I have owned the Explorer since new. I still really like the vehicle. It has been almost entirely highway miles all pavement no gravel yet the upper strut bearing seem to be worn out. Many others have a similar complaint and it appears that this was a faulty part on all 2011 and 2012 and should be a recall by Ford.

Felt a lot of clunking in the rear end especially coming down the driveway onto the street. The dealer replaced bearings under powertrain warranty, had to replace knuckle's on both rear wheels and upper strut bearings on both rear as well, which was not covered under warranty. 3,000$.

I have replaced the strut bearings twice within 12000 miles. We live on gravel roads and the dust and gravel get into the bearings and make noise everytime you turn the wheel. Imagine that, a four wheel drive vehicle that cant be driven on a gravel road. We use to drive an expedition and wish I had it back.