The Ford Explorer, a stalwart of the SUV market, has faced criticism for its 2023 model year due to persistent vibration issues. For owners experiencing these troubles, understanding the root causes and available solutions is crucial. In this guide, we delve into the 2023 Ford Explorer vibration problems, their origins, and how lemon law could offer recourse.

Identifying the Issue

Owners of the 2023 Ford Explorer have voiced concerns over alignment problems leading to severe vibrations and wobbling specifically occurring between speeds of 25 to 50 MPH. These vibrations can be disconcerting and potentially dangerous, affecting the overall driving experience.

Owners Speak Out:

• "I have just got my explorer St 2023 and i have noticed a very annoying vibrations starts from speed of 45. It came to my attention that this is a common problem and yet not to be solved… The car sent back to the dealer and he inssist that nothing wrong with the car after he changed the tiers but i still feels it the same." - spider 32

• "All was well until about a months ago when out of nowhere these strange vibrations started happening when driving 24-32, 36-48, 54-62mph. The car has less than 700miles currently. I have taken it to the dealership twice and was told that there is nothing wrong with the car. I decided to take it to another Ford dealership for a second opinion and was told there that the vibrations are normal for this model with the 4cyl. engine. The engine seems at times to be lugging and the tech said that the ten-speed transmission was most likely the reason. Not sure i understand that one. This should not be happening!" - Gelomare

• "After purchasing, I drove it to Houston Tx… approx 160 miles… i instantly noticed a vibration in the cabin…not so much in the steering wheel. Contacted the dealership that day. Took it in a week or so later - the ‘rebalanced' my tires… still have the shiny/vibration. No sounds heard from engine or anything. The vibration is so annoying by time i drive an hour or so…my legs/feet feel numb. I can also feel the shimmy in the floor board. I don't really feel it driving w/in my small city since the roads are not the best anyways. But once I hit the highway… 45+ mph - it begins. There may be about an intermittent 5 seconds where i think it‘s corrected itself…but then it starts right back up again. Of course, the dealership told me when they had it in for the ‘rebalancing' of tires…they said they didn't really feel anything when they drove it. Which they probably won't because the little city roads are not the best anyways…so they probably wouldn't feel it." - PJAJL1962

• "I discussed it with my dealership and they unplugged the transfer case, essentially turning it 'off'. This made a world of difference!! I didn't even realize how bad the vibrations actually were until now! Even at other speeds the car is quieter and the wheel is completely still! Under full acceleration i can notice a vibration on various speeds, but besides that it's completely gone. Even at the 100mph mark. My guess is that the power output still has to 'travel' through the transfercase and under full load its just not keeping up as its still a defective unit in my mind. Replacing it with a proper transfer case didn't fix the issues. Been dealing with this for 1,5 years, since i got the car. No fix as of yet, partly because Ford simply does not care." - scoobysportD

Unveiling the Causes

Ford has acknowledged the vibration issues and initiated measures such as alignment checks and repairs at local dealerships. However, the underlying causes of these vibrations remain a concern. Complaints suggest issues ranging from driveline malfunctions to problems with CV joints and driveshaft instability.

Insight from Owners:

• "No vibration in the steering wheel, but you feel it in the seat while driving it. It doesn't matter what drive mode it is in nor what gear. It is present during acceleration, deceleration or cruise. Put it In manual mode you can feel it in multiple different gears and nothing changes. It is still present." - UpinBst

• "One thing mine does that I didn't read here is that my vibration does not always exist, and when it does the intensity of it can be mild or downright hateful." - Omega

• "2023 Limited Hybrid. Picked up in February and have had this problem since day one. They changed a hanger bearing, then the drive shaft then back in for 3 days of testing with some vibration tester and they are suggesting another drive shaft change." - Garf

Navigating Repairs

Ford has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) addressing these concerns, outlining steps for dealerships to rectify the issues. These repairs typically involve adjustments to driveline components such as CV joints (SSM 51439) and driveshaft bearings (TSB 23-2072).

Steps for Repair:

1. Remove one of the driveshaft center bearing bolts.
2. Insert the shim between the driveshaft center bearing bracket and the body.
3. Install the longer driveshaft center bearing bracket bolt.
4. Hand tighten the driveshaft center bearing bracket bolt.
5. Repeat steps for the other driveshaft center bearing bracket bolt.
6. Tighten the new longer driveshaft center bearing bracket bolts.

Legal Recourse: Lemon Law and More

If you're experiencing persistent issues with your 2023 Ford Explorer, it's essential to explore your legal options. Consider potential claims, including:

• Deceptive Practices Claim: If you've been misled or deceived during the purchase or repair process, you may have grounds for this claim.
• Breach of Implied Warranty Claim: Your vehicle should meet certain expectations of quality and performance, and if it doesn't, you may have a case under this claim.
• Magnuson-Moss Act Claim: Federal law safeguards consumers who purchase products with warranties, ensuring fairness and remedies for defects.
• Breach of Express Warranty Claim: Manufacturers must uphold the promises made in their warranties. If they fail to do so, you may have grounds for this claim.
• Lemon Law Claim: Is your vehicle a constant source of frustration due to defects? Lemon laws provide recourse for consumers in such situations.

If your Ford Explorer is grappling with vibration problems, seek assistance from the Law Office of Howard A. Gutman. Our lemon law experts can guide you through the process and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Don't face Ford alone — contact us today for a free consultation.

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