Wheel Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

After replacing the newest recall for the rear toe link on my Explorer, I’ve noticed (along with a couple others on some forums) that the alignment does not stay set and will come undone. I finished driving 1000 miles after the swap and had sudden pressure loss in my rear tire. When I looked at it the entire outside of the tire on both driver and passenger side were completely eaten through and I’m not made of enough money to keep replacing tires and keep getting alignments done. I do have a video of my inside cam of when it happened if requested.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Explorer 🔎.

While driving a 2013 Ford Explorer, the vehicle experienced an electrical issue that caused the power steering system to malfunction. The power steering assist suddenly failed, making the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn. The failure occurred suddenly and at the time of the incident the vehicle was traveling 2 miles and I parked it immediately. This created a serious safety hazard, especially when attempting to turn or maneuver the vehicle. A warning message stating “power steering assist fault” did appear on the dashboard . Prior to the failure, there were no warning signs. Due to the sudden loss of power steering assist, the driver’s ability to safely control the vehicle was significantly reduced, increasing the risk of a crash. The issue has not yet been inspected. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Wheels / tire pressure monitoring system the tire pressure monitoring system (tpms) on my 2020 Ford Explorer intermittently fails to detect the tire pressure in one or more tires. The system will show missing pressure readings or fail to display a reading for a tire. The vehicle may operate without accurate tire pressure information being displayed to the driver. This creates a potential safety risk because the driver may not be alerted to a low tire pressure condition. The vehicle had approximately 56,000 miles when this began, and the issue appeared without prior warning. The vehicle is scheduled for inspection by a Ford dealership.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Explorer 🔎.

On 11/7/2025, your team completed the rear suspension toe link fracture recall repair. However, on 11/13/2025, while driving, I discovered that the rear passenger-side wheel was extremely loose and nearly detached. This was due to the lug nuts not being properly tightened after your service—a severe safety hazard that could have resulted in a catastrophic accident. Because of this negligence, I incurred significant additional expenses and inconvenience: emergency service from an independent mechanic over the course of a week (11/13–11/17) to secure the wheel and address damage caused by the incident. Replacement of rear knuckle assemblies, hubs, and front struts because the hubs were seized and could not be removed without replacing the knuckles. On 11/29, at a second shop where I replaced two tires, I learned that the vehicle could not be properly aligned because the toe link installed during your recall repair is not adjustable. The mechanic noted that proper alignment requires either camber bolts or an adjustable toe link. As a result, the vehicle remains severely unbalanced and unsafe to drive. Both invoices and mechanic notes confirm the dangerous condition caused by improperly secured lug nuts and the inability to align the vehicle due to the toe link issue.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The carpet on the wheel wells is not functional. We live out on a ranch on a dirt road and when it rains the mud gets stuck on the carpet and weighs is down. This can cause more damage to the vehicle. We took it in to a dealership and they said there was nothing they could do until the carpet gets ripped off. When we bought an expensive 4x4 vehicle we expected it to be sturdy enough to not have to worry about mud (especially when the car has a built in mud feature).

See all problems of the 2025 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Tire pressure sensor fault. A rear tire pressure sensor has defaulted more than once. As this is built into the wheel assembly, I believe this is a safety issue.

Swollen lug nuts Ford oem.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Explorer 🔎.

I am filing a complaint regarding a safety issue with my 2020 Ford Explorer that was not properly addressed during a recall repair, leading to a dangerous situation. Vehicle details make: Ford model: Explorer year: 2020 recall repair details in January 2024, I took my vehicle to coconut point Ford in estero, FL, for a recall repair related to the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt, which was at risk of fracturing. The recall required the replacement of the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt to prevent driveshaft disconnection. Incident description recently, while driving under normal conditions, the bolt fractured, causing the differential to nearly detach from the vehicle. This failure could have resulted in a catastrophic accident. I am now facing a $6,000 repair bill for an issue that should have been resolved under the recall. Safety risk the failure of the bolt and the near detachment of the differential posed a severe safety risk, as it could have led to a loss of control of the vehicle, especially at highway speeds. Dealership response when I brought this to the attention of coconut point Ford, they stated that "bolts are not covered under the extended warranty. " however, since this is a recall-related issue, I believe Ford is obligated to cover the repair costs. The service writer, steve, has been helpful, but the resolution has been delayed. Additional context I am aware of class action lawsuits against Ford regarding this defect, which allege that the recall fix does not fully address the issue and that the design is inherently flawed. Request I request that the NHTSA investigate this matter to ensure that Ford is held accountable for properly addressing this safety recall and to prevent similar incidents from occurring to other vehicle owners. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety concern.

