Suspension Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

While operating the vehicle, a loud clunk occurred, followed by a grinding noise. I stopped the vehicle immediately. Upon exiting, I observed the rear driver?side tire positioned at an abnormal angle. Inspection underneath the vehicle revealed a fractured rear control arm. This failure is consistent with recall 23s55, which applies to Ford Explorers manufactured between 6/25/21 and 7/6/22. My vehicle’s build date is July 2022, which falls within the affected production window. The damage is clearly consequential to the control arm failure.

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the vehicle veered off the road toward the passenger’s side. The contact turned the steering wheel; however, the vehicle became uncontrollable, crossed into the opposite lane, and drove into a ditch. The vehicle was driven on a back road to the residence and was then towed to a dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a rear toe link failure associated with NHTSA campaign number: 26v101000 (suspension). The VIN was included in the recall. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied reimbursement for towing expenses.

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Both the rear toe links were replaced under NHTSA # 26v101 on March 26th, 2026. On August 8th, 2026, the vehicle experience significant handling issues at highway speeds. Was found the toe links shifted post recall. Significant cambered tire wear located on both rear tires. The axel shaft seal developed a leak from the suspension system strain caused from toe links failing. My families safety was at risk due to the tires and suspension failing causing significant handling issues at highway speeds. The vehicle was parked immediately after inspecting the rear end. Approximately 4,500 miles driven since recall service. Vehicle is now back with Ford dealership as of August 11th, 2026 for inspection. Ford dealership is expected to invoice repair costs for failed axel shaft seal. Ford is covering the rear tire replacement along with re-alignment. No warning lamps or messages observed.

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New tow link replacement from recall 20s62 damage my new tires. New redesign toe links are unable to hold alignment and are damaging tires prematurely. I have called the dealer that performed the service (citrus motors in ontario California) and spoke with service manager cesar. I told him the problem I was having to find a solution, he could not help me. He suggested I pay $280 for a diagnostic and if alignment was the problem that will go towards it. I told him I can not afford to be paying for alignment when the new part can not hold alignment. I request a reimbursement for my new tires for collateral damage from the recall and he said they do not offer reimbursements, they told me to reach out to Ford customer service. I reached to Ford customer service and they pointed me back to the dealer. Seems like Ford does not want to take responsibility for they bad replacement parts that do not hold alignment. Seems like there are a lot of customers with this issue and are having to spend hundreds of dollars on replacing the toe links with after market adjustable toe links and installing new tires and having them realigned.

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I keep feeling a clunk or thump towards the back of the car at random times, towards the back axle. Sometimes it's when I stop and drive forward, other times it happens while I am just driving normally, usually at slow speeds around 5-45mph. I have an extended warranty and the Ford dealer has said they can;t replicate it and want to give my car back until it gets worse, and then try fix it. I am highly concerned about this process. . . .

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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).

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).

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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?.

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.

On March 25, 2026, an authorized Ford dealership in florida performed a safety recall involving the rear suspension toe links. The recall addressed a condition that Ford states can result in loss of steering control and increased crash risk. After the recall was completed, I drove approximately 1,200 miles home believing the safety defect had been corrected. After returning home, I began experiencing rear-end instability. The vehicle would sway when driving over even small bumps. I took the vehicle to another authorized Ford dealership, which confirmed the original recall repair had not been performed correctly. The dealership found problems with the rear suspension and alignment that required extensive corrective repairs, including replacement of rear suspension components and correction of the rear suspension alignment. Both rear tires had also developed severe, uneven wear and were determined to be unsafe, requiring replacement despite being only about two months old. No warning lights or messages appeared before or during this condition. I was unaware that the recall repair had been performed incorrectly and unknowingly drove approximately 1,200 miles with a compromised rear suspension after being told the safety recall had been completed. I am submitting this complaint because an improperly performed safety recall repair may have exposed me, my passenger, and others to the same safety risk the recall was intended to prevent.

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).

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.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for service, the contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 26v101000 (suspension). The contact agreed to have the recall repair performed. The contact stated that approximately one month later, the contact discovered that the tread on the rear tires was shredding along the inner sidewalls. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the tire failure was confirmed; however, the dealer stated that the work performed on the vehicle was not associated with the tire failure. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact paid out-of-pocket for two new tires and a rear wheel alignment. The contact stated that after the repair, the obd2 scanner indicated that the rear wheel alignment was not properly performed. The contact stated that due to the failure, the tread on the new tires had started to shred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

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.

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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.

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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.