2012 Exp EL Base Model Suspension Problems

I have a 2012 EL 2WD base model that was purchased new from a dealer with about 600 miles on it. At the first oil change it was noticed the front struts had failed (leaking fluid). Dealer replaced them under warranty.

At 10,000 miles, I refused to pay the dealer to rotate the tires because I don't let mechanics with air tools near lug nuts unless I have to. I do my own tire rotations.

Now at 21,000 miles, i saw the rear struts are leaking, and I noticed the outside edge of the tires are worn badly - completely bald on the front, less so on the rear. It's my wife's car, so I don't look closely at it often enough.

Dealer is now replacing the rear struts, and claims alignment is not needed when they replace any struts (and clearly didn't do that when they did the fronts). Why are the stuts failing so early? Does anyone think an alignment shouldn't be done with strut replacement? The truck has stock wheels, occasionally pulls a <2000 lbs trailer, and has never been off road.

An additional interesting point is the windshield was broken before we bought it. I noticed no sign of a rock chip, but it was replaced by the dealer. Did the car get dropped from a truck before we bought it?

The dealer is refusing to provide a free alignment, and won't replace any of the tires because I didn't pay for a rotation (apparently nobody else does their own maintenance). I have opened a case with Ford customer service, but I need to update them now that the dealer has "diagnosed" the alignment problem.

Typically, an alignment is not needed when replacing struts (unless they remove other components to get them in). But it does sound as if you do need one since the tires are wearing unevenly, and this is considered a wear and tear maintenance item that most bumper to bumper warranties do not cover unless maintenance is included (BMW and some other manufacturers).
That being said, their reasoning for declining it and the tires due to you not having them rotate the tires for you is both ludicrous, and with some merit unless you can prove you did do the rotation with a good written maintenance history. Logically both sides of the argument are correct.
IF the alignment is really out of whack, the tire wear/rotation issue is a moot point. If the alignment is within spec, the rotation issue comes into play, as well as the bad struts (which if they are totally blown can cause the uneven tire wear).
I hope you can get some resolution on this that is in your favor. Good luck.

I would suggest you get used to the shocks leaking. It has also been a problem on my 2012. Both fronts and one rear so far. My dealer performed alignment each time the fronts were replaced. As soon as they leak again when out of warranty the will be replaced with bilstein units.


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I thought on the Gen III that they had to do an alignment because they have to take so much apart to replace the struts.

I solved it by getting a leveling kit to replace my struts!

Its suspicious that the struts are leaking so early. My OEM lasted about 60-70k and the fronts were original at 100k on my 07 EL.

I got the Expedition back. The dealer checked the alignment, but says it was fine. So I'll ask Ford customer service why my tires are wearing unevenly, and why all 4 struts had to be replaced before 22,000 miles. I don't expect to get any of the right answers.

Once I get past the warranty, I guess aftermarket is the way to go!

daeven said:

I got the Expedition back. The dealer checked the alignment, but says it was fine. So I'll ask Ford customer service why my tires are wearing unevenly, and why all 4 struts had to be replaced before 22,000 miles. I don't expect to get any of the right answers.

Once I get past the warranty, I guess aftermarket is the way to go!

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Hello daeven,

My name is Tricia and I took over for Todd on this forum. Please PM me your case number and any updates you would like for me to add to your file.

Have a great day!

Tricia