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Safety Recall 22S27 Rear Axle Bolt Fractures

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Location
Davidson County, NC
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2021 ST
Heck, I offered to pay out of pocket for a replacement four bolt subframe to be installed on mine and the dealer came up with reasons why they “couldn’t do it”. At least they offered that they would “look into doing it under warranty“ if I would happen to break the bolt along with all the other things that break when that happens.

I feel a whole lot better about it now. /s
As I’m sure you’ve understood, there’s nothing to “look into”. It would be covered by the recall, not the warranty.
 

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21
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2
Points
2
Location
United States
Vehicle
2017 Ford Fusion Sport
Ugh, man. If I had the two bolt I'd have an ST already lol even with a tune it worries me that the bolt will snap, and the recall denied from the tune even if I return it to stock. Anyone ever come across a tuned ST with a one bolt and it be fine? I do plan on getting a differential brace for what it's worth.
 

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158
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68
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27
Location
Pleasant Valley, MO, USA
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
As I’m sure you’ve understood, there’s nothing to “look into”. It would be covered by the recall, not the warranty.
Yeah I know that it’s covered under the recall. I just found it funny that the dealer would invoke a possible break as being a warranty issue. Which makes me worried that they don’t know what is covered under the recall aside from having to flash the system to kick on the e-brake when you shift to park.
 

BillyChode

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USA
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2022 Explorer ST
I have a 2022 ST built 8/2022 with the 3-bolt…it’s not covered under the recall, but have seen a few people on here say there were a batch of bad bolts that were attributed to the fractures. I was hoping the 3-bolters post recall have better bolts, but lwho knows.

Being a pessimist, I will assume Ford is going to fight tooth and nail to expand any other dates outside of the ones on the recall. They probably won’t acknowledge those being an issue until these bad boys start breaking too. I’ve had the vehicle since December 2022, and have loved it, but hope Ford will step up and at least be transparent about this whole thing. Love paying over $60k for a “Performance” vehicle, only to be gypped on a bolt so Ford can save a buck.
 

Messages
37
Reactions
12
Points
2
Location
Texas
Vehicle
2022 Ford Explorer ST
I have a 2022 ST built 8/2022 with the 3-bolt…it’s not covered under the recall, but have seen a few people on here say there were a batch of bad bolts that were attributed to the fractures. I was hoping the 3-bolters post recall have better bolts, but lwho knows.
I know that the part number of the bolt changed sometime around the recall. Whether that means it's "better" or not, I couldn't tell you for sure.
 

Last edited:
Messages
274
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182
Points
37
Location
Kansas
Vehicle
2022 Rapid Red ST
I have a 2022 ST built 8/2022 with the 3-bolt…it’s not covered under the recall, but have seen a few people on here say there were a batch of bad bolts that were attributed to the fractures. I was hoping the 3-bolters post recall have better bolts, but lwho knows.

Being a pessimist, I will assume Ford is going to fight tooth and nail to expand any other dates outside of the ones on the recall. They probably won’t acknowledge those being an issue until these bad boys start breaking too. I’ve had the vehicle since December 2022, and have loved it, but hope Ford will step up and at least be transparent about this whole thing. Love paying over $60k for a “Performance” vehicle, only to be gypped on a bolt so Ford can save a buck.
Yours is not covered under the recall only because it had the e-brake software change done at the factory.
 

BillyChode

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2022 Explorer ST
Yours is not covered under the recall only because it had the e-brake software change done at the factory.
Thanks…I am hoping the software fix isn’t the only solution if there’s a part problem kong term. I had a similar experience with a M3 that had a crap design e-brake. They swore the software change would fix it, but it ended up being a spring that would rattle around. Imagine trying to look cool with a new M3, only to sound like you’re dragging those “just married” cans down the road. It was awful.

i don’t plan on launching, towing, or tuning, so I think I am ok. Just wanted to bring my pitch fork out and find out if the 3 bolt design was the problem or the actual bolts. I’ll go about my business and complain if I fall victim to the dreaded fracture. Thanks fellas!
 

SIxpack

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Location
Central Florida
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2022 Explorer ST
Messages
125
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Points
27
Location
Va
Just catching up...
I will say that my bolt didn't break, but the bushing around the bolt broke.
The symptom was a clicking noise when the driveline flexed (park/neutral/reverse).

Mark
2021 ST

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Dale5403

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Mondovi, WI, USA
Just catching up...
I will say that my bolt didn't break, but the bushing around the bolt broke.
The symptom was a clicking noise when the driveline flexed (park/neutral/reverse).

Mark
2021 ST

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First time I've heard of the bushing breaking. Did your dealer replace the sub frame to repair it?
 

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Va
Yes, I posted that info and pictures on another thread

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Boss240

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Yes, I posted that info and pictures on another thread

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Was your subframe replaced with the 4 bolt or the same 3 bolt?
 

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Location
Va
Ford would only cover the same unit.
Old vs new shown. See the one mount point on subframe.


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Cdubya

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NE Ohio
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2020 Explorer ST
They replace the entire rear subframe for a failed bushing? Or was there more damaged.

Personally, I'd get rid of the car! Ford says they will only fix it once. Happens again and you might be on the hook for thousands of dollars if it takes out your driveshaft, axles, and rear diff. I'd inquire whether this failed bushing counts the same as a failed bolt--one fix and you're done.
 

Boss240

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Why will they only fix it once under warranty? That seems ridiculous if it's their fault for for only putting a 3 bolt subframe in
 

Messages
37
Reactions
12
Points
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Location
Texas
Vehicle
2022 Ford Explorer ST
They'll fix it as many times as necessary as long as you're under warranty. The "one time fix" would only come into play after your normal factory warranty has expired and if you don't have an extended warranty.
 

Boss240

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Ok that makes sense
 

Messages
85
Reactions
32
Points
17
Location
Colorado
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
Lost faith in Ford really fixing this as it should be. Going to purchase a brace.

Any reason to spend an extra $200 on the ID speed brace vs the AWR brace?
 

BillyChode

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USA
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2022 Explorer ST
If it happens again after a fix, I’d save the money on a fix and get an attorney. That’s ridiculous. I love my ST, but the corners cut in the name of “global shortage” pisses me off. my 2017 Explorer sport had more creature comforts…like a glove box and center console light. Oh and how could I forget…freaking front and rear camera washers!
 



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