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Rattle noise in front end?

FreshNSoft

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Location
Columbus, Ohio
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
#1
Does anyone else get a rattle noise at slower speeds? Sounds like its under the hood but can be heard inside the car. I hear it on small bumps in the road. I've tried to record it but you end up only hearing road noise. It sounds like something is moving around. Its been to dealer and all mechanical is good. My first thought was like a strut or something. It drives great, but I want to go insane with this rattle noise. I low key feel like there's a screw driver bouncing around somewhere. I don't notice it as higher speeds, but maybe wind noise over powers? Just curious if someone else if they've experienced and fixed. I know its a long shot. Thanks!
 

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Location
Central Cal
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2023 Explorer ST
#2
Mine was the strut. Lots of reports of bad struts. (several threads about it) Could also be sway bar links.
 

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FreshNSoft

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Columbus, Ohio
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2020 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #3
I will look into both. Thank you! It rides so smooth and handles so well I wouldnt think struts, but I will definitely check both.
 

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Location
Central Cal
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2023 Explorer ST
#4
FYI mine sounded like a block of wood banging around at slow speed.
 

jdmac27

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Location
Michigan
Vehicle
2023 Explorer ST
#5
I have same issue from front suspension. Most noticeable at 30-50 MPH over expansion joints in an otherwise smooth surface or very slow speeds (<10mph) on gravel road. Started around 10k miles. No handling issue, just the loud clunking. Have not taken in yet but it is very noticeable and annoying!!!!
 

Messages
167
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83
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27
Location
Sumner County TN
Vehicle
2025 Ford Explorer ST 400a
#6
Same crap and they want me to leave it because they are backed up 2 weeks. Starting to really think about doing away with Fords. Always something.
 

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56
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32
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Location
SW Louisiana
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
#7
I will look into both. Thank you! It rides so smooth and handles so well I wouldnt think struts, but I will definitely check both.
It may not be the strut itself, but rather the strut top mount. Seems this is a common failure point on these Explorers. I think I had the same problem as you... it sounded like a dull knock when crawling at low speed in a parking lot, but no issues with ride quality. Fortunately for me, the dealer replaced front struts, mounts, and links on both sides under extended warranty at around 40k miles when I was having this issue.
 

Messages
167
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83
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Location
Sumner County TN
Vehicle
2025 Ford Explorer ST 400a
#8
They replaced the sway bar in someone elses 24 and didnt help. There is a tsb for 2023 that mentions it. Not at my desk at the moment.
Seems like the say stuff.


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Location
East Freetown, MA
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST, Silver Spruce Metalic
#9
Same crap and they want me to leave it because they are backed up 2 weeks. Starting to really think about doing away with Fords. Always something.
Not just a Ford issue. Ex has a brand new Toyota Highlander that's been in the dealer 3 times already for mechanical issues. My buddy's 1 month old Hyundai Santa Fe just went in for a "clunking" sound that turned out to be a lose suspension link in the back. It's just what it is today. They don't make 'em like they used to. My 07 Ranger has 279K miles and all I've really done to it is the timing chains (4.0 SOHC). Still runs like a champ. actually gonna pass it down to my daughter for her first car.
 

Messages
167
Reactions
83
Points
27
Location
Sumner County TN
Vehicle
2025 Ford Explorer ST 400a
#11
Still frustrating as hell. Getting fed up with Ford.
My 25 has barely 1600 miles on it. They want me to leave it for 2 weeks.
Cant do that. We have our vacation coming up in the Smokies. With the amount of Exploders in this country, bad enough their computer systems are a disaster, they cant get simple things right.



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Messages
806
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417
Points
82
Location
East Freetown, MA
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST, Silver Spruce Metalic
#12
Gotta throw this out there... it's still the #1 selling SUV in America!* Gremlins and all!

(*Based on S&P Global Mobility 1946-current U.S. Total New Cumulative Registrations, for all vehicles identified as SUVs.)
 

Cruising68

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Chicago, IL, USA
#13
Gotta throw this out there... it's still the #1 selling SUV in America!* Gremlins and all!

(*Based on S&P Global Mobility 1946-current U.S. Total New Cumulative Registrations, for all vehicles identified as SUVs.)
No doubt the recent Explorers have lots of potential issues and has a high percentage of issues. But there are still a TON of them on the road with no issues including mine. They have plenty of quality issues no doubt but you never hear from people that have no issues.


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Messages
167
Reactions
83
Points
27
Location
Sumner County TN
Vehicle
2025 Ford Explorer ST 400a
#14
While there are tons out there, it's not all end users like me and you. Especially at 1600 miles like mine. Its every govt agency and company fleets that reflect those sales. While newer ones have mostly computer issues, I don't recognize Ford as having no knowledge about sway bars, struts, etc. Those are not new to the auto industry. and I don't accept the fact that they need to have my vehicle for 2 weeks to get it fixed while parts are avail in a couple days per my service writer...
This issue was first brought to light in 2023 as SSM 52405 2023 Explorers. They have not updated the SSM to 24-25 yet but it describes the same problems. It refers to a pressure tube within the front strut(s).... They have to be swapped out.
 



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