2,221 of the
43,182 complaints filed about the Ford Explorer
are about the braking system —
5% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 1994.
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle crashed into the driver's side of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The contact was transported to the local medical center for medical attention. The contact sustained bruises and contusions during the crash. The contact sustained a continuous headache after the crash. The contact was receiving continuous medical treatment. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was scheduled for an inspection by the insurance company within days. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced intermittent starting failures, and upon starting the vehicle and shifting into gear, the vehicle shut off. No warning light illuminated. Additionally, the electronic parking brake was unintendely engaged. The contact replaced the battery; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11754954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On repeated occasions the vehicle’s braking system has malfunctioned without driver input, including uncommanded automatic brake engagement at highway speed and, most recently, a failure of the braking system to respond as commanded. These malfunctions occur without warning and directly impede my ability to control and safely operate the vehicle. On at least one occasion the malfunction occurred while I was driving on the highway with my three minor children in the vehicle and nearly resulted in a major collision.
NHTSA complaint #11754676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I experienced catastrophic brake failure on July 14 2026. Total loss of brakes that led me to narrowly miss several vehicles. The Ford Dealership in Manor TX stated it needed the brake booster replaced and program reset. After researching this is a problem with my VIN that was offered free replacement until 2022 this should be a total unexpired recall. I could have lost my life or someone eles! It’s part of the Customer Satisfaction Program 20B51:
NHTSA complaint #11753747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On XXX at approximately 4:30pm, while driving through a parking lot (between 5-10mph), I tapped my brakes and then the parking brake activated and caused several errors on my dash, such as the ABS light, a brake failure error, a service Advance-Trac error, and others. The brakes became incredibly stiff and would not work when I pressed them. The car would continue to roll and stop randomly. I was able to pull into a parking spot out of traffic and when attempting to disable to parking brake, it would not work. I had to attempt to disable it, turn off my car, and then turn it back on. After a few seconds, the parking brake audibly unlocked and then my brake pedal became usable again. I called Two Rivers Ford in [XXX] the next day and they advised that they would look at it, but it would be the end of July before they had a service loaner available. I brushed it off as an electrical glitch. On XXX at approximately 7:30pm, my car did the exact same thing again while coming to a stop on a highway. This again occurred around 10mph. I was able to get off the highway and reset the parking brake again by turning the car on and off and was able to begin driving again with no issues. On XXX I called the same dealership again and they were able to provide me with an emergency service loaner same day due to the urgency of the situation. They advised that this had happened to 5 other Explorers in the country prior, the first step is to reset the ABS Module, if that doesn't fix it, they will replace the brake booster. On XXX at approximately 9:45am, while braking prior to turning in an intersection, at approximately 30mph, the same issue occurred again. This time I rolled into the middle of the intersection, because my brakes wouldn't work. On XXX, I called the dealership and they provided me with another service loaner to attempt to replace the brake booster. This is a major safety issue due to loss of brakes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11753755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ABS module has failed. Causing a number of other safety systems to be deactivated. Power steering, traction control, drive mode selection, and braking. All these lights are illuminated on dash. Independent auto repair shop verified this ABS module has failed and there is no replacement parts from Ford.
NHTSA complaint #11753363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
July 12, 2026 I returned home and parked about 10 ft from my garage. I put my car in park, turned off the motor, and went to get out, when my husband started yelling at me that the car was moving. I pumped the brake, and heard a clicking sound. The car wouldn't stop, it ran into my house. Cracking my left headlight and denting my bumper. The car was in park, and I was unable to move the steering wheel. I had no control of the car. Thank goodness no one was standing in front of me. If it had happened just a short time before when I was at a splash pad full of children, it could have killed people. I contacted Ford Motor Company on Monday and the Customer Service representative did not offer any comfort, but simply stated that "she spoke for Ford Motor Co., and there was no financial compensation programs at this time." I never asked for money. I just want to know if my car is going to act possessed again, if there is a recall, if Ford would stand by their product (my 3-4th Ford car). She was rude, and not helpful at all. I took it to my dealership, and they said that they ran multiple tests on it, and it showed nothing. However, when my husband took it into the shop, he ran the black box, 2 days before and after, and it showed several erratic messages. None of which were mentioned today, when they announced that my car was available for pick up. Mind you, my headlight is cracked and bumper is dented. It looks like there might be a similar recall: NHTSA campaign number: 23V675. Ford’s own number for this recall is 23S55 - I don't know what to do about this. The dealership seemed interested in getting to the bottom of it, but may be dropping the ball. Is it possible that this recall would be on my car?? Please advise. I wanted Ford to take care of it, however it looks like I will need to file a report with my insurance company. I would say that there was a problem with the parking system, the brake system?
