Ford Explorer owners filed 9,079 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 85 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2016 Ford Explorer drew the most complaints (2,450); across all years, owners complain most about body structure (24% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2016, with 2,450 complaints, led by body structure (584) and 15 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Body structure drew 2,177 complaints and 6 recalls.
- Over-the-air fixes: recall 24V801000 can be repaired by a software update, without a dealer visit (1 of 85).
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2015 (4.2 times as many complaints), 2016 (5.8 times as many complaints), 2017 (4.0 times as many complaints), 2018 (1.7 times as many complaints), 2020 (2.9 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: fuel system complaints came at a median 13k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 52 complaints mention a fire and 209 a crash, with 320 injuries reported.
Ford Explorer complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 9 recalls | 1,784 | Body structure (408), Steering (345), Engine (226) median 57k mi · 37 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2016 15 recalls | 2,450 | Body structure (584), Steering (530), Engine (381) median 49k mi · 39 crashes · 14 fires |
| 2017 14 recalls | 1,691 | Body structure (656), Engine (237), Transmission / powertrain (123) median 50k mi · 34 crashes · 11 fires |
| 2018 7 recalls | 728 | Body structure (287), Engine (95), Electrical system (58) median 50k mi · 16 crashes · 7 fires |
| 2019 6 recalls | 294 | Body structure (148), Transmission / powertrain (35), Engine (19) median 52k mi · 2 crashes |
| 2020 33 recalls | 1,215 | Transmission / powertrain (486), Electrical system (185), Engine (113) median 23k mi · 35 crashes · 10 fires |
| 2021 26 recalls | 423 | Transmission / powertrain (120), Engine (48), Electrical system (42) median 43k mi · 14 crashes · 5 fires |
| 2022 24 recalls | 265 | Transmission / powertrain (61), Electrical system (39), Engine (30) median 38k mi · 17 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2023 15 recalls | 109 | Electrical system (13), Suspension (13), Transmission / powertrain (12) median 17k mi · 7 crashes · 2 fires |
| 2024 10 recalls | 20 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (3), Wipers / visibility (3), Suspension (3) median 11k mi · 1 crash · 1 fire |
| 2025 20 recalls | 100 | Electrical system (23), Transmission / powertrain (15), Brakes (15) median 3k mi · 7 crashes |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 179, more than the 85 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported Ford Explorer problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body structure | 2,177 | 24% | 6 | 77k mi | — |
| Transmission / powertrain | 1,201 | 13% | 13 | 47k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Engine | 1,167 | 13% | 9 | 24k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Steering | 1,043 | 11% | 1 | 56k mi | Power steering repair cost |
| Electrical system | 691 | 8% | 2 | 39k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Fuel system | 350 | 4% | 8 | 13k mi | Fuel pump repair cost |
| Backup camera / rear sensors | 343 | 4% | 13 | 75k mi | — |
| Suspension | 328 | 4% | 8 | 62k mi | Shock / strut replacement cost |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What Ford Explorer owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Body structure
B-pillar panels (both driver side and passenger, driver side has keyless entry). Panel could be come completely detached if not properly secured and cause a driving hazard in the roadway. No, the dealership stated I would have to pay out pocket to repair (estimate of $1900). Yes, it was inspected while at the dealership for a separate recall.
2019 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11723899
Driver side door entry keypad pillar molding, just fell off. It appears to be glued and after time the glue doesn't hold and the whole molding just falls off and hangs from the keyless wires while driving as it scratches up your paint. Dealer wants over $600 to replace.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11363232
Related recalls: 26V448000 (2016–2019): A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. 25V347000 (2016–2017): Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. 24V031000 (2015–2019): A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission / powertrain
- transmission/torque convertor has and is failing. Results in lack of acceleration during launch, sluggish vehicle operation and shudder - known issue with this make/model/year of vehicle. Failure of the above began at 40,000 some miles and is presently not driveable at only 67,000 miles without an $8-$10,000 repair for a new transmission.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11576723
On 02/05/24 my 2020 Explorer xlt alerted me that the pre collision assist was not available, to service advancetrack, hill start assist not available, 4WD fault service required, and to see manual. The alert went away after I restarted the car, but it came back on again 02/06/24. In addition to the alerts on the dashboard, the vehicle had delayed acceleration after standing at redlights.
