Owners and lessees claim a design defect in 2020-2023 Ford Explorers can cause axle/subframe disconnection, drivetrain separation, and potentially fatal rollaways as well as sudden loss of control.

Lieff Cabraser’s Defective Products practice group is investigating consumer complaints that Ford’s 2020-2023 Explorers are defectively designed, with only a single bolt connecting the rear subframe and rear axle. As a result of the alleged defect, the rear axle bolt can easily break, disconnecting the rear subframe and the rear axle, causing heavy vibrations.

In the worst cases, the whole drivetrain becomes disconnected from the subframe, and the vehicle can roll away while in park. Owners have also reported loss of control while driving, as well as experiencing their vehicles suddenly coming to a stop in traffic.

Lieff Cabraser has successfully litigated and settled hundreds of class action lawsuits in federal and state courts, including dozens of cases requiring manufacturers to remedy dangerous vehicle safety defects, extend warranties, and refund to consumers the costs of repairing or replacing the defective components. Working with co-counsel, we have achieved judgments and settlements that have recovered more than $4.7 billion in these cases.

If you or a family member have questions about the safety and reliability of your 2020-2023 Ford Explorer, or have experienced disconnection of the rear subframe bolt, unusual vehicle vibrations, sudden stops or rollaway problems, we urge you to contact a lawyer at Lieff Cabraser today about your potential case and recovery. There is no charge or obligation for our review of your case, and the information you provide will us hold Ford accountable for any design defects and related problems with the affected Explorer vehicles.