2025 FORD EXPLORER

20 recalls, 148 complaints - 5/5 safety rating

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.

Consequence

Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed August 31, 2026. Additional letters will be sent ... Read more

76,748 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.

Consequence

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters... Read more

387,911 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.

Consequence

A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's ... Read more

1,536 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) may experience multiple unexpected resets, resulting in loss of the rearview camera image and advanced driver assis... Read more

Consequence

Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 Aviator, 2025 Explorer, 2025 Nautilus notified owners on 4/13/2026. Phase 2 will include 2025 Navigator will notify owners... Read more

254,640 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

SEAT BELTS

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.

Consequence

A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identific... Read more

561 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction when driving through curves in the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of F... Read more

Consequence

A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The headlight control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C12. Vehicle Identificatio... Read more

35,772 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.

Consequence

An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov ... Read more

47,804 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety... Read more

Consequence

Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 6, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C60. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall bec... Read more

56,841 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

TRAILER HITCHES

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.

Consequence

While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) i... Read more

1,412 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. When towing a trailer, the tail lights on the trailer may fail to illuminate due to an improperly manufactured body control module. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle... Read more

Consequence

Trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the body control module C on vehicles with less than 9,000 miles. For vehicles over 9,000 miles, dealers will perform a functional check on the body control module C and replace it as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Aviator 2025 owner notification letters we... Read more

213,121 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.

Consequence

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.

304,662 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Transit, F-150, and Explorer vehicles. The connecting rod and rod bearing components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.

Consequence

A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the connecting rods and replace the engine long block assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S55.

156 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles. The bolts securing the front brake caliper may not be tightened properly, which can result in a loss of front brake function and possible wheel damage.

Consequence

Loss of brake function and wheel damage can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary. If bolts are missing, the brake caliper and pads will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for t... Read more

3 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. A mounting bolt for the front subframe may have been tightened improperly.

Consequence

A loose subframe bolt may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and tighten the subframe bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2025. Ford's number for this recall is 25S43.

206 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles. The powertrain control module (PCM) may reset while driving, which can damage the park system or cause an engine stall.

Consequence

A damaged park system can result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. An engine stall while driving can result in a sudden loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S35.

24,655 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.

Consequence

Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.

269 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The transmission may be improperly secured due to loose cross member bolts.

Consequence

An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission cross member bolts as necessary, free of charge. If the cross member bolts are missing, dealers will replace the cross member and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford c... Read more

259 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requiremen... Read more

Consequence

Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

27,678 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The rearview camera image may fail when the vehicle speed reaches 10 MPH or greater. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Vi... Read more

Consequence

The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C34... Read more

391 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS

Defect Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles. The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can result in a fuel leak.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will install new fuel injector O-rings and O-ring support discs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S54.

24 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Complaint Statistics

148 total complaints 3 crashes 5 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	26
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	22
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	18
POWER TRAIN	17
SERVICE BRAKES	9
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	7
STRUCTURE:BODY	6
VISIBILITY/WIPER	5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	4
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL	4

Incident date: Aug 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V122000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact scheduled an appointment at the local dealer after being notified of the recall. The dealer initially stated that the part would be available within ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 18, 2026

I am reporting recurring engine misfires involving my 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle currently has approximately 15,700 miles. The first incident occurred approximately five months ago. The check-engine warning appeared and the vehicle was diagnosed b... Read more

Incident date: Jul 5, 2026

On XXX, my 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum experienced a complete unexplained no-start failure while approximately six hours from home. The vehicle had less than 1/4 tank of fuel but was not empty and was parked on a slight decline. It remote-started normally and ran for approximately 10 minutes before ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 5, 2026

Incident date: Aug 5, 2026

Moonroof had a seal leak. Ford replaced entire moonroof assembly. 3 weeks later the moonroof spontaneously shattered while driving down 40 MPH road, no trees, no rocks, etc. Fortunately, the inner cloth canopy was closed or shattered glass would have fallen down and hit driver and passengers.

Incident date: Aug 5, 2026

The steering wheel has developed resistance to turning left and right. It is most noticeable when driving on highways where small steering inputs are needed to keep the vehicle within a lane. The steering wheel with stick in place requiring more effort than normal to turn in either direction. When t... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2025

For the last 17,000 miles, the engine light has been on. We got it checked out and there is coolant and cylinder three we change the cylinder thought it was a misfire, but the problem keeps occurring and we found out information that those engines are bad.

Incident date: Aug 5, 2026

My 2022 GMC Terrain left me on the side of the road today with a fuel pump module failure. After having it towed to the dealership I began looking to see if this is a known problem. I see that there was a recall for the 2022 GMC Terrain, but my VIN is not listed on that recall. MY FUEL PUMP MODUL... Read more

Incident date: Aug 5, 2026

Liftgate Latch Assembly Failure: The vehicle experienced an internal electrical short circuit and hardware failure within the power liftgate latch assembly. This defective latch caused a severe parasitic 12V battery drain that repeatedly rendered the vehicle completely dead, leaving it unexpectedly ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 5, 2026

Incident date: Aug 3, 2026

The Clutch in the Manual Transmission makes a "creaking" noise, and you can feel it when driving too, when depressing the clutch pedal... The creaking noise is annoying, but the feel of the creaking is very distracting when driving the manual transmission, depressing the creaky clutch can distract y... Read more

