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moderate Owners of the 2020 Ford Explorer have filed 29 NHTSA complaints about the suspension, typically surfacing around 62,000 miles at roughly $900 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See suspension across all vehicles →
| Model year | suspension complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Explorer | 46 |
| 2017 Explorer | 43 |
| 2018 Explorer | 18 |
| 2019 Explorer | 8 |
| 2020 Explorer (this page) | 29 |
| 2021 Explorer | 13 |
| 2022 Explorer | 10 |
| 2023 Explorer | 8 |
Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering suspension on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin supersedes 25-2213. Reason for update: update the Service Procedure to add notes to clarify the customer symptoms, applicability of this TSB, directing technicians to evaluate both front strut mounts, and add Figure 1 to identify the specific area of the strut mount to observe. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a click/pop noise while turning the steering wheel from straight ahead to full lock during low speed turning events. This noise may be due to the front upper strut mount washer movement under steering loads.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This article supersedes TSB 25-2373 to update a print error on publication. Some vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C00A6 and/or C0631. This may be due to the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗In some of the affected vehicles, the rear axle bolt may fracture. A fractured rear axle bolt will allow the rear axle housing to move out of position, resulting in severe noise and vibration. If the rear axle bolt breaks, the driveshaft or half shafts may become disconnected, resulting in loss of transmission torque to the rear wheels. Transmission torque is necessary to hold the vehicle in park and is also needed for the vehicle to move forward or backward. Reason for supplement: updated tech instructions and parts list update
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low speeds. The concern may also be described as a grinding and/or chatter noise. If the Workshop Manual (WSM) leads to replacement of the rear axle, inspect the differential for damage and differential fluid for metallic chunks in the fluid. Note that some metallic flake in the fluid and/or discoloration is normal and the rear axle should not be replaced for it. If no damage is found to the rear differential, it is not recommended to replace the rear axle assembly. Instead, refer to the Symptom Charts in WSM, Section 30
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Axle Bolt Replacement REF : NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD Safety Recall 22S27 Supplement #3
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2020 Explorer has a consistent pattern of suspension and rear axle failures across 28 complaint narratives. The most serious issue is rear axle bolt fracture, tied to recalls 21S11 and 23S55. Owners report bolts breaking months or even years after recall repairs were supposed to fix them—some within 90 days of the recall work. In two extreme cases, the differential either fell off entirely or caused catastrophic drivetrain lock-up at 25 mph with internal gear damage. One owner was stranded mid-freeway with kids on board.
Front axle cracks appear alongside 4WD system failures that trigger cascades of warning lights (pre-collision assist, traction control, lane assist all going dark). This failure mode is known to Ford and documented in Technical Service Bulletin 23-2174, yet owners report being referred to the NHTSA Hotline with no fix in hand.
Control arm bolts fracture at low speeds—parking maneuvers, backing out of spots—with wheel components failing or falling off. Rear shock absorbers leak fluid prematurely, even on newer units. Multiple owners describe jerking, violent surging, and transmission noise that either returned after dealer replacement or wasn't addressed at all. Rear tire wear is extreme and uneven, pointing to underlying suspension problems. Owners consistently report dealers unable to duplicate faults, refusing repair, or claiming no recall coverage despite known issues.
Same Ford Explorer suspension reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2021
Rear axle bolts break, causing the differential to separate or fail. Multiple reports cite recall 21S11 and 23S55 (rear axle bolt/subframe bushing repairs), with owners stating bolts break again post-recall or that the recall repair was inadequate. Two owners report the differential falling off or catastrophic drivetrain lock-up at 25 mph with internal gear failure of the Rear Drive Unit.
When: Typically 60,000+ miles; some failures occur post-recall within 90 days to 1.5 years after repair
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang or grinding noise from rear; Smoke from rear area; Loss of motive power or torque to rear wheels; Sudden jerking or violent jerk upon brake/accelerator depression; Catastrophic drivetrain lock-up
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 21V154000 (Suspension), Recall 21S11 (Rear Lower Control Arm Bolts), Recall 23S55 / Campaign 23V675000 (Axle Mounting Bolts and Subframe Bushings)
Repairs/costs cited: Bolts replaced under recall; some owners report bolts breaking again. RDU pinion bearing and internal gear failure requiring rear axle replacement. One owner states dealer refused warranty repair despite Customer Satisfaction Program 24N01 coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21S11, Recall 23S55 / Campaign 23V675000, Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 24N01 (10-year/150,000-mile coverage for Rear Axle Bolt and Housing). One dealer/corporate refused to authorize repair or rental; manufacturer referred complaints to NHTSA Hotline.
Front axles develop cracks or fractures, sometimes accompanied by fluid leaks. Occurs at highway speeds and lower speeds alike. Multiple complaints reference this as a known issue.
