had already done the recall. I contacted Ford customer service, case number [xxx], to try and resolve the issue. After going back and forth, I received notification on February 3, 2026, that financial assistance has been denied and that this concern is caused by how the vehicle was / is used over and form of manufacturer defect or previously completed recall. The vehicle is a police interceptor purchased for use as a patrol vehicle for the liberty county sheriff's office located in hinesville, georgia. The vehicle is assigned to our civil division and the operator serves evictions and civil documents. The vehicle is not used for patrol but even if it had been, that's the intended purpose of the vehicle when purchased. I have photos of the bolt which show it fractured and also shows the head of the bolt appears to have some damage, possibly from the manner in which it was installed. This failure has been identified as a safety issue related to the 2021 Ford interceptor and is not a new issue. The recall referenced an axle bolt that can fracture, and that did happen but Ford doesn't want to take responsibility. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
For full details please refer to complaint 11715221. Since the initial complaint, repairs have been completed and I will attach a list of parts that were replaced. The repair confirmed the rear axle bolt sheared and there were significant metal shavings in the rear differential. When the bolt broke, numerous other components were damaged as detailed in the repair documentation. Ford has refused to accept any responsibility for this repair even though the safety implications for this type of incident are alarming.
2024 - 19k miles. Both rear shocks were leaking. Dealer replaced both at no charge. 2025 - 30k rear shock shows signs of leaking. Dealer states no leak. 2025 - 32k tire shop says shock is leaking. I told them the dealer said it was not. They took pictures. 2025 - arrive at dealer (2nd time same issue) dealer states no warranty because I did not pay for replacements. They stated had I payed for replacements I would have a 2 year warranty. Since it's been over a year I have to pay for it. Left dealer called Ford and filed a complaint. Case # xxx-xxx or xxx? under 40k miles and going on 3 sets of shocks. Online forums readily show this is a known problem that Ford will not acknowledge. Furthermore their warranty of 1 year vs 2 based on payment or warranty replacement should be illegal! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
The rear axle bolt fractured while driving causing damage to the differential, axles, and mounting bushing. The problem has been confirmed by baytown Ford dealership service dept. Located at 4110 I-10, baytown, TX 77521. It has been inspected by the service dept at baytown Ford. Located at 4110 I-10, baytown, TX 77521 no prior symptoms or warnings.
Queja por reparación defectuosa DE recall en mi Ford Explorer estimados señores: por medio DE la presente, me dirijo a ustedes para expresar mi profunda insatisfacción con el servicio recibido en su concesionario relacionado con un problema DE recall en mi Ford Explorer [indicar modelo y año del vehículo], cuya reparación, realizada bajo su supervisión, no ha sido adecuada. En los primeros meses DE 2024, llevé mi vehículo a sus instalaciones debido a un recall emitido por Ford, relacionado con un sonido DE media frecuencia resonante (DE tono profundo) que se manifiesta al conducir a baja velocidad sobre superficies irregulares. Según se me informó, este problema fue causado por un defecto en una pieza, la cual supuestamente fue reemplazada en su momento. Sin embargo, después DE meses DE lidiar con el inconveniente inicial y tras un extenso tiempo DE espera, el problema parecía haberse solucionado temporalmente. Desafortunadamente, en noviembre DE 2024, el problema ha reaparecido exactamente con las mismas características, lo que me lleva a sospechar que no se realizó un reemplazo adecuado DE la pieza defectuosa, sino únicamente un ajuste superficial. Al comunicarme nuevamente con su concesionario, se me ha informado que no pueden hacer nada más porque el supuesto reemplazo ya se realizó. Este tipo DE respuesta ES inaceptable, considerando que: 1. El problema persiste y claramente no fue solucionado DE manera definitiva. 2. El recall original fue emitido para garantizar la seguridad y funcionalidad del vehículo, lo cual no se está cumpliendo. 3. Como cliente, esperaba un servicio honesto y DE calidad, especialmente tratándose DE un problema cubierto por un recall oficial. Solicito formalmente que este caso sea reabierto y revisado nuevamente, ya que mi confianza en la calidad DE los servicios proporcionados se ha visto seriamente afectada. Espero que Ford y su concesionario asuman la responsabilidad correspondiente y brinden una solución definitiva al problema.