Incident date: Jun 8, 2026

The vehicle has experienced an issue with its power conversion system (PCS2) that leaves AC charging unavailable. Based upon online forums and social media, this issue is clearly widespread amongst early VIN model Cybertrucks. The scope of the issue has lead to delays with repair. My vehicle has exp... Read more

Incident date: Jun 8, 2026

The A/C vent actuating solenoids under the dash have all failed. They don't allow the cool air to be routed properly. We have had the dealers service center check each time as they would fail, and they found replacement is needed at each visit. The actuators began failing at 6,000 miles, and continu... Read more

Incident date: Jul 3, 2026

This is the second Ford Edge that my family has owned. We traded in our 2020 Ford Edge when its transmission torque converter failed at just over 100,000mi and the cost to repair was as much as the car was worth. The torque converter on our current Ford Edge (2019) just failed at 57,000mi and again,... Read more

Incident date: Jul 3, 2026

My car is a 2019 not 2020 and white not gray. The gas gauge doesn’t read pressure and drops by 1/4 up or down. I don’t have all the features which were supposed to be on the car. The rear door doesn’t close. I have ice inside my front windshield in the winter. I took the car back immediately. ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 30, 2026

On June 13, 2026 my 2023 Range Rover Velar (79,772 miles) suffered a sudden, complete engine failure at highway speed on HWY 70 in Durham, NC. No warning lights, oil pressure alerts, or dashboard notifications appeared before or during the failure. The vehicle had operated well since purchase with n... Read more

Incident date: Jun 18, 2026

The vehicle's braking system intermittently self-activates, engaging the brakes with no obstruction, pedestrian, or object present in the vehicle's path and no driver input. This creates an unpredictable, unprovoked braking event while driving, which is a direct safety hazard to the driver and to ot... Read more

Incident date: Jun 29, 2026

The steering wheel sticks in place and requires additional force to turn the steering wheel while driving.

Incident date: Apr 20, 2026

2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo (EA825 4.0L V8, VIN [XXX]). Vacuum-actuated water pump seal failure caused coolant infiltration of the vacuum system on two separate occasions during the CPO warranty period. The vacuum system on this engine supplies the brake servo (brake booster) — a safety-critical co... Read more

Incident date: Apr 20, 2026

Vehicle on numerous occasions has had a complete electrical failure during an auto stop that has caused the engine to turn off and needed manual reboot several times for the car to restart.

Incident date: Apr 20, 2026

Incident date: Jun 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, there was a rumbling sound coming ... Read more

Incident date: May 20, 2026

- Component/ System: (UNKNOWN). Possible Powertrain / Transmission . - YES available for inspection. - My Safety @RISK: mine and my child (passenger) - Problem Confirmed : YES at local mechanic shop and FORD dealer service shop. - Has the vehicle been inspected : YES - Any Warning Lights... Read more

Incident date: Jun 22, 2026

Received recall 25V347 in June of 2025. They still say the parts are not available. The driver side B-pillar trim came loose a few months ago. The dealer (lithia ford, Boise, ID) said I would have to pay over $600 to have them repair it and the money would not be refunded when the recall parts ar... Read more

Incident date: Jun 12, 2026

Coolant tank empty - leaking. Coolant leaking from the thermostat housing to engine. Had to replace the thermostat housing and reseal the valve cover Because the oil leak coming from the valve cover is causing oil to reach the thermostat sear and cause the rubber seal to expand and blow out causing ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000(ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufa... Read more

Incident date: May 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle would lose automotive power and the steering wheel became difficult to veer in either the left or right direction. No warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; ho... Read more

Incident date: Mar 27, 2026

First and foremost, I am not arguing against, as I hold myself accountable for my choices. I understand the purpose of ignition interlock devices and support preventing impaired driving. However, the reality of rolling retests during heavy traffic, lane changes, merging, and freeway driving can crea... Read more

Incident date: Mar 18, 2026

Vehicle shut down while driving. Stop safely now, red triangle on IC, and engine disabled. PCM code P1A0C:00:28 Hybrid Powertrain Control Module - Engine Disabled.

Incident date: Mar 31, 2026

2025 Hybrid PIU/Explorer) for a CEL with PCM codes P0A1E:00:A8 for a starter/generator control module fault.

Incident date: Mar 26, 2026

Hybrid Fault - Service charging system fault displayed. Verified concern. Hooked up IDS and checked for codes. Multiple codes in multiple modules present for engine restart, battery, and low voltage conditions. Hooked up Ford battery tester and performed battery test on both the 12-volt main and aux... Read more

Incident date: Apr 29, 2026

I was driving on the Highway and all the sudden for absolutely no apparent reason the Passenger side door window completely shattered into small bits of glass. I check the vehicle for any damage other than the window not a scratch on the door at all I have no idea what caused the window to shatter.

1 injured

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that part was not yet available. The contact stated t... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2026

Shortly after my second time getting the battery looked at for the 4XE recall my vehicle was very sluggish from a stopped position with the pedal fully pressed. After 5-10 seconds the vehicle lunges forward aggressively as it goes from electric to gas mode

Incident date: Oct 22, 2025

It seems when the truck has been driven more than an a half hour to an hour and you shut the truck off the truck won't start back up. I believe the starter gets what they call heat soaked, then you have to wait until the truck cools down then I will start normal

Incident date: Oct 22, 2025

Incident date: Feb 28, 2026

Blown head gasket

Incident date: Mar 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the vehicle was started, and the low brake fluid warning illuminated. The contact observed brake fluid under the rear of the vehicle and became aware that the rear left brake line was leaking. The contact called a local dealer and was inform... Read more

Incident date: Mar 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V586000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repai... Read more

Incident date: Feb 9, 2026

On February 11, 2026, the 2025 Tesla Model Y "Vision AutoPark" system initiated an uncommanded high-speed reverse acceleration into a stationary yellow concrete bollard in a parking lot. The vehicle's vision-only parking assist hardware failed to detect a clearly visible, fixed obstruction and displ... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Feb 9, 2026

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Feb 9, 2026

The airbag is malfunctioning with the warning sensor going on and off

Incident date: Jan 21, 2026

The rear glass of the sunroof exploded while driving at highway speeds. The safety risk involved is that is sounded like a gunshot went off and the entire car got extremely loud, taking my attention off of the road, thank goodness the sunshade was closed and didn't shower me with glass. YES, the pro... Read more

Incident date: Jan 21, 2026

The electric power steering gets notchy and sticks instead of smooth turning. This causes the car to drift left and right in the lane. The hotter the day and longer the drive, the worse the problem gets.

Incident date: Jan 21, 2026

Car idles down and dies while driving, unable to restart, no codes showing

Incident date: Feb 5, 2026

I am reporting a manufacturing defect involving General Motors’ Active Fuel Management (AFM) system that caused catastrophic engine failure in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado (VIN: [XXX] ). At approximately 78,000 miles, my vehicle experienced piston and lifter failure requiring full engine replacemen... Read more

Incident date: Feb 5, 2026

While driving, the engine catastrophically failed without warning, causing an immediate loss of power-assisted braking and steering. The failure occurred while traveling downhill. I was unable to slow or control the vehicle properly and was forced to proceed through a school bus’s flashing lights ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 5, 2026

Incident date: Jan 24, 2026

With no 'low oil' warning, the car's engine started may a knocking noise. Then, all kinds of warning lights started. Parked the vehicle and checked the oil the next day and there was NO OIL in the engine. This should not have been the case considering this car gets regular oil changes. Also, there w... Read more

Showing 50 of 148 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2025 FORD EXPLORER

2025 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	15.1%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Standard
Lane Departure Warning	Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, FORD EXPLORER

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2020

Underbody shields detachment

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on August 22, 2025, requesting a defect investigation into an alleged defect of the “underbody shields” on model year (MY) 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles. The petition alleges premature degradation and detachment of the plastic underbody... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 2020

Rear Axle Bolt Failure

On July 17, 2023, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) opened this Recall Query (RQ) after receiving 2 consumer complaints alleging loss of vehicle forward power and/or loss of transmission torque of the rear wheels in model year (MY) 2020-2022 Ford Explorer vehicles (subject vehicles). The RQ w... as opened to focus on the effectiveness of the remedies of Recalls 22V-255 and 23V-199 related to the alleged problem. Recall 22V-255 involved replacing the bushing and axle cover in the following subject vehicles: 3.3L FHEV Police built before October 14, 2020, and 3.3L Gas Police vehicle built before January 31, 2021. For 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3LFHEV, and 3.0LST retail (non-police) vehicles, the recall provided an PCM software update to engage the Electronic Park Brake (EPB) when Park is commanded. The recall addressed a breakage of the rear axle bolt that can cause the driveshaft/half shafts to disconnect, resulting in a loss of transmission torque to the rear wheels necessary to hold park. If the parking brake is not applied, the loss of the primary park torque will allow the vehicle to roll in park increasing the risk of crash and injury. Recall 23V-199 addressed 674 of the subject vehicles produced from February 2, 2019 to April 4, 2022, which received an incorrect remedy under Recall 22V-255. The affected vehicles had received a previous Powertrain Control Module (PCM) update which did not include an automatic EPB engagement when vehicle is shifted to park. On October 17, 2023, Ford filed a new safety recall (Recall 23V-675) covering 238,364 MY 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles with the following powertrains: 3.3L FHEV Police, 3.3L Gas Police, 3.0L Gas Police, 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV, 3.0L RWD and 3.0L AWD, produced from October 22, 2018 to July 6, 2022, equipped with a 3-point mounted axle design. Ford stated that the cause of the bolt fracture is due to joint design not robust to peak axle input torques and manufacturing variability. The primary contributor is insufficient bearings for maximum joint loads. This can result in bearing deformation, increasing bending stress on the bolt, which may lead to fatigue failure. On January 19, 2023, Ford amended Recall 23V-675 to add 1,942 MY 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles with the following powertrain: 3.0L RWD Platinum and King Ranch variant, produced from October 22, 2018 to July 6, 2022, equipped with a 3-point mounted axle design. In addition to the safety recall, Ford will conduct a customer satisfaction program for the following MY 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles with the following powertrains: 2.3L AWD, 3.3L Gas Retail, 3.0L Gas AWD Platinum and King Ranch, produced from October 22, 2018 to July 6, 2022. Ford stated that the Explorer powerpack variants not covered under Recalled 23V-675 do not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety due to the combination of lower peak torque levels and torque management strategies to share inputs between front and rear axles, reducing occurrence of higher torque. According to Ford, this is also evidenced by the lower current and projected failure rates. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this RQ. NHTSA will continue to monitor complaints from the customer satisfaction program vehicles and reopen this issue, if necessary. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Windshield trim molding Item detachment

