10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 23,933 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
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)
- Gladwin, MI, USA
Took vehicle to Ford dealer for oil change and tire rotation. Dealer stated that all lug nuts needed to be replaced due to "swelling". Old lug nuts were the type with the aluminum cap over steel. This is a documented design flaw that should be covered by a recall at no expense to owner.
- Vancouver, WA, USA
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?
- Negaunee, MI, USA
Right front wheel bearing had to be replaced.
- Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Wheel bearing hubs are both bad. Not a cheap fix. Other vehicles under recall for the same thing. Ford needs to add more vehicles and reimburse the cost of this fix. Both rear wheels move in and out when in the air.only had one side done at this time but will be returning to local mechanic to fix other side (not as bad as the side fixed).
- New Concord, OH, USA
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact heard a squealing sound when turning the vehicle in either direction. The vehicle was taken to autofair Ford in manchester (1475 S willow St, manchester, nh 03103, (603) 634-1001). The contact took the vehicle to the same dealer six weeks before to have the driver's side wheel bearing replaced under a warranty. The dealer performed an 100 point inspection and recommended several repairs that needed to be performed. The dealer had been aggressively soliciting the contact to trade in the vehicle and checked to see if she wanted to act on any of the service repair recommendations. Regarding the squealing noise, the dealer diagnosed that the entire rack and pinion needed to be replaced and an alignment was needed. The repairs would cost $2,215. The manufacturer was contacted online and stated that there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 49,100.
- Manchester, NH, USA
Blowout of tire on the highway. Was travelling at 70 mph on the Florida turnpike at the time. The failed tire was a Michelin P245/60R18 latitude tour. A center strip of the tread appeared to have delaminated. The strip that delaminated appeared to be approximately 4 " wide.
- Longwood, FL, USA
2015 Explorer Sport - have a binding, popping noise when turning the steering wheel to the right. Pops before completing a full turn at full stop and will pop multiple times when doing a K-turn or right turn at slow speed. Had thrust washer, nuts, and other items replaced Nov 2017 at 34776 miles, now at 38000 and its back and of course techs can't duplicate. I also went to dealer and drove after they rotated tires and changed the oil and couldn't. next morning in driving its doing it again, but one pop at a time at full stop. This must be a defect becuase I had the same type of problem in my 2013 Explorer. My warrenty is up and I need this fixed as I'm afraid to drive with confidence.
- Smyrna, DE, USA
On 08-12-17 I pulled into my driveway an turn my steering wheel locked up and I could not turn it.. I shut down the car and restartd it.it had reset if this had happened on the highway someone could have been killed. I will take the car to Ford on 8-14-17 to see if they will help and fix it.
- High Rolls, NM, USA
While driving vehicle on highway, lost control and was barley able to stop truck after right lower control arm broke in half. Ball joint was also completely out of socket. I don't see how something this dangerous and unsafe can happen while driving.
- Rahway, NJ, USA
Driving home from cottage, approximately 200km, as I was approaching my house (maybe 300 yards away), I turned left, heard a "clunk" and front right wheel started to shake. As I pulled into my driveway I noticed 4 out of 5 front bolts holding my wheel had sheared off. These are original factory wheels. All service has been done by Ford dealer.
- Toronto, OH, USA
- San Antonio, TX, USA