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Suspension

Ford Explorer Suspension problems by year

998 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Ford Explorer's suspension. Broken springs, struts, control arms, ball joints, noises and alignment that won't hold.

Suspension complaints by model year

YearSuspension complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
20253000
20243000
20230001
20210001
202037001
201913001
201823201
201758444
201673843
2015831034
2014103834
20130004
20120002
201124302
20104000
20091000
200451220
200377300
2002445320
19970001
19960001
19950001

Suspension recalls

Latest Explorer suspension complaints

2020 Ford ExplorerSuspensionTransmission & drivetrain

Subject: Safety Recall 26S48 / NHTSA Campaign 26V402 - Supplemental Progressive Damage & Dealer Non-Compliance Report - 2020 Ford Explorer (VIN: [[redacted]]) Body: To the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am writing to file a supplemental safety complaint and non-compliance report regarding Ford Safety Recall 26S48 / NHTSA Campaign 26V402 (Transmission Parking Pawl Unexpected Engagement) and the subsequent progressive failure of connected drivetrain components on my 2020 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD (VIN:...

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[[redacted]]). 1. The Severe Safety Incident & Recall Remediation In [redacted], while traveling at approximately 70 mph on a major highway, my vehicle experienced the exact catastrophic failure mode described in Campaign 26V402: the transmission parking pawl abruptly attempted to engage, causing severe mechanical duress, violent deceleration, and transferring massive kinetic shockwaves through the entire connected driveline. The vehicle was delivered to Pearson Ford ([[redacted]]) on [redacted], where it was held for an unreasonable timeline of 7.5 months until [redacted], to perform the recall-mandated transmission overhaul and the concurrent rear axle mounting bolt recall. 2. Progressive Driveline Failure & Present Safety Risk Just months after receiving the vehicle back from the recall remedy, the connected powertrain suffered a secondary breakdown. The vehicle is currently back in the custody of Pearson Ford. The service department has provided completely conflicting diagnoses, alternating from a failed fluid pump, to a transmission support failure, and now to a differential bearing and front axle failure. The dealership is refusing to acknowledge that the severe mechanical shock from the 70 mph parking pawl engagement compromised the structural integrity of the connected differential and axles. Furthermore, the dealership has performed unauthorized work by replacing front axle assemblies (Part N1MZ 3A427 F) despite technician video con INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Suspension · Power trainNHTSA 11776627
2019 Ford ExplorerSuspension

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle started vibrating and felt like the rear end was driving over a bump in the roadway. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact stated that the failure started after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V101000 (Suspension). The dealer was contacted but was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer confirmed issues with the driveshaft, tires, and the engine, but denied covering the cost of the repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11775260
2019 Ford ExplorerSuspensionWheels & tires

My car was brought into Pocaro Ford in [[redacted]] for recall 26S08 Suspension Toe Link Replacement on [redacted]. Following this, my vehicle developed severe rear sway and abnormal rear tire wear. The rear tires wore bald very quickly, creating a safety concern. I returned to the dealership, but the issue was not properly resolved. The dealership could not provide verifiable alignment records for my vehicle and later tried to blame bushings. An independent shop did not find bad bushings. A second Ford dealer...

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later diagnosed excessive rear tire wear caused by improper rear toe settings and performed a 4-wheel alignment. I am concerned the recall repair was not properly completed or the alignment was not properly performed, resulting in unsafe handling and rapid tire wear. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Suspension · Wheels · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11774871
2020 Ford ExplorerSuspensionTransmission & drivetrainBrakes

Have token it to several different dealerships and they say it's up to specs but they won't touch it without me paying for the work you can see that it's not installed correctly idk what to do to get this fixed before it does break and something happens

Filed Incident Suspension · Power train · Service brakesNHTSA 11773447
2017 Ford ExplorerSuspension

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the passenger-side rear tire was low on air pressure. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact observed wires exposed on the inner tread of the tire. Additionally, the contact inspected the driver-side rear tire and observed exposed wires sticking out from the inner sidewall. The contact stated that NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) was completed in October 2025. The contact associated the tire failure with the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure by phone. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,400.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11771071
2015 Ford ExplorerSuspension

Failure of replaced toelinks to be properly torque or design flaw. The toelinks continue to slide out of alignment and kick bottomf of both tires out. Causes instability in car, issues with differential and unnecessary wear of rear tires.

Filed Incident Suspension · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11765707
2002 Ford ExplorerSuspensionWheels & tiresBrakes

The rear toe arms came unhinged or disconnected from their placement and sank down to continuously rub a groove in the inner rim. The suspension was affected, the steering was effecting especially when turning, it made the brakes stick, and made loud crunching and rolling noises. It is quite frankly dangerous. It was through no fault of mine that this happened, just weak design. I took it to a shop and they charged me all my money, but nothing was fixed.

Filed Incident Suspension · Wheels · Service brakesNHTSA 11763182
2018 Ford ExplorerSuspension

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.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11761299
2018 Ford ExplorerSuspensionWheels & tires

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...

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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.

Filed Incident Suspension · TiresNHTSA 11757947
2019 Ford ExplorerSuspension

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...

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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.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11756501
2017 Ford ExplorerSuspension

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...

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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.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11754760
2018 Ford ExplorerSuspension

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...

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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.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11754682
2020 Ford ExplorerSuspensionWheels & tires

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....

Filed Incident Suspension · Wheels · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11753585

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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