FaultScore

Ford Explorer fuel system problems

1,274 of the 43,182 complaints filed about the Ford Explorer are about the fuel system — 3% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2013.

1,274

Complaints

3%

Share of all complaints

24

Crashes

44

Fires

Fuel & Propulsion complaints by model year

1989 Explorer 1 0.1%

Median failure at 100,000 miles

1990 Explorer 2 0.2%
1991 Explorer 27 2.1%

Median failure at 104,650 miles

1992 Explorer 20 1.6%

Median failure at 121,000 miles

1993 Explorer 16 1.3%
1994 Explorer 37 2.9%

Median failure at 86,000 miles

1995 Explorer 16 1.3%

Median failure at 56,000 miles

1996 Explorer 26 2.0%

Median failure at 175,500 miles

1997 Explorer 57 4.5%

Median failure at 102,266 miles

1998 Explorer 69 5.4%

Median failure at 90,000 miles

1999 Explorer 35 2.7%

Median failure at 160,000 miles

2000 Explorer 20 1.6%

Median failure at 60,772 miles

2001 Explorer 12 0.9%

Median failure at 87,372 miles

2002 Explorer 74 5.8%

Median failure at 74,500 miles

2003 Explorer 13 1.0%

Median failure at 55,020 miles

2004 Explorer 36 2.8%

Median failure at 42,000 miles

2005 Explorer 68 5.3%

Median failure at 58,292 miles

2006 Explorer 27 2.1%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

2007 Explorer 4 0.3%

Median failure at 28,500 miles

2008 Explorer 2 0.2%

Median failure at 104,125 miles

2009 Explorer 2 0.2%

Median failure at 84,931 miles

2010 Explorer 9 0.7%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

2011 Explorer 40 3.1%

Median failure at 49,000 miles

2012 Explorer 34 2.7%

Median failure at 51,426 miles

2013 Explorer 153 12.0%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

2014 Explorer 71 5.6%

Median failure at 26,250 miles

2015 Explorer 94 7.4%

Median failure at 29,000 miles

2016 Explorer 112 8.8%

Median failure at 10,350 miles

2017 Explorer 49 3.8%

Median failure at 22,175 miles

2018 Explorer 23 1.8%

Median failure at 22,500 miles

2019 Explorer 17 1.3%

Median failure at 10,000 miles

2020 Explorer 42 3.3%

Median failure at 5,743 miles

2021 Explorer 25 2.0%

Median failure at 55,000 miles

2022 Explorer 33 2.6%

Median failure at 45,338 miles

2023 Explorer 3 0.2%

Median failure at 17,000 miles

2025 Explorer 3 0.2%
2026 Explorer 2 0.2%

What owners said

2021 Ford Explorer Polo, MO

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

There was no accident, but very close a few times.when I am stopped at a stop sign or light when I press down on the gas pedal the car hesitates I have to pump the pedal to get the car moving or it would stall in traffic. No check engine light is or has been on. I’ve been to 2 different ford dealerships and after there inspection they claim nothing wrong with my car. It’s already cost me a lot if money. When driving I can feel the car surge likes it’s not getting fuel sufficiently real bad at traveling at or below 50 mph. I’m afraid it will stall and get us t- boned but the mechanics say nothing wrong I disagree there is something wrong. I know another person who had the same problem and he got rid of the car, I can’t afford to do that, please do something to get a recall or something before we’re seriously injured or worse.this started about a year ago and getting worse.

NHTSA complaint #11757170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford Explorer at 60,000 miles Camden, MO

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle before the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle restarted after several attempts and was driven to the residence. The contact's minor grandchild was an occupant in the vehicle when the failure occurred. The contact stated that the temperature was extremely hot outside when the failure occurred. The failure was a persistent failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #11754722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford Explorer Clermont, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This recall - NHTSA Recall Number25V455 has been issued since over a year ago. Why is there not a fix for this issue yet? This needs to be elevated. Vehicle is driving very rough and could be due to this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11753910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Ford Explorer Laredo, TX

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Truck turns off

NHTSA complaint #11753172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford Explorer Pinon Hills, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

