About this problem
Rear suspension parts are held to the body by a few large bolts. If a bolt that holds the toe link or another rear arm fractures, that wheel can change direction. Owners report clunking, a car that pulls to one side and, in some cases, a sudden loss of control. Several of these failures have been recalled.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Ford Explorer since 2012, 208 (1.5%) describe rear axle and suspension bolt failure, the third most reported problem we track on the Explorer. The reports cluster on the 2013, 2014 and 2016 model years, and the 2014 drew the most, with 38. It tends to show up at higher mileage: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 59,000 and 120,000 miles. 22 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 8 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Owners of the 2011 to 2017 Explorer report clunking from the rear, the steering pulling, and in some cases the rear toe link breaking, which makes the car hard to control. Ford recalled about 1.3 million Explorers for rear toe link fractures.
How it gets fixed
The recall fix is replacing the rear toe links and aligning the car, done free at Ford dealers.
Typical cost: Recall repairs are free. Out of warranty, toe links and an alignment cost about $300 to $600.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"There was a recall 19s17 on the vehicle. I took vehicle to dealer for this 12-16-2019. They replaced the toe links (part db5z-5a972-j) and reported that the left side toe link ball joint was loose and needed replacement."
2014 Ford Explorer, 117,550 miles
"I had the rear toe links replaced due to a safety recall december 2, 2019. On 09/27/20, I was returning home after dropping my kids off traveling 70 mph on a highway, when the recal part I had replaced less than a year ago break."
2016 Ford Explorer, 130,000 miles
"The vehicle felt as if the alignment was bad. It was very difficult to steer. Turning was particular;y difficult. It sounds very similar to exactly what the recall on the toe links stated."
2013 Ford Explorer, 116,760 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Yo
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode I
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Yor
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured January 17, 2014 to May 31, 2014.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins
Ford has sent dealers 16 bulletins that mention this problem on the Explorer. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Some 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a rear axle mounting bolt that has broken.
Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer (Non-Police) Vehicles - Rear Axle Repair After Bolt Fracture.
Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Axle Bolt Replacement REF : NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD Safety Recall 22S27 Supplement #3
In some of the affected vehicles, the rear axle bolt may fracture.
For 2013-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles that require rear wheel knuckle and bushing assembly repairs, dealers are advised to follow Workshop Manual (WSM) Procedures and use service parts recommended by Ford only.
Certain 2017-2019 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle and Toe Link Replacement This program is a proactive investigation by Ford Motor Company to obtain field parts for testing.
Government investigations
Recall query RQ23002 · 2020–2022 · opened Jun 2023, closed Feb 2024
Before you buy a Explorer
- Check by VIN that the toe link recall was done.
- Listen for clunks from the rear over bumps.
- Look for uneven tire wear on the rear tires.
Questions
Which Ford Explorer years have rear axle and suspension bolt failure?
Complaints are highest for the 2013, 2014, 2016 model years. The 2014 drew the most, with 38 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 100,000 miles, and half reported it between 59,000 and 120,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Recall repairs are free. Out of warranty, toe links and an alignment cost about $300 to $600.