On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this fail... ure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

AQ, Open , Model Year: 2018

Hertz/Vehicles Rented with Open Recalls

NHTSA is opening this audit query to investigate whether The Hertz Corporation (Hertz) has complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act). The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a rental company shall not rent a vehicle subject to a safety... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Exhaust Odor in Passenger Cab

During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers. This investigation required an approach that incorporated knowledge and expertise from the automotive, medical, environmental health, and oc... cupational safety fields. The agency conducted an in-depth investigation that encompassed the review of over 6,500 consumer complaints, conducting field inspections, and testing the relevant vehicles, both independently and in coordination with Ford and other entities. During the investigation, the evolution of Ford service bulletins intended to reduce the level of exhaust odors and carbon monoxide (CO) entering the occupant compartment was examined and independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the final Field Service Actions (FSA) for both consumer and police vehicles were conducted. As part of the investigation, the agency also examined the effects of cracked exhaust mani-cats on the measured CO levels in the vehicles and tested the FSA repairs to ensure they did not adversely impact occupant compartment CO levels due to cracked mani-cats.The investigation identified upfitting issues for Police Interceptor vehicles. Upfitting (sirens, lights, cages, auxiliary power, etc.) is typically performed by governmental fleet operations, independent repair facilities, or local Ford dealers after the sale of the new vehicle. Sealing issues caused by upfitting were responsible for the highest measured carbon monoxide levels in tested vehicles. The police FSA instructs how to inspect the quality of the vehicle upfits and how to properly seal any leaks caused by these upfits, at no cost to the police agency. Similarly, the highest CO levels measured in consumer vehicles were usually traced to sealing issues caused by rear crash damage where the repairs did not ensure sealing integrity. The most recent Ford FSA procedure for both the police (17B25) and consumer vehicles (17N03) includes an HVAC reprogramming operation. Tests by Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated a substantial reduction of CO levels due solely to the HVAC reprogramming. Other FSA repairs also demonstrated measurable contributions to CO level reductions during controlled tests.Throughout the investigation, vehicles accurately measured with higher levels of carbon monoxide were almost always affected by upfitter alterations, damage, or other causes compromising rear passenger cabin seals.NHTSA received thousands of reports alleging odors which triggered a variety of physiological responses, predominately nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness. NHTSA focused the investigation on accurately measuring vehicle CO levels, and accurately measuring carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) levels from properly administered blood tests. Using rigorous test methods to produce exhaust gas intrusion in vehicles with a properly performed FSA, occupant compartment CO levels remained below current environmental limits for CO in any environment (EPA ambient air quality standards). Furthermore, even without FSA repairs, no vehicles unaffected by upfitter issues or prior crash damage were identified with CO levels that exceed accepted occupational CO exposure levels. This investigation finds that the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles when accurately measured produce occupant compartment CO levels which fall below current accepted health standards, and could not identify COHB levels for vehicle drivers or other occupants, which exceeded thresholds for acute physiological effects. Therefore, the agency has not identified a defect that represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This inveRead more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Ford Explorer Exhaust Odor

During the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration?s (NHTSA?s) investigation into the Ford carbon monoxide allegations, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) identified additional Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports with similar exhaust odor claims.Presently, ODI has identified 791 ... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2013

Front Brake Hose Failure

On April 29, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE15-017 to investigate a report alleging incidents of front brake hose failure in model year (MY) 2015 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles used by the Sacramento Police Department in its pursuit driving training program (VOQ ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2015

Front brake hose failure

On April 29, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE15-017 to investigate reports of low-mileage failures of front brake jounce hoses in model year (MY) 2015 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles operated as training vehicles by the City of Sacramento, California (ODI VOQ No. 1... 0705832). To date, the Sacramento police fleet has reported a total of 7 front hose failures in 5 different Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles used for its Emergency Vehicle Operation Course (EVOC) training. Most of the failures occurred within the first few miles of service on a closed course used for the EVOC program, which includes evasive accident avoidance and pursuit maneuver training. The hose assemblies either leaked at, or pulled completely free from, the caliper-end attachment where the hose is crimped to the steel end fitting. Most of the failures resulted in a sudden loss of braking performance that caused the vehicle to run off the intended course. None of the failures resulted in any crashes, injuries or property damage.The subject MY 2015 hose assemblies are similar in design to hoses used on MY 2013 through 2014 Explorer Police Interceptor and civilian vehicles. The 5 vehicles used by Sacramento EVOC have all been repaired using MY 2016 front hose assemblies that have been changed to incorporate a short steel tube attached to the caliper end banjo block. No failures have been experienced by the Sacramento fleet to date in the other 37 MY 2014-2015 Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles (2 MY 2014 and 35 MY 2015) used by the fleet in regular law enforcement duty cycles unrelated to the EVOC training. In its response to ODI's information request letter for PE15-017, Ford provided information about 2 additional failures reported by other fleets, including 1 involving a Sacramento Regional Transit vehicle that occurred while being driven on the street.Based on its analysis of failed parts returned from the Sacramento fleet and the fleet's EVOC training duty cycle, Ford attributes the Sacramento fleet hose failures to excessive temperatures produced during hot-soak portions of the EVOC training duty cycle (when the vehicles are stationary after hard braking exercises, with no cooling air flow through the brake rotor vents and across the other brake components). During testing conducted to replicate the EVOC duty cycle, Ford measured temperatures at the subject crimp fittings that exceeded the design limits of the brake hose material after several successive training intervals and hot soaks. Ford has provided the Sacramento fleet with modified replacement hose assemblies for all of its MY 2014-15 Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles. The replacement hose assemblies were developed for use in MY 2016 Explorer vehicles and were modified slightly to accommodate the addition of a ride height sensor in those vehicles. The revised assemblies have an additional length of brake pipe between the caliper end connection and the subject crimp ferrule that results in additional heat dissipation and makes the assemblies more robust to the severe thermal effects experienced during the EVOC testing (the hose material is the same in both assemblies). Ford believes that the excessive temperatures experienced at the crimp fitting in the subject vehicles are unique to the EVOC duty cycle, have not been observed in the standard on-road severe duty cycle testing performed by Ford and police fleets who routinely conduct such testing and are not likely to occur in service usage for on-road Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles.This preliminary evaluation is closed, an Engineering Analysis (EA15-005) has been opened to conduct testing and furtherRead more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2013

