2020 Ford Explorer suspension problems

Related recalls

• Recall 21V154000Mar 10, 202149 vehicles
  SUSPENSION:REAR

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The rear lower control arm (RLCA) bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the wheel knuckles may not have been heat-treated, which could cause them to break.

  Risk: Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace both RLCA bolts, free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S11.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 29, 2026TXOther / UnknownSuspensionWheels & 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....

   NHTSA complaint #11753585 · source
2. Filed Jul 25, 2026OKSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11752834 · source
3. Filed May 19, 2026TXSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11738818 · source
4. Filed Apr 14, 2026MDSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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).…

   NHTSA complaint #11731079 · source
5. Filed Jan 16, 2026TXBody & StructureSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11711552 · source
6. Filed Jan 13, 2026PRSuspension

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11710598 · source
7. Filed Dec 6, 2025KYSuspension

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11703470 · source
8. Filed Nov 14, 2025MDFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionLightingSuspension

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

   NHTSA complaint #11699473 · source
9. Filed Sep 26, 2025MIDriver Assistance & Safety TechSuspension

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11689939 · source
10. Filed Jul 23, 2025MISuspension

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11675637 · source
11. Filed Jul 15, 2025NCFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11673590 · source
12. Filed Jun 27, 2025FLSuspension

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11669680 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology