Ford Explorer problems
The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year. As the first four-door SUV produced by Ford, the Explorer was introduced as a replacement for the two-door Bronco II. Within the current Ford SUV range in North America, the Explorer is slotted between the Ford Edge and Ford Expedition. As with the Ford Ranger, the Explorer derives its name from a trim package previously offered on the Ford F-Series pickup trucks.
The Explorer has been offered in multiple chassis and powertrain layouts. The first two generations were directly derived from the Ford Ranger, switching to a model-specific chassis for the third and fourth generations. The fifth generation was repackaged as a crossover SUV, adopting a variant of the Ford Taurus chassis architecture.
Alongside the five-door Explorer wagon, a three-door Explorer wagon was offered from 1991 to 2003, officially referred to as the Explorer Sport after 1999, serving as the direct replacement of the Bronco II; the 2001–2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac was a crew-cab pickup derived from the model line. For police use, the Ford Police Interceptor Utility has been derived from the fifth and sixth-generation Explorer to replace the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (and the later Taurus-based Police Interceptor Sedan). Through rebranding, Mazda, Mercury, and Lincoln have sold versions of the Explorer; Lincoln currently markets the sixth-generation model line as the Lincoln Aviator.
For the North American market, the first four generations of the Explorer were produced by Ford at its Louisville Assembly Plant (Louisville, Kentucky) and at its now-closed St. Louis Assembly Plant (Hazelwood, Missouri); the model line is currently produced at Chicago Assembly Plant (Chicago, Illinois).
In 2020, CNBC reported the Ford Explorer range as the best-selling SUV of all time in America.
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Ford Explorer model years
Common Ford Explorer problems
The Ford Explorer is a popular SUV, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on complaints from owners:
- Door Lock Problems: Power door lock actuators in the Ford Explorer can become detached from the mounting bracket, causing the door to lock unexpectedly or not at all. Replacing the bracket and reattaching the actuator can resolve this issue.
- Rear Wiper Problems: The rear wiper on the Ford Explorer can become sluggish or erratic over time. In many cases, this issue can be resolved by adjusting the wiper assembly, which involves removing it and reattaching it correctly.
- Transmission Issues: Transmission problems are a common complaint among Ford Explorer owners, particularly in the 2011-2019 model years. These issues can include rough shifting, slipping transmission, and leaks. In some cases, class-action lawsuits have been filed against Ford over transmission failures in the Ford Explorer.
- Steering and Suspension Problems: Steering and suspension problems are also common in the Ford Explorer. These issues can include bouncy ride quality, blown shock absorbers, and problems with the toe link on the rear suspension. In some cases, these issues can be resolved with DIY repairs, while others may require professional assistance.
- Body Paint and Interior Accessories: Body paint and interior accessories are other common problem areas in the Ford Explorer. These issues can include peeling paint, chipped trim, and malfunctioning interior features such as power windows and climate control systems.
In summary, the Ford Explorer has several common problems that owners should be aware of. These issues can range from minor inconveniences, such as rattling noises and minor electrical problems, to more significant issues, such as PTO failure, water pump leaks, and transmission problems. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues that arise can help ensure that the Ford Explorer remains a reliable and enjoyable vehicle to own and drive.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ford Explorer years
We have researched Ford problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ford Explorer cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Ford Explorer model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ford Explorer model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ford Explorer years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ford Explorer car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ford Explorer , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Tires problems
- Steering problems
- Structure problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ford Explorer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Explorer model years
A total of 1946 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Explorer model years
There were a total of 907 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Explorer model years
There were a total of 2652 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Explorer model years
There were a total of 261 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 33544 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ford Explorer . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ford Explorer vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Ford Explorer 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- VIN: 1FMSK7FH9NG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: the entertainment screen goes black. screen has been black for 2 weeks. will still show back up camera when in reverse. screen does not work other than back up camera. unable to change air/heat settings. the back right seat will not lay down. the electrical component will not work. there is no manual way to let down seat. 3rd row seat stuck in up right position.
Ford Explorer 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- VIN: 1FMSK8DHXMG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Steering is sticking
Ford Explorer 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- VIN: 1FM5K8DH0JG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: Doesn’t want to run right
Ford Explorer 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- VIN: 1FM5K7D80DG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I have been waiting patiently for the recall (24S02/24V031) to be completed for my vehicle as it has been over 6 months since I received a letter. I have called the dealership several times, and they are waiting on Ford to deliver the parts to the dealership to make the repair. I am worried that this issue may get worse if it is not completed soon. What can you help me with to get this issue resolved quickly? When there is very high wind, I am worried that the parts will come off and break my side windows.
