2021 Ford Explorer Complaint
Suspension / Power Train
Filed February 16, 2023 · Incident date November 9, 2022
- Vehicle
- 2021 Ford Explorer
- Component(s)
- Suspension / Power Train
- Complaint filed
- February 16, 2023
- Date of incident
- November 9, 2022
- Reported VIN
- 1FM5K8GC0MG
Owner's description
Vehicle developed a clicking noise when accelerating/decelerating. Noise also present when switching between drive/reverse. Ford dealer found that driveline was flexing. Closer inspection revealed that the bushing for the single bolt rear subframe mounting to rear differential was broken. Had this not been caught, the bolt would have broken releasing the rear driveline from the structure of the vehicle. The 2020 Ford Explorer ST had two bolts that connected the rear diff to the rear subframe. In 2021-2022 Ford changed this to a one bolt design. This triggered the current recall for the 2021-2022 in which the 'fix' was to apply the emergency brake if the bolt broke. On the 2023 Ford Explorer ST model, Ford has returned to the two bolt design used in 2020. Photos uploaded.
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Data sourced from the NHTSA Complaints database. Complaints are submitted by vehicle owners and have not been independently verified.