3,096 of the
43,182 complaints filed about the Ford Explorer
are about the other systems —
7% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2016.
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?
NHTSA complaint #11758685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11758806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 Ford Manufacturing. When I contacted their customer service to ask how a recall can be closed or ignored, they simply will not answer the question. My understanding is that a recall technically can not be "closed" if it a safety issue. In this case, the trim pieces come loose and become a road hazard. The pieces are not attached correctly or completely and the adhesive comes apart. This allows the trim and even the windshield to come off while driving down the road. There are hundreds of complaints and threats of class action lawsuits on line where people had to wait two years for the dealership to get the parts and replace them. Some people ended up ordering the trim pieces from Amazon and doing the work themselves. I do not feel it is my responsibility to have to fix this issue when clearly it is a safety recall by Ford. They should be held responsible for the repairs. If the windshield or trim were to come off and damage another car or injure someone, I would be held responsible. I am able to provide photos or bring the vehicle to any office for inspection if requested. I am happy to help in any way. Especially if I am able to get a resolution with this situation. I do not have money to fix this and do not want to report it to my insurance. Date of recall was January 2024 as far as I can tell. It was checked by Franklin Ford also in 2024.
NHTSA complaint #11758521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA Safety Complaint — Ford Recall 25V695 / 25SA9 Rearview backup camera has stopped working, limiting rear visibility. Camera is still installed and available for inspection. I cannot clearly see behind my SUV when backing, increasing the risk of striking a person, vehicle, or object. Hardy Family Ford confirmed the defective camera. Repair was delayed because the recall part was unavailable. Ford Recall 25V695/25SA9 remains unrepaired; Hardy Family Ford canceled my recall appointment because the remedy part is unavailable, despite my reporting this camera failure in 2022. I have been waiting for years for an available part. Ford issued a safety recall involving a defective rearview camera but the remedy remains unavailable. I have already been waiting for years for repair of this camera problem. My recall repair appointment was canceled because the required part was unavailable. Ford has an available new genuine Ford camera that the dealership can obtain, but Ford will not authorize its use under the recall. The only option offered to me is to personally pay $818 and seek reimbursement later. Ford Customer Relations has declined to provide another solution. Ford Complaint Case # CXH-08931193-Y5Q3B6
NHTSA complaint #11758019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We were driving our new 2026 Ford Explorer on the highway around 7:45 am on 8/15/26 when suddenly we heard what sounded like an explosion. Fortunately, my husband did not wreck, roll the car or stop on the highway like I would have given the pure terror I felt. He pulled over, and we looked around and confirmed the sunroof was completely shattered. Fortunately, the shade was closed, or our daughter and dog would have been covered in glass. No object impact, collision, extreme temperature, or weather event was observed before the sunroof shattered. Fortunately traffic was light, and we feel lucky to be unharmed/alive.
NHTSA complaint #11757224 — 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.
Moonroof had a seal leak. Ford replaced entire moonroof assembly. 3 weeks later the moonroof spontaneously shattered while driving down 40 MPH road, no trees, no rocks, etc. Fortunately, the inner cloth canopy was closed or shattered glass would have fallen down and hit driver and passengers.
NHTSA complaint #11756149 — 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.
My 2017 Ford Explorer is subject to Ford Safety Recall 24S02 / NHTSA Recall 24V031 for exterior A-pillar trim that may detach from the vehicle. I presented the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealer, and the dealer confirmed that my vehicle is covered by the recall. However, the dealer informed me that the required Ford recall replacement part is unavailable and that they have not received these parts for an extended period of time. The A-pillar molding on my vehicle has actually detached and flown off the vehicle while driving on TWO separate occasions. Replacement aftermarket molding has not provided a reliable solution. This is therefore not a hypothetical or cosmetic concern. The failure described in Ford's safety recall has occurred twice on my vehicle. Ford's recall identifies detached A-pillar trim as a potential road hazard that can increase the risk of a crash. Despite the known safety defect and the repeated occurrence on my vehicle, I cannot obtain the Ford recall repair because the authorized dealer cannot obtain the required Ford replacement part. I am requesting that NHTSA review Ford's inability to provide a timely recall remedy for Recall 24S02, including the continuing unavailability of the required replacement parts. My vehicle currently remains subject to an acknowledged safety recall for a failure that has already occurred twice.
