2021 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 3%of 448 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 6,010miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the suspension of the 2021 Ford Explorer, 3% of the 448 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 6,010 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The wheel wells of the vehicle collect large amounts of snow and ice. This build up constricts the wheels of the vehicle contacting the tires restricting rotation and steering. This is an extremely dangerous potentially deadly situation. We have contacted Ford motor company and the dealership. No remedy to this situation has been offered. Please investigate and any assistance is appreciated. I believe this is a wide spread problem Ford is unwilling to deal with. This condition occurs in cold weather and snowy icy conditions. The build up hazard happens even driving short highway distances.”
NHTSA complaint #11404027, filed 2021-03, 20 miles“When driving to our local store I noticed my down shift to be rough, so I turned into the back roads, I heard lots of noise coming from the back of the vehicle and then I heard a loud pop and it was my rear axe differential bolt that snapped causing me to lose power.”
NHTSA complaint #11723738, filed 2026-03“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11581312, filed 2024-04“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11485351, filed 2022-09“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11632851, filed 2024-12Related recalls
- 21V870000Nov 10, 2021Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Incorrect rear suspension module components may have been installed…Covers: Ford Explorer 2021, Lincoln Aviator 2021
Related service bulletins
- 11037671Sep 16, 2026This article supersedes TSB 25-2373 to update a print error on publication. Some vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction…
- 11032909May 19, 2026This bulletin supersedes 25-2213. Reason for update: update the Service Procedure to add notes to clarify the customer symptoms, applicability of this TSB, directing technicians…
- 11027608Jan 7, 2026This article supersedes TSB 25-2373 to update a print error on publication. Some vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction…
- 11009831Oct 15, 2024In some of the affected vehicles, the rear axle bolt may fracture. A fractured rear axle bolt will allow the rear axle housing to move out of position, resulting in severe noise…
- 10240575Aug 1, 2023Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low…
- 10222520Sep 23, 2022Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Axle Bolt Replacement REF : NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD Safety Recall 22S27 Supplement #3
- 10214129Jun 10, 2022Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer (Non-Police) Vehicles - Rear Axle Repair After Bolt Fracture. In some of the affected vehicles, the rear axle mounting bolt may fracture…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 | 3 | 14% |
| 2023 | 14 | 13% |
| 2022 | 13 | 5% |
| 2021 | 15 | 3% |
| 2020 | 36 | 3% |
| 2019 | 11 | 4% |
| 2018 | 23 | 3% |
| 2017 | 58 | 3% |
| 2016 | 73 | 3% |
| 2015 | 83 | 5% |
| 2014 | 103 | 6% |
| 2013 | 79 | 4% |
| 2012 | 22 | 3% |
| 2011 | 24 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 37 | 3% |
| 2003 | 63 | 6% |
| 2002 | 422 | 13% |
| 2001 | 43 | 11% |
| 2000 | 62 | 7% |
| 1999 | 65 | 5% |
| 1998 | 111 | 6% |
| 1997 | 105 | 6% |
| 1996 | 97 | 7% |
| 1995 | 93 | 11% |
| 1994 | 65 | 5% |
| 1993 | 59 | 6% |
| 1992 | 60 | 9% |
| 1991 | 33 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2021 Ford Explorer
127 complaintsOther or unknown
90 complaintsEngine
50 complaintsElectrical system
48 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
48 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
36 complaintsFuel system
27 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsForward collision avoidance
19 complaintsSeats
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology