NHTSA Data Explorer

Ford Explorer

Data refreshed August 27, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Ford Explorer.

Complaints

34,351

Active records

Recalls

157

Active records

TSBs

1,989

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

215

Injuries

2,410

Crashes

1,855

Fires

795

Top reported issues — Ford Explorer

Click a category to expand its values.

Condition issue

13,703

Operating state

8,974

Reporting mechanism

4,096

Steering behavior

3,567

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

3,481

Noise

2,990

Driver assistance issue

2,439

Smell

2,046

Engine behavior

1,869

Vibration/harshness

1,801

Performance issue

1,756

Safety restraint issue

1,672

Fluid issue

1,668

Thermal issue

1,575

Braking behavior

1,532

Access/entry issue

1,129

Safety restraint behavior

879

Ride/handling behavior

632

Lighting behavior

566

Electrical issue

516

Wiper/washer behavior

455

HVAC behavior

434

Infotainment behavior

377

Starting behavior

352

Powering on/off behavior

266

Recent change

264

Communication/network issue

25

Electrified system issue

3

Charging behavior

1

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2015 FORD EXPLORER

Filed Aug 24, 2026


Manufacturer Safety recall: # 24S02 2011-19 Explorer A-Pillar Trim Detachment Safety NHTSA: #24V031 [XXX] came a loose on FL interstate and reported to Riverside Ford 8-17-26 And dropped car off 8-18-26 They kept car two nights Call to pickup car but it was not fixed just ordered parts. My husband has to get [XXX] We have no transportation The car sits in our garage not drivable. Macon,GA [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2026 FORD EXPLORER

Filed Aug 24, 2026


When using memory seat function and switching between driver profiles, the seat reclines too far back with no regard for the preset position. The height and forward adjustment is correct, but the recline function is not working correctly and it just keep reclining.

2026 FORD EXPLORER

Filed Aug 24, 2026


When entering the vehicle with a key fob that is programmed for a saved seat setting for the driver, the chair back begins to recline all the way. This could crush a passenger seated behind them.

2026 FORD EXPLORER

Filed Aug 24, 2026


I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the upper steering column shroud and the driver-facing Driver Status Monitor Camera on my 2026 Ford Explorer equipped with BlueCruise. The upper steering column shroud became extremely loose and will not remain securely attached. The driver-facing camera is mounted in this area. Ford states that BlueCruise uses the driver-facing camera to monitor the driver’s eyes and head position during hands-free operation. I personally observed the shroud…

2016 FORD EXPLORER

Filed Aug 24, 2026


After multiple communications with the local Ford Dealership, the recall on the vehicle has not been completed nor inspected. The Ford Dealership has repeatedly stated that they do not have the parts and cannot give an estimated time frame of arrival. The conversation always ends, we will call when the parts come in. This has been over a year now. Today I called a different dealership in the area and received the same response. The Recalled Part on my vehicle is deteriorating, and it is only a…

2020 FORD EXPLORER

Filed Aug 24, 2026


The passenger headlight low beam does not work.This has been identified by an Independent service center. The Check Headlight System message shows on dashboard. Bought the car in 2023 and the headlight has not worked for 2 years. When driving at night I only have one headlight that works this poses a risk to myself and others. The entire headlight assembly must be replaced.

2013 FORD EXPLORER

Filed Aug 22, 2026


Coughlin Ford of Heath ohio committed recall fraud on my vehicle by falsifying federal safety recall 24S02. Their invoice claims the repair was Completed,' but my original panels are still loose and dangerously reliant on my own tape to stay attached to the vehicle. How can a safety recall be completed if the original hazardous parts were never replaced?

2019 FORD EXPLORER

Filed Aug 22, 2026


I was driving down the road when the warning lights suddenly came on, and the vehicle would not allow me to accelerate. As a result, my vehicle slowed unexpectedly, and another vehicle nearly struck me from behind.

2018 FORD EXPLORER

Filed Aug 21, 2026


I purchased this 2018 Ford Explorer from Speedway Motors in Murfreesboro, TN back in July 2026. Within a month I notice that the windshield was whistling. I took it back and they told me that it was a recall on the A pillar exterior trim. I contacted the Murfreesboro Ford dealership and was told that the Ford dealership in Franklin had done a recall check in 2024 and it passed the recall. They did NOT replace seal the parts. Now two years later, the recall is supposedly not considered open by…

2020 FORD EXPLORER

Filed Aug 21, 2026


While driving down a main road, the speed limit changed from 40 to 55 mph. When the gas pedal was pushed, the car violently jerked, did not speed up, and proceeded to have a grinding sound emitting from the engine. No warning lights appeared. The grinding noise continued until the vehicle was placed in neutral and back in drive. We began looking into it and found a recall for the transmission. We contacted a local dealership and were told that they would not be able to inspect or address the…

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated August 27, 2026. Refreshed nightly.