The 2017 Ford Explorer commonly faces premature wear of suspension components such as front strut mounts, control arm bushings, and rear toe links, leading to clunks, misalignment, and rough or unstable handling. Not every vehicle is affected, and severity varies with mileage and maintenance.
Overview of where wear tends to occur
Below are the components most frequently cited as trouble spots on higher-mileage Explorers. These issues can manifest as noise, looseness, or alignment changes that impact handling.
- Front struts and upper/lower mounts that wear or leak, causing knocking noises and reduced ride quality.
- Front control arm bushings and ball joints that develop play or cracks, producing clunks and steering changes.
- Rear suspension toe links or their bushings that wear, leading to misalignment and tire feathering.
- Sway bar links and mounts that wear or break, causing rattling or clunking when turning or hitting bumps.
- Shocks or dampers that have lost stiffness, resulting in a visibly bouncy or unstable ride.
These items are common failure points but don’t affect every 2017 Explorer. A professional inspection–including an alignment check–is the best way to confirm which parts are worn and what replacement is required.
Symptoms to watch for
If you notice any of the following, have a technician inspect the suspension promptly. Some signs can also be caused by tires, wheels, or alignment, so a professional diagnosis is important.
- Clunking, banging, or creaking noises when driving over potholes, speed bumps, or rough roads.
- Pulling to one side or drifting, along with uneven tire wear.
- Excessive body roll or a loose steering feel, especially in turns.
- Vibration or a wandering steering wheel at highway speeds.
These symptoms can also be caused by tires, wheels, or alignment, so a professional diagnostic is recommended to determine the exact cause.
Maintenance, fixes, and what to expect
When suspension components wear, replacement is typically necessary. Labor costs vary by part and market. Here is an outline of common repair paths and practical considerations.
Typical repair steps
In many cases, technicians will:
- replace worn front struts and mounts or dampers;
- replace worn front control arm bushings and possibly ball joints;
- replace rear toe links or their bushings;
- replace worn sway bar links;
- perform an alignment after parts replacement to restore proper tracking and tire wear.
Recalls, service campaigns, and VIN checks
Suspension-related recalls or service campaigns may affect some 2017 Explorers depending on build date and region. To determine if your vehicle is covered, check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall database or Ford's official recall/owner portal using your VIN. If a recall exists, schedule service promptly at an authorized dealer.
Cost considerations and warranties
Repair costs vary by part and market. Parts like struts, mounts, and control arms can be pricey, and labor can be significant if multiple components require replacement. If your vehicle is under Ford's factory warranty or a certified pre-owned program, some suspension work may be covered.
Always obtain a written estimate and consider getting a second opinion if the quoted work seems excessive. Regular maintenance and addressing issues early can prevent more extensive damage and higher costs.
Summary
The suspension problems reported for the 2017 Ford Explorer generally involve wear and failure of front struts/mounts, control arm bushings, rear toe links, and related components. Symptoms include clunks, misalignment, and rough handling. While not all vehicles are affected, owners with higher mileage or driving on rough roads should proactively inspect suspension components and check for recalls via VIN. Prompt maintenance and proper alignment can sustain ride quality and tire life.