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Rear end damage

Travis

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Ford has acknowledged the issue. Ford techs can look up SSM-50471.
 

FORZDA3

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Yep, here it is. Note they don’t say they fucked up, just that “some” exhibit a broken mounting bolt…. The problem is that it MUST FAIL for Ford to take action. With this SSM I don’t see where Ford could deny warranty fix for “tuned” breakage, but I’m not their legal advisor either!

Some 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a rear axle mounting bolt that has broken. In order to correct the condition, the rear subframe, differential cover, and mounting bolts will need to be replaced in addition to any other damaged components. Inspect the halfshafts, drive shaft, and differential for any damage, replacing damaged components as necessary. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 502-00 for removal of the subframe. Once the subframe is removed from the vehicle, remove and install any replacement components to the new subframe. Refer to WSM, Section 205-02. For claiming, use causal part 4001.
 

ghostfranklin

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STOP! I think you have missed the details in my earlier posts. The MB5Z-5035-E is the latest version of the 4-bolt subframe for all applications that require 4-bolts. I have the correct 4-bolt part, that I ordered through TascaParts.com, sitting here (well, outside under my RV). Order the MB5Z-5035-E as it is the correct 4-bolt part. Note it took a long while to get it, so you won’t find one with persistence. Just order and wait…
Thank you, they actually have this in stock. Bolts and L/R reinforcements sold separately.
 

st8

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Fantastic news! Not really sure what the SSM is but I’m assuming this acknowledgment means that they would cover any fails of this bolt that occur after the warranty has expired?
 

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Fantastic news! Not really sure what the SSM is but I’m assuming this acknowledgment means that they would cover any fails of this bolt that occur after the warranty has expired?
My guess would be no. This isn't a recall so they have no obligation to correct it if you aren't under warranty.
 

st8

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My guess would be no. This isn't a recall so they have no obligation to correct it if you aren't under warranty.
Hmm interesting. But it’s at least an acknowledgment to me that look, clearly something is wrong and that’s why this bolt has broken and the reason this bulletin had to be even created.

but in my experience, these service bulletins are your ticket to repair. If you bring it up to the dealer, they will address it. They won’t do it on their own, it’s up to the customer. When I had my cx5, there were several service bulletins and I had them all addressed but I had to bring it up since they weren’t actual recalls.
 

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Webhito

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Not valid in Mexico, dealership said its only for US customers, digging a bit to see if it will be in the near future.
 

ghostfranklin

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I replaced the subframe @FORZDA3 thanks for the info, the guys in parts couldn't understand why Ford would do something like this. Dropped it off at RareFab, can't wait to get it back should make great power and sound good too i'll post some youtube vids.
 

FORZDA3

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I replaced the subframe @FORZDA3 thanks for the info, the guys in parts couldn't understand why Ford would do something like this. Dropped it off at RareFab, can't wait to get it back should make great power and sound good too i'll post some youtube vids.
Yep, good for you! I had rather eat the costs up front on my terms and be done rather than have a failure “somewhere”, likely thousands of miles from home and deal with the idiocy and incompetence of random Ford dealers. However, I will never forget Ford Corporate screwing me (ALL Performance Enthusiasts) over on their mistake MORE than once. I also have a Focus RS that Ford installed the wrong head gasket on.

I do like Ford for their continued offerings of great (and affordable) Ford Performance vehicles but damn, they need to tweak their assembly/production managers with pay cuts or something similar for these obvious management errors…
 

ghostfranklin

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@FORZDA3 couldn't agree more. There's a small chance that if it's recalled within a year I'll be eligible for reimbursement.
 

msota84

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Im still pushing the dealer for a mis build, but I did find out some good info. Per VIN, I should have a 5035E subframe, however when the parts guy ran the # stamped on my sub frame, it shows as a 5035D. He ran the 5035D to see what vehicles it was for and lo and behold it is a "good" part for the ST from 12/2000 on. Im gonna let this run through and see if I get anywhere with it, but its not looking too promising. Does anybody that has done the replacement happen to know the bolt PNs??
 

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Filed a safety complaint with the NHTSA today and recommend others do the same. PM me if interested as I have some verbiage and images you can use, submission took me 2 minutes at this link:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#index

Question: Has anyone had the rear subframe replaced simply by asking, without encountering a failure?
 

ghostfranklin

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@C4talyst I've replaced the rear sub without encountering a failure. I knew the proposed mods would almost guarantee a failure (e85 + supporting bolt ons) and I didn't want to wait on Ford to make it right. RareFab did the installation and I have peace of mind so I'm good.
 

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Filed a safety complaint with the NHTSA today and recommend others do the same. PM me if interested as I have some verbiage and images you can use, submission took me 2 minutes at this link:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#index

Question: Has anyone had the rear subframe replaced simply by asking, without encountering a failure?
This is the way to go, especially with the people that had the failures with the repair documents
 

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I will jump on a class action or at least group complaint with Ford, Dark Knight if you put something together. I was just installing Borla CF exhaust on mine today and saw the single bolt. I already have my 10/21 production with 1000 miles going in for a screen replacement on Wednesday for the flickering. This is why more people don't buy American made... because of the corners cut. I have been a BMW guy for 20 years and never a engineering issue ever. In fact everything is always over engineered, not under. If my rear end goes with my 10 month year old daughter in my ST, Ford will have something to answer for. Especially if they are made aware of the fault ahead of time.
You're kidding right?

BMWs are known for serious engineering faults. HPFPs were the bane of BMW in the mid 00s. They have dealt with cracking subframes, relentless rod bearing issues, a whole boatload of issues with their mini coopers, just to name a few.

Personally I'd much rather not oay 30k more and just need to add a support bracket than buy a BMW and have the subframe break.
 

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Hey guys, rumblings in an ST group on FB that Ford has issued a recall...more details to come.
 

Cruising68

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Sweet. Maybe they will pay for my subframe arriving Friday.


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Cruising68

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Showed up in my Ford app too!


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