The tire pressure monitoring system has failed. Per the dealership, each tire needs a new battery, which run around $150/each. The first sensor went out approx 1 month ago, with the other 3 going out shortly after. While this does not pose an immediate risk for the driver, it does appear that numerous other 2020 Explorers are having the same issue. If the batteries provided are faulty, a recall should be issued.

All my dash lights turn off u can drive it but all my dash light is off the abs light its on.

Power steering assist fault, and power steering eps system failed while driving! was replaced by Ford in 2015 and has already locked up while driving! tire pressure sensor constantly stays on even after replacement.

See all problems of the 2011 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The power steering has failed. The steering is tight, cumbersome, difficult to manage. The vehicle had a recall for rear tow link for which it is in service center currently. Ford issued a recall for the steering issue as well. However, allegedly, my car does not qualify for the recall. Please advise. The steering issue is dangerous. I have read that over 600,000 vehicles have been recalled for this issue. I live in ohio which has the “highly corrosive salt factor”, which is a noted issue for this recall item.

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.

See all problems of the 2023 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The tire pressure system for all four tires has completely went out on the monitoring system. It originally started where it was only on one tire then it happened to two then the final monitor keeps going in and out.

Rear toe links, rear alignment is off. Dealership said they can’t fix it. My tires are wearing incredibly fast.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Vehicle has code c0063-64abs. Also has a problem with the restraint control module and abs module causing the front tires to lock and make the car slide. I was about to get into a car crash on oct 24,2024 because the cars front tires locked and just slide from one side to other the steering wheel went loose and I wasn't able to control the car I took it to Ford dealership where they told me that it has the code that appears at the beginning of this message.

Hi my name is [xxx] and im an owner of a 2014 Ford Explorer sport my vehicle is at the service department for almost 2 months already before I took the vehicle into the dealership to get fix I was going to have a car crash thanks to the front tires of the car. Both front tires locked and the car slide really bad that day the steering wheel went loose and I wasnt able to control the vehicle. I took it to the service department at a Ford dealership where I was told that the abs was falling the computer module was not working and the traction control has an issue too information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Rear toe link (driver side) just purchased the car from a police department and I was not aware of the recall. 10/8/24 I made an appointment for other service and was informant by elk river mn Ford dealer and recall is scheduled to be preformed 10/17/24. [xxx] at [xxx] when turning left at approximately 30mph (2 lane country roads) the vehicle became uncontrollable mid turn. Vehicle did not hit anything. After stopping found driver rear toe link had broken at the weld joint on the knuckle side. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

It is well know fack that rear bolts for axle and all part tend break Ford replace them once with what ? bolts that still break so probems was never fix, now as Ford did this as was no recall they refuseing replace bolts a 2ed time to fix there error, wich lead to many cars being damage so bad Ford has refuse to fix them leaveing the people holding the bag more so when car wreckes, probem is Ford and may others are hiding cars throw use of modle number vr ack year that car was made under, 2020 Ford expoler made 2019 throw not one 2019 recall was place on this car, ? and why VIN is base on modle number not year was made, and your department dose not force these busness to investgate part number in reclall list, parts should not been used in newer cars but was this goneing on more then not, now again I get message replace rear axle bolts only after they brake only after they break now they know what will happen if they brake going 70 mpr, this probem was never fix right first time and now again this time Ford saying we not going replace bolts , it is time you all step up and find out why this keeps going on why wasent it fix and get fix right, this is huge saft probem, that one can lose a hole tire if more one bolts breaks this has happen, Ford and others do not look at part numbers as part there recall process throw part number in the system so if other cars has this probem people has fix it, think change must be made to not only look at VIN but part numbers in all recalls regardless of VIN or what car if that part is in it should be replace, now I cant explane why Ford refuse to not replace such a critcal part this is not just something as lose pice of molding these bolts hold rear end in place and all the bolts prone to breaking, I ask that u look in to why they replace first time and why they must be replace again and force Ford to replace these bolts befor some one dies.

