2020 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems

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)

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

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.

I was replacing the rear struts on 12/5/25. I noticed that both speedlogix vertical links were cracked in the exact same location. I called Speedlogix and they said they no longer carried those links (I see why). Asked for a refund and doesn’t appear I am going to get one. They were purchased November of 2024. No telling how long they’ve been cracked like this. Could have ended up killing me and my family.

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

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.

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 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.

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 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.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V093000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was leaking oil near the front wheels. Additionally, the vehicle was shaking while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the rear seat belts failed to secure the passengers. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the right and left bearings were leaking oil and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that there were no additional recalls on the VIN. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's and passenger side tires were 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

recall in 2022 on rear bolts breaking was done bolts was replace. how ever new bolts are breakng as well, and dealership has put out report but only if rear bolts brake at this time u wreck the car , note two cars has crash do this when i ask they said the not replace them unless they break this incluedes bolts in upper and lower control arms, and related compontents, now why would say replace the bolts but wait untill they break makes no sence to me as total loss control can happen bolts should be replace with stanless steel , mettle wont rust or seze up , my resuch pulled up 5 car crashs all was hurt no one died so what must happen dose people neeed die , ? this must be taken care of asap cars are not safe , and this leads me to bigger probem front end uses same bolts yeat we have no idea how many bolts was replaced and never documented,

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a pothole and made a metallic clunking sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a failed driver’s side rear shock absorber. The contact was informed that the rear shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon raising the front passenger's side power window switch, the window rolled up and then rolled back down unintentionally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the power window control module was reset. The contact stated after the dealer had performed a rearview camera recall repair on the vehicle, messages advising that the traction control and the other drive modes were inoperable were displayed. The dealer replaced the throttle body and an unknown part. Additionally, the contact stated after the dealer had lifted the vehicle for servicing, the dealer noticed that the catalytic converter, the mufflers, and the shock absorbers had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the shock absorbers were leaking fluid. The dealer determined that the catalytic converter, the mufflers, and the shock absorbers needed to be replaced. The dealer had ordered the parts. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the brakes, traction control, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front axle disconnect actuator or the intermediate shaft needed to be replaced with a revised part. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 21-2174. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving or while reversing, there was an abnormal shuddering sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the brakes, 4-WD, Auto Stop, and Auto Hold warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front axle was fractured. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there was no recall coverage for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,436.

The passenger side lower control arm broke in half while backing out of a parking spot at a low rate of speed, not turning very deep.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the pre-collision assist, service engine, four-wheel drive service, and advancetrac service warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the front axle. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 21-2174. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 60,000.