2017 Ford Explorer: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Suspension · NY

My Explorer had Recall 21S32 completed at the dealership on April 1st. The remedy for recall 21S32 was insufficient. Within a month and a half I began hearing a metal clanking noise coming from the rear of the Explorer when I went over bumps. Very quickly the clanking became a lot of frequent loud squeaking. I brought it back to the dealership and they immediately heard the noise and were able to diagnose the problem as coming from the driver side rear wheel knuckle bushing. The service manager and the master technician both agreed that the suspension problem are a direct result of the recall work that was completed. While the Toe-link recall work was done correctly, the new torque placed on the knuckle bushing directly relating to the recall work has caused it to fail. It is obvious that the underlying defect caused the rear wheel knuckle to fail, leaving the vehicle unstable. Ford corporate is refusing to resolve the secondary structural damage caused by their defective safety component and their Safety Department refuses to provide a timeline for assistance.

Filed Jun 3, 2024 · Steering · 103,000 miles · NH

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions, there was a squeaking sound coming from the tires. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was observed that the steering wheel had seized and failed to move. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

Filed Mar 20, 2023 · Transmission · 140,000 miles · MS

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while accelerating after the vehicle was idling, the vehicle would emit a load roaring and grinding noise while shuddering and hesitating before accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the torque converter failed and needed replacement, repointing, and reprogramming. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The failure was related to the federal safety agency ID Numbers: 10222455 (Power Train) 10187724 (Power Train), 10184652 (Power Train, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility), and 10181988 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Filed Apr 6, 2022 · Transmission · 39,000 miles · NC

The contact owned a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 2 - 25 MPH, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the failure as a rear axle failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 39,000.

Filed Mar 30, 2022 · Brakes · 33,038 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the brakes would squeak upon depression of the brake pedal without warning. The contact took her vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the rear brake calipers needed replacement. The contact called the dealer where she was given the number to the company that handle vehicle warranty. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and stated that they would not cover the cost of the repair. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 33,038.

Filed Apr 12, 2021 · Brakes, Wheels · MD

Rear brake calipers seized and wore brake pads all the way down. Slight intermittent sound was noticed when car was in motion but thought it may be related to the roof rack detachment that was pending repair. Squealing became persistent and stopped upon breaking, and started again after brake released. Upon identifying this correlation took the explorer to the dealership and this issue identified was seized calipers.

Filed Sep 13, 2020 · Brakes, Engine · 29,350 miles · MN

When backing up the vehicle will hesitate then it feels like I hit something. Then there's a clunk .. (rear tow bearing/u-joint) #2 have to always have defrost on or windows fog up.. Then there's a smell of antifreeze coming through the vents. Breaks grind when stopping. Rear brakes and rotors were replaced by dealership.. Break fluid low, along with a bunch of other issues transmission slips when taking off from a stop. Always have to reset average gas mileage to get a reading. I believe I was sold a lemon as the finance guy took my down payment and purchased a extended warranty which I never agreed to.

Filed May 23, 2019 · Body · 5,180 miles · NJ

Excessive wind noise from the front cabin at highway speeds. Terrible on windy days as it gets worse. Best guess would be poor door seal around the latch area. Door rubber was previously repaired but no fix. Very noisy in cabin at highway speeds, and on both doors the grease around the control arm for the door has come away and become squeaky twice. Something doesn't seem to be aligned properly.