2020 Ford Explorer suspension problems

Filed Nov 9, 2026 · Suspension, Transmission · IN

Subject: Safety Recall 26S48 / the federal safety agency Campaign 26V402 – Supplemental Progressive Damage & Dealer Non-Compliance Report – 2020 Ford Explorer (VIN: [XXX]) Body: To the federal safety agency Office of Defects Investigation, I am writing to file a supplemental safety complaint and non-compliance report regarding Ford Safety Recall 26S48 / the federal safety agency Campaign 26V402 (Transmission Parking Pawl Unexpected Engagement) and the subsequent progressive failure of connected drivetrain components on my 2020 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD (VIN: [XXX]). 1. The Severe Safety Incident & Recall Remediation In XXX, while traveling at approximately 70 mph on a major highway, my vehicle experienced the exact catastrophic failure mode described in Campaign 26V402: the transmission parking pawl abruptly attempted to engage, causing severe mechanical duress, violent deceleration, and transferring massive kinetic shockwaves through the entire connected driveline. The vehicle was delivered to Pearson Ford ([XXX]) on XXX, where it was held for an unreasonable timeline of 7.5 months until XXX, to perform the recall-mandated transmission overhaul and the concurrent rear axle mounting bolt recall. 2. Progressive Driveline Failure & Present Safety Risk Just months after receiving the vehicle back from the recall remedy, the connected powertrain suffered a secondary breakdown. The vehicle is currently back in the custody of Pearson Ford. The service department has provided completely conflicting diagnoses, alternating from a failed fluid pump, to a transmission support failure, and now to a differential bearing and front axle failure. The dealership is refusing to acknowledge that the severe mechanical shock from the 70 mph parking pawl engagement compromised the structural integrity of the connected differential and axles. Furthermore, the dealership has performed unauthorized work by replacing front axle assemblies (Part N1MZ 3A427 F) despite technician video con INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 25, 2026 · Brakes, Suspension · OK

Have token it to several different dealerships and they say it’s up to specs but they won’t touch it without me paying for the work you can see that it’s not installed correctly idk what to do to get this fixed before it does break and something happens

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Suspension, Wheels · TX

I keep feeling a clunk or thump towards the back of the car at random times, towards the back axle. Sometimes it's when i stop and drive forward, other times it happens while I am just driving normally, usually at slow speeds around 5-45mph. I have an extended warranty and the ford dealer has said they can;t replicate it and want to give my car back until it gets worse, and then try fix it. I am highly concerned about this process....

Filed Jul 25, 2026 · Suspension, Transmission · OK

Back in 2026 I bought a vehicle from Wild West Ford in Guymon ok about three weeks after I bought the vehicle there was a safety recall on it for the rear axle bolt. Ever since the recall was done, I noticed a significant change in my vehicle rear and it shook real bad. basically I was eating my tires and so I took about to wild West and they told me to go get alignment done so I went and got an alignment done, and it still was doing it and I had taken it to at least four different Ford dealerships across two different states and they all told me that there is nothing wrong with my vehicle, so I looked it up on the forum in the procedure on how the recall was done and i find out that the bushing was improperly installed. One of The ford dealership is the one who send me a picture of the bushing even starting to rip. Please help my kids ride in this vehicle everyday and Wild West claimed the recall but did it completely wrong and refuses to fix it so I took it to different dealerships and with each dealership, I specifically asked them to re-look into the recall because I feel like it was done wrong and they all said that it was all up to four specs in the end. there was nothing wrong with it, but here’s the proof that it is so how do I get my vehicle fixed?

Filed May 19, 2026 · Suspension, Transmission · TX

Was driving on highway with 55 mph speed limit. Car in front slowed to turn right so i slowed briefly and then was accelerating back to speed limit and heard a loud bang and severe grinding noise after. Stopped at next safe area to inspect. Found that both cv axle boots were damaged. Was only a couple miles from home so placed hazard lights on and slowly crept the car to house for further inspection. Upon closer inspection found that when car was placed into forward gear the whole rear end would drop onto the exhaust and was causing CV axles to rub on exhaust.

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Suspension, Transmission · MD

Vehicle suffered a catastrophic drivetrain lock-up while traveling at approximately 25 mph. The rear wheels physically halted, creating an immediate loss of control and safety hazard. Upon inspection, the Rear Drive Unit (RDU) was found to have a failed pinion bearing/internal gear failure, resulting in dual fluid leaks. This is a REMEDY FAILURE related to Safety Recall 23S55 (the federal safety agency Campaign #23V675000). The vehicle underwent the 23S55 recall repair 90 days prior (Jan 2026). The internal failure is a direct consequence of latent fatigue and stress placed on the RDU pinion and housing due to the defective axle mounting bolts and subframe bushings addressed in the recall. Furthermore, the vehicle is within the coverage window of Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 24N01 (10-year/150,000-mile extension for Rear Axle Bolt and Housing). The dealer (Hertrich Ford) and Ford Corporate Case Management (ASO Case #XXX) have refused to authorize an Administrative Rental or acknowledge the related damage, leaving the owner in a hazardous financial and logistical situation. I am reporting this as a failure of the federal safety remedy to adequately protect the vehicle’s drivetrain from consequential damage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 16, 2026 · Body, Suspension · TX

I was driving on the highway and I heard a loud bang , with grinding and a jerk i assumed the rear axel or differential something in the rear area along with smoke and I was able to swerve to the side of the highway along the grass and jump out with my kids multiple cars where behind me but I turned on my emergency lights & got out just in time before causing a accident , this is all tied to a recall that’s been fixed twice now here we are a third time and it’s back again at ford dealership

Filed Jan 13, 2026 · Suspension · PR

On 1/11/2026 while was driving vehicle started making screeching sound. Stopped vehicle and a bolt came off from the rear arm of vehicle and unit was towed for service, which at this moment Ford dealer claimed could not not find any recall notice on file. After researching the internet came across recall 21S11 re Rear Lower Control Arm Bolts May Break announced 3/10/2021.

Filed Dec 6, 2025 · Suspension · KY

I was replacing the rear struts on 12/5/25. I noticed that both speedlogix vertical links were cracked in the exact same location. I called Speedlogix and they said they no longer carried those links (I see why). Asked for a refund and doesn’t appear I am going to get one. They were purchased November of 2024. No telling how long they’ve been cracked like this. Could have ended up killing me and my family.

Filed Nov 14, 2025 · Fuel system, Lights · MD

Left lowlight headlight stops working intermittently and then completely. Both front axles cracked. Right rear shock busted. Gas purge valve malfunctioned