Owner-reported complaints naming the suspension system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2015 Ford Explorer submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 82 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 82, in the owner's own words
My vehicle has been shaking and clunking for years now, and my dealership has denied me service for two years on account of them not being able to recieve parts
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal, roaring sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact's husband discovered that the steel belts on the driver’s and passenger’s rear tires were prematurely worn. The contact then became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension); which the contact associated with the failure. An appointment was scheduled with a local dealer for the recall repair. Upon arriving for the appointment, the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, and the contact was informed that the recall repair was performed prior to and was a one-time repair. The contact provided an estimate for an out-of-pocket repair. The contact stated that the top of the driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trims were loose. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an alignment, the contact was informed that the alignment could not be performed because the rear toe link was rusted and needed to be repaired. The contact stated that the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) was previously performed on the vehicle; however, the failure occurred. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension); and the vehicle was repaired under the recall. After the recall repair, the contact noticed that the rear end of the vehicle was wobbling and the rear of the vehicle swayed towards the left or right while driving at speeds of 35 MPH or higher. There were no warning lights. The contact replaced the tires twice due to the failure, causing the tires to lose treadwear and lose traction. The dealer was informed about the failure and confirmed that the recall repair had been completed and was only a one-time free repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign numbers: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION), 21V537000 (SUSPENSION), 24V031000 (STRUCTURE), and 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact heard outside noises inside the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that when the heater was activated, the front windshield made an abnormal sound and then shifted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trims detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a glass specialty shop, and the front windshield was replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION), 24V031000 (STRUCTURE), and 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the visibility, which prevented the safe operation of the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 40 MPH, there was a clanking sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated that the steering wheel shifted to the left and the contact immediately corrected the steering wheel; however, in the process the vehicle became airborne. The contact stated that upon landing, the front driver’s, the front passenger’s, and rear driver’s side tires were deflated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the control arms, wheel axles, wheel bearings, rims, and tires were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
I had a mechanic take a look at my car for a routine inspection during an oil change. They noticed my alignment was off. They cannot adjust the rear alignment as they are not adjustable. They found a list of older recalls that affect the rear toe link and I checked with Ford to make sure this was done. They confirmed that the recalls were done. Called Ford Customer Service and they advised me to submit a report as a Safety recall was done on this car by the previous owner, but was not properly repaired as suspected by Ford. Rear Toe links on Ford Explorer 2015 are not adjustable so alignment cannot be performed.
Front halfshaft bracket replacement Campaign/NHTSA# 20S63/20V692 Issue Date 2020-11-10 Description: On your vehicle, the support bracket for your front drive axle halfshaft may fail. This may result in a vibration, grinding, banging or clicking noise from the driveline while moving. Safety Risk: The support bracket may fail without warning and could result in a loss of movement. In some instances, there may be a loss of park function that could result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of an accident. Remedy: Ford Motor Company has authorized your dealer to replace the support bracket free of charge (parts and labor).
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started swaying violently. The contact slowed down and pulled over to allow other traffic to go by. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The failure reoccurred while driving 30 MPH, and the contact almost lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear tires were not straight and were leaning into the wheel well. The contact stated that the vehicle had recently been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension). The contact asked the dealer if the recall repair had caused the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was completed correctly and there was no additional repair for the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the knuckle bushings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact had then taken the vehicle to a tire dealer for an alignment. The tire dealer informed the contact that the alignment could not properly be performed because the rear toe link was not adjustable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to turn left, and while driving over rough road surfaces, there was a sound like metal striking metal sound coming from the rear-end of the vehicle. The contact stated that while turning left caution was used because the vehicle was bouncing and was losing stability. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side wheel felt imbalanced with the rest of the wheels as if the tire pressure was low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, Lofton Motorsports (4122 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74145); who had diagnosed that the stabilizing axle link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer where the CV axle shaft was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer, Bill Night Ford (9607 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74133); who had diagnosed that the front suspension system and both control arms had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failures persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the rear subframe had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V245000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer had referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 141,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V435000 (Suspension) and 24V031000 (Structure) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect (19V435000) and VIN tool confirms parts not available (24V031000).
