Ford Expedition ball joint problems

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Tires · 162,749 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Expedition equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: Discoverer AT, Tire Size: 275/55/R20, DOT Number: UTV11R9 4221. The contact purchased four new tires. The contact called Walmart for assistance. The contact became aware that there were large blisters on the sidewalls of the tires. The tire was 80 percent worn. The second and third tires were at 50 and 80 percent worn. The blister was about six inches long. The blister was located on the passenger’s side rear tire; the driver’s side rear tire and the driver’s side front tires had blisters. The contact was able to stick a finger between the blister and the ball joint. The contact was concerned about a blowout. An attempt was made to contact the tire manufacturer, but there was no response. The tire failure mileage was unknown. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 162,749.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · MA

1. There was front suspension failure where the lower ball joint has separated, causing the steering knuckle and wheel assembly to detach and collapse while driving- yes it is available to inspect if done tomorrow 2. Driver could not control car, passengers and other cars on road in immediate danger. Car was swerving with loss of control 3 Independent service center looked-this should have not have happened. 4 No happened yesterday was going to bring to dealer after Ind looked at it 5. No warning

Filed Feb 2, 2020 · Brakes · 180,000 miles · MO · crash

First incident occurred when vehicle was traveling 45 MPH. Brakes were applied to slow down before a curve. At the point the front wheels locked up and the vehicle began to rock back and forth and swerve on the roadway. To prevent a rollover the vehicle was steered off the road when it jumped an embankment and plowed through 25 feet mud and brush before coming to a complete stop. The brakes were completely inoperable. The vehicle was shut off and left until it could be towed out. After a few hours the calipers released. The second incident occurred when vehicle was stopped at a stop sign. When accelerated was pressed the front wheels were locked up and the back wheels were spinning. Vehicle was put in park, shut off, restarted after a few minutes and calipers were still locked up. Vehicle was towed home and calipers released after a few hours. Car had only been running for about 30 minutes when this happened. After diagnosis it was determined that the brackets that hold the brake lines on the front failed and wheel rotation were through the lines which caused the brake lines to intermittently collapse. All brake lines, calipers, tie rods, shock/struts, brakes, rotors, upper control arms and lower ball joints have been replaced on both front and rear. Vehicle had approximately 180,000 miles when both incidents occurred 3 months apart.

Filed Apr 29, 2018 · Suspension · 189,000 miles · IL

While driving on the highway, as soon as I go faster than 55mph the vehicle down by the wheels, starts shaking. I can feel it in the steering wheel. I suspect it's the ball joints but not sure. It also wobbles when turning going as slow as 25 MPH.

Filed Nov 13, 2016 · Brakes, Suspension · TN

My brake went to the floor when I started to drive my vehicle last week. I was going to ave my bakes replaced today when the mechanic noticed that the lower control arms were very rusted it has pieces breaking off and there is actually a hole in the rear driver side lower control arm. The metal brake lines is also rusted in two. He looked at my 1998 expidition and the lower control arms on the back of it are also rusted out. He saididn't I should not drive either of them until they are replaced. I'm wondering if there is a recall on these.

Filed Feb 19, 2016 · Suspension · 101,500 miles · IL · crash · 3 injuries

Rear upper and lower control arms completely rusted out, resulting a dangerous driving situation. I have vehicle serviced regularly at a ford dealer and was never informed of such a hazard. While driving, heard a loud noise and felt a bad jerk, rear-end just fell down. Had severe medical issues as result. Ford needs to alert consumers of this problem and implement a recall, before a fatal occurs.

Filed Mar 13, 2015 · Suspension · 208,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford expedition. The contact discovered that the rear lower control arms/trailing arms were completely rusted. The contact was a certified mechanic who replaced the lower control arms. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 208,000. Updated 4/30/15*cn the consumer stated the passenger side was rusted too, but was still intact. Updated 05/07/15

Filed Feb 13, 2015 · Brakes, Electrical · 125,000 miles · OR

This has been an issue since acquiring this vehicle. The brakes are very soft, they will pump up but when a quicker slow down or stop is needed an individual doesn't have a lot of time to remember that. There have been no injuries or crashes as of this date. Master cylinder was replaced on mechanic's advice however this did not improve this issue. As well the vehicle seems to need the lower ball joints wear out quickly. Also please note that each time it rains there is water coming in from somewhere on the top driver's side of the windshield and post. It drips from that hand grip down to light switch and into vent on driver's side as well. There have been times where there is an electrical smell which causes concern of a vehicle fire possibility.

Filed May 17, 2014 · Suspension · 70,000 miles · IL

Taking off from a stop in the subdivision, my son with a friend in the vehicle heard a slight clunk, but the vehicle continued to move forward. He kept driving, but the vehicle "felt a little strange" he reported. He pulled out onto a major roadway and heard another loud noise, but the car kept going, so he pulled off the road as soon as he could, to discover that the rear end almost fell off the car. The car has 4 wheel drive with awd. The rear drive shaft got pulled out of the transfer case, dropped to the ground started to drag. It snapped off, breaking the pinion shaft, when pulling off the road. The rear lower control arms had rusted away and snapped off. I live in the rust belt in the chicago suburbs, and expect things like doors and fenders to rust, but a major piece of the suspension that holds the whole car together? Really? Doesn't that deserve at least a heads up mention in the scheduled maintenance manual, other than at intervals have the suspension checked? The manual pretty clearly describes checking things at recommended intervals, and I've always had it serviced at the local (now closed mercury dealer nearby). The vehicle has been garage kept, and I've owned it for 12 years. I'm extremely thankful nobody was injured. Ford currently does not have a technical service bulletin issued on this issue. If it had 200,000 miles and wasn't ever cared for or garage kept, then I'd be a little less surprised!! As of this writing I still haven't gotten the car fixed yet because it will involve getting the entire differential rebuilt. I had planned on keeping this vehicle for a whole lot longer than 70,000 miles. I'm being forced to shop for another family bus due to poor engineering on fords part. It would have been nice to have them send at least a notice to get these $100 control arms replaced before; it now will cost $2000 to make the vehicle drivable again.

Filed Apr 23, 2014 · Suspension · 130,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford expedition. The contact stated that the rear of the vehicle began bouncing abnormally while reversing from a driveway. The contact soon discovered that the large, unknown pole was lying under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the rear lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.