Suspension Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

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.

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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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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.

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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 all problems of the 2020 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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.

Struts rattle and shake aggressively while driving.

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I was leaving the store pulled out on a main road in town about to head on the highway. My steering wheel locked and would hardly move with all my strength and the help of my significant other we pulled back into the store parking lot rarely missing hitting several vehicles in the process. I had my children with me at the time in this vehicle as well. The power steering assist fault message popped up. I had the vehicle towed to Ford groves and after a diagnostic test was ran I was told it was my steering gear and the entire steering column needed to be replaced. The second opinion I got said it was the rack and pinion needing to be replaced. After doing research I found other reports of other 2013 Ford Explorer owners having wrecks due to this some with the same edition as myself (limited). There are recalls for the steering on 2013 Ford Explorer but not the limited. I need my edition to be added because this is clearly happening here as well. This was very dangerous when I explained to the dealership about the recalls they told me this was not accurate and was the wrong information. This was random and happened out of no where my vehicle was fine prior to this. Yes the vehicle is available upon request for inspection.

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Cars rear end sways all over the place almost spun out on highway. I did some research and saw numerous recalls on the toe link in the rear of vehicle and have a good feeling its faulty again. I see it was replaced numerous times do to recall. Was wondering if there's like a warranty on recall work done.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an alignment, the contact was informed that the alignment could not be performed because the rear toe link was rusted and needed to be repaired. The contact stated that the recall repair for NHTSA campaign number: 21v537000 (suspension) was previously performed on the vehicle; however, the failure occurred. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his grandmother was driving and decelerating, the rear passenger’s side suspension suddenly failed, rendering the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who determined that the rear passenger’s side tow link had failed and that both the rear passenger’s side and driver’s side tow links needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 21v537000 (suspension). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 143,000.

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The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a recall repair related to a possible rear suspension toe link fracture. The contact stated that while his son was driving 55 mph, a month and half after the recall repair, the rear driver's side tire had a blowout, causing the vehicle to swerve and to drift into another lane. The contact stated that there was no oncoming traffic during the failure. The driver was able to pull over to the right side of the road. The contact then met his son on the side of the road, and the contact replaced the rear driver's side tire with the spare tire. The contact then drove to the residence and inspected the tire. The contact noticed that the inner side edge of both rear tires were prematurely worn. The contact related the failure to the recall repair. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Landmark Ford, inc. (2401 prairie crossing dr, springfield, IL 62711); was contacted and the contact was informed that the previous dealer did not complete the alignment during the recall repair, causing the premature wear of the tires. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 248,995.

Suspension issue causing premature inside tire wear which can be fatal, if not deadly. Multiple cases have been recorded and found among other owners for this same make and model yr. Even after parts replacement and 4 wheel alignment was completed.

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The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the a-pillar trim on the driver’s side windshield started to detach. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 24v031000 (structure) and 21v746000 (suspension); however, the parts to perform the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available and were on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 failure. The failure mileage was not available.

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Left lowlight headlight stops working intermittently and then completely. Both front axles cracked. Right rear shock busted. Gas purge valve malfunctioned.

On Saturday 10/18/2025 the rear drivers side tow link of my 2018 Ford Explorer XLT snapped while driving 70 mph under normal driving conditions on a 4-lane section of I-75 in detroit, mi. This caused a loss of steering, and my family and almost hit the median concrete wall when it sharply veered to the left completely unexpectedly. There were no warning sounds or symptoms and happened at random on a straight away. We then spun out doing multiple 360 spins on 2 wheels, almost flipping completely, and landing in the middle 2 lanes. We had a semi truck and another vehicle narrowly miss us. I was able to then move fast enough to the side of the road and avoid being hit by more oncoming traffic. We called 911 and aaa for towing to suburban Ford of troy who did an inspection and found the drivers side rear tow link has snapped due to a seized knuckle. There is a recall for the exact same known issue in the 2011-2017 Ford Explorers. My wife’s 2017 Explorer has the same parts as my 2018 and has the recall for the tow links and ball joint due to this known issue, yet Ford is refusing to acknowledge the issue is still affecting later model years. My Explorer only had 74,000 miles on it and never any accidents or abnormal driving conditions/hard driving. My family and I are extremely lucky to be alive after such a catastrophic failure. This type of issue should never happen on any vehicle and is a totally unacceptable engineering failure. Ford needs to inspect this issue on the later models beyond 2017 as this will cost lives. This will kill people and we are actually in shock that we lived through this. Ford should take responsibility and pay for this repair, as well as the other side the same as they do the years the recalled.

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.

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 19v435000 (suspension), 24v031000 (structure), and 25v695000 (back over prevention). However, the parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(r). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the visibility, which prevented the safe operation of the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. 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 failure mileage was unknown.

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!!!!.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.