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

[Drewwhid1]

I just got a 22 ST that was built in November and I have 2 bolts. Ford must have made the switch to 2 bolts right before I got mine.

 

[I bleed Ford Blue]

I just got a 22 ST that was built in November and I have 2 bolts. Ford must have made the switch to 2 bolts right before I got mine.

Some time late in the 22 year run ford quietly started putting the 2 bolt rear subframe back on the ST's. So late build 22's and all 23 ST's are getting the 2 bolt subframe just like the 20's got. I wonder if ford will upgrade those that got a 1 bolt subframe, like all of the 21's and most of the 22's did.

I wonder if they really did have a supply chain issue, hence the change in the first place? Seems odd they would quietly change back. Ford either caught a lot of heat over this issue or it really was just a supply problem that has been resolved.

 

[Drewwhid1]

Some time late in the 22 year run ford quietly started putting the 2 bolt rear subframe back on the ST's. So late build 22's and all 23 ST's are getting the 2 bolt subframe just like the 20's got. I wonder if ford will upgrade those that got a 1 bolt subframe, like all of the 21's and most of the 22's did.

I wonder if they really did have a supply chain issue, hence the change in the first place? Seems odd they would quietly change back. Ford either caught a lot of heat over this issue or it really was just a supply problem that has been resolved.

I think maybe both reasons. But who knows really…I still may get the differential brace. Especially if I tune this fun machine.

 

[I bleed Ford Blue]

Mine has the 1 bolt and I've been tuned for about 18K miles (just hit 20K) and I have never had a problem. I've run a best of a 12.09@112.30 and a 3.75 0-60 with a 1 bolt setup.

 

[Drewwhid1]

Mine has the 1 bolt and I've been tuned for about 18K miles (just hit 20K) and I have never had a problem. I've run a best of a 12.09@112.30 and a 3.75 0-60 with a 1 bolt setup.

Nice…I assume you are running the 93 performance tune. I see that you have zfg.

 

[I bleed Ford Blue]

yes I am. the 12.09 run was on an E30 mix.

 

[SuperGordo]

Mine has the 1 bolt and I've been tuned for about 18K miles (just hit 20K) and I have never had a problem. I've run a best of a 12.09@112.30 and a 3.75 0-60 with a 1 bolt setup.

Jeez I'd love to tune mine like that, but my wife drives it primarily and she got 4 speeding tickets in the first two months. I can't imagine her with a 12 second ST...

 

[Hyins]

Sep 26 2022 Announcing - Safety Recall 22S27 - Supplement #3

NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD - Safety Recall 22S27 - Supplement #3- Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer Vehicles - Rear Axle Bolt Fractures

FSA Originating Hub: North America

- - 6/2/22 - PCM Calibration: ALL AVAILABLE as of 2-June-2022.

- - To check if non-police utility vehicles have the plant repair: shift the vehicle into park. If the parking brake engages automatically then NO updates are required for this program. Claim 22S27B to close the recall.

- - Police Utility Part Availability: The parts required to repair Explorer police units are available in limited quantity. Part ordering will be limited to vehicles that have a broken differential mounting bolt or unsold vehicles that have a signed buyer’s contract or purchase order.

Feb 10 2023 Announcing Safety Recall 22S27 - Supplement # 4

NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD - Safety Recall 22S27 - Supplement # 4 - Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer Vehicles - Rear Axle Bolt Fractures

FSA Originating Hub: North America

Previously released FSA Dealer Bulletins that indicate a MM (Mobile Service) or PP (Pick Up and Delivery) labor operation will no longer be available for use. The 2023 Remote Experience Program (EFC 12071) and the Lincoln Mobile Service Experience Program replaces these individual labor operations for claiming. MM and PP may be claimed on identified FSAs if the repair order is opened prior to January 3, 2023.

- - 6/2/22 - PCM Calibration: ALL AVAILABLE as of 2-June-2022.

- - To check if non-police utility vehicles have the plant repair: shift the vehicle into park. If the parking brake engages automatically then NO updates are required for this program. Claim 22S27B to close the recall.

- - Police Utility Part Availability: The parts required to repair Explorer police units are available in limited quantity. Part ordering will be limited to vehicles that have a broken differential mounting bolt or unsold vehicles that have a signed buyer’s contract or purchase order.

 

[boominXplorer]

2 bolt in my 22 ST built in November

 

[Pioneer4x4]

2 Bolt in my 2020 Aviator Grand Touring, build date 7/20

 

[hbalek]

2 Bolt in my 2020 Aviator Grand Touring, build date 7/20
View attachment 442732

I don't think the Aviator was ever part of the recall and always had the same number of bolts.

 

[peterk9]

ANOTHER FORD EXPLORER SUBFRAME CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FILED​

https://fordauthority.com/2023/07/another-ford-explorer-subframe-class-action-lawsuit-filed/

Peter

 

[MajB Retired]

A problem has come up with MY2021 STs and quite possibly all the 3.0L Ecoboost variants where Ford has chosen to substitute the 2.3L rear subframe (ie. One Bolt) for the 3.0L rear subframe (Two Bolt) that is supposed to be there. Please respond with what you have. I believe the change was made in early 2021 (~feb/2021). The problem is the One Bolt is proving to be insufficient for the 3.0L drivetrains and that bolt is snapping. In the comments section, list your build date, what subframe you have and what model. Only MY2021 MY2022 3.0L Ecoboost models please. The one vs two bolts can be seen when looking directly underneath from the rear of your vehicle. It is right behind the rear differential.

2.3L rear subframe:
View attachment 423801 View attachment 423799




3.0L rear subframe:

View attachment 423800 View attachment 423802

The damage from a sheered off differential mount bolt on the "One Bolt" is not insignificant. It may include but not be limited to driveshaft, rear differential, rear drive axles (one or both). So far there's one report of the Dealer keeping the existing subframe after repairs but in another report, the subframe was also replaced with the correct "Two Bolt".

MY2021 King Ranch, build Date 09 02 2021. I have the one bolt rear sub frame.

 

[peterk9]

MY2021 King Ranch, build Date 09 02 2021. I have the one bolt rear sub frame.

Welcome to the Forum.

Peter

 

[nauticalx]

Has anyone here actually had their bolt break?

 

[Dale5403]

Has anyone here actually had their bolt break?

Same answer as on the ST forum. Yes they have.

 

[nauticalx]

Same answer as on the ST forum. Yes they have.

thanks, I'm trying to find out details from someone who has had their bolt break on a stock unit to learn exactly how it happened. Was the vehicle parked or being driven at the time? do you have a post from anyone with a fully stock unit with broken bolt? scary thought if so.

 

[Dale5403]

thanks, I'm trying to find out details from someone who has had their bolt break on a stock unit to learn exactly how it happened. Was the vehicle parked or being driven at the time? do you have a post from anyone with a fully stock unit with broken bolt? scary thought if so.

It's not going to break while parked. Very little stress then. And no, I don't have a post from one that had it break. Read all the the posts here or on the ST forum. Or do a search to find some, they are out there.

 

[nauticalx]

It's not going to break while parked. Very little stress then. And no, I don't have a post from one that had it break. Read all the the posts here or on the ST forum. Or do a search to find some, they are out there.

thanks for the reply re parked and moving. that makes sense. i've been searching and havent found one untuned and broken but will look more. if anyone is 100% stock and it broke, please reply to this thread. thanks

 

[themishmosh]

Ford doc describing the recall said there was 265 cases of failed bolts. That was a LONG time ago. There's probably a lot more failures by now.