Front brake hose failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-027 based on a report of 13 front brake hose (jounce hose) failures in 11 vehicles in the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department (DCMPD) fleet of 46 model year (MY) 2013 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor (PI) vehicles (VOQ 10621634).T... he DCMPD fleet provided Ford with 71 jounce hoses for analysis, including 4 of the 13 failed hoses.Inspection of each of the failed hoses identified a small tear in the outer cover on the body end of the hoses on the outboard side. Ford?s lab analysis of these hoses identified splits in the inner liners 1.5-2.0mm from the end of the nipple (outside of the crimped ferrule joint).Ford conducted pressure testing of 10 randomly selected samples of the remaining 67 hoses that had not experienced leaks and 9 of the samples leaked at 6,000 psi.Ford?s examination of the 9 hoses that leaked in the pressure tests found 4 that failed on the outboard side of the hose (similar to the 4 leaking field parts) and 5 that failed on the body end of the hose on the inboard side.Four additional non-leaking hoses were sent to the hose supplier, Hitachi, for analysis.Broken yarn was observed in scanning electron microscope examinations at both the body side and caliper side hose to ferrule crimps, indicating severe bending stress had occurred at these locations. Hitachi supplied an additional set of non-leaking field return hoses and a brand new set of hoses to an outside laboratory (Element Materials Technology) for analysis.The lab did not identify any manufacturing or material deficiencies in the hoses and concluded that the hose failures were caused by excessive bending stresses.Based on the examinations of the returned jounce hoses, Ford conducted durability testing on new hoses that were the same design as those found on the subject vehicles.Ford first determined the worst case conditions for the hoses; jounce bumpers removed, internal rebound stops fully compressed, and shock absorbers attached. With the jounce hose installed, the steering was rotated to the maximum turn angle while the suspension was translated from full jounce to full rebound.This determined the maximum hose length of 13.0in (331mm) and a minimum hose bending radius of 1.6in (40mm).Using these conditions hoses tested on a Suspension Motion Simulator far surpassed Ford?s performance specifications. Twenty (20) complaints of front brake jounce hose failure were identified on a total of 18 Explorer PI vehicles, including the 13 hose failures in 11 vehicles from the DCMPD fleet that prompted PE14-027.The remaining 7 complaints included 3 from one fleet that reportedly occurred on the banjo block end of the hose assembly and single complaints from 4 other fleets.Only two brake hose assemblies were used in the subject and peer Explorer vehicles, with the BB53 level hose used until June 20, 2012, and an updated DB53 level hose used thereafter.No pattern of failures was observed by hose assembly, with 15 of failures involving the BB53 hose assembly (including the 13 from DCMPD manufactured in March 2012) and 5 the DB53 hose assembly built after June 20, 2012. No root cause was determined for the reported Explorer PI jounce hose failures, but Ford identified improper service repair procedures (e.g., hanging the brake caliper from the brake hose during brake pad replacement) as a possible contributor to higher than expected rate of front brake jounce hose leaks. ODI?s analysis of field data, hose inspection and test data did not identify evidence of any defects in hose material, manufacture or vehicle installation.The closing of this investRead more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Electric power steering failure

