2020 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Suspension noise, struts or alignment
- 35owner reports
- 43,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jul 29, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
35 of the 1,223 complaints on this car describe suspension.
Tick what matches of 35 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 struts or shocks (6 reports), the control arm (5 reports) and the bushing (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the suspension system covers the 2020 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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.
All 33 recalls on the 2020 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 2020 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 7,731 and 70,000 miles, from the 15 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 4 service bulletins or notices for the 2020 Ford Explorer that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
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.
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.
Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer (Non-Police) Vehicles - Rear Axle Repair After Bolt Fracture. In some of the affected vehicles, the rear axle mounting bolt may fracture during vehicle acceleration.
Some 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a rear axle mounting bolt that has broken. In order to correct the condition, the rear subframe, differential cover, and mounting bolts will need to be replaced in addition to any other damaged components.
What owners wrote
“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.”
Filed Jan 13, 2026
“Left lowlight headlight stops working intermittently and then completely. Both front axles cracked. Right rear shock busted. Gas purge valve malfunctioned”
Filed Nov 14, 2025
“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.”
Filed Jul 23, 2025
“Dealer confirmed the driver side rear shock is leaking. SUV was driven only on paved roads locally with an occasional highway drive.”
Filed Jan 2, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 35 reports involved a crash. 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
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 190 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 177 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 95 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 82 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 75 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 56 reports
- Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems 52 reports
- Headlights too dim or fail 47 reports
- Forward collision warning goes off or the camera drops out 35 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 29 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 28 reports