2020 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11571088
Related recalls: 26V402000 (2020–2021): Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash. 25V166000 (2020–2022): A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash. 23V675000 (2020–2022): A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
1,201 owners reported transmission / powertrain problems; the transmission repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Engine
Water pump started leaking at 54000 miles right out of warranty. Was told needed replacement or else engine would seize. Paid over $2,100 to get it replaced. Stupid design and hard labor to get to it. Car has vibration now ever since we had it repaired but thought it was normal leaving dealer. I don't know why this hasn't been recalled. Now, the parking aid went out. These cars are horrendous
2015 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11191734
Check engine light showing. Diagnostic testing shows misfire in cylinder #3. Ford dealership ran diagnostic testing ($169.95) and verified concern and found coolant intrusion cylinder #3. Advised, due to mileage (75,976 miles), replacement of long block. Replacement cost estimated at $11K. No repairs have been performed at this point due to excessive cost.
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11612635
Related recalls: 26V343000 (2025): A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. 26V122000 (2025): An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. 25V344000 (2025): A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
1,167 owners reported engine problems; the engine overhaul cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Ford Explorer recalls
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V470000 | 2026-07-21 | 2025 | Seats | Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 26V448000 | 2026-07-14 | 2016–2019 | Body structure | A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V451000 | 2026-07-14 | 2020–2025 | Seats | A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 26V402000 | 2026-06-24 | 2020–2021 | Transmission / powertrain | Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V371000 | 2026-06-09 | 2024 | Transmission / powertrain | A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash. |
| 26V343000 | 2026-05-27 | 2025 | Engine and cooling | A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 26V165000 | 2026-03-19 | 2025 | Backup camera / rear sensors | 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. |
| 26V159000 | 2026-03-17 | 2020–2025 | Seat belts | A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 26V117000 | 2026-03-03 | 2020–2022 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V123000 | 2026-03-03 | 2020–2024 | Backup camera / rear sensors | An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V121000 | 2026-03-03 | 2025 | Exterior lights | A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V122000 | 2026-03-03 | 2025 | Engine and cooling | An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. |
| 26V101000 | 2026-02-20 | 2017–2019 | Suspension | A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V012000 | 2026-01-15 | 2019, 2024 | Equipment / accessories | An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 25V730000 | 2025-10-24 | 2025 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 25V695000 | 2025-10-13 | 2015 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V685000 | 2025-10-10 | 2016–2018, 2020–2023 | Equipment / accessories | An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 25V687000 | 2025-10-10 | 2024–2025 | Trailer Hitches | 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. |
| 25V543000 | 2025-08-22 | 2025 | Exterior lights | Trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V455000 | 2025-07-07 | 2021–2023 | Fuel System, Gasoline | An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V442000 | 2025-06-27 | 2020–2024 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 25V393000 | 2025-06-13 | 2020–2025 | Seats | A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury. |
| 25V344000 | 2025-06-13 | 2025 | Engine and cooling | A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V371000 | 2025-06-03 | 2025 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Loss of brake function and wheel damage can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 25V347000 | 2025-05-23 | 2016–2017 | Body structure | Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V316000 | 2025-05-09 | 2025 | Body structure | A loose subframe bolt may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 25V239000 | 2025-04-11 | 2025 | Transmission / powertrain | 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. |
| 25V159000 | 2025-03-14 | 2020–2023 | Backup camera / rear sensors | Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V166000 | 2025-03-14 | 2020–2022 | Transmission / powertrain | A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 25V164000 | 2025-03-14 | 2025 | Transmission / powertrain | Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V093000 | 2025-02-14 | 2020–2021 | Seat belts | A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 25V020000 | 2025-01-17 | 2025 | Transmission / powertrain | An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V852000 | 2024-11-08 | 2020–2025 | Equipment / accessories | 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. |
| 24V801000 (OTA) | 2024-10-25 | 2025 | Backup camera / rear sensors | The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V685000 | 2024-09-13 | 2024 | Hybrid battery / drive system | A short circuit increases the risk of a fire. |
| 24V635000 | 2024-08-23 | 2021–2022 | Engine and cooling | A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. |
| 24V634000 | 2024-08-23 | 2025 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. |
| 24V598000 | 2024-08-10 | 2020–2022 | Engine | An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury. |
| 24V188000 | 2024-03-08 | 2020 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V091000 | 2024-02-08 | 2023 | Suspension | A loose or missing connection between the knuckle and strut can cause improper tire alignment, resulting in a steering pull or require increased steering effort. Additionally, the brake hose may contact the tire and become damaged, resulting in a brake fluid leak and a loss of braking ability. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V031000 | 2024-01-19 | 2015–2019 | Body structure | A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V686000 | 2023-10-13 | 2023 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V675000 | 2023-10-06 | 2020–2022 | Transmission / powertrain | A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 23V626000 | 2023-09-08 | 2020–2022 | Electrical system | Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire. |
