Suspension complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owned a 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound, and the driver's side rear tire had seized due to a fractured rear axle and bolt. Another vehicle then crashed into the contact's driver's side rear tire causing the vehicle to spin and the front windshield cracked upon impact. No air bags were deployed upon impact. The contact and her wife were transported to the hospital. The contact had a fractured sternum, neck pain, and a fractured vertebra. The contact's wife had bruises on her chest from the seat belt. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …
Noticed clunking sound coming from right rear while going over speed bumps or pot holes. When it was raining the right tire would spin after hitting pot hole and the electronic skid control would flash on dash indicating lost traction. If this had been ice or snow I could of lost control of vehicle. The failure was the right rear control arm bushing. Right tires were visibly worn more than the left side tires. Dealer replaced rear control arm bushing. 45,000 miles and still under warranty. Dealer has part.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the frame was rusted and parts were fractured from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame and the front and rear motor mounts were rusted and needed be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred with the front end motor mount. While driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the driver and passenger side pinion, barons, and seals needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000. Ma 10/23/15
I have experienced accelerated front tire wear, and associated noise and vibration on this vehicle, with current mileage at 37000 miles. I have had the wheels balanced religiously every 5000-6000 miles since I bought it. I first noticed the wear and vibration at about 25000 miles. I took the vehicle in to have the wheels balanced and was told that the ball joints were loose and out of specification. I then returned the vehicle to the dealer to have the vibration and wear problem addressed under warranty. The dealer told me that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle, and that the noise was simply due to tire wear. When I indicated that a third party shop had found loose ball joints, the dealer stated that they were in spec, and then recommended front end alignment which I had performed. The vibration and noise from the front tires continued after the alignment was done. …
We had purchased this vehicle bout a year ago and when we got it we went to get tires and front end alignment and they ended up replacing upper nd lower ball joints, control arm and sway bar on passenger side.this was 6/20/2017. It wasn't making any noise until 1/3/2018. I was going down city street and something popped and then it started roaring. If you put in 4wd it roars loader and jerks. 1/23/18 replaced drivers side wheel hub and bearings. It still roars while accelerating speed but not as bad in 2wd but put in 4wd its real loud and jerks you . I have done research online for this year model Sport Trac and it seems like there are several complaints about this same issue. Everytime get one thing fixed on front end something else happens to it. …
It started with humming vibrating noise in the front end left tire ending with front wheel bearing failure and small fire to the wheel bearing rubber boot and hard pulling to the left too dangerous to drive this is a major mechanical failure after inspecting I fount that only the one nut was holding tire on.
I am experiencing a loud clanking and crashing sound emitting from under vehicle while driving on public highways with minimal bumps at various speeds with increased roll movement while cornering. After investigation, I found the body mounts to be crumbling apart, body mounts missing large chunks of material and other body mounts are soft and jelly like when touched. These Ford body mounts have been engineered improperly and have reached a premature failed state. This affects the roll of the vehicle and May pose grave danger to vehicle passengers when performing a lane change or any vehicle roll maneuver and affects vehicle control. This is a major safety issue and needs to be addressed immediately. After a internet search, I have discovered this to be an issue with thousands of Ford Explorer Sport Trac owners and other Ford trucks as well. I am the original owner of the vehicle. …
When I would make a sharp left hand turn and use the brakes the brakes would pulsate and would not stop the truck right away. It would act like it had hit ice and its was the middle of summer. It would still move about a foot. I took it to a shop to have it looked at and was told he gets alot of Ford's that do this and they don't have a recall on this. The shop replaced the part in the hub or wheel not sure and now its fine but it cost me over 500.00 and I only have 50,000 miles on it. I know that parts wear bout but this was a failure of a part that should not have gone bad. Also the electric door lock button in the truck stops working, the open section works but not the lock button.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Explorer Sport Trac years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (16), 2004 (14), 2003 (7) and 2002 (5) model years. Suspension complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Ford Explorer Sport Trac suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for any Ford Explorer Sport Trac model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Explorer Sport Trac suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles; 47% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (13 mentions), followed by the front › wheel bearing (3).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.