2017 Ford Explorer: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jul 2, 2026 · Suspension · VA

Vehicle was brought in to Magic city ford for a state inspection and was informed that there was a recall on the suspension to replace the tow link in the rear. Vehicle was inspected and tire tread level documented etc . Vehicle was driven 3,000 miles over the next 60 days, including a family trip to the beach. It was then noticed that the rear tires were completely bald on outer half of the tire with one showing cords. Vehicle was taken to Ford dealership who claimed that the vehicle had been aligned before it left the shop and that where was due to the rear control arms. Owner requested a printout with the before and after alignment information required. Dealership spent an hour trying to find the information and then provided a sheet lacking any of the identifiable information dated 5/1/2026, when the vehicle was there on 4/30/2026. It's truly scary to think what would have happened had I not noticed the tires condition. I do not believe that the rear tires were ever aligned. This is an all-wheel drive vehicle, so internal damage is possible. Ford is refusing to cover anything because it's been 60 days.

Filed Mar 24, 2026 · Suspension · 138,871 miles · MI · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after the completion of the federal safety agency Campaign Number:Â 20V675000(Suspension), the vehicle started experiencing suspension failures. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle vibrated and made an abnormal clunking sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle felt like the front end suspension was fighting with the rear end suspension, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle, and the vehicle crashed into a pole. The pole was damaged and bent. The vehicle sustained front-end damage. No police report was filed. The contact sustained seat belt burn and bruising on the right shoulder by the collar bone. The vehicle was driven to Sweets Auto Repair, where suspension repairs were performed. The contact stated that since 2023, the front and rear wheel hub assembly, the rear driver's side upper control arm, the front driver CV axle, the front stabilizer, and the front driver lower control arm and ball joint assembly had been replaced. Additionally, the sway bar link was replaced three times, all four tires were replaced due to premature wear on one occasion, and the front tires were replaced at 4,000 miles due to premature wear on another occasion. The front-end alignment was performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another certified independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side struts were loose and nearly detached, the front driver's side struts were finger tight, the front and rear sway bar links were internally worn out, and all four tires were prematurely worn out and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure on several occasions. The failure mileage was approximately 138,871.

Filed Feb 12, 2025 · Steering · 37,000 miles · MS

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on uneven terrain or roads, the rear of the vehicle was pulling to the left or the right. There was no warning illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear of the vehicle was misaligned from the front end. In addition, the local independent mechanic advised the contact that the rear tie rod needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

Filed Dec 22, 2023 · Steering · IL

Our Explorer was in the shop for over 4 weeks in September The steering went out randomly while driving. We are lucky that the vehicle did not crash. Called FORD Care and they said nothing they could do. So, we took it to ford, and they tried to get the vehicle to throw codes at no success. They replaced the Rack & Pinion assembly and asked us to pick it up. The problem was worse when we picked it up and returned it to the dealer. They worked with ford tech support to try to fix it again, picked it up and still broke. They took it all apart checking the ball joints and other front-end parts, and decided to replace the Rack again, they called us that it is ready for pick-up. Not sure yet if it is fixed but call Ford Care again. They said sorry, after pushing the said to contact Ford Consumer Affairs. They also said that there is no recall for this issue so there is nothing they can do. If the first Rack from ford was bad, this caused us to wait an additional 3 weeks while the dealership worked with ford tech. The onboard diagnostic should help the dealership with solving steering issues. How many people will have to go thru this before there is a recall? The dealer was awesome thru this whole ordeal. I can go on and on about spending over 2k, but hope. Total of 6 weeks in the shop. Now, mid December 2023, the car is still doing it, this time the car crossed the double yellow on RT 12 a major highway here in Illinois. They have had the car for 2 more weeks and can not fix it. They said they will be working with Ford again.

Filed Dec 9, 2022 · Brakes, Fuel system · FL

I bought the car from modern Corp s in Fort Myers Florida and the brakes are bad the catalytic converters are melted the steering makes noise sounds like it's just going to break in half we have a warranty and they will not honor any of it after they said they would we had to put it in the shop not even a week of having it because of the AC and the only thing the warranty covered was the sway bars ball joints and a couple other things I drive this car every single day I just feel like this car is not going to make it nobody wants to honor the word about anything and I see there is a recall for the roof rack one side of it is missing if anybody can help me that would be great because I would love to get my vehicle repaired the right way

Filed Oct 17, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · OH

No warning lights, took vehicle in for clicking noise - diagnosed ball joint repair. Also Ford dealers tells me my water pump is leaking and repair will cost over $3,500. I have read that this is a common problem and I would like to report it.

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.

Filed Feb 6, 2018 · Engine, Suspension · 11,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 ford explorer. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact heard an explosion coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle then stalled without warning. In addition, the front passenger side control arm detached, which caused the passenger tire to explode. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The vehicle was later taken to penske ford collision center (8970 la mesa blvd, la mesa, ca 91942, (619) 464-7777) where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that they were not responsible for the failure and advised the contact to "work it out the best he could". No further assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000.