| 23V597000 | 2023-08-25 | 2023 | Engine and cooling | An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. In addition, the loss of oil can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V342000 | 2023-05-12 | 2020–2023 | Backup camera / rear sensors | Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V305000 | 2023-04-28 | 2020–2022 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. |
| 23V199000 | 2023-03-24 | 2020–2022 | Transmission / powertrain | Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 23V069000 | 2023-02-10 | 2020–2022 | Transmission / powertrain | A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash. |
| 23V070000 | 2023-02-10 | 2022–2023 | Transmission / powertrain | The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. |
| 23V022000 | 2023-01-23 | 2020–2023 | Backup camera / rear sensors | Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V685000 | 2022-09-14 | 2022 | Fuel System, Gasoline | An improperly tightened fuel line connection may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of fire. |
| 22V454000 | 2022-06-24 | 2022 | Body structure | Improperly heat-treated engine rails may reduce the vehicle's structural protection in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. In addition, an engine rail may detach and contact the road while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V088000 | 2022-02-16 | 2022 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A detached fuel filler tube can result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. |
| 21V870000 | 2021-11-10 | 2021 | Suspension | A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V735000 | 2021-09-22 | 2020–2021 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V652000 | 2021-08-23 | 2021 | Air bags | Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash. |
| 21V537000 | 2021-07-15 | 2015–2017 | Suspension | A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V316000 | 2021-05-05 | 2016–2019 | Body structure | A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 20V675000 | 2021-03-12 | 2015–2017 | Suspension | A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V154000 | 2021-03-10 | 2020 | Suspension | Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash. |
| 20V788000 | 2020-12-17 | 2020–2021 | Engine | With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 20V730000 | 2020-11-24 | 2020 | Fuel System, Gasoline | An incomplete weld securing the inlet check valve to the fuel tank shell could result in a substantial fuel leak during a crash, increasing the risk of fire. |
| 20V692000 | 2020-11-10 | 2015–2016 | Transmission / powertrain | The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash. |
| 20V693000 | 2020-11-10 | 2020 | Transmission / powertrain | Defective drive shafts may fail and cause a loss of connection between the transfer case and rear axle, possibly resulting in a vehicle rollaway when in Park or a loss of drive. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash. The drive shafts can also deform and separate from the driveline and potentially contact the fuel tank, increasing the risk of fuel leaks and/or fire. |
| 20V575000 | 2020-09-23 | 2020 | Backup camera / rear sensors | Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 20V549000 | 2020-09-10 | 2020 | Seat belts | Vehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured may fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 20V497000 | 2020-08-21 | 2020 | Air bags | If the side air bag or seat back fasteners were not properly tightened, the side air bag deployment could be affected, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. |
| 19V859000 | 2019-12-04 | 2020 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. |
| 19V687000 | 2019-09-30 | 2020 | Electrical system | The A/C pulley may rub through the wiring harness insulation and contact the unfused battery positive wire, resulting in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire. |
| 19V651000 | 2019-09-11 | 2017 | Seats | Occupants my contact the sharp edges when reaching between the power front seat and center console, increasing their risk of injury. |
| 19V633000 | 2019-08-28 | 2018–2020 | Seats | A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 19V575000 | 2019-08-05 | 2020 | Transmission / powertrain | Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Being in Factory Mode, the vehicle will not display warnings and/or gear selection on the instrument cluster. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash. |
| 19V435000 | 2019-06-10 | 2015–2017 | Suspension | A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash. |
| 18V807000 | 2018-11-14 | 2018 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 17V767000 | 2017-11-29 | 2016 | Seats | In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury. |
| 17E048000 | 2017-08-28 | 2015–2017 | Wheels | A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 17V530000 | 2017-08-28 | 2017 | Steering | If the heat shield detaches, the steering gear may overheat, increasing the steering effort required by the driver, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 17V332000 | 2017-05-22 | 2017 | Seats | If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury. |
| 16V925000 | 2016-12-22 | 2017 | Engine and cooling | An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire. |
| 16V475000 | 2016-06-28 | 2016 | Seats | The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 16V245000 | 2016-04-26 | 2015 | Suspension | A fracture of the rear suspension toe link may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 16V183000 | 2016-03-31 | 2016 | Engine and cooling | Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire. |
| 15V605000 | 2015-09-28 | 2016 | Fuel System, Gasoline | If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire. |
| 15V464000 | 2015-07-24 | 2015–2016 | Parking brake | If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash. |
What this data can and can't tell you
9,079 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other Ford models in the index
- Ford F-150 (11,842)
- Ford Escape (9,632)
- Ford Edge (5,190)
- Ford Fusion (4,656)
- Ford F-250 SD (3,942)
- Ford Focus (3,929)
- Ford Expedition (2,537)
- Ford F-350 SD (2,147)
- Ford EcoSport (1,850)
- Ford Mustang (1,750)
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.