NHTSA complaint #11751929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a safety concern involving a delayed transmission gear engagement and delayed rearview camera activation. Intermittently, when shifting the vehicle from Park into Reverse or Drive, there is a noticeable delay before the transmission actually engages the selected gear. During this delay, the rearview camera also fails to activate immediately. Because there is no immediate indication that the requested gear has engaged, I have experienced situations where I believed the vehicle was in Reverse or Drive, but it remained in the previous state for several seconds. In some instances, the transmission engages unexpectedly after the delay, causing the vehicle to move in a direction different from what I anticipated. For example, after selecting Reverse, the vehicle may hesitate before moving, or after changing between Reverse and Drive, the delayed engagement can result in the vehicle moving in the previously engaged direction before finally shifting into the selected gear. This creates a significant safety hazard, particularly when parking, backing out of driveways, or maneuvering in areas with pedestrians or other vehicles. The delayed rearview camera activation further increases the risk because it prevents the driver from immediately seeing behind the vehicle while attempting to reverse. The issue occurs intermittently and without warning, making it difficult to predict. I am concerned that this condition could lead to a crash, property damage, or injury if the vehicle moves unexpectedly due to the delayed gear engagement. I request that NHTSA investigate this issue to determine whether it is related to a transmission, electronic shift control, or software defect affecting the safe operation of the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11750264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH down a hill, the engine and powertrain were resistant when the brakes were applied. No warning lights illuminated. A mobile mechanic was sent by a local dealer to inspect the vehicle. The mechanic determined that the failure was due to the transfer case but was not related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). After test driving the vehicle, the mobile mechanic determined that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 89,200.
NHTSA complaint #11749324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Had recall for parking brake fixed, soon after I’d be on interstate or intersection and it would lose power wrench and check power train system light came on. Took to dealership and they said it was parking pawl sylenuod. Had repaired left the shop didn’t even get home and it did the same: Mechanic said it was gas pedal sensor repaired that and same thing happened it may go real fast or not go . I worked for uber and lyft and have been out of work for a few months. Car setting at dealership and the say I need to pay for a new power train module because my cars lost it brains. So I got recall fixed and my cars went to hell in a hand basket. Now another recall is issued but no resolution. It is a huge safety issue when your gas pedal gets a not responsive to your foot touching the pedal then it accelerating without touching the gas pedal. I’m lucky I didn’t die in it. This year model just needs to be lemoned out. Oh also when it starts messing up airbag not working driver assist not working all the safety features go haywire. I feel 💯 sure this is all related to the recall and ford will be hearing from me or a lawyer one.
NHTSA complaint #11748657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ABS and parking brake. Was confirmed by the dealer & tow truck driver. No warning when I parked it, only after putting it into reverse. There were flashing ABS & Parking Brake lights plus a beeping sound.
NHTSA complaint #11744539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deputy driving the vehicle reported to Fleet of Little to no power brake assist. Fleet found ABS fault codes C0020:64:68 present and sent to the dealer. Dealer is reporting back of possible ABS HCU fault.
NHTSA complaint #11744185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Description On your vehicle, some of the bolts used to attach the vehicle trailer tow hitch may have below-specification torque. Safety Risk This condition may affect vehicle handling characteristics or lead to loss of attachment of the trailer hitch while towing, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy Parts are now available to repair your vehicle. Ford Motor Company Lincoln has authorized your dealer retailer to inspect and secure or replace the trailer tow hitch bolts as required free of charge. Next Steps Contact your dealer for more information to schedule the free service.
NHTSA complaint #11744048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 FORD EXPLORER. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact state that while his daughter was at a stop sign and depressing the accelerator pedal to drive, the vehicle stalled. The contact was concerned that control of the vehicle was lost and could result in a accident. In addition, the contact stated that when depressing the brake pedal there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The failure would occur on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed but the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure milage was 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11740100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that after pulling over, an unknown warning light illuminated. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the message to activate the electronic parking brake was displayed due to a critical fault within the shift lever and parking system. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.
NHTSA complaint #11732456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While I drive my vehicle down the road the car all of a sudden sounds like you throw it in park, it screeches and grinds in the front and will not let you push the gas pedal down even when on the highway. This causes sever risk to the people around me as well as my children who drive in this car… ford has an open recall for this which my vehicle falls under year and build wise. But does not correlate with my vin #
NHTSA complaint #11731738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle has been shaking and clunking for years now, and my dealership has denied me service for two years on account of them not being able to recieve parts
NHTSA complaint #11731418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the master warning, brake, battery, ABS, and brake system warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the message "STOP Safely Now" was displayed. The vehicle then went into LIMP Mode each time, but the vehicle failed to respond while the contact was attempting to turn off the vehicle or accelerate. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in neutral(N), it failed to respond as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that there were 11 undisclosed modules that needed to be updated, and the hybrid system was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,230.
NHTSA complaint #11730769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.