When: 60,000–108,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal shuddering or rumbling sound from front; Fluid leaks near front wheels; Vehicle misalignment feel; Front tires shredded or worn; Illuminated pre-collision assist, service engine, or 4WD service warning lights; Excessive rear-end sway at highway speeds (60 mph)
Codes mentioned: TSB 21-2174 (Front Axle Disconnect Actuator or Intermediate Shaft), Technical Service Bulletin 21-2174
Repairs/costs cited: Fractured front axles requiring replacement. One owner reports independent mechanic diagnosed fractured front axles leaking fluid. Dealer confirmed axle failure in at least two reports.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Referred to NHTSA Hotline or stated no recall coverage available.
Front and rear control arms fracture, or ball joints work loose. Fractures occur with minimal provocation (low-speed parking maneuvers, reversing). Bolts connecting wheel to control arm fall out. Multiple complaints cite rear lower control arm bolts breaking.
When: 43,000–80,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal bumping sound from front; Vehicle fails to drive forward after failure; Metallic clunking sound when hitting pothole; Loss of steering control capability; Bolt failure causing wheel concavity
Codes mentioned: Recall 21S11 (Rear Lower Control Arm Bolts), TSB 23-2174
Repairs/costs cited: Control arms and bolts require replacement. One owner reports both vertical links cracked in identical location on aftermarket Speedlogix part purchased in Nov 2024 (defective product or installation issue).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21S11 (announced 3/10/2021). One dealer claimed no recall on file for rear lower control arm bolt failure.
Rear shock absorbers leak fluid and fail prematurely. Failures reported shortly after ownership or following dealer service for unrelated repairs. Some failures occur within 3 months of new vehicle purchase.
When: 43,000–70,000 miles; some failures at 3 months from new purchase (Nov 2020 vehicle reported in May 2021)
Symptoms owners cite: Thumping or bumping sound from rear (left or right); Visible fluid leaks from shock absorber; Jerking when braking; Vehicle vibration
Repairs/costs cited: Rear shock absorbers require replacement. Dealers recommended replacement of both rear shocks; one owner questioned why only one would be replaced if both were at similar age.
Electronic parking brake engages unintentionally while vehicle is at complete stop or during dealer repair work. Vehicle fails to respond to accelerator initially, then surges forward abruptly. Occurs after suspension recall repair (Campaign 21V154000). One complaint describes PCM software update as remedy for loss of transmission torque, but surging issue persists.
When: 28,500 miles; post-recall (within days of suspension repair completion)
Symptoms owners cite: Electronic parking brake engaged with no warning light; Vehicle fails to respond to accelerator pedal initially; Sudden surge forward upon repeated pedal depression; Failure to respond when releasing brake pedal at complete stop; Loss of transmission torque (post-PCM update)
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 21V154000 (Suspension)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attributed failure to suspension recall repair but did not diagnose or repair the problem. PCM software update provided for loss of transmission torque, but surging persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 21V154000 (Suspension). Dealer notified; manufacturer notified but no assistance provided. Dealer and manufacturer did not repair.
4WD system failure triggers cascade of warnings: collision assist, adaptive cruise control, traction control, and lane assist all become inoperable. Failures are intermittent and can persist for days. Vehicle suddenly slows on highway due to cruise control shutdown and swerves due to lane assist failure. Condition is known to Ford (TSB 23-2174 issued).
When: 60,000–80,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: 4WD failure warning illuminates; Collision assist failure; Sudden loss of adaptive cruise control; Traction control inoperative; Lane assist malfunction causing swerve; Multiple warning lights illuminated (pre-collision assist, service engine, 4WD service, AdvanceTrac service); Failures reset intermittently or persist for days
Codes mentioned: TSB 23-2174, Technical Service Bulletin 21-2174
Repairs/costs cited: Front axle disconnect actuator or intermediate shaft replacement recommended. One dealer replaced throttle body and unknown part following rearview camera recall; issues persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued TSB 23-2174. Manufacturer referred complaints to NHTSA Hotline.
Rear end makes abnormal roaring or thumping sound; vehicle vibrates and jerks violently upon brake or accelerator depression. One owner reports transmission was replaced; failure recurred one year later. Another reports sudden thumping and jerking when braking with slipping at low speeds; dealership recommends transmission replacement. Complaints reference this as a common problem for 2020 Explorer.
When: 6,000 miles (initial failure); recurrence at ~1 year post-transmission replacement; 68,000 miles (another complaint)
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal roaring or thumping sound from rear; Vehicle vibration without warning; Violent jerking upon brake or accelerator depression; Jerking when braking; Slipping when driving at low speeds
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 21V154000 (Suspension)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement performed; failure recurred. Dealership recommends transmission replacement again in second complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; case filed but no repair provided.
Rear tires develop excessive wear on inside tread, requiring replacement multiple times within one year. Extreme wear pattern suggests suspension or alignment issue. Some complaints involve shredded tires at highway speeds.
When: Multiple replacements within one year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Extreme inner tread wear on rear tires; Tires shredded while driving; Tires going flat
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced rear tires three times in past year out of pocket. One complaint mentions independent mechanic diagnosed fractured front axles contributing to wear.
Synthesized from 29 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 29 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most suspension failures cluster between 28,500 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 62,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 28,500; a quarter make it past 80,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover suspension issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.