Calling all MY2021 MY2022 Explorer ST, Platinum, King Ranch and Aviators: rear subframe poll

[steweod]

I took custody of 2021 Platinum 3.0L on Oct. 21, built Sep. 21. My $65,000 car has 1 bolt.

If it makes you feel better I had to spend 84,000 to get 2 bolts.... ha

 

[cwescapexlt4x4]

One bolt, Nov 2021 build - 2021 King Ranch 3.0T 4wd

 

[steweod]

I wonder if there is a difference if there is a tow package or not? Might be an interesting follow up.

 

[boosted_st]

I wonder if there is a difference if there is a tow package or not? Might be an interesting follow up.

I have the tow package on mine, still only 1 bolt rear subframe

 

[Pedro504]

2021 Platinum 3.0L 'Intelligent AWD' built Sept 9th 2021, w/trailer pkg - 1 bolt

 

[jhu8]

Just got my 22 ST. One bolt.

 

[I bleed Ford Blue]

I finally got a chance to crawl under and look at mine, 21 ST built 3/17/21 and it has 1 bolt.

Ford should issue a TSB for any 3.0 explorers/aviators with the 1 bolt rear subframe and replace it with the correct one on their dime.

 

[peterk9]

I finally got a chance to crawl under and look at mine, 21 ST built 3/17/21 and it has 1 bolt.

Ford should issue a TSB for any 3.0 explorers/aviators with the 1 bolt rear subframe and replace it with the correct one on their dime.

They won't add the bolt if a decision was made to eliminate it. From what I've seen here, the Aviators have 2 bolts.

Peter

 

[I bleed Ford Blue]

Will they install the correct parts if it breaks? Mine is also ****ed sideways, the passenger side is angled up about a half inch higher than the drivers side. On the pics earlier in the thread the diff housing sits level, mine doesn't.

 

[Dale5403]

Will they install the correct parts if it breaks? Mine is also ****ed sideways, the passenger side is angled up about a half inch higher than the drivers side. On the pics earlier in the thread the diff housing sits level, mine doesn't.

From what I've seen elsewhere they will. One person posted the work order on his and it is pretty extensive. No prices as it was covered under warranty but with the damage done it would be a lot cheaper if Ford replaced it before it broke.

 

[Rick]

Will they install the correct parts if it breaks? Mine is also ****ed sideways, the passenger side is angled up about a half inch higher than the drivers side. On the pics earlier in the thread the diff housing sits level, mine doesn't.

I would bring it to the dealer for inspection. If the differential housing is out of alignment as you say I would be worried about the single bolt breaking.

 

[I bleed Ford Blue]

I'm about to hit 6K miles so it will be going in for an oil change/rotation in about a week. I will point it out to them, it may already be broken for all I know. And yes it is tuned and I run it hard at times.

 

[themishmosh]

Ford knows exactly what part number they put in your car. In all these cases, the 3.0L powertrains specifies the two bolt. I don't know who made the call but in all likelihood some 50k+ Explorers built in 2021 were made with one bolt subframes when the two bolt is specified. I would definitely call Ford's customer service line. The dealer may tell you they can't do anything if something isnt broken. To me, it's more you are missing something that should be there. If possible, crawl under there and capture a pic of the subframe part#. For sure that will not be the same as what's specified for your model.

Definitely if your differential is not sitting even, that shouldn't be. Maybe your front mounts are wonky too or maybe that bolt is already damaged but that could start the discussion with your dealer that you have the 2.3L subframe and it should be the 3.0L. If enough of you contact Ford and hopefully those with broken single bolts have reported this with the NHTSA, maybe you can get a recall issued. It may not fail during warranty period but if it does after, it's a high dollar repair. One guy reported that the dealer fixed his one bolt and then a short time later, it failed again!

 

[themishmosh]

Will they install the correct parts if it breaks? Mine is also ****ed sideways, the passenger side is angled up about a half inch higher than the drivers side. On the pics earlier in the thread the diff housing sits level, mine doesn't.

Post a pic. if you look at most pics, there a pair of bolts on the diff housing on either side that are about even with the bottom of the subframe. is the bolt on one side above or below this? ie. is the driver's side lower or is the passenger side higher? If the driver's side is lower, i would think the bolt has sheared but maybe it's still driveable becaus catastrophic damage of the driveshaft or axles hasn't occurred. there are still 2 diff miunts in front and above.

 

[I bleed Ford Blue]

What makes me mad about this whole situation is Ford intentionally did this. Let's face it maybe 10% of all the 3.0 equipped explorers/aviators will be pushed hard enough to break the one bolt setup and probably a handfull of them will actually know about the downgrade that Ford did to save $1.59 or so per vehicle. So maybe they will have to pay to fix approx 1 out of 100 3.0 explorers and the other 9 will pay it themselves. This whole mess was a calculated decision.

 

[I bleed Ford Blue]

I'll try to get a pic of it. But the more I think about it, the more I think mine is partially broken. I'll try to get it in to the dealer this week sometime and do a good inspection while it is up on the lift.

 

[Bluesnake01]

They won't add the bolt if a decision was made to eliminate it. From what I've seen here, the Aviators have 2 bolts.

Peter

It's not a bolt, it's the whole subframe. There's been a couple of people that have had their 1 bolt rear subframe replaced with their 2 bolt subframe. I also don't think it was a decision to eliminate for costs but more of a decision they needed to make to avoid more delays

I think it would've been a bigger outcry if the Aviators would've came with 1 bolt subframe considering it's a luxury brand.

 

[Z-boy]

Disappointing! Looks like they decided to put the two bolt only on Aviators, despite the reduced tow rating. Sounds like Aviators are getting the rear deflector but no one else.


Well, this poll is for 3.0L EcoBoost Explorers. The 2.3L powertrains are supposed to get the one bolt subframe.

oops

 

[Sgt1411]

This could be related......

https://fordauthority.com/2021/11/2...r-recalled-over-rear-suspension-module-issue/

 

[Dale5403]

This could be related......

https://fordauthority.com/2021/11/2...r-recalled-over-rear-suspension-module-issue/

I kind of doubt it. They state that only 20 vehicles are affected and only built in early August. And I've seen a lot more that with the 1 bolt subframe. Also I've not seen an Aviator posted with a 1 bolt subframe.