2017 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Suspension noise, struts or alignment
- 57owner reports
- 42,000median miles
- 4involved a crash
Newest report Sep 15, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
57 of the 1,693 complaints on this car describe suspension.
Tick what matches of 57 reports
Suspension on other Explorer years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Suspension complaints are mostly about noise and handling: a clunk over bumps, a car that pulls to one side, a ride that bounces or leans more than it used to. The more serious reports describe a part breaking or coming loose, and that's where the recalls in this group are concentrated.
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.
The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
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.
The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
All 14 recalls on the 2017 Ford Explorer, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the suspension system on the Explorer
Front suspension stabilizer bar link. Closed nov 30, 2000, led to recall 00V-402.
Whl separation/torque loss. Closed aug 31, 1992.
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
“I was driving 30 MPH down a country road and the drivers side toe link broke about putting me in the ditch”
Filed Mar 25, 2026
“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
“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 57 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. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Trim or a body panel comes off while driving 418 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 285 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 125 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 39 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