2015 Ford Explorer: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Mar 18, 2026 · Steering · 197,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the front ball joint and lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.

Filed Jun 25, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · 100,000 miles · AZ

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.

Filed Oct 3, 2024 · Driver assistance, Lights · 192,260 miles · NY

The vehicle was sold to me by “Buffalo Auto Sales 2 at 3012 Spencer Hwy Pasadena, TX 77504 on [XXX]. They violated the DTPA and all employees failed to disclose the vehicle had dozens of major safety issues with two open safety recalls. These safety issues include Major ABS issues and failures, Power Steering/drivetrain, front end passenger wheel & both rear end wheel failures within the mechanisms such as control arms, tie rods inner and outer & even one within the wheel component that was dangerously bent. The headlight pigtails are torched. These couldn’t even be fixed with even replacement OEM parts/Ford Dealership parts and Ford Dealership expertise. My safety, my children’s safety, family and passengers were all at risk multiple times over the past three weeks. Every time on the highway or local roads not being able to sustain maximum speeds over 20- 40 mph because touching the gas even after a red light would cause the engine to hesitate to turn or stutter. This caused me multiple trips back to Buffalo Auto Sales 2 and multiple mechanics even multiple Ford Dealerships. On September 12th 2024, I discussed these severe safety issues with Buffalo Auto Sales 2, my salesman originally offered to place me into another vehicle, give me back my large cash deposit, or “attempt to fix the vehicle”. The manager immediately refused to do the right thing and claim to “fix the vehicle himself”.. however when I asked if the manager Jeff has experience as a mechanic he replied he does not have mechanic experience. That day they claim to have “fixed” the ABS problem, and in turn the vehicle was still shaking while in motion at any speed. Even after I thought Ford Service could fix the tie rod recall, that still did not work because the rear was still shaking. I had Tire experts and mechanics even change front tires, and do an alignment on September 30th 2024.. The vehicle is still shaking dangerously while in motion. Warnings on are ABS, Chk Engine & Tire Pressure lights. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF IN

Filed Aug 28, 2024 · Suspension · 141,000 miles · TX

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 the federal safety agency 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 federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 141,000.

Filed Jul 24, 2024 · Steering · NM

I had just pulled out of my driveway when I heard a "clunk" and the power steering seized up. Dash lights indicated "Steering Asist Fault Service Required" and "Service Advance Trac". I had to drive around the block (pulling very hard on steering wheel) to get it back in my driveway. It was frightening not having full control of the car. There is a Recall for Ford Explorer Steering Issues (the federal safety agency CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 and the federal safety agency CAMPAIGN# 21V537000) "Cross axis ball joint to seize" but my VIN is not in the recall but should be. This is a SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE that needs to be addressed by Ford Manufacturing.

Filed Mar 15, 2024 · Steering · 148,000 miles · ID

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the steering gear and outer tie rod. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 148,000.

Filed Jan 24, 2024 · Suspension, Wheels · MI

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)

Filed Jan 12, 2024 · Suspension · 23,000 miles · NY

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Mar 26, 2021 · Steering, Suspension · 114,000 miles · OH

No power steering and a loud popping sound when ever I turned the steering wheel to the right. Just had the front suspension lower control arms replaced at mileage of 112477. The faulty steering warning light came on and it appears this is a problem ford has had since 2011 on the ford explorer. I have read on the internet this is not an unusual problem with the 2015 ford explorer, so why has this issue not been required to be included in recall order?? I almost hit another car on a wet rainy night and I was going straight. Lack of steering control when driving 65 MPH is a deadly event. Will contact dealer that serviced the front suspension to hear their side of the story.

Filed Sep 19, 2020 · Suspension · 128,000 miles · MI

In less than a month time the control arms and back tie rod ends snapped completely while just driving on normal flat roads. Costing $1,000's in damage repairs . The whole back end gave out swerving my whole vehicle while I had children in it.

Filed Aug 24, 2020 · Steering, Suspension · 115,991 miles · MN · crash · 1 injury

Rear tow link snapped while wife was driving on interstate at 70 MPH, lost control, fishtailed across traffic lanes before regaining control and pulling over. Wife was scared to death. Had towed to ford service center. Told it was a recall issue, repaired free of charge. Repaired and picked up the car. Two days after repair, 7 year old grandson and I were driving 65 MPH on hwy when rear tow link snapped again, lost control, fishtailed across traffic lanes before regaining control and pulling to side of highway. Grandson and I were terrified. Towed to ford service center, repaired toe link and replaced rear tie rods. Told the tie rods where so wore out that vehicle was unsafe to drive. No mention of tie rod issue from previous service center. Picked up car after all repairs completed. Four days after picking up vehicle, rear toe link snapped, while same 7 yr old grandson and I were driving north on interstate at 75 MPH. Lost control, fishtailed across busy traffic lanes, crossed the median and hit reflector post on the edge of the southbound lane before regaining control narrowly missing on coming traffic. Reflector post hit an oncoming car causing damage to the drivers door and side mirror. Grandson and I are in shock, scared to death as we almost hit a car head on. Car towed to same ford service center for repair. When we went check on car was told by the staff that he would give me the keys very hesitantly because he felt the vehicle was unsafe to drive. Did not take car because we are terrified to drive it as we have almost died while driving on three separate occasions. All within 400 miles of driving. Have yet to take possession of vehicle. We are now stuck with a vehicle, and a loan, that we are too afraid to drive. I've had to see my therapist to discuss the level of stress, anxiety and fear. Grandson will not get in a car alone with me as he is to afraid.

Filed Sep 9, 2019 · Suspension · 75,038 miles · CO · crash

After leaving my community property with my 2015 ford explorer, I turned left at approximately 5-15 miles per hour and suddenly I heard a clank/scrape and lost control of vehicle (image 1). See scrap on cement where vehicle control was lost in the street. Vehicle stopped at end of skid marks (image 2). After turning left (east) , I immediately lost control of vehicle where orange van is located, which is believed due to axle break (image 2). After losing control, vehicle veered left towards curve. I continued to fight for control and vehicle hit the curve while vehicle was headed between two trees towards homes. Fortunately, I was able to momentarily gain control before vehicle went down embankment and return vehicle to main road. See skid marks. My vehicle only had 75,038 miles. The ford dealership said that my control arm broke which caused the incident. However, they would not take responsibility of the repair.