On May 27, 2014 and amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist in approximately 179,027 model year (MY) 2011 through 2013 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped wit... h electric power assisted steering (EPAS), including 82,328 MY 2011 Explorersthat are the subject of PE12-017.Ford has assigned the recall number 14S06.The NHTSA recall number is 14V-286.Ford's DIR indicates that loss of power steering assist while driving would require higher steering effort at lower vehicle speeds, which may result in an increased risk of a crash.Sudden loss of power steering assist while driving can occur in the subject vehicles if the system loses electrical power or whenever the system detects a fault that requires it to enter fail-safe mode, which removes power from the EPAS motor and defaults to manual steering.Ford's DIR indicates that the majority of steering assist failures in the recalled vehicles have been caused by an intermittent electrical connection in the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) that can lead to a loss of the motor position sensor signal.Ford's remedy instructs dealers to check the PSCM for diagnostic trouble codes (DTC).If upon initial inspection a loss of steering assist DTC is present, dealers will replace the steering gear at no charge to the owner and update the PSCM with revised software.Following detection of a motor position sensor signal fault, the revised software will provide audible and visual warnings to the driver that a power steering system fault has been detected and will maintain steering assist for the remainder of that drive cycle.If no DTC is present, dealers will reprogram the PSCM with the revised software. Analysis of information from all sources identified a total of 969 complaints and 4,059 warranty claims related to loss of power steering assist while driving in the MY 2011 through 2012 Explorer vehicles, resulting in a complaint rate of 5.4 incidents per thousand vehicles and a warranty claim rate of 2.3 percent.ODI identified 15 crashes with evidence indicating loss of power steering assist may have been a factor.All 15 crashes involved low-speed impacts with roadside objects during turning maneuvers, resulting in minor vehicle damage or no damage.In one incident that occurred in a low-speed curve, the driver attempted to brake in response to the sudden increase in steering effort and inadvertently applied the accelerator pedal instead.This caused the vehicle to run off the side of the road and strike a wooden pole at approximately 15 mph.Another incident occurred when the driver was unable to to negotiate a left-turn at an intersection and ran off the road into a shallow ditch, resulting in moderate front-end damage to the vehicle and minor injuries to the driver that did not require medical treatment. This investigation is closed.All ODI complaints associated with this closing resume are listed in the Attachment 1.Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2002

Vehicle Rollaway Allegations

This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.By the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during EA09-013, ODI identified a number of... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002

VEHICLE ROLLAWAY ALLEGATIONS

IN RESPONSE TO AN INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER SENT BY THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI), FORD STATED CONSUMER REPORTS OF HIGHER THAN EXPECTED EFFORTS WHEN SHIFTING INTO AND OUT OF PARK COULD BE A RESULT OF A GROOVE BEING WORN INTO THE SWING ARM RAMP OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SWING ARM ... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 2004

REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HATCH FAILURE

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON JUNE 23, 2008, BASED ON 34 COMPLAINTS INVOLVING EIGHT INJURIES IN WHICH THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HATCH ON MODEL YEAR 2004 FORD EXPLORERS OR MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS BROKE OFF AND FELL, USUALLY WHILE INDIVIDUALS WERE OPERATING THE GLASS HATCH OR LOADING OR UNLOADING ITEMS ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002

STUCK ENGINE THROTTLE

ON JULY 7, 2005, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STUCK THROTTLE COMPLAINTS IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE STANDARD AVAILABLE 4.0L SOHC V6 ENGINE.AT THAT TIME, ODI WAS AW... ARE OF 15 COMPLAINTS THAT ALLEGED STUCK ENGINE THROTTLE CAUSING UNWANTED VEHICLE ACCELERATION AND 1 ALLEGED CRASH AS A RESULT.SIX COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE REPLACEMENT REMEDIED THE ALLEGED STUCK THROTTLE CONDITION.ADDITIONALLY, ODI WAS AWARE OF A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT REFERRED TO AN ACCELERATOR CABLE DESIGN CHANGE.ODI SENT A LETTER TO THE MANUFACTURER ON JULY 18, 2005 REQUESTING CERTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT THESE VEHICLES. ACCORDING TO FORD, APPROXIMATELY 234,092 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT FROM AUGUST 14, 2000 (?JOB 1?) THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2001 USED A PARTICULAR ACCELERATOR CABLE KNOWN AS A 16 LAY WIRE DESIGN.THIS DESIGN IS COMPRISED OF THE THROTTLE CABLE SURROUNDED BY A CONDUIT MADE OF SEVERAL CONCENTRIC LAYERS INCLUDING A TEFLON LINER, A NYLON TUBE EXTRUDED OVER THE TEFLON LINER, 16 LAY WIRES WRAPPED AROUND THE NYLON TUBE, AND FINALLY A NYLON JACKET EXTRUDED OVER AND AROUND THE LAY WIRES. FORD REPORTS THAT THROTTLE CONTROL CONCERNS RELATED TO THE ACCELERATOR CABLE ARE LIKELY CAUSED BY A MIGRATION OF THE INNER TEFLON LINER OUT OF THE CONDUIT AT THE DASH PANEL FITTING.SHOULD THE TEFLON LINER MIGRATE OUTWARD SUFFICIENTLY TO CONTACT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM IT COULD INTERFERE WITH THE PEDAL?S ABILITY TO RETURN TO IDLE.IN NOVEMBER 2001, FORD BEGAN USING A NEW 12 LAY WIRE DESIGN ACCELERATOR CABLE.THIS CHANGE WAS IMPLEMENTED TO ALLOW FOR INSTALLATION OF OPTIONALLY AVAILABLE POWER-ADJUSTABLE PEDALS. FIELD DATA SUGGESTS THAT THE CONDITION WITH THE SUBJECT CABLE IS MORE PREVALENT IN COLD (WINTER) CLIMATES.OF THE 396 WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT, NEARLY 68% OCCURRED IN WINTER MONTHS AND MOST WARRANTY CLAIMS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH VEHICLES SOLD IN THE NORTHEASTERN, NORTHERN INTERIOR (MIDWEST), AND ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES.THIS SEASONAL TREND APPEARS TO BE IN DECLINE WITH FEWER WARRANTY CLAIMS PAID IN WINTER 2005 THAN IN PREVIOUS WINTERS.THERE ARE NO KNOWN CRASHES RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, THE COMPLAINT RATE IS LOW AFTER APPROXIMATELY FOUR YEARS IN SERVICE (3.0 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES) AND THE FAILURE TREND IS DECLINING.THERE HAVE BEEN NO NEW COMPLAINTS SINCE JANUARY 2005.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR ITS COMPLAINT DATABASE AND WILL RECEIVE UPDATED COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA FROM FORD IN SPRING 2006 TO VERIFY THE TREND ANALYSIS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002

