Suspension Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

The first component that fails and gives a warning is a 4wd failure. Once this warning occurs it cascades into a failure of collision assist, a sudden loss of adaptive cruise control, traction control and lane assist component. When this first occurred and my vehicle would suddenly slow down on the highway, because the cruise control would suddenly shut down and swerve due to the lane assist also shutting down. These warnings and failures did not reset immediately when you shut the car off and would last for days at a time. This would also happen randomly either on the highway or local roads. This is a known issue to Ford and they have issued TSB 23-2174 in regards to this.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Both an and b pillars are junk and dealer inspected a pillars and said they were fine? and there’s no remedy for the b ones which is annoying. My car shakes bc of a transmission shutter at 100k miles it’s not bad but why is jt going on? and wind noise because of the pillars I’m hoping? needing help from someone.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, the steering wheel became stiff and did not drive as intended. The contact stated that the next morning, she observed a sound emanating from the steering wheel column. The check engine warning light was illuminated before the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA campaign number: 20v675000 (suspension). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,580.

Have replaced rear tires three times in past year. Vehicle causes extreme wear on inside tread of rear tires. Vehicle is known to be prone to have rear axle fractures.

When driving I started noticing that my steering wheel what getting harder to turn and it felt like it was lagging control. I could still turn and maneuver the steering wheel but the control overall was defiantly not safe. I stopped in at our mechanic and they test drove it. He stated that yes something was definably wrong with the steering system and he said it was hopefully the u-joint for control arm. We made any appointment for the next following week. I drove my Explorer with extreme caution and the steering issue just got worse. I noticed that I now have a griding noise coming from my steering when I turn. This is a safety issue because it just going to seize up and I will not have any control over my vehicle. When I did finally did get my Explorer into the mechanic the next following week he stated that I needed a new rack and pinion. I only have 140000 miles on my Explorer. The cost was astronomical!!! $1700 for the rack and pinon $600 in labor and a wheel alignment. And don't forget tax. That was a shocker!! I cant afford that kind of out of pocket expense. My vehicle VIN does not fall into the recalled safety notice however this seems to be a big issues with the 2013 Ford explores. My safely overall is the main issued!! I expect Ford to follow through in how they manufacture its vehicles and maintenance products. Please include all Explorers in the recall!!!!.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while stopped at a light, and accelerating, he observed a loud popping noise. The contact stated that the vehicle did not steer as intended as the vehicle slid all over while attempting to steer. Additionally, the tms warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure . The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 40 mph, there was a clanking sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated that the steering wheel shifted to the left and the contact immediately corrected the steering wheel; however, in the process the vehicle became airborne. The contact stated that upon landing, the front driver’s, the front passenger’s, and rear driver’s side tires were deflated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the control arms, wheel axles, wheel bearings, rims, and tires were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Explorer 🔎.

When my vehicle reaches 60 mph the back end of my vehicle begins to sway excessively. Something may be wrong with the axle. It’s actually very frightening. Also, when my vehicle is running, I feel a slight puttering and then it quickly goes away as if somethings going on with the fuel pump. Lastly, my rearview camera sometimes looks a little blurry. I did take my vehicle to team Chevrolet in swansboro, north carolina where I purchased the vehicle. They stated something is going on with the axle and sway bar.

Clunking noise coming from rear possible tow link, clicking noise coming from steering even when vehicle not moving.

See all problems of the 2012 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Under Ford recall 23s55 I had my car service @ a Ford dealership where I don't believe they replaced the bolt. This was in Jan 2024. It's stated they replaced the bushing and hardware but found no broken bolts so it seems only an inspection was done. That would explain why 1 1/2 year later as this is a 2020 Ford Explorer that the rear axle bolt did break and caused the differential to fall off putting my family's life at risk. That being said Ford is refusing to reopen the recall to pay for the damage caused by this ongoing issue. I know there is a class action lawsuit against Ford regarding this so I'd like to settle this amicably with Ford and see if you can help reopen the recall so that my vehicle can be repaired and be safe to drive again.

I had a mechanic take a look at my car for a routine inspection during an oil change. They noticed my alignment was off. They cannot adjust the rear alignment as they are not adjustable. They found a list of older recalls that affect the rear toe link and I checked with Ford to make sure this was done. They confirmed that the recalls were done. Called Ford customer service and they advised me to submit a report as a safety recall was done on this car by the previous owner, but was not properly repaired as suspected by Ford. Rear toe links on Ford Explorer 2015 are not adjustable so alignment cannot be performed.

