Ford Explorer reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 15,255 complaints about the Ford Explorer with NHTSA since 2010, most often about steering and body and structure. Ford has filed 5 warranty extensions and 19 service campaigns for it, and there are 100 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Ford Explorer? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Explorer a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 15,255
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 5
- Filed by Ford
- Service campaigns
- 19
- Filed by Ford
- Safety recalls
- 100
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Explorer with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 |
| 2026 | 39 | Other or unspecified (26%) | 14 | 1 |
| 2025 | 102 | Electrical system (23%) | 20 | 3 |
| 2024 | 21 | Other or unspecified (19%) | 10 | 2 |
| 2023 | 110 | Other or unspecified (23%) | 15 | 6 |
| 2022 | 268 | Transmission and drivetrain (23%) | 24 | 4 |
| 2021 | 441 | Transmission and drivetrain (29%) | 26 | 4 |
| 2020 | 1,229 | Transmission and drivetrain (40%) | 33 | 6 |
| 2019 | 299 | Body and structure (50%) | 6 | 5 |
| 2018 | 732 | Body and structure (39%) | 7 | 4 |
| 2017 | 1,697 | Body and structure (39%) | 13 | 5 |
| 2016 | 2,461 | Body and structure (24%) | 14 | 8 |
| 2015 | 1,801 | Body and structure (23%) | 8 | 3 |
| 2014 | 1,679 | Steering (30%) | 6 | 4 |
| 2013 | 2,235 | Steering (37%) | 11 | 3 |
| 2012 | 829 | Steering (43%) | 5 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1,197 | Steering (62%) | 6 | 3 |
| 2010 | 115 | Transmission and drivetrain (24%) | 1 | 0 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Explorer model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Ford
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Ford filed with NHTSA for the Explorer, in its own words. A warranty extension means Ford pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionSep 2022· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2016–2019
Certain 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer Vehicles Equipped With the 2.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2021· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2016–2019
This program extends the warranty coverage of the automatic transmission torque converter for twelve (12) months from the RO date of Powertrain Control Module reflash under Customer Satisfaction Program 20B27.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2021· Mobility equipment· model years 2016–2019
A new 3M adhesive is now available, allowing a longer working time, along with mixing nozzles and applicator.
- Warranty extensionJan 2013· Equipment and accessories· model years 2011–2013
Information regarding extended warranty for covering accessory protocol interface module regardless of mileage. Models 2011-2013 Edge, explorer, mkx, focus, escape, flex, fusion, taurus, mks, mkt, mkz, F-150, f-super duty.
- Warranty extensionMar 2012· Equipment and accessories· model years 2011–2012
Ford/lincoln: Warranty extension has been provided for certain model vehicles with accessory protocol interface module (apim or SYNC module) to 4 (four) years on ford and 5 (five) years on lincoln vehicles regardless of mileage and subsequent owners are automatically covered.
- Service campaignJun 2026· Electrical system· model years 2025
Customer Satisfaction Program 26B14 Certain 2025 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Missing Google Automotive Services Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) Software Update
- Service campaignJun 2026· Visibility and wipers· model years 2020–2021, 2023
Customer Satisfaction Program 26N09 Certain 2020 Model Year Escape, 2020-2021 Corsair, 2020-2021 Aviator, and 2020- 2021 and 2023 Explorer Vehicles Front Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement, if Required After Dealer Evaluation
- Service campaignApr 2026· Electrical system· model years 2020–2023
Customer Satisfaction Program 23B64 Certain 2020-2024 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Equipped with High Voltage Batteries Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Software Update
- Service campaignMar 2026· Backup camera and rear sensors· model years 2016–2024
Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
- Service campaignMar 2026· Other or unspecified· model years 2022–2024
Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh 3-4, 4-5 upshifts * Harsh 5-3, 4-3 downshifts * Harsh reverse engagements These symptoms may be worse when cold.
- Service campaignDec 2025· Visibility and wipers· model years 2025–2026
Customer Satisfaction Program 25N19 Certain 2024-2026 Model Year Corsair and Certain 2025-2026 Model Year Explorer and Aviator Vehicles Windshield Replacement
- Service campaignOct 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2025
Customer Satisfaction Program 25B52 Certain 2025 Model Year Explorer and Aviator Missing Audio Tile – Accessory Protocol Interface Module Software Update
- Service campaignAug 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2021–2022
NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD Safety Recall 24S55 – Supplement #1 Dated: August 15, 2025 Customer Satisfaction Program 24N12 Dated June 19, 2025 New!
- Service campaignOct 2023· Equipment and accessories· model years 2023
Customer Satisfaction Program 23B42 Certain 2023 Model Year Explorer, Bronco, Ranger Vehicles Equipped with 2.3L Gas Engine - Engine Long Block Replacement
- Service campaignOct 2023· Tires· model years 2023
Customer Satisfaction Program 23B36 Certain 2023 Model Year Explorer ST Vehicles with the Street Package - Wheel and Tire Replacement
- Service campaignFeb 2022· Seat belts· model years 2014–2016
Customer Satisfaction Program 21B11 - Supplement #1 - Certain 2014 - 2016 Model Year Explorer Vehicles 2nd Row Inflatable Seat Belt
- Service campaignJan 2022· Airbags· model years 2014–2016
Customer Satisfaction Program 21B11 Certain 2014-2016 Model Year Explorer Vehicles 2nd Row Inflatable Seat Belt: In all of the affected vehicles, the air bag light may illuminate as a result of a worn or damaged connection to the rear inflatable seat belt connector.