Other Explorers have a recall for electric steering problems but my VIN is not included in the recall. I only have 52,000 miles on the vehicle with clunking sounds when we back up with the wheels turn to the right. I also have had really bad tire wear on the back with the inside edge completely worn off. Toe in adjustment way off, says that this vehicle already had the fix for that but looks like it was not fixed right. We are still driving vehicle at this time but not sure if we should or not? we just had new tires put on vehicle and they checked for the clunking sound. There are no warning lamps on. I will be taking the vehicle to thr Ford dealer on October 23, 2024.

The vehicle was sold to me by “buffalo auto sales 2 at 3012 spencer hwy pasadena, TX 77504 on [xxx]. They violated the dtpa and all employees failed to disclose the vehicle had dozens of major safety issues with two open safety recalls. These safety issues include major abs issues and failures, power steering/drivetrain, front end passenger wheel & both rear end wheel failures within the mechanisms such as control arms, tie rods inner and outer & even one within the wheel component that was dangerously bent. The headlight pigtails are torched. These couldn’t even be fixed with even replacement oem parts/Ford dealership parts and Ford dealership expertise. My safety, my children’s safety, family and passengers were all at risk multiple times over the past three weeks. Every time on the highway or local roads not being able to sustain maximum speeds over 20- 40 mph because touching the gas even after a red light would cause the engine to hesitate to turn or stutter. This caused me multiple trips back to buffalo auto sales 2 and multiple mechanics even multiple Ford dealerships. On September 12th 2024, I discussed these severe safety issues with buffalo auto sales 2, my salesman originally offered to place me into another vehicle, give me back my large cash deposit, or “attempt to fix the vehicle”. The manager immediately refused to do the right thing and claim to “fix the vehicle himself”. . However when I asked if the manager jeff has experience as a mechanic he replied he does not have mechanic experience. That day they claim to have “fixed” the abs problem, and in turn the vehicle was still shaking while in motion at any speed. Even after I thought Ford service could fix the tie rod recall, that still did not work because the rear was still shaking. I had tire experts and mechanics even change front tires, and do an alignment on September 30th 2024. . The vehicle is still shaking dangerously while in motion. Warnings on are abs, chk engine & tire pressure lights. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of in.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving around a curb and while making a turn, the wheels locked up. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the sensor needed to be cleaned. There was no failure with the wheels. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Steering fault warning message came up service now and stability control lights engaged both on and off, I lost control of my steering and it completely tightened up as I was driving. I was driving 60 miles per hour when this happened. Depending on the severity of the failure, I was completely at risk with colliding with anything on the road. I brought it straight to the dealership where it has been sitting for a week since they are not able to drive it into the garage because the steering is locked up and the wheel will not move even though it will start and engage in drive. They need to actually tow it into the garage to complete diagnostics, I expect from other reports this is an expensive fix, but the risk to my life and others on the road is worth reporting. Ford needs to include this steering fault on the 2014 Explorers in a recall. There were no issues with the steering prior to this happening. Ford knows about this issue, how many complaints and near misses is it going to take to fix this problem?.

Transmission , wheel hub.

See all problems of the 2010 Ford Explorer 🔎.

My steering is making a scretching noise when I try to turn it either way. With it being hard to turn I'm afraid for my safety with driving it and I dont have another vehicle to drive. Yes, I have a quote from a repair shop that my steering rack is going out I didn't notice a warning light as of yet. - this happened about a week ago I have found several complaints about the 2014 Ford Explorer steering issues so I feel for safety purposes that this should have a recall.

