98 of the 3,270 complaints about the Ford Explorer (3.0%) concern Wheels, tires & suspension, making it the model's #7 problem area. That share is 1.2× the Wheels, tires & suspension share across all tracked vehicles.
98Complaints · Wheels, tires & suspension
3.0%Share of complaints
1.2×vs. all vehicles
29Last 12 months
3.1%Share involving a crash or fire
4Related recalls
Analysis
29 Wheels, tires & suspension complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 15 in the 12 months before — up 93%.
3 of these reports (3.1%) describe a crash or fire, with 1 injury and 0 deaths mentioned.
4 recall campaigns relate to this area, most recently campaign 26V101000 (2026-02-20, model years 2018 and 2019).
The right front suspension collapsed after crossing railroad tracks at less than 10 mph, causing the vehicle to collapse and deploying all four airbags causing Minor injuries . A higher rate of speed would have caused severe injuries and possible fatalities.
Driving about 50mph on dry country road, good visibility, when suddenly car pulled hard right. We went onto a grass embankment, I managed to pull left back onto the road, but car fish-tailed uncontrollably, we hit crash barrier, and finally came to a stop.
I am submitting this complaint involving suspension on 2023 Ford Explorer. Dealership has replaced the right front stunt mount two times. The problem is still not corrected.
Wheels, tires & suspension · 2026-09-28 · ODI 11767501
Car was purchased brand new from Ford Dealership in May 2023. In September 2026, brought car in for 20,000 mile service at Ford Dealership in San Jose, California to discover that both rear shock absorbers are already worn and shocks are leaking.
Wheels, tires & suspension · 2026-09-22 · ODI 11766219
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.
Wheels, tires & suspension · 2026-09-01 · ODI 11761299
While operating the vehicle, a loud clunk occurred, followed by a grinding noise. I stopped the vehicle immediately. Upon exiting, I observed the rear driver‑side tire positioned at an abnormal angle.
Wheels, tires & suspension · 2026-08-25 · ODI 11759597
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
SUSPENSION:REAR Campaign 26V101000 · 2026-02-20 · Model years: 2018, 2019
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 25, 2026.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT Campaign 24V091000 · 2024-02-08 · Model years: 2023
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles. The right-front lower fastener connecting the steering knuckle and strut may be loose or missing.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fasteners, and tighten or install them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 08, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S04.
SUSPENSION:REAR Campaign 21V870000 · 2021-11-10 · Model years: 2021
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Incorrect rear suspension module components may have been installed due to a labeling error.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear suspension module, and replace any incorrect parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S47.
SUSPENSION:REAR Campaign 21V154000 · 2021-03-10 · Model years: 2020
Summary: 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.
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.