When i go to accelerate i lost power and then 2 seconds later car would finally go, this has happened several times getting onto freeway or just trying to pass and have almost been rear ended, i took car to dealer and no remedy available still 1 year later, my specific car has had several recalls which is ridiculos, i am not getting any help with my situation

NHTSA complaint #11751556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford Explorer Hebron, KY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I parked my car and when I returned to it the car would not start. Diagnosed as a faulty fuel pump. Had this problem occurred while I was driving it could have caused serious injury or death. There is an active recall on fuel pumps for the 2021 Ford Explorer that does not apply to my VIN number so Ford will do nothing to remedy the situation and parts are impossible to find as dealers scramble to fix the vehicles included in the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11751268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford Explorer Janesville, WI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I was traveling on an 8 hour drive after just getting a new battery and fresh oil change, I also had a full diagnostic ran the week before travel and no issues were found in my vehicle. When we arrived at our destination we stopped 1 final time and attempted to start our vehicle to go to dinner and the car would not turn over. There were not any warning lamps or messages that appeared. We used roadside assistance to tow it to the [XXX] dealership and they ran another full diagnostic that showed "replace fuel pump and fuel pump driver". When I called my local dealer back home, Evansville Ford ([XXX]) they pulled the previous week diagnostic and confirmed nothing showed up regarding the fuel pump at that time. 1 week later is when we had it in [XXX], and the fuel pump failed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11749871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Ford Explorer South Lebanon, OH

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel pump and module failure. Driving on the highway at 70 miles an hour and the fuel pump failed. Causing me to have zero acceleration. Thus losing speed rapidly in the center lane. No warning lights were present before or after. One previous symptom of a crank no start. Dealership was able to replicate the crank no start situation. Resulting in the problem being a fuel pump failure and module needing replaced, at 83,000 miles on the vehicle. Though I know normal wear and tear can and does happen, there was no warning. And losing engine power at high speeds on a highway is unsafe.

NHTSA complaint #11749645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford Explorer Victoria, TX

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Im being told my car is not covered under the recalls from the Chicago Ford plan when I have the exact same DTC codes currently showing on my car as listed in the recall and SSM. The check engine light is on with DTCs P018C and P04F0. Please have the technician specifically reference Ford Special Service Message (SSM) 51247 and inspect connector C1198 on the driver's side frame rail for water intrusion, damaged terminals, or poor pin fit before replacing any parts. Also, please check my VIN for open Recall 22C02 (Fuel Filler Tube End Form) and perform the recall if applicable. If the P04F0 is related to the recall, please diagnose and repair accordingly. combination of P018C + P04F0 is still the reason to have connector C1198 inspected.

NHTSA complaint #11749225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 Ford Explorer Scottsdale, AZ

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This 2026 Ford Explorer has stopped, stalled, hesitated and jerks after fuel fill-ups. It stopped twice for myself in busy intersections. The dealer has had it for weeks and when driving the vehicle back to me, stalled and hesitated for Ford Service dept. twice. They told me I could not have my car back for safety reasons.

NHTSA complaint #11748926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford Explorer La Vergne, TN

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11747129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford Explorer Culpeper, VA 1 injured

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

On [XXX], at approximately [XXX] PM, my 2022 Ford Explorer suddenly lost power while driving in the left lane of [XXX] in Emporia, VA, at 70 MPH (the posted speed limit), with my [XXX] daughter. My vehicle shuddered and started to decrease in speed. I was able to maneuver safely to the shoulder, and my Explorer became inoperable requiring roadside assistance. My daughter and I remained on [XXX] for several hours due to delayed tow service availability. My Explorer has been at Battlefield Ford in Culpeper, VA since June 19, 2026, and is available for inspection upon request. Battlefield has confirmed the low-pressure fuel pump failure, confirmed this is subject to Safety Recall 25S75 (NHTSA Recall 25V455), and there is no remedy available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11747291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Ford Explorer Sauk Centre, MN

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

First the fuel pump control module went out and now for the 3rd time the electrical to the fuel pump control module has faulted

