Suspension Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 80 mph, the steering wheel was abnormally loose, and the vehicle became uncontrollable. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road, and the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard. The brake pedal was depressed several times, and the vehicle stopped. No warning lights were illuminated. A driver nearby assisted with stopping traffic to allow the contact to drive the vehicle off to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was inspected, and the other driver became aware that the rear tires were completely bald. The vehicle was taken to discount tires, and the contact was informed that the failure was because of the rear suspension. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 26v101000 (suspension) in March 24, 2026. In addition, the contact was informed that an alignment was not performed because the alignment machine was unavailable. The contact had not been informed that the recall repair was completed. The dealer informed the contact that an alignment had been completed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,419.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford Explorer 🔎.

After getting my vehicle from the dealership my steering wheel was hard to turn , took it in and they replaced the struts (the old struts were binding). 6/7 days later the same thing happened with the steering wheel. They had said it was a switch in the power steering and there was a safety recall and I would have to take it into a Ford dealership. When I had called to make my appointment there wasn’t a recall and I called the Ford company and they said the same thing.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Premature leaking and failure on rear shocks absorbers. Premature failure could lead to handling issues and interference with driver assist handling, action control etc. Some say this is a know issue but not one that has prompted a recall.

See all problems of the 2023 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The rear subframe bushing is torn, resulting in the rear of the vehicle to sway side to side when traveling down the road at highway speeds, making it difficult to maintain lanes. Bushings are not covered by the 60k power train warranty, and resulting in a 2-3,000 dollar repair due to subframe in rear of vehicle needing dropped and bushing pressed out or entire subframe to be replaced.

Rear suspension toe links have failed after prior recall repair in canada in may of 2022. The vehicle is now registered in the us and the recall repair has failed causing driving, suspension, and extreme tire wearing.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Attempted to make an appointment on xxx with [xxx], 2121 w bell rd, phoenix, az 85023 phone 602-375-7400 to have the two open safety recalls completed( 26v101 & 24v031). Could not make a service appointment because the service writer said that parts were not available and had no idea of when they would be available to fix the safety recalls. Service writer indicated they could not notify me when parts were available. I was to continuously call them for follow up as to when the car could be fixed. I continue to use the vehicle in spite of the safety defects as I can not afford another transportation method. Please help me get my Explorer fixed. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Explorer 🔎.

2016 Ford Explorer, VIN [xxx]. Filing against planet Ford dallas regarding incomplete regional program 21r01 (rear toe link replacement), tied to federal safety recall 21v537. May 11, 2026: vehicle presented for 21r01 service. May returned with recall marked complete in Ford's system. 21r01 mandates replacement of both rear toe links, alignment check, and rear toe adjustment. None of these steps were correctly completed. Dealer has since acknowledged to me that the toe link was not replaced correctly, but instead with the incorrect part and that rear suspension hardware was left loose upon vehicle release. The vehicle was driven approximately one month in this condition. Progressive symptoms followed: steering pull, steering wheel offset, tire screeching, and vehicle instability. Rear toe was subsequently found approximately 3 degrees out of specification — consistent with loose hardware shifting during normal driving. Dealer is attributing front suspension wear to natural causes while providing no investigation demonstrating the incomplete recall did not contribute to or accelerate that damage. Ford motor company head office has confirmed 21r01 as applicable (corporate case [xxx]). Dealer has declined to accept responsibility. The recall was marked complete in Ford's system despite mandatory work not being performed. I am requesting NHTSA investigate dealer compliance with 21r01/21v537 and whether a reimbursement claim was submitted to Ford for work not performed. This matter may also be referred to the texas ag consumer protection division and ftc. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Back in 2026 I bought a vehicle from wild west Ford in guymon ok about three weeks after I bought the vehicle there was a safety recall on it for the rear axle bolt. Ever since the recall was done, I noticed a significant change in my vehicle rear and it shook real bad. Basically I was eating my tires and so I took about to wild west and they told me to go get alignment done so I went and got an alignment done, and it still was doing it and I had taken it to at least four different Ford dealerships across two different states and they all told me that there is nothing wrong with my vehicle, so I looked it up on the forum in the procedure on how the recall was done and I find out that the bushing was improperly installed. One of the Ford dealership is the one who send me a picture of the bushing even starting to rip. Please help my kids ride in this vehicle everyday and wild west claimed the recall but did it completely wrong and refuses to fix it so I took it to different dealerships and with each dealership, I specifically asked them to re-look into the recall because I feel like it was done wrong and they all said that it was all up to four specs in the end. There was nothing wrong with it, but here’s the proof that it is so how do I get my vehicle fixed?.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Explorer 🔎.

My Explorer had recall 21s32 completed at the dealership on April 1st. The remedy for recall 21s32 was insufficient. Within a month and a half I began hearing a metal clanking noise coming from the rear of the Explorer when I went over bumps. Very quickly the clanking became a lot of frequent loud squeaking. I brought it back to the dealership and they immediately heard the noise and were able to diagnose the problem as coming from the driver side rear wheel knuckle bushing. The service manager and the master technician both agreed that the suspension problem are a direct result of the recall work that was completed. While the toe-link recall work was done correctly, the new torque placed on the knuckle bushing directly relating to the recall work has caused it to fail. It is obvious that the underlying defect caused the rear wheel knuckle to fail, leaving the vehicle unstable. Ford corporate is refusing to resolve the secondary structural damage caused by their defective safety component and their safety department refuses to provide a timeline for assistance.

I had the rear toe links replaced under recall 21s32 on April 1, 2026. Within a month I started hearing a clunking noise from the back drivers side wheel whenever I hit a bump. My local mechanic looked at the Explorer and said the problem is the knuckle bushing. I contacted the Ford service department and asked them to fix it under customer satisfaction program 22n01. They told me I wasn’t eligible but for $185 they could do a diagnostic test and I’d be responsible for the full cost of any needed repairs.

Vehicle was brought in to magic city Ford for a state inspection and was informed that there was a recall on the suspension to replace the tow link in the rear. Vehicle was inspected and tire tread level documented etc . Vehicle was driven 3,000 miles over the next 60 days, including a family trip to the beach. It was then noticed that the rear tires were completely bald on outer half of the tire with one showing cords. Vehicle was taken to Ford dealership who claimed that the vehicle had been aligned before it left the shop and that where was due to the rear control arms. Owner requested a printout with the before and after alignment information required. Dealership spent an hour trying to find the information and then provided a sheet lacking any of the identifiable information dated 5/1/2026, when the vehicle was there on 4/30/2026. It's truly scary to think what would have happened had I not noticed the tires condition. I do not believe that the rear tires were ever aligned. This is an all-wheel drive vehicle, so internal damage is possible. Ford is refusing to cover anything because it's been 60 days.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the a-pillar trim on both sides of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 24v031000 (structure) and 26v101000 (suspension); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not available. The contact was informed that parts had been used to repair other vehicles after the contact had scheduled an appointment. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.

Vehicle suffered a catastrophic drivetrain lock-up while traveling at approximately 25 mph. The rear wheels physically halted, creating an immediate loss of control and safety hazard. Upon inspection, the rear drive unit (rdu) was found to have a failed pinion bearing/internal gear failure, resulting in dual fluid leaks. This is a remedy failure related to safety recall 23s55 (NHTSA campaign #23v675000). The vehicle underwent the 23s55 recall repair 90 days prior (Jan 2026). The internal failure is a direct consequence of latent fatigue and stress placed on the rdu pinion and housing due to the defective axle mounting bolts and subframe bushings addressed in the recall. Furthermore, the vehicle is within the coverage window of Ford customer satisfaction program 24n01 (10-year/150,000-mile extension for rear axle bolt and housing). The dealer (hertrich Ford) and Ford corporate case management (aso case #xxx) have refused to authorize an administrative rental or acknowledge the related damage, leaving the owner in a hazardous financial and logistical situation. I am reporting this as a failure of the federal safety remedy to adequately protect the vehicle’s drivetrain from consequential damage. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Driving home from work at intersection of xxx and [xxx] after stopping at signal light heard loud knocking sound. Stop check tires and could find anything wrong visually. Drove off and vehicle making clunking noise from rear. Drove home parked vehicle. Called warranty agency fidelity and had vehicle towed to planet Ford I-45. Xxx fidelity denied claim state the rear differential mounting bushing failure caused by workmanship performed in previous recall repair 23s55/22s27. 5/1/26 planet Ford submit claim to sssc 5/8 sssc claim denied. 5/12/26 called Ford customer care - case# xxx as of 6/12/ 26 pursuant to 49 usc chapter 301 the persistent recall issue has not been repaired. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Faint popping and knocking sound coming from front suspension, loud clunk coming from rear suspension when going over bumps. Both seem to cause vehicle to be floaty while driving. Also headlights sometime flicker while driving with switch in auto position and sometimes will not shut off after exiting vehicle ( have to turn switch to off position and then back to auto to resolve ) vehicle has approximately 21k miles on it but off warranty due to time. Will be bringing into local repair shop soon.

