2,309 of the
43,316 complaints filed about the Ford Explorer
are about the electrical system —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2020.
While attempting to operate the vehicle, the transmission/gear-selection system malfunctioned. When Drive or Reverse is selected, the vehicle does not remain in the selected gear and instead returns to Park, preventing the vehicle from moving. The condition is repeatable and the vehicle is currently disabled. The exact failed component is unknown. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. An authorized Ford dealer has declined to work on the vehicle after we requested written clarification regarding coverage. Ford Motor Company has been contacted and a corporate case has been opened. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle can become completely immobile and cannot be relied upon to enter or remain in a drive gear when transportation is needed. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. The vehicle remains available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11762803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The analog rearview backup camera module failed. The physical component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. The driver is left completely blind to pedestrians, small children, and obstacles behind the vehicle when backing up. The driver is forced to repeatedly stop the vehicle in active traffic lanes to wait for the black screen to reset, creating an immediate risk of rear-end collisions. Yes. The failure was confirmed by a certified Ford dealership service department, which provided an estimate for a replacement camera module but failed to perform the physical repair. The vehicle was brought to a certified Ford dealership for inspection, but the service department turned the vehicle away, claiming the safety recall remedy was unavailable and refusing to log the inspection or create an official service record. There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages. The symptoms began in 2021/2022 with intermittent screen distortion and blue screens, which eventually degraded into a permanent, total black screen failure while shifted into reverse.
NHTSA complaint #11762404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
#1st- The AC goes on and off and now the AC no longer works it only blows out hot air ,earlier but it turns on and off by itself #2- the lights flicker #3- the seats move by themselves and just today Sunday [XXX] the seat having to see what all the way back by yourself thinning my [XXX] son's legs against his car seat thank [XXX] my fiance was in the passenger seat when it happened and had to lift it up and then it clicked and started moving back up by itself the dealership Jim Hudson dealership did 10 different service calls for electrical issues and did not report it to me once we plan on going in there and figuring out because I do not want this truck that's dangerous for my life as well as my [XXX] and my [XXX] turn the process of selling me the vehicle that did not tell me person that this vehicle has had electrical issues from day one with only 8000 miles on it was the first report of the electrical issue I had to look it up on the Ford app and found out that it's been serious 10 different times what's the dealership did not tell me in person first issue with this truck as nf electrical was INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11762502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On XXX around 6:30pm: Car would not go into reverse. Upon pressing the gas a 2nd time, a loud pop was heard from the back of the car. The car was then able to drive forward, however, when pressing on the brakes, the rear end of the car would wobble, and the brakes were rubbing and making a loud noise. I contacted Rich Ford, explained that my car is brand new (2 months), with less than 4,000 miles, and this should not happen. I was told that “someone would call me the following morning around 7am”. I drove to work the next morning, XXX, avoiding the use of the brakes as much as possible. I called Rich Ford again, at around 07:45, and spoke to “Toby”. Explained to him what had happened, and asked that they pick up the vehicle to see what’s wrong. I was told that they couldn’t look at it until Monday XXX. I told Toby that I did not feel comfortable or safe driving my car anywhere, and asked that they pick up the car and provide a loaner. Toby then told me I could drop the car off on Friday, XXXat 08:00. Around 3:48pm, Wednesday, I called Rich Ford again and asked them to pick it up because I didn’t feel safe to drive it. They said “No, just drop it off on Friday”. At around 5:35pm, I got to my car, which was parked on the side street of [XXX]. I pressed the brakes, pressed the start engine button, and then went to step out of the car to talk to a co-worker. The car was in “park”. Once I stepped out with my left leg, the car began rolling forward, knocked me face down onto the road, and then ran over both of my legs. My coworker ran after the car and it stopped on the side of the road. I was rushed to a Level 1 trauma center, UNMH, with severe injuries to both of my legs. I was unable to take my car to the dealership on Friday, XXX, because of my injuries. Rich Ford had NOT REACHED OUT TO ASK WHY THE CAR WAS NOT TAKEN IN. I plan on contacting my insurance company on XXX.I have very serious injuries as a result. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11762297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a message displayed on several occasions instructing the driver to pull over and shut off the vehicle because the battery would shut off. Upon pulling over and turning off the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart and required towing on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where a wiring failure was determined. The dealer attempted to repair the vehicle, but the failure persisted. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the infotainment screen turned blank, and a large wrench warning light illuminated. The vehicle independently accelerated, became uncontrollable, and drifted out of the intended lane. The contact regained partial control as the vehicle continued accelerating toward an embankment. The front driver's side wheel was caught in the gutter of the embankment, causing the driver's side of the vehicle to crash into the embankment. The contact's head struck the driver's side window, which was fractured, allowing branches to enter the cabin. The driver's side curtain air bags deployed for the second and third rows but failed to deploy properly for the front driver's side, causing the contact to hit her head a second time on a sail that had deployed. The contact became pinned between the driver's seat and the driver's side window area, with her hair caught and pulled in the seat belt pretensioner, causing significant pain. EMT personnel cut the contact's hair to free the contact from the vehicle. The contact was assisted from the vehicle, fitted with a neck brace, placed on a stretcher, and transported to the hospital. The contact sustained head and neck injuries, as well as a concussion. Additionally, the contact suffered from pre-existing auto-immune lumbar stenosis L1–L5, osteoarthritis L5–S1 with bone-on-bone contact, and sacroiliac joint disease, and experienced increased pain after missing a scheduled appointment for sacroiliac joint injections due to the crash. A Police report was filed but
NHTSA complaint #11759713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA COMPLAINT: VIN [XXX]: Transmission cooler (Part 7869) ruptured, mixing fluid/coolant into corrosive glycol-acid in violation of SSM 52917. Contamination dissolved wiring insulation and delaminated clutch plates, causing systemic short circuits and CAN-bus load-shedding. Boiling fluid released toxic glycol/hydrocarbon vapors through HVAC ducts into the cabin without notice, creating an inhalation hazard. Vehicle available for inspection at South Bay Ford (BAR #XXX; captive 93 days).RISK: On XXX short circuits caused complete power steering assist dropout mid-transit. Steering locked during a turn, causing a crash into gate posts, endangering my minor children inside. Cabin chemical vapor inhalation caused respiratory tract irritation, dizziness, and headaches. Open recall hazards remain for visibility loss (Recall 26S14) and rollaway (Recall 26S48 parts backordered to 2027).CONFIRMATION: Contamination, a -1,212-mile odometer fraud discrepancy, and bricked electrical starting systems confirmed by dealer records XXX. Admitted unauthorized repairs to mask trouble codes and evade SSM 52917 confirmed in writing by Service Director [XXX] XXX, violating CA Bus & Prof Code 9884.9.HISTORY: Tracked under Ford RAV buyback #XXX, Corporate Escalation #[XXX], and CA Bureau of Automotive Repair Investigator [XXX] (Case #XXX). Total statutory loss is $54,628.75.SYMPTOMS: Transmission drops began XXX (42,319 miles). Dealer cleared codes and coerced 500 extra miles. XXX alerts included "Powertrain Malfunction" loops. Telematics registered false "Vehicle is On" loops. On XXX, dealer blocked diagnostics via a manufactured battery charge demand exactly 24 hours before federal Recall 26S48 launched. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11759752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 by an authorized Ford dealership with DTC P0303, indicating a cylinder 3 misfire. The cylinder 3 spark plug was replaced. A second misfire subsequently occurred at approximately 15,700 miles. The vehicle again exhibited an engine misfire/check-engine warning and was transported through Ford Roadside Assistance for service. An authorized Ford dealership diagnosed DTC P0301, indicating a cylinder 1 misfire. I was advised that the cylinder 1 spark plug was physically damaged and that a portion/cap of the plug had broken off and was not present. I am concerned because this represents two spark-plug-related misfires involving two different cylinders of the same engine within approximately five months and at relatively low mileage. Ford has issued technical service information addressing P0301-P0304 misfires on certain 2025 Explorer vehicles equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. I am not claiming that this establishes the cause of my vehicle's failures; I am reporting the recurring condition so NHTSA can document it and evaluate it alongside any similar reports. Both incidents were diagnosed by authorized Ford dealerships. Repair documentation and manufacturer/dealership correspondence concerning the incidents have been retained and can be provided if requested. The vehicle/component may be available for further inspection if requested, subject to its current repair status.
NHTSA complaint #11759707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I had my car in drive in a parking spot. I was ready to go, put the car in drive, DID NOT MOVE but needed to put it in park fast to assist to a child in the back seat. I put it in park pretty fast. Took my seatbelt off and assisted child. It must have not engaged. Car rolled into my office metal mailbox. I 100% put it in park. I took my seatbelt off after so I seen it. It was fast with the gear shift though. Should this have been an issue? I feel like if it was any other car you with a manual gear shifter , not electrical, it’s fine. I feel this was not my fault at all and was a malfunction of the car. The car did not automatically stop either. It hit the mailbox at like 3-4mph. I have never been in an accident of my fault in 10 years of driving. I’ve never made a crazy mistake like that. It should’ve never happened. I drive all types of cars/ and trucks. This is also a lease and I’m SO PISSED. Especially because my kids were in the car. Luckily no one was hurt and no property damage. Just the car.