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) was previously completed on the vehicle. The contact stated he noticed that the tires were shredding after the recall repair. The contact stated that the tires were replaced four times due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the tires could be shredded due to the recall remedy. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,696.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his stepdaughter was driving 5 MPH and making a turn, the wheels locked up and the suspension bracket fractured. The front passenger’s side axle assembly drooped to the ground. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who repaired the front end. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
This vehicle was recalled twice--2019 and 2022. Each time the rear toe links were replaced. I purchased after the 2022 recall from a Chevy Dealer not knowing of the recalls. In fall of 2023 a left rear wheel came loose causing us to lose control, scary but not life threatening. An independent center replaced the left rear toe link as the part was broken. On [XXX] while on [XXX] expressway the car again went out of control--this time is was scary-the vehicle was out of control going side to side at least 4 times and at one point the vehicle behind us said it was on two wheels. I had the car towed 3 hours back to the repair center and I then started to research recalls and concerns with the Explorer. I found recall information stating this was a problem and that cross axis ball joints and toe links were to be checked and replaced as needed. At the repair shop it was again the toe link that broke. The shop contacted a Ford dealer and got new reinforced toe links and a cross axis ball joint. He feels the vehicle should be okay but I am not sure I want to drive it, nor do I want to sell or trade it in as the next person could be in danger. I have saved the ball joint and the shop would willingly support what happened and what they repaired. I have contacted Ford Motor Company 5 times and basically told there is not a current recall and they are not responsible for repairs. The case number I have with Ford customer relations is [XXX]. Lastly the recall in 2019 21S32 expressed concerns about cars sold in northern U.S. or Canada because salt use can cause the ball joint to corrode and seize resulting in a fracture of the rear toe link. In talking to two Ford dealers in my area neither shared any information or concern about this recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds and making a left turn, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while having a routine alignment at an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that there was an issue with the alignment. The contact was informed that the passenger’s side rear ball joint connected to the chassis was not aligned. The contact was informed that the bolt was embedded in the chassis. The contact stated that the nut had been overtightened. There was a crack detected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage for the repair. No assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V675000 (Suspension) and 21V537000 (Suspension) however, after the repairs, the vehicle started experiencing suspension and alignment failures. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle seemed misaligned and was pulling to the right and to the left. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle shuddered significantly while depressing the brake pedal. The contact also stated that the vehicle was hesitant while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while on a road trip, the floorboard of the vehicle was hot, which caused her to pull to the side of the road until the vehicle had cooled down. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer replaced the front brake calipers, rotors and pads, the rear brake rotors, the rack and pinion, the sway bar link, and bushings, the four tires, and performed an alignment several times; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to a second dealer for assistance. The second dealer, Ray Pearman Lincoln (2501 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805) determined that the recall repairs needed to be performed a second time, and a new set of knuckles needed to be installed. The manufacturer was informed of the second dealer's assessment and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the rear lateral arms failed to adjust as needed. The contact stated that over time the failure caused the tires wear abnormally. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly became extremely difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be inspected. The mechanic determined that the rear suspension had a negative toe angle. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 83,000.
I have a recall on rear suspension I have called to have the repairs done several times I was given response of they didn't have the parts needed and would take several weeks . Rear suspension is very unsafe and now the engine cooling component is causing issues with over heating and not giving any warning lights on dash and am afraid found cause fire or some unsafe issue
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that he previously received a recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. They stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the contact heard a squealing sound when the rear driver’s side wheel started to wobble. As a result, the vehicle steered to the left then swerved and crashed into a guardrail. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. No police report was filed. The contact stated that he was able to drive the vehicle at approximately 5 MPH to the nearest dealer where it was diagnosed that the toe link had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact opened a case however, the case was dismissed and no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 127,644. UPDATE 06/05/2023: Consumer contacted NHTSA to inquire whether a federal agency had precedence over sate statutes. Consumer was told that NHTSA doesn't offer legal advice, but may be interested in the file information. Notes to flash drive content and flash drive included.
I am unable to take this matter to the dealer, as they have shut down thier business.
The toe-link on the rear-passenger side wheel broke and caused the vehicle to fish-tail uncontrollably before going into the ditch and rolling. My wife was driving with our two sons, 3 & 1 at the time, luckily no one was physically injured apart from some minor bumps and bruises. After the fact, we found out there was a recall on this specific part and it was repaired but, again, there was a recall on the replacement part. We were never notified, we have friends with the same vehicle that were never notified and are still trying to get the part repaired. Since this part failed and subsequently our vehicle totaled we were forced to buy an older, higher mileage vehicle at an inflated cost. Does Ford bear any responsibility to make this right or does it not matter until there are fatalities?
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph in the rain when the vehicle began to fish tale. The contact had to use excessive force in order to control the vehicle until they were unable to safely pull over. The hazards had to be used due to them needing to reduce speed to approximately 40 mph. The contact had taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic who aligned the wheels. The contact was informed that due to the repair for recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) that they received there was no adjuster to correctly align the front and rear wheels. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred them to the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that she noticed that the front passenger’s side door panel had started to detach. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the trim panel needed to be repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that she heard noise in the rear driver's and passenger side wheels. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the rear wheel knuckle was previously replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number and advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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