Alignment went bad 23489 miles and took to dealer. It was inspected and found out the front cam bushings and bolts were already worn out and had to be replaced both sides. Plus realignment after. Cost was 544. 00 dollars had to pay because alignment from factory only goes to 12000 miles , how convenient on Fords part , nothing would wear out that soon or shouldn't under normal wear. So , I had to pay. Asked my service advisor and he said he has gone round and round with Ford and to no end , basically Ford said to bad. My advisor said Ford knows and knew of this for the last few years on Explorers , broncos and f150 trucks and doesn't care to want to cover the cost of repairs and or fix the problem. Here's the main point , my advisor said Ford knows they put less quality , inferior parts made from less strength material made parts and doesn't care. My advisor told me the after market parts are made of better material and better quality and I will never have this problem again. That said , yes , this is a safety problem if , the parts were to break or come apart , could cause an accident , crash and worse case could kill someone if this were to fail on the highway at high speeds. So , I feel Ford needs to correct this , recall all the vehicles involved and , I and many others so far should be repaid for customers having to fix this problem. As my advisor said , many others so far and Ford corp doesn't care. Wheres the recall. Before someone gets killed! no option but to fix as to replace the parts and get realignment to save the tires from wearing out and having to be replaced , of course at my cost! per my work order of inspection and required repairs.

See all problems of the 2025 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact had received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v101000 (suspension), and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that immediately after the recall repair, while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the rear end of the vehicle fishtailed, and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer on several occasions; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was advised that the tires needed to be replaced. The contact purchased and replaced the tires and had a four-wheel alignment performed, but the failure persisted, although not as severe. While the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the tread on the rear tires was extremely worn. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

Steering is difficult and makes noises when turning.

My Ford dealer will not check 4 wheel alignment at no charge to me. I have two articles that it is mandatory to do a 4 wheel alignment after replacing the rear toe arms on my 2019 Ford Explorer.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v101000 (suspension); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts for the recall repair were on back order. The contact called other dealers nearby and was provided the same information. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

I was driving 30 mph down a country road and the drivers side toe link broke about putting me in the ditch.

Was driving on highway with 55 mph speed limit. Car in front slowed to turn right so I slowed briefly and then was accelerating back to speed limit and heard a loud bang and severe grinding noise after. Stopped at next safe area to inspect. Found that both cv axle boots were damaged. Was only a couple miles from home so placed hazard lights on and slowly crept the car to house for further inspection. Upon closer inspection found that when car was placed into forward gear the whole rear end would drop onto the exhaust and was causing cv axles to rub on exhaust.

Received safety recall 26s08 about rear suspension toe link. However, the new toe link design Ford provided as a remedy only fixes the breakage issue, but it is known to be "inadjustable" and causing control issues from the recall on previous model years. The new toe link will lose alignment within 6 months, and causing early wore out on rear tires. It looks like Ford's remediation is only fixing one issue to create another one. A lot of owners are switching to aftermarket toe links which helps to stabilize the control.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 24v031000 (structure) and 26v101000 (suspension); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the passenger's side a-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the recall repairs were not available. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the driver’s side a-pillar trim became loose. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure with the suspension. The dealer advised the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

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.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Explorer 🔎.