- Service campaignDec 2019· Body and structure· model years 2013–2014
Customer Satisfaction Program 19N09 Certain 2011-2014 Model Year Edge and MKX and 2013-2014 Model Year Explorer, Flex, and MKT Vehicles Left Front Door Latch Extended Coverage
- Service campaignNov 2019· Brakes· model years 2020
NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD Customer Satisfaction Program 19B28 Certain 2020 Model Year Explorer ST Vehicles - Shipped w/o Performance Brake Package
- Service campaignOct 2019· Engine and cooling· model years 2020
NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Customer Satisfaction Program 19B24 Certain 2019 Model Year Ranger and 2020 Model Year Explorer Vehicles with 2.3L EcoBoost Engines Balance Shaft and Oil Pump Assembly Inspection
- Service campaignSep 2019· Engine and cooling· model years 2020
Advance Notice NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Customer Satisfaction Program 19B24: Certain 2019 Model Year Ranger and 2020 Model Year Explorer Vehicles with 2.3L EcoBoost Engines - Balance Shaft and Oil Pump Assembly Inspection
- Service campaignJul 2019· Electrical system· model years 2019
Customer Satisfaction Program 19B12 Certain 2019 Model Year Explorer â Supplement #1 Anti-lock Brake System Module Software Update
- Service campaignJun 2019· Engine and cooling· model years 2011–2017
Customer Satisfaction Program 19N05: Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles - Carbon Monoxide Concern
- Service campaignOct 2015· Equipment and accessories· model years 2016
Demonsftration/Delivery Hold - Customer Satisfaction Program 15B32 Certain 2015 Model Year F-150, MKS, and 2016 Explorer, F-Super Duty, and
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Explorer model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Steering3,422 (22%)
- Body and structure3,098 (20%)
- Other or unspecified2,731 (18%)
- Engine1,776 (12%)
- Transmission and drivetrain1,565 (10%)
- Electrical system1,143 (7%)
- Fuel and propulsion415 (3%)
- Backup camera and rear sensors327 (2%)
Safety recalls
100 recalls cover at least one Explorer model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying properly.
The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power.
The engine connecting rod bearings may seize, which can result in engine failure.
An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.
The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative.
The engine piston circlips may have been incorrectly installed during manufacturing, which can result in piston failure and engine damage, leading to a loss of drive power.
The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) may experience multiple unexpected resets, resulting in loss of the rearview camera image and advanced driver assistance (ADAS) features, including pre-collision assist, lane-keeping…
The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
And 85 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- DP25001Defect petition· opened Sep 2025, closed Apr 2026· Body and structure· model years 2020
Underbody shields detachment
- EA23002Engineering analysis· opened Sep 2023, closed Oct 2024· Engine· model years 2021–2022
Loss of Motive Power
Led to recall 24V635.
- RQ23002Recall query· opened Jun 2023, closed Feb 2024· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2020–2022
Rear Axle Bolt Failure
Led to recall 23V675.
- PE23001Preliminary evaluation· opened Jan 2023, closed Feb 2024· Body and structure· model years 2011–2019
Windshield trim molding Item detachment
Led to recall 24V031.
- AQ22003Audit query· opened Dec 2022, still open· Doors, latches and locks· model years 2018
Hertz/Vehicles Rented with Open Recalls
- RQ21002Recall query· opened Aug 2021, still open· Backup camera and rear sensors· model years 2020
Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance
Led to recall 26V104.
- EA17002Engineering analysis· opened Jul 2017, closed Jan 2023· Engine and cooling· model years 2011–2017
Exhaust Odor in Passenger Cab
- PE16008Preliminary evaluation· opened Jul 2016, closed Sep 2017· Engine and cooling· model years 2011–2015
Ford Explorer Exhaust Odor
- EA15005Engineering analysis· opened Sep 2015, closed Nov 2018· Brakes· model years 2013–2015
Front Brake Hose Failure
- PE15017Preliminary evaluation· opened Apr 2015, closed Sep 2015· Brakes· model years 2015
Front brake hose failure
- PE14027Preliminary evaluation· opened Aug 2014, closed Feb 2015· Brakes· model years 2013
Front brake hose failure
- PE12017Preliminary evaluation· opened Jun 2012, closed Jun 2014· Steering· model years 2011–2013
Electric power steering failure
Led to recall 14V286000.
- AQ10001Audit query· opened Nov 2010, closed Dec 2015· Other or unspecified· model years 2010
Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
NHTSA's own page for the 2027 Ford Explorer has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Ford Explorer reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 15,255 owner complaints, 5 warranty extensions and 19 service campaigns Ford filed, and 100 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2016 (2,461), 2013 (2,235), 2015 (1,801). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Ford Explorer?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name steering (22%), body and structure (20%), other or unspecified (18%). Ford has filed 5 warranty extensions covering the Explorer, listed on this page.
Which Explorer model years have the most complaints?
2016 (2,461), 2013 (2,235), 2015 (1,801). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Explorer with each other rather than with other models.
Has Ford extended the warranty on the Explorer?
Yes: transmission and drivetrain (model years 2016–2019); transmission and drivetrain (model years 2016–2019); mobility equipment (model years 2016–2019), and 2 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Explorer?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 100 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.