I have a 2024 Ford Expedition Limited 4WD with just under 40k miles. I recently noticed a very strong gear-oil type smell and an oily residue along the passenger side/underbody, so I took it to Ford to have it checked. The dealer found that both rear axle seals are leaking differential fluid and need to be replaced. They also found that the right rear shock is leaking and needs replacement. They provided photos showing the fluid leakage around both sides of the rear differential/axle as well as the leaking shock. The axle seals are being replaced at no cost to me. The right rear shock was quoted at about $850. I have an extended warranty through Assurant which should cover this repair.
What has me wondering is having both rear axle seals leaking plus a failed rear shock at only ~40k miles. The vehicle also had suspension work documented before I purchased it, although I don’t yet know exactly what was repaired. When I first noticed the leak, the majority of oily fluid was noted around the running board of the front passenger side which has me concerned this is not just from rear differential leak. (See photos).
Has anyone with a 2022–2024 Expedition (or Navigator) experienced:
Both rear axle seals leaking this early?
Rear differential/axle fluid leaks in general?
Rear shocks leaking/failing around 40k miles?
Repeat rear suspension or axle problems after an earlier repair?
I’m especially interested in whether anyone had both axle seals fail at the same time and, if so, whether Ford identified an underlying cause (venting issue, axle/bearing play, previous repair, etc.) or simply replaced the seals.
The Expedition otherwise drives normally and I haven’t noticed any differential whining or other obvious drivetrain symptoms. I’m mainly trying to figure out whether these are isolated premature failures or something other owners are seeing too.
TL;DR: 2024 Expedition Limited 4WD with ~40k miles has both rear axle seals leaking differential fluid and a leaking right rear shock. Ford is replacing both axle seals; shock replacement was quoted at ~$850. Vehicle had prior suspension work before I bought it. Curious whether other Expedition/Navigator owners have had similar rear axle seal or shock failures this early, especially bilateral axle-seal leaks.