With less than 33,000 miles, started to experience noise, like something was loose coming from the right rear when going over bumps. This is intermittent. Took to mechanic and there is leaking coming from the shocks. Same issue as stated in NHTSA complaint id11544167. There is also a general accounting bulletins acknowledging this issue.

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.

While traveling on I-26 east near north carolina mm 51 in the left lane, the vehicle suddenly pulled uncontrollably to the left resulting in a sideswipe of the guardrail. The vehicle then swerved to the right stopping near the center of the interstate. My wife was able to move the vehicle to the right shoulder under its own power. The right front tire/wheel was laying almost flat attached to the vehicle only by the brake line. The entire wheel assembly was detached from the steering/suspension system. The vehicle was towed to a local collision center and inspected by my insurance adjuster. The vehicle was determined a total loss. There were no injuries or other vehicles involved. The nc highway patrol responded but did not complete an accident report.

Vehicle: 2016 Ford Explorer 2wd v6-3. 5l VIN: [xxx] rchase: January 20, 2026 odometer at purchase: 70,929 miles (fraudulent — true mileage approximately 123,779 miles) dealer: drive time car sales company llc, dba drive time, 8805 e adamo dr, tampa, FL 33619-3525 narrative — copy and paste into NHTSA online form: on January 20, 2026, I purchased a 2016 Ford Explorer 2wd v6-3. 5l (VIN: [xxx] ) fr [xxx] sales company llc, located at 8805 e adamo dr, tampa, florida 33619-3525. At the time of sale, the vehicle had three open, unrepaired federal safety recalls: 1. Nhtsa recall 19v435 / Ford 19s17 — rear suspension toe link replacement (initiated June 26, 2019, affecting 1,194,173 vehicles). The rear suspension toe links may fracture, causing sudden loss of vehicle handling and risk of crash. 2. Nhtsa recall 21v537 / Ford 21s32 — rear suspension toe link cross-axis ball joint (owner notifications mailed March 2022, affecting 644,055 vehicles). The cross-axis ball joint may corrode and seize, causing toe link fracture and loss of steering control. 3. Nhtsa recall 25v347 / Ford 25s53 — b-pillar door trim detachment (owner notifications mailed June 2025, affecting 492,145 vehicles). B-pillar trim may detach while driving, creating a road hazard for other motorists. None of these recalls were repaired prior to sale. The dealer had documented actual knowledge of all three open recalls. Drive time provided me with copies of the recall notices as part of the purchase paperwork at the time of sale. Additionally, the recall documentation included a printout from the NHTSA recall lookup website for this specific VIN, timestamped January 19, 2026, at 5:28 pm — the day before the sale — proving that drive time actively investigated and confirmed the open recalls within hours of delivering the vehicle. Ford's own dealer notice for recall 19v435/19s17 states: "federal law requires dealers to complete this recall service before a new vehicle is information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I was driving on the highway and I heard a loud bang , with grinding and a jerk I assumed the rear axel or differential something in the rear area along with smoke and I was able to swerve to the side of the highway along the grass and jump out with my kids multiple cars where behind me but I turned on my emergency lights & got out just in time before causing a accident , this is all tied to a recall that’s been fixed twice now here we are a third time and it’s back again at Ford dealership.

See attached document for complaint.

On 1/11/2026 while was driving vehicle started making screeching sound. Stopped vehicle and a bolt came off from the rear arm of vehicle and unit was towed for service, which at this moment Ford dealer claimed could not not find any recall notice on file. After researching the internet came across recall 21s11 re rear lower control arm bolts may break announced 3/10/2021.

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 contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph over a bump on a snowy road, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the rear suspension, and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon decelerating to 5 mph, the contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and to pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact noticed that the rear driver's side tire was folded inward. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the driver's side rear suspension toe link was fractured and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the part was replaced; however, the rear suspension was making an abnormal squeaking sound while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware that the VIN was recently included in NHTSA campaign number: 26v101000 (suspension), which the contact associated with the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.