Ford Explorer hybrid problems

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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 hybrid model years

ford explorer hybrid 2021 photo
Explorer hybrid 2021
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Common Ford Explorer hybrid problems

The Ford Explorer Hybrid has faced several common problems based on complaints from its owners. These issues span across various components of the vehicle, including the engine, transmission, electrical systems, and interior accessories.

  • Transmission Problems: Transmission issues are another common complaint among Ford Explorer Hybrid owners. Problems include transmission rebuilds or replacements, torque converter failures, and premature clutch replacement.
  • Electrical System Failures: Electrical system failures are a common problem for Ford Explorer Hybrid owners. Complaints include alternator failures, starter issues, hybrid battery replacement, and problems with hybrid battery-related systems.
  • In-Car Electronics: In-car electronics, such as the infotainment system, rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, and head-up display, have been problematic for Ford Explorer Hybrid owners. Issues include malfunctions, system freezes, and display problems.
  • Drivetrain and Suspension Problems: Drivetrain and suspension problems are also common among Ford Explorer Hybrid owners. Complaints include driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control issues, electronic stability control problems, and suspension component failures.
  • Brake System Failures: Brake system failures are a concern for Ford Explorer Hybrid owners. Complaints include premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system problems, parking brake issues, and regenerative braking problems.
  • Interior Accessories: Interior accessories, such as window motors, wiper motors or washers, tire pressure monitors, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plugs, USB ports, alarm or security systems, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, and wireless charging pads, have been problematic for Ford Explorer Hybrid owners. Issues include malfunctions, system failures, and component wear.

These common problems among Ford Explorer Hybrid owners highlight the need for improved reliability and quality control in the vehicle's production.

Ford Explorer hybrid

Why did Ford discontinue the Explorer hybrid?

The Explorer and Aviator hybrids “just didn't get enough traction with customers” for personal-use vehicles, IHS Global Mobility analyst Stephanie Brinley said.

What is the most common problem with Ford Explorers?

Timing Chain Problems. Some Ford Explorers featuring V6 engines experience timing chain issues. This applies to the second-, third- and fourth-generation series models — all of which had timing chain guides known to break or cause rattling upon startup.

What year of Ford Explorer to stay away from?

Avoid: 2004

On a three-year run of bad model years, the 2004 Ford Explorer is worse than the previous year. Along with 2002, 2004 will go down as the worst model years to own the Explorer. Over 2,400 complaints were filed with the NHTSA and, surprisingly, many of them carry over from 2002 and 2003.

How many miles per gallon does a Ford Explorer hybrid get?

The Ford Explorer Hybrid will provide up to 28 mpg combined, putting it right at the top when it comes to hybrid SUVs in terms of gas mileage. Especially considering its powerful engine and large interior, the 2023 Explorer Hybrid is a truly unique model.

Recalls Ford Explorer hybrid

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Ford Explorer hybrid.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Ford Explorer hybrid 2021
  • Report Received Date: 2022-04-14
  • Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV, and 3.0L ST GAS vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
  • Consequence: A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in 'Park' without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover, or update the electronic parking brake software. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022, and March 10, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S27.

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