REAR LIFTGATE GLASS ASSEMBLY

COMPLAINTS REPORT FAILURE OF THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS SUPPORT WHILE THE OPERATOR IS OPENING OR CLOSING THE GLASS.THE FALLING GLASS CAN STRIKE THE OPERATOR OR BYSTANDER.THE INJURIES REPORTED ARE BRUISES TO THE HEAD, NECK OR BACK, CUTS TO THE FACE, ARM OR HAND.ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2004, FORD NOTIFIED THE AG... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998

FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER ATTACHMENT

BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 4, 2003, FORD NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 03V281) INVOLVING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2001 FORD EXPLORER / MERCURY MOUNTAINEER 4-DOOR, MY 1998-2000 FORD EXPLORER 2-DOOR AND MY 2001-2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT AND SPORT ... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2002

MIS-ASSEMBLED AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING

IN JULY 2001, FORD ISSUED A SPECIAL SERVICE MESSAGE ANNOUNCING THAT SOME AIR BAGCLOCKSPRING DEVICES MAY PRODUCE NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED FULL LEFT OR RIGHT.FORD WAS AWARE THAT SOME CLOCKSPRINGS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED.THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION MAY ALSO CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1995

SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY FAILURE

ODI RECEIVED 18 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FORD IDENTIFIED ANOTHER FOUR REPORTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS INDICATE INABILITY TO LATCH THE DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE CAUSED BY A BROKEN LATCH RELEASE SPRING.NONE OF THESE 22 REPORTS RESULTED IN ANY INJURIES OR CRASHES.NO COMPL... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1995

SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY

SQ, Closed , Model Year: 2002

INOPERATIVE AIR BAG SYSTEM

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1999

SEAT BELT WEBBING

ODI OPENED PE00-044INVESTIGATION ON NOVEMBER 3, 2000, BASED ON A REPORT REGARDING THE DEATH OF THE OCCUPANT OF THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT IN A 2000 MODEL YEAR FORD EXPLORER XLS INVOLVED IN A ROLL-OVER CRASH.IT IS ALLEGED THAT THE WEBBING OF THE BUCKLE PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY FAILED DURING THE CR... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2000

SEAT BELT WEBBING

ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON NOVEMBER 3, 2000, BASED ON A REPORT REGARDING THE DEATH OF THE OCCUPANT OF THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT IN A 2000 MODEL YEAR FORD EXPLORER XLS INVOLVED IN A ROLL-OVER CRASH.IT IS ALLEGED THAT THE WEBBING OF THE BUCKLE PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY FAILED DURING THE CRASH... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1995

FRONT SUSPENSION STABILIZER BAR LINK

There is no summary currently available

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1991

SPARE TIRE WINCH CABLE

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1991

SPARE TIRE WINCH CABLE

FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE 1991 MODEL YEAR PRODUCTION UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF THE 1994 MODEL YEAR PRODUCTION, FORD USED A GALVANIZED STEEL CABLE TO LIFT AND HOLD IN STORED POSITION, THE EXPLORER SPARE TIRE.ON MAY 19, 1994, BASED ON THE RESULTS OF FORD DURABILITY TESTING , FORD CHANGED TO A 4.00MM STAINLE... Read more

SQ, Closed , Model Year: 1999

AIRBAG SYSTEM'S LIGHT DYSFUNCTIONAL

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1995

ACCELERATOR PEDAL

There is no summary currently available

RQ, Open , Model Year: 1991

LIFTGATE SUPPORT BRACKET FAILURE

SUMMARY:ON AUGUST 22, 1995, FORD CONDUCTED SAFETY RECALL, 95V-164, ON 1992 AND 1993 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER DUE TO LIFTGATE FAILURES.THE REAR LIFTGATE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER BRACKET CAN BECOME UNATTACHED ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO SUDDENLY DROP.THE RECALL REMEDY WAS TO INSTALL REINFORCEMENTS ON THE BRACKETS.F... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1997

WINDSHIELD WIPER MALFUNCTION

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1997

STEERING KNUCKLE SEPARATIONS

There is no summary currently available

SQ, Closed , Model Year: 1998

VEHICLE HESITATION/STALLING

There is no summary currently available

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1992

BLOWER ASSEMBLY FIRES

BASED ON THE RELATIVELY LOW FAILURE FREQUENCY MEASURED OVER AN EXTENDED EXPOSURE TIME AND THE FACT THAT THE GREAT MAJOITY OF INCIDENTS ARE CONFINED WITHIN THE BLOWER HOUSING, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF THE AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1997

THROTTLE STICKING

ON JANUARY 23, 1997, FORD MOTOR COMPANY ISSUED SPECIAL SERVICE MESSAGE (SSM) 10240, ANNOUNCING THAT A REVISED THROTTLE BODY WOULD BE AVAILABLE DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1997 FOR 1997 MODEL YEAR FORD EXPLORERS EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0L SINGLE OVERHEAD CAM (SOHC) ENGINE.THE SSM STATED THE REVISED THROT... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 1997