NHTSA complaint #11746795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Ford Explorer Fate, TX

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I am reporting a severe safety hazard regarding an immediate, drastic increase in fuel consumption and erratic fuel range calculations following a manufacturer recall repair. My 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line was operating perfectly until a Ford Mobile Service technician performed safety recall 26S21 (IPMA Reset). According to official Ford manufacturer specifications, this SUV has an expected driving range of up to 501 miles on a full 17.9-gallon tank of fuel. However, immediately following this software update, the vehicle's total driving range drastically dropped. On a 100% full tank of gasoline, the dashboard's "Distance to Empty" (DTE) display now only reads 316 miles left to empty—nearly 200 miles below the manufacturer's expected capability. Furthermore, during a subsequent continuous, short 1.8-mile drive near my residence with no stop-and-go traffic, the DTE display rapidly plummeted from 15 miles down to 5 miles remaining, dropping visibly every two seconds. The vehicle is physically burning through gasoline at an accelerated, unsafe rate. This creates an immediate safety risk. If the vehicle is suffering from an uncalibrated software glitch in the powertrain/fuel modules due to the recall update, or if the procedure triggered a mechanical fault, the vehicle is at high risk of a sudden highway stall or leaving the driver stranded in live traffic due to inaccurate fuel signaling. I request that NHTSA look into whether the software installation process for recall 26S21 can corrupt engine/fuel management maps or trigger fuel delivery faults on the 2.3L EcoBoost platform.

NHTSA complaint #11746206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford Explorer Manassas, VA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle experienced a sudden and total loss of engine power and stalled in active traffic. I lost motive power and had to safely coast through traffic to the shoulder. The vehicle would not restart and had to be towed to a repair facility. The failure matches the exact symptoms of Ford Recall 25S75 / NHTSA Campaign 25V455000 for low-pressure fuel pump failure, but my VIN is currently excluded from the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11745753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Ford Explorer Eastman, GA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My 2017 Ford Explorer XLT with approximately 236,000 miles has an ongoing EVAP/fuel vapor system problem that causes the vehicle to hesitate, stumble, and attempt to stall. The problem occurs most frequently after refueling and also when the fuel level is low. The check-engine light comes on repeatedly, and despite numerous repair attempts, the issue has not been corrected. Repairs and parts replaced have included the purge valve, EVAP-related sensor(s), charcoal canister(s), and associated tubing. Significant money has been spent diagnosing and repairing this condition, but the symptoms continue. After filling the fuel tank, the engine may run rough, hesitate, lose power, and attempt to stall. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle can unexpectedly lose power or stall while driving, entering traffic, slowing for intersections, or operating in other traffic situations. The condition has persisted despite replacement of multiple EVAP system components. Based on the repeated failures and inability to permanently correct the issue, I believe this may indicate a defect affecting other vehicles of the same model year. I am requesting that this issue be investigated due to the potential safety risk associated with engine hesitation, loss of power, and stalling.

NHTSA complaint #11744673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 Ford Explorer Scottsdale, AZ

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I purchased this new car from Bell Ford on XXX. Since I have owned it, it has been under Ford’s care for almost 2 weeks at 2 different service departments. (I have owned for 90 days.) The car sputters and stops when putting on the gas from a start position. I ended up stalling in a busy intersection on [XXX] All the dash lights come on and then the engine light comes on. Says, take to dealer. They are replacing the fuel pump now and trying that. This car has less than 4900 miles on it. The car they have given me to use is not comparable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11743994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford Explorer Germantown, MD

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part required for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the recall remedy was not available. The contact inquired about a loaner while waiting for the remedy but did not receive assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, and it was confirmed that the remedy was not available, and a loaner would not be provided. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11743432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford Explorer at 64,598 miles Newport Richey, FL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle was driving unusually rough and the vehicle stalled. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to stall as intended. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed low pressure fuel pump. The contact was informed that the low pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced a recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System,Gasoline) however the contact's VIN was not associated. The failure mileage was approximately 64,598.

NHTSA complaint #11740416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford Explorer at 30,000 miles Palm Bay, FL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

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