2022 Ford Explorer limited issues: 49k miles, when putting the vehicle in reverse and press gas it does not engage, it rolls and takes a few seconds before it engages. Powertrain failure/malfunction causes vehicle to bog down, low power, and vibration in rear. Once you turn vehicle off the error goes away only to come up again around 75 mph. Vibration also occurs at 30-40 mph and again at 60-70 mph, rear captains seats shake and passenger can feel in front seat. Dealer is aware, this is the 3rd time in 1 month it’s done this.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Noticing a problem with the steering and wheel suspension that is affecting other Ford Explorers between 2018 and 2025. Engine oil blow by. Causing oil to leak and ending up under the carriage and on the back of the vehicle. Rear camera problems.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v537000 (suspension); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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. Parts distribution disconnect.

I have 68,000 miles on car and car suddenly started making a thumping sound and jerking when braking. Slip also when driving at low speeds. The dealership says it needs a new transmission. I have searched online and found this is a common problem for this year and model.

Vehicle has 5700 miles on it. At roughly 3000 miles I noticed a clunk or tension thud at speeds under 12 mph, both moving forward and in reverse. Brought the vehicle to the dealer and was told it was unsafe to drive. Thus far they have replaced strut mount bushings and have told me the transmission mount was loose and that they have not been able to determine why. My impression is the transmission mount is a significant safety issue in that the vehicle could loose power and subsequent control at any time if the connection worsened or just happened again.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-45 mph, the steering wheel started shaking abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact became aware of NHTSA campaign number: 19v435000 (suspension). The local dealer was contacted and provided a cost for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, packey webb Ford (1815 ogden Ave, downers grove, IL 60515) but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

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.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn into the intended direction. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle failed to remain in the intended lane while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the shocks and struts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an alternate dealer where it was diagnosed with strut mount failures. The contact was informed that the strut mounts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

See all problems of the 2023 Ford Explorer 🔎.

I’m still waiting for the current recall to be corrected. The suspension is worn out. Replaced rear shocks, front struts, lower control arm. This is the worse automobile I’ve ever owned. If possible, I will never buy another Ford. The car’s rear back up camera has been replaced and has stopped working again.

Popping/rattling sound coming from front passenger side and transmission is shifting hard at lower gears. Vehicle is in shop waiting on repairs. Front struts bad and had to be replaced at 12,555 miles. Transmission software had to be upgraded and wiring harness for transmission under vehicle had to be repaired.

Around 20,000 miles, I took my vehicle to the dealer due to rattling and knocking in the front right wheel well and it was discovered the stabilizer arm was cracked. Received the vehicle back, and approximately 1000 miles later, there is rattling at the front driver and passenger wheel well and squeaking going down the road. The sounds coming from vehicle are that of a 40-year-old vehicle.

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.

The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while parked upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed the driver's side and passenger side struts failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that both front struts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 11,103.

See all problems of the 2024 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Purchased new from dealer. At 3500 miles, noticed rattling and clunking noise under front end, more noticeable at speeds less than 35. Took to dealer who diagnosed as worn struts, saying shocks and struts need to be replaced, but they need to order parts. When asked if safe to drive, was told "yes", but "avoid potholes". Now waiting to hear from dealer when parts come in. They stated it would take 4 to 5 hours to repair/replace.

I noticed a loud squeak when driving over bumps at lower speeds. Almost sounds like a bad shock or spring. I am not sure.

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.

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal rattling sound coming from underneath the vehicle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the front struts needed to be replaced. The front shocks were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the front struts had been replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,289.

The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-40 mph in cold weather, the vehicle started making an abnormal clunking and rattling sound near the wheels. The contact was unable to determine the source of the noise. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 24v091000 (suspension, steering). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front struts were worn and needed to be replaced. The dealer recommended that the contact not drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on backorder. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 3,600.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was driving rough. In addition, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle vibrated abnormally; however, when the vehicle shifted to neutral(n), the vibration ceased. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that recently all four tires were damaged. The vehicle was taken to costco and all four tires were replaced. The contact had previously received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v537000 (suspension) and the vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the extended warranty had expired. The contact attempted to have an alignment performed but was unable to find a repair facility to perform the alignment. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was still under warranty; however, the adjustable arm needed to be upgraded at the owner’s expense to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Dealer confirmed the driver side rear shock is leaking. SUV was driven only on paved roads locally with an occasional highway drive.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to control. The contact then noticed that the tire wear was uneven. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v537000 (suspension). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front and rear alignment had failed and needed to be performed again. The vehicle received the front alignment, but the rear alignment was not performed. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for additional assistance. The dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was provided an estimate for the rear alignment. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

A bolt sheared off of the wheel assembly and got stuck between the rotor and break pad causing damage to rotor and break pad. This has since been repaired by the dealership, I am not aware if it was inspected by the manufacturer. I have pictures of the damage from the dealership. No warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. It was in the dealership 900 miles (3 weeks earlier) for an oil change and tire rotation.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's and passenger side tires shredded. In addition, the curbside tire went flat. The contact's son replaced the tires. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with fractured front axles which were leaking fluids. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph exiting a residential area. The front wheel axle came apart. The contact's husband removed the shocks. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 17e048000 (wheels, suspension). The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed there were no associated recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.