FUEL LINE DAMAGE FROM JUMP STARTING

There is no summary currently available

DP, Closed , Model Year: 1992

HEATER BLOWER ASSEMBLY FIRE

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1992

BLOWER ASSEMBLY FIRES

There is no summary currently available

SQ, Closed , Model Year: 1997

THROTTLE STICKING

There is no summary currently available

DP, Closed , Model Year: 1991

HEAVY LATERAL VIBRATION

NHTSA WAS PETITIONED TO COMMENCE A DEFECT INVESTIGATION OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ON JANUARY 6, 1998.THE PETITION ALLEGES THAT EARLY MODEL FORD EXPLORER SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES DEVELOP HEAVY LATERAL VIBRATIONS AT SPEEDS ABOVE 55 MPH AND WHEN ENCOUNTERING BUMPS AT LOW SPEEDS.THE PETITION FURTHER ALLEGES... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1991

SUNROOF SHATTERING AND SEPARATION

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1995

ELECTRICAL FIRE IN CENTER CONSOLE

THIS INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT CONSOLE FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MOST OFTEN OCCURRED WHILE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE LAMP OUTAGE MODULE (LOM), WHICH IS PART OF THE MESSAGE CENTER, WERE TOWING A TRAILER AND WHICH HAD BEEN MODIFIED BY ADDING AN AFTERMARKET TRAILER WIRING HARNESS INTO THE VEHICL... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1992

SUNROOF (AIR ROOF) SHATTER

THE SUNROOF SHATTERED OR WAS BLOWN OFF.IN ALL BUT ONE CASE THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1993

DRIVER DOOR ELECTRICAL FIRE

THE CONTACT ASSEMBLY FOR THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE SWITCH POSITIVE PAD AND CHASSIS GROUND PAD AS A RESULT OF WATER INTRUSION.EXCESS CURRENT FLOW RESULTING FROM THE SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITION MAY OVERHEAT THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH CIRCUIT... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1993

BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1993

WHEEL LOCKUP WITH ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM

ODI HAS RECEIVED OND HUNDRED SEVENTY-THREE (173) CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF ALLEGED FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM ON CERTAIN 1993 AND 1994 FORD EXPLORERS.THESE ALLEGED FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS ARE REPORTED TO HAVE CAUSED THIRTY-SIX (36) ACCIDENTS RESULTING FROM VEHICLE LOSS OF DIRECTION... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1991

SEPARATION OF MASTER CYLINDER

FORD CONTINUES TO SUDY THE PROBLEM ATTEMPTING TO DETERMINE WHY STUD FRACTURES ARE NOT FREQUENTLY OCCURRING IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.LIKEWISE, ODI CONTINUES GATHERING INFORMATION TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THE RECALL SCOPE SHOULD INCLUDE OTHER GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS.IF EVIDENCE INDICATES THE SCOPE SHOULD ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1991

BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER/BOOSTER SEPARATION

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1991

ENGINE COOLING FAN CRACKS

There is no summary currently available

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1992

AUTO TRANS PRNDL MISALIGN

There is no summary currently available

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1991

THROTTLE STICKING

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1992

AUTO TRANS.PRNDL MISALIGN

There is no summary currently available

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1991

VACUUM BOOSTR VALVE FAILS

There is no summary currently available

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1991

THROTTLE RELEASE FAILURE

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1991

VACUUM BOOSTR VALVE FAILS

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1991

THROTTLE RELEASE FAILURE

There is no summary currently available

FORD EXPLORER - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the FORD EXPLORER across all model years (1991, 2027).

388 Total Recalls

43,467 Total Complaints

54 Investigations

2,524 Reported Crashes

1,071 Reported Fires

304 Reported Deaths

FORD EXPLORER - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2027	1	0	View
2026	12	55	View
2025 (current)	20	148
2024	10	27	View
2023	15	152	View
2022	24	370	View
2021	26	566	View
2020	33	1,705	View
2019	6	343	View
2018	7	891	View
2017	14	2,059	View
2016	15	3,031	View
2015	9	2,226	View
2014	7	2,043	View
2013	12	2,794	View
2012	7	1,033	View
2011	8	1,501	View
2010	2	155	View
2009	1	49	View
2008	3	216	View
2007	3	271	View
2006	4	788	View
2005	3	604	View
2004	4	1,647	View
2003	7	1,369	View
2002	10	4,100	View
2001	12	503	View
2000	15	1,203	View
1999	15	1,737	View
1998	14	2,374	View
1997	12	2,150	View
1996	11	1,818	View
1995	12	1,048	View
1994	7	1,531	View
1993	9	1,151	View
1992	7	848	View
1991	11	764	View
1990	0	12	View
1989	0	1	View
1988	0	7	View
1987	0	3	View
1986	0	3	View
1985	0	1	View
1984	0	1	View
1977	0	2	View

Other FORD Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
MUSTANG	1,104	11,600	View
RANGER	928	10,371	View
F-350 SD	776	2,363	View
F-150	692	46,142	View
F-450 SD	692	624	View
F-250 SD	638	3,635	View
F-550 SD	578	603	View
EXPEDITION	555	11,534	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2025 FORD EXPLORER

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2025 FORD EXPLORER

Safety Technology

NHTSA Safety Investigations, FORD EXPLORER

FORD EXPLORER - All Years Overview

FORD EXPLORER - Year by Year

Other FORD Models