2020 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Suspension noise, struts or alignment
- 35owner reports
- 43,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jul 29, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
35 of the 1,203 complaints on this car describe suspension.
Tick what matches of 35 reports
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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 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.
What owners wrote
“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
“I have 68,000 miles on car and car suddenly started making a thumping sound and jerking when braking. Slip also when driving at low speeds. The Dealership says it needs a new Transmission. I have searched online and found this is a common problem for this year and model.”
Filed Apr 21, 2025 · 68,000 miles
“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.
Other problems on this car
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 186 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 176 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 93 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 82 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 69 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 56 reports
- Headlights too dim or fail 46 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 28 reports