NHTSA complaint #11756043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2023 Ford Explorer ST and my inability to obtain the remedy for NHTSA Campaign 26V123 / Ford Recall 26C11, involving a rearview-camera/SYNC display condition that may reduce rear visibility and increase crash risk. RCAK-26V123-1258 2.pdf Kendall Ford of Anchorage has notified me in writing that it will no longer perform any work on my vehicle, including recalls. Kendall states recalls require a Ford-authorized facility and identifies Seekins Ford in Fairbanks as the closest non-Kendall Ford dealer. I contacted Ford for assistance. A Ford representative acknowledged Kendall’s refusal in a voicemail and stated, “The only thing that we can do in this instance is have you go to another dealership,” directing me elsewhere for the recall. However, Ford’s current 26C11 instructions identify Mobile Repair and Pickup & Delivery as available and specifically state, “Arrange for a mobile repair at the owner’s location.” I am not refusing the recall or requesting that Kendall perform it. I am requesting that Ford arrange a qualified Ford-authorized mobile repair rather than requiring me to travel hundreds of miles to Fairbanks. I respectfully request that NHTSA review Ford’s handling of my recall access and assist in ensuring I have a safe, practical means of obtaining the remedy. Supporting documentation: Kendall’s written correspondence, Ford’s voicemail acknowledging the refusal, and Ford’s current 26C11 instructions.
NHTSA complaint #11755840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This vehicle was a rental car. The rear door opens and closes at random times. On multiple occasions even after locking the car, we would come out to the door being open. The door came down on its own and smacked my wife as well as hitting my [XXX] daughter in the head. While driving down the highway that rear door decided to open on its own putting my family in immediate grave danger. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11755681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Backup camera does not work properly. Sometimes it’s showing objects behind me backwards (safety concern) like it’s showing I’m on the opposite side of where I’m trying to park/back up and sometimes it doesn’t work at all (flickering screen/black/gives notification to contact dealer). I have taken it to our local dealer for an approved inspection that it does not work & was told there’s no fix for it yet. No warning sign that this was coming- I had to look up the recall myself.
NHTSA complaint #11755533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased a 2022 Ford Explorer XLT in March 2026 with approximately 19,500 miles on the vehicle. While driving, I suddenly heard a loud noise above me. I looked up and discovered that a clip from the panoramic sunroof shade had broken. I took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection and was informed the repair would cost approximately $500. While waiting at the dealership, another customer arrived with the same problem on their Ford Explorer. This is a safety concern because the unexpected noise distracted me while I was driving and caused me to look away from the road to determine what had happened. A component of the panoramic sunroof shade should not fail under normal use, especially at such low mileage.
NHTSA complaint #11755213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2020 ford Explorer had several issues with the hill assist, TCM control, power train malfunctions, it shifted very hard between first and second gear, at times it felt like it wouldn't accelerate at all and would pop into gear at higher speeds. I took it to Family Ford of Enfield several times for repairs which never fixed the overall problem. After several times at Family Ford of Enfield, I continued to drive my vehicle because my trusted dealership kept telling me the car was repaired. Now my vehicle needs a new transmission at 100% my cost.
NHTSA complaint #11754900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Put vehicle in drive to pull out of driveway started moving when all of a sudden the explorer started rolling in reverse and the the D on the transmission knob blinked green the E brake did not work I ended up in my garage door and in the back of an ambulance for neck pain and whiplash.
NHTSA complaint #11754880 — 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.
I previously reported my rear view camera not working despite ford having many recalls for that problem. Now my shade for my sunroof when opened drops into my car & blocks my view from my rear view mirror. So now I have no camera view or physical view of what's behind me. I also have the same peeling metal on my buttons on my driver's door. The same one that was recalled on 2020 model. I cut my arm on it yesterday
NHTSA complaint #11754340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I EXPERIENCED BOTH TRIM PANELS ON MY EXPLORER RIPPING OFF AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY POSSIBLY CAUSING THEM TO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN TO THE FORD DEALER IN LAS VEGAS TO GET THE RECALL ITEM REPAIRED. THEY INSPECTED IT AND DETERMINED THAT MY DAMAGE WAS COVERED BY THE RECALL. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED OVER ONE YEAR AGO. I RECEIVED AS RECENTLY AS NOVEMBER 2025 A LETTER FROM FORD INFORMING ME AGAIN OF THE RECALL. I CONTACTED MY DEALER SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THE RECALL AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT FORD DID NOT HAVE THE REPAIR PARTS AVAILABLE. THEY ALSO SAID THAT I WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE REPAIR PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. IT IS NOW APPROACHING TWO YEARS SINCE THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FORD TO GET THE REPAIR PARTS AND CORRECT THE DAMANGE TO MY VEHICLE?
NHTSA complaint #11754207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I keep feeling a clunk or thump towards the back of the car at random times, towards the back axle. Sometimes it's when i stop and drive forward, other times it happens while I am just driving normally, usually at slow speeds around 5-45mph. I have an extended warranty and the ford dealer has said they can;t replicate it and want to give my car back until it gets worse, and then try fix it. I am highly concerned about this process....
NHTSA complaint #11753585 — 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.