NHTSA complaint #11759587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 and camera assembly loose while BlueCruise remained active. I cannot determine whether monitoring accuracy was affected, but I am concerned that a driver-monitoring camera used during hands-free Level 2 driving can physically move or become unsecured without BlueCruise immediately becoming unavailable. The loose assembly could also detach or distract the driver while the vehicle is moving. Before the repair was completed, the original authorized Ford dealer advised me to temporarily tape the loose shroud assembly back together while waiting for parts. I am reporting that recommendation because the affected area contains the driver-monitoring camera used by BlueCruise. The dealer later documented “SWAP STEERING COLUMN SHROUD WITH STOCK UNIT” and returned the vehicle to me as repaired. The same loose condition remained. The next day, a second authorized Ford dealer inspected the vehicle and documented loose steering-column-shroud fitment, stated the upper and lower halves appeared mismatched in size or tolerance, and recommended replacement of both pieces. The vehicle has now been returned to the original Ford dealer for another repair attempt. Ford Motor Company also has an open customer case. I am asking NHTSA to evaluate whether this physical mounting or retention condition could affect the BlueCruise driver-monitoring function and whether similar conditions exist in other BlueCruise-equipped Explorers.
NHTSA complaint #11759096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On August 14, 2026, the power liftgate on my 2020 Forde Explorer unexpectedly began closing while I was loading my dog into a kennel in the rear cargo area. I did not press the liftgate close button and no one else activated a liftgate control. My key fob was inside my purse on the front seat of the vehicle. The liftgate came down while I was underneath it and struck me directly on the head. The impact knocked me to the ground. I saw stars and was confused immediately afterward and sustained a scalp laceration with significant bleeding. I did not lose consciousness and did not require stitches. One person directly witnessed the incident and was also struck by the closing liftgate. Because the liftgate struck my head first, its force was reduced before it contacted the other person, who was not injured. Other people arrived immediately afterward and can confirm my condition following the impact and that the key was in my purse on the front seat. This was not the first time this has happened. It has occurred on multiple occasions while loading without intentionally activating. I have been hit in the head before but not enough to cause bleeding. The incident occurred Friday evening on 8/14/2026. Vehicle has not yet been inspected because the service department is closed for the weekend. I plan to contact Ford once open on Monday. I am reporting this because I am concerned there may be a defect involving unintended activation of the power/hands-free liftgate and/or its safety obstacle-detection system. The unexpected closure has now caused an injury and also struck a second person.
NHTSA complaint #11757115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rear wiper was working intermittently now it does not work at all. I notice campaign 26S14 (NHTSA Campaign 26V117) but my vin is not included. Even though I have the same problem
NHTSA complaint #11757133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 automatically shutting off. Afterward, it would not restart, repeatedly displayed "Accessory Power Only," and later displayed and audibly announced "System Failure, Contact Dealer." Multiple jump-start attempts failed and the vehicle required towing to Lugoff Ford in [XXX]. Lugoff Ford documented fuel and transmission-related codes and initially advised that the vehicle appeared to need a transmission replacement. That explanation later changed, and the vehicle was returned without an identified cause or repair. I subsequently took the vehicle to Cleveland Ford in [XXX] for a second evaluation. Their repair order specifically states that Ford connected data showed a fuel-pressure code on the day of the failure, but they found no active DTCs and could not duplicate the condition. The vehicle was again returned without diagnosis or repair. I am concerned that an intermittent defect involving the fuel system, transmission controls, electrical system, software, or related components could cause another sudden disabling event. Two Ford dealers have evaluated the vehicle, evidence of the original failure exists, and the underlying cause remains unidentified and unrepaired. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11756812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was started and the doors were unlocked and the contact walked over to the front passenger’s side door to put her purse inside the vehicle; however, after the contact walked over to the rear driver’s side door to place a child into the car seat, the doors inadvertently locked and the child was trapped and locked inside the vehicle. The key fob failed to operate as designed, and the contact was unable to unlock the doors. The contact broke the rear driver’s side window to remove the child from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the dealer stated that the failure might be related to a software malfunction; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My camera failed and I backed into a very pole causing over $5,000 worth of damage and time I didn’t have to have it fixed. I had this fixed at the dealership I purchased the vehicle from. My exhaust always had a nasty smell to it which I addressed when I received the customer satisfaction program 17N03 notice about it and I have had it addressed many times throughout the years when I go to the dealership (where I purchased the vehicle) for maintenance and repairs. My son will not ride in my vehicle because the smell gives him a headache and makes him feel nauseous. I purchased a carbon monoxide detector to test the levels myself after I recently saw a family passed away in the same vehicle I have due to that. I will be doing this soon! It’s frustrating I had to pay for repairs on my vehicle because my camera malfunction and I backed into a pole. To this day it is still malfunctioning so when the parts are in, I will have it repaired. My main concern is the carbon monoxide levels and health risks. My vehicle only has 67,000 miles on it, it shouldn’t have so many recalls and problems that cause major safety risks like it has.