Ford Explorer 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- VIN: 1FM5K8D8XDG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS,ENGINE
- Summary: The heat in my 2013 Ford Explorer won't work. The Rad fan isn't working so any antifreeze I put in is gone after 1 trip to the store. It's burning it. The sunroof has never opened fully, it wobbles. The electrical is shot on it. There are so many safety issues with this vehicle and I see I'm not the only one but yet I search my Vin and there are no recalls that's not right
Ford Explorer 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- VIN: 1FM5K7F87DG
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: My vehicle a 2013 ford explorer has a power steering assist fault rendering my vehicle un usable which i just bought through carvana this last summer has had a multitude of issues including a piller trim flying off the same day I bought it and the warranty carvana gave me provided no where close to me to have repaired plus my backup camera stopped working within 2 months of buying it and now the power steering assist fault has ultimately stopped me from being able to drive the car and I see that ford stopped allowing the recal of this issue to be fixed since 177,000 vehicles are affected by this problem I just think this wrong
Ford Explorer 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- VIN: 1FM5K8D87JG
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: As I made a turn, the toe link broke and caused my car to be thrown to side of road.
Ford Explorer 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- VIN: 1FM5K8GT8JG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Driving home from work when all of a sudden my car started jerking, not shifting correctly and could hear a noticeable noise coming from the engine. Low oil pressure light came on and pulled over. Car would not restart. Had it towed to mechanic and was determined that the engine was hydrolocked due to coolant getting into the pistons and oil. New engine needed on a 6 year old car with 91,000 miles. Upon researching it seems this is a common problem with eco boost engines and I don’t believe I should be responsible for this apparent COMMON issue.
Ford Explorer 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- VIN: 1FM5K7D82FG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: One of my window pillar flew off at night on 95. This is so dangerous and the other side is about to come off. The local dealerships do not have the parts available. I have been waiting a long time
Ford Explorer 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- VIN: 1FMHK7F84BG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The rack and pinion has gone out on my 2011 ford explorer limited. It is available for inspection. My safety was at risk, it went out when I pulled out of a gas station after getting gas causing me to almost crash into another car. Dealerships claim to not be able to replicate the issue even though other 2011 models have a recall for this specific issue. We have attempted multiple times to have it repaired at multiple Ford dealerships. Before it completely went out, the steering would stick for a second sometimes then continue working like normal. After it completely went out a warning light appeared on the dash that states “Power Steering Assist Fault” and now the car will not steer with power steering.
Ford Explorer 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 1FMHK7D82BG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield trim on the drivers and the passengers sides trim detached. The contact stated that due to the failure, when it rained, the water filled up in the floor board of the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure, however the contact was informed that the parts were not available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure ) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Ford Explorer 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 1FM5K8GC9MG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated prior to the failure, the oil was changed 2 months prior at approximately 27,000. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he could hear an abnormal knocking sound coming from under the hood. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it remains for further diagnoses. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
Ford Explorer 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 1FM5K8GT8FG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that they received notification of the recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) after having the repair completed. The contact stated that since having the remedy completed the trim on the front passenger-side of the windshield had detached. The dealer who completed the remedy had been contacted and informed about the additional failure and it had been discovered by a mechanic that the repaired trim had not been done correctly. The vehicle had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Ford Explorer 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 1FM5K8GT2FG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the driver side sun visor fell from the ceiling without incident. In addition, the contact stated that a white smoke began to emit from the sun visor's wiring. Despite the failure, the contact managed to drive the vehicle to their destination. Upon re-entering the vehicle, the contact stated that the engine failed to start after multiple attempts without warning. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Ford Explorer 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 1FMSK8DH0LG
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Multiple advanced service warnings. Dealer states it’s the AWD module that needs to be replaced.
Latest 5 recalls Ford Explorer
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 286 recalls for different components of the Ford Explorer.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ford Explorer 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-08-23
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
- Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 17, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.
- Model: Ford Explorer 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-08-23
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
- Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 17, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.
- Model: Ford Explorer 2020
- Report Received Date: 2024-08-09
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
- Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment. Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect for connecting rod bearing failure and if necessary, replace the engine long block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 23, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available, anticipated 2nd Quarter 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S52.
- Model: Ford Explorer 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-08-09
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
- Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment. Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect for connecting rod bearing failure and if necessary, replace the engine long block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 23, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available, anticipated 2nd Quarter 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S52.
- Model: Ford Explorer 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-08-09
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
- Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment. Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect for connecting rod bearing failure and if necessary, replace the engine long block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 23, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available, anticipated 2nd Quarter 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S52.
Are you having problems with your Ford Explorer?
