2021 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems

While driving, you noticed rough downshifting and heard loud noises coming from the rear of your vehicle. A bolt on the rear axle differential snapped, causing you to lose power to the wheels. The snapped bolt will need to be replaced, and the differential should be inspected for additional damage.

Your Explorer's rear axle bolt sheared off, causing significant damage to the rear differential and other components, with metal shavings found inside. This failure happened without a crash and raises safety concerns, but Ford has declined to cover the repair costs. The fix will likely involve replacing the rear axle assembly, differential components, and any other parts damaged when the bolt failed.

After your 2021 Ford Explorer had a rear axle bolt recall completed at a Ford dealership, the same bolt fractured shortly after, causing loud noise from the rear end. Ford's customer service denied financial assistance for the repair, claiming it resulted from how the vehicle was used rather than a manufacturing defect, even though the recall was specifically for this bolt's tendency to fracture. The repair will likely involve replacing the rear axle bolt and inspecting the rear axle assembly for any additional damage from the bolt failure.

Your rear shocks have leaked multiple times within 32,000 miles. The dealer replaced both shocks at no charge in 2024, but by 2025 at 30,000 miles, the rear shock was leaking again—despite the dealer initially denying the leak. When you returned to the dealer a second time, they refused warranty coverage because you didn't pay for the first replacement, and cited a 1-year warranty limit instead of 2 years. The repair will likely involve replacing the leaking shock absorber(s) with new units.

the rear axle bolt fractured while driving causing damage to the differential, axles, and mounting bushing. the problem has been confirmed by Baytown Ford Dealership service dept. located at 4110 I-10, Baytown, TX 77521. it has been inspected by the Service Dept at Baytown Ford. located at 4110 I-10, Baytown, TX 77521 no prior symptoms or warnings.

Recently brought my 2021 Ford Explorer with 100,000 miles in for what I thought was a wheel bearing issue. The mechanic reports the entire rear end is gone and needs to be replaced. I’ve owned at least 4 Explorers all driven well over 170,000 without ever having this issue. This car also spent the first 3/4 months I owned it at the Ford garage getting the electrical replaced and “brains”. The crash alert system malfunctioned as did the locking system.

Ford Explorer 2021 recall stems from a defective rear axle horizontal mounting bolt. Ford Motor Company has promised to cover the cost of replacing the subframe bushing and the rear axle bolt and repairing any resultant damage. The dealer, Payne Ford Weslaco, the Tech broke a tool to fix and Ford has failed to replace said tool.

My driver side cv joint went out Dec 2023, noticed grease, throwing while a tire rotation was being done. April 2024 was completing a oil change and we decided to check the passenger side and now that CV joint is going out as well. This vehicle has less than 30,000 miles on it.

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you regarding a persistent issue I have been experiencing with my 2021 Ford Explorer For some time now, I have noticed a loud sound when braking and when navigating obstacles such as speed bumps or when entering and exiting the ramp of my parking lot. Concerned about this situation, I took my vehicle to the service department at your dealership, where I was informed that there was a recall to replace a part related to this issue. I appreciate that you have identified and committed to addressing this problem through the recall. However, I am concerned that despite more than one or two months having passed since my initial visit, I have still not received any notification regarding the availability of the necessary part for the repair. This delay has been particularly frustrating as the problem persists and even seems to have worsened over time. The loud sound when braking and navigating obstacles is becoming increasingly pronounced, significantly affecting the driving experience and my safety on the road. I understand that manufacturing and distribution processes can be complicated, but I need an urgent solution to this problem. As a loyal customer of your dealership, I trust that you will take the necessary steps to resolve this situation quickly and effectively. Since my vehicle is my primary means of transportation, I strongly request that you expedite the repair process and keep me informed of any developments related to the recall and the availability of the necessary part. I look forward to receiving a prompt response and a satisfactory solution to this problem. I appreciate your attention and prompt action in addressing this matter.

I bought my 2021 Ford Explorer brand new and at 44,675 miles my shock absorbers went bad. There was no damage to my vehicle that could have caused it, my car was never in an accident. The dealership that repaired them said there was no indication of what caused it and it is highly unusual. Driving without shocks on my vehicle caused the loss of ability to control the rate of weight transfer when going around corners; this also resulted in increased steering input to navigate turns and uneven tire wear.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear end of the vehicle became very unstable, and the vehicle fishtailed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed a rear wheel alignment, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V870000 (Suspension). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 12,000.

Vehicle developed a clicking noise when accelerating/decelerating. Noise also present when switching between drive/reverse. Ford dealer found that driveline was flexing. Closer inspection revealed that the bushing for the single bolt rear subframe mounting to rear differential was broken. Had this not been caught, the bolt would have broken releasing the rear driveline from the structure of the vehicle. The 2020 Ford Explorer ST had two bolts that connected the rear diff to the rear subframe. In 2021-2022 Ford changed this to a one bolt design. This triggered the current recall for the 2021-2022 in which the 'fix' was to apply the emergency brake if the bolt broke. On the 2023 Ford Explorer ST model, Ford has returned to the two bolt design used in 2020. Photos uploaded.

Ford has started a recall for vehicles with a single bolt in the rear differential mount. This is in reference to the roll away issue as their calling it. Some people have recieved notice for this and others have not. My production date is listed as 8/21. Which I believe is in part of the recall. Even if not this vehicle has only one bolt in the unit and not 2. Which is part of the recall issue.