NHTSA complaint #11756004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
RECALL COMPLIANCE & SAFETY DEFECT DESCRIPTION: The vehicle was transported via roadside assistance to a licensed manufacturer dealership due to severe engine overheating under an active manufacturer safety recall. Service personnel systematically modified intake paperwork to alter the true mechanical state upon arrival, removing safety recall and towing documentation. Intake files were falsified with the notation stating that the customer reported a bad battery, executed solely to evade mandatory factory safety recall tracking protocols and obscure dealer liability for subsequent failures. UNAUTHORIZED SHOP-FLOOR HAZARDS & MECHANICAL DAMAGE: Following custody transfer, shop technicians induced severe physical damage to the vehicle's twin-turbocharger assembly, resulting in a snapped turbo stud and a torn engine air filter. The vehicle was subsequently operated on public roads by shop personnel for 75 to 80 unauthorized miles under active engine overheating conditions without correcting thermal or safety recall failures, creating an immediate risk of catastrophic engine block structural cracking. The safety failures triggered 13 critical system fault codes across powertrain, electrical, and battery systems, which went entirely unaddressed while the shop attempted to compel payment under an altered repair estimate. CYBER SABOTAGE OF OUTBOUND SAFETY TELEMATICS: To actively obstruct diagnostic tracking and safety verification, shop staff executed a forced remote network reset of the vehicle's cellular modem. This reset deliberately severed user profile access and entirely deactivated the outbound telematics pipeline to systematically block the outbound transmission of the 13 powertrain and thermal fault messages to the user and manufacturer databases.
NHTSA complaint #11755278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This is a 2013 Ford Explorer experiencing the exact catastrophic power steering failure described in Recall 14S06 / 15S18. The rack has failed twice, creating an immediate crash hazard. The current recall parameters are inadequate as they exclude my VIN despite identical component failure. Not only is this an immediate crash hazard, it is difficult to find any mechanic or dealership to remedy this problem because it is a major part with heavy labor. I have been sidelined and quoted high repair fees for a repair that should be covered as Ford admitted to the design flaws in the electrical steering, however restricting who actually gets protection from it. I feel this is reckless and greedy of Ford to do this. The failure to the electric steering went out while I was driving and I was unable to turn or control my steering, it is deeply frustrating this is a known issue that I was completely unaware of. I feel that Ford is not a good company to purchase from and their products are not safe for drivers. I'm posting this so others are warned that safety is not a priority with Ford and to shop with a brand that cares about safety and integrity for their consumers and families.
NHTSA complaint #11754999 — 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.
Backup camera only works sometimes which is a safety risk when backing up. Other year models have had a recall for this same reason. It has been doing it for at least 6 months now.
NHTSA complaint #11754701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The power steering has fully stopped working , the car cannot be steered, this started to happen on the road, I had to steer the entire weight of the car myself, at fast speed it was difficult but not impossible, at slow speed and zero speed or while the vehicle is stationary it was impossible or unmovable to steer. there were no warning lamps about this, the Ford dealer has not detect this in my vehicle's previous recall, further vehicle has two more recalls this year, that have been cited this year by the dealer. this needs to be addressed on their recalls because this can cause a very severe problem on the road
NHTSA complaint #11753984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rearview camera reverses and inverts the image and the guiding lines disappear. I am unable to use the camera when reversing. There is a recall on other Ford Explorers (2020-2024) just not my year (2013). It is not right that I drive a car that has the same issue becuse this is a known issue for the company.
NHTSA complaint #11753942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.