August 22, 2024 Ford motor company customer relationship center p. O. Box 6248 dearborn, mi 48126 regarding: customer satisfaction program 24n01 I want to let you know how dissatisfied I am with your customer service claim to have happy satisfied customers, that is so proudly proclaimed in the introduction to this notice. We travel long distances in very remote areas of the southwest. The last thing I want is to be stranded in the hot desert with an axle bolt beginning to or actually failing. Your policy to notify us of a potential problem, but not repair until the bolt fails gives me no confidence in my vehicle. In fact I am reluctant to make this trip again in this vehicle that has a known parts failure issue. It would have been better to have not notified me of this concern, in which Ford has no intention of repairing until it fails. If the issue was only non critical, such as the chrome around the window operation buttons this process would be acceptable. However this issue has the potential for severe mechanical failure, resulting in dropping the driveline. The approach presented in this letter for this issue demonstrates a lack of customer service. At this point I am ready to sell this vehicle and purchase a different vehicle from a different manufacturer before taking another long distance trip in it.

While driving down the interstate, the tires (rear passenger?) suddenly locked/stuck. This caused vehicle to lose control, 360, and slam into the guardrails. Prior to this incident, when the car was turned on, it stalled a bit like it was about to turn off. This lasted for a few seconds, but returned to normal. So may be a component of electrical and/or directly related to the rear tire. There were no warning messages. Driver was thankful injuries did not occur. Could have flipped, or slammed into other cars, trees, etc. This is a serious issue. While the vehicle was being loaded onto the wrecker, in neutral, the rear passenger tire was visibly stuck. This was observed by owner, husband, police officer and tow company. When offloading from the tow truck, the tire made a loud pop and movement returned to normal. Vehicle is currently at the shop (Ford dealership). Will have more information next week from their diagnostic studies. It is available for inspection upon request.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Explorer 🔎.

My vehicle has been experiencing the "death wobble". I've done research online and I've seen other people complain about the issue as well as videos. Whenever I drive my vehicle, I hear noises coming from the front end such as scraping and my steering wheel wobbles and it's excessive while on the freeway. I've gotten the wheel bearings replaced, tires rotated, replaced front passenger tire, breaks and rotors replaced. My axel and car were lifted in the air with no damages.

I was traveling on the interstate (~75 mph) when the rear of my vehicle suddenly jerked to one side with enough force to cause a loss of control. There were no lights or warning sounds to indicate that there was anything wrong with the vehicle in that moment or leading up to it. I was fortunate enough that no contact was made with any other vehicles as my car crossed all three lanes; from the center lane to the far right and then back across all three lanes to the far left. The car skidded off the highway and slid onto a sloped embankment before it stopped. Obviously, I or someone else could have been seriously injured or even killed. I was able to drive the car back up on the shoulder of the highway. Everything was functioning properly except the steering. I was able to drive at ~15 mph to the nearest exit. I was then towed to my mechanic's shop. The tow truck driver said it looked like my right rear tire was about to "fall off" and that I was very lucky. My mechanic took pictures of the damaged part (right rear toe arm) both on the vehicle and again once removed. He checked with Ford for a recall and found out that this part had been part of a recall on Explorers from 2012-2017, but not on the 2019. Assuming the part had been redesigned after 2017, he ordered a replacement for the right. (the left toe arm was not damaged. ) however, once the replacement part arrived, it was a completely new design from the 2019 toe arm. He recommended I replace the left toe arm as well since the parts were so different. My right shock absorber was also damaged in the accident and had to be replaced.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford Explorer 🔎.

My 2014 Explorer has developed corrosion on all 4 aluminum wheels causing air loss along the tire bead while driving. Underinflated tires generate heat, tire distortion and catastrophic failure. I had one wheel "repaired" at tom's Ford in February 2023 at a cost of 187. 95. Please see attached and note Ford themselves refer to the rim as rusted. Aluminum wheels should not rust nor corrode. It is my position Ford used dissimilar metals for coating the wheels to enhance appearance and in the process has created a dangerous situation of leaking tires.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the windshield wipers were in the on position, they wipers went off the vehicle and had to be pushed back into place. There was an unknown yellow warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while making a turn, the driver's and passenger's front wheels detached on two occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the vehicle received an unstated repair. There was an abnormal sound while driving at various speeds. While shifting gear, the vehicle jumped. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the result of the diagnostic test was unknown. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

The rack and pinion steering has gone bad. This is causing the vehicle to be hard to drive as it is very difficult to turn the wheel and control the vehicle. This is making it dangerous to drive as you are unable to turn the wheel very well.

I went to dealer and they are not fixing this issue at the moment and they dont know until when are they going to start fixing it.