Recently brought my 2021 Ford Explorer with 100,000 miles in for what I thought was a wheel bearing issue. The mechanic reports the entire rear end is gone and needs to be replaced. I’ve owned at least 4 Explorers all driven well over 170,000 without ever having this issue. This car also spent the first 3/4 months I owned it at the Ford garage getting the electrical replaced and “brains”. The crash alert system malfunctioned as did the locking system.
My driver side cv joint went out Dec 2023, noticed grease, throwing while a tire rotation was being done. April 2024 was completing a oil change and we decided to check the passenger side and now that cv joint is going out as well. This vehicle has less than 30,000 miles on it.
Ford Explorer 2021 recall stems from a defective rear axle horizontal mounting bolt. Ford motor company has promised to cover the cost of replacing the subframe bushing and the rear axle bolt and repairing any resultant damage. The dealer, payne Ford weslaco, the tech broke a tool to fix and Ford has failed to replace said tool.
I bought my 2021 Ford Explorer brand new and at 44,675 miles my shock absorbers went bad. There was no damage to my vehicle that could have caused it, my car was never in an accident. The dealership that repaired them said there was no indication of what caused it and it is highly unusual. Driving without shocks on my vehicle caused the loss of ability to control the rate of weight transfer when going around corners; this also resulted in increased steering input to navigate turns and uneven tire wear.
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you regarding a persistent issue I have been experiencing with my 2021 Ford Explorer for some time now, I have noticed a loud sound when braking and when navigating obstacles such as speed bumps or when entering and exiting the ramp of my parking lot. Concerned about this situation, I took my vehicle to the service department at your dealership, where I was informed that there was a recall to replace a part related to this issue. I appreciate that you have identified and committed to addressing this problem through the recall. However, I am concerned that despite more than one or two months having passed since my initial visit, I have still not received any notification regarding the availability of the necessary part for the repair. This delay has been particularly frustrating as the problem persists and even seems to have worsened over time. The loud sound when braking and navigating obstacles is becoming increasingly pronounced, significantly affecting the driving experience and my safety on the road. I understand that manufacturing and distribution processes can be complicated, but I need an urgent solution to this problem. As a loyal customer of your dealership, I trust that you will take the necessary steps to resolve this situation quickly and effectively. Since my vehicle is my primary means of transportation, I strongly request that you expedite the repair process and keep me informed of any developments related to the recall and the availability of the necessary part. I look forward to receiving a prompt response and a satisfactory solution to this problem. I appreciate your attention and prompt action in addressing this matter.
Vehicle developed a clicking noise when accelerating/decelerating. Noise also present when switching between drive/reverse. Ford dealer found that driveline was flexing. Closer inspection revealed that the bushing for the single bolt rear subframe mounting to rear differential was broken. Had this not been caught, the bolt would have broken releasing the rear driveline from the structure of the vehicle. The 2020 Ford Explorer st had two bolts that connected the rear diff to the rear subframe. In 2021-2022 Ford changed this to a one bolt design. This triggered the current recall for the 2021-2022 in which the 'fix' was to apply the emergency brake if the bolt broke. On the 2023 Ford Explorer st model, Ford has returned to the two bolt design used in 2020. Photos uploaded.
Ford has started a recall for vehicles with a single bolt in the rear differential mount. This is in reference to the roll away issue as their calling it. Some people have recieved notice for this and others have not. My production date is listed as 8/21. Which I believe is in part of the recall. Even if not this vehicle has only one bolt in the unit and not 2. Which is part of the recall issue.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear end of the vehicle became very unstable, and the vehicle fishtailed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed a rear wheel alignment, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 21v870000 (suspension). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 12,000.
The wheel wells of the vehicle collect large amounts of snow and ice. This build up constricts the wheels of the vehicle contacting the tires restricting rotation and steering. This is an extremely dangerous potentially deadly situation. We have contacted Ford motor company and the dealership. No remedy to this situation has been offered. Please investigate and any assistance is appreciated. I believe this is a wide spread problem Ford is unwilling to deal with. This condition occurs in cold weather and snowy icy conditions. The build up hazard happens even driving short highway distances.