2017 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Suspension noise, struts or alignment
- 56owner reports
- 42,000median miles
- 4involved a crash
Newest report Aug 4, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
56 of the 1,683 complaints on this car describe suspension.
Tick what matches of 56 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the bushing (5 reports), the struts or shocks (3 reports) and the control arm (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
4 recalls on the suspension system cover the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Risk and remedy
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
NHTSA investigations into the suspension system on the Explorer
Front suspension stabilizer bar link. Closed nov 30, 2000, led to recall 00V-402.
NHTSA summary
Whl separation/torque loss. Closed aug 31, 1992.
NHTSA summary
None of these investigations covers the 2017 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 28,526 and 92,500 miles, from the 20 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Driver's side rear suspension, toe-link arm broke while driving at approximately 30mph and I nearly lost control. After towing vehicle home, I found the toe-link broke completely off at the weld closest to the wheel hub.”
Filed Jul 23, 2023
“Tow links from my vehicle is going bad. Vehicle fish tails a little on the highway when traveling on uneven surface. Knuckles have been replaced and Link-Stabilizer on both side by my mechanic. Ford STATED they replaced in May 2022 (never did) I had the original parts that came with vehicle. Ford refuses to reimburse. I'm concern now that the tow links are going bad and vehicle will soon be unsafe to drive.”
Filed Apr 20, 2023
“Vibration or rough idle in drive and reverse. Shudder while driving Lack of engine RPM Low performance, lack of acceleration on take off. Mechanic found and replaced the following. Broken Transmission Mount, Replaced Front & Rear Engine Mounts. Transmission is not shifting correctly and the Mechanic stated that the oil was black and smelt burnt.”
Filed Apr 12, 2023
“Rear bushing has split causing the rear end to sway and rattle loudly. Extreme safety concern. Unable to get in contact with any of the dealerships in Tucson AZ in regards to this matter.”
Filed Jul 9, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 4 of 56 reports involved a crash and 4 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Windshield cracks or distorts 285 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 76 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 65 reports
- Water leaks into the cabin 61 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 59 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 51 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 50 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 40 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 38 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 34 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 34 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 30 reports
- Paint peels or body rusts 30 reports