Vehicles / Ford / Explorer

Ford Explorer

34,573 federal complaints across 43 model years (1984-2026) · 142 recall campaigns

Complaints by model year

Distinct federal complaints filed against each model year of the Ford Explorer, to date. Hover a bar for the count. Older years have had longer to accumulate filings; the rankings below correct for that.

1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2025
Highest totals within an 8-year windowAll other years

Model years compared

Ranked from the same federal record on an equal exposure window. Click any year for its full file.

Highest complaint totals

  1. 2002 Ford Explorer - 2,693 complaints in its first 8 years (3,295 to date)
  2. 2016 Ford Explorer - 1,993 complaints in its first 8 years (2,461 to date)
  3. 1998 Ford Explorer - 1,790 complaints in its first 8 years (1,959 to date)
Ranked on distinct complaints filed within eight years of the model year, so old and new years get the same exposure window. Not adjusted for sales volume; a best-selling year files more complaints at the same failure rate.

Lowest totals among mature years

  1. 2010 Ford Explorer - 95 complaints in its first 8 years (115 to date)
  2. 2008 Ford Explorer - 114 complaints in its first 8 years (148 to date)
  3. 2007 Ford Explorer - 156 complaints in its first 8 years (208 to date)
Same eight-year window, among model years old enough to have completed it and with at least 25 complaints in it. Model years before 1990 are excluded because the federal file begins in 1995. A low total is not proof of reliability.

What owners report, all years combined

Power train
5,626
Body & structure
5,345
Engine & cooling
4,206
Steering
4,190
Tires
4,185
Electrical system
2,323

Every model year

Model yearComplaints to dateWithin 8 yearsRecalls
2026 Ford Explorer393914
2025 Ford Explorer10210220
2024 Ford Explorer212110
2023 Ford Explorer11011015
2022 Ford Explorer26826824
2021 Ford Explorer44144126
2020 Ford Explorer1,2301,23033
2019 Ford Explorer2992996
2018 Ford Explorer7327327
2017 Ford Explorer1,6971,53013
2016 Ford Explorer2,4611,99314
2015 Ford Explorer1,8011,2208
2014 Ford Explorer1,6791,0976
2013 Ford Explorer2,2351,45211
2012 Ford Explorer8294935
2011 Ford Explorer1,1977096
2010 Ford Explorer115951
2009 Ford Explorer33240
2008 Ford Explorer1481141
2007 Ford Explorer2081561
2006 Ford Explorer6305281
2005 Ford Explorer4973670
2004 Ford Explorer1,3041,0620
2003 Ford Explorer1,1318472
2002 Ford Explorer3,2952,6934
2001 Ford Explorer3753156
2000 Ford Explorer9528229
1999 Ford Explorer1,3481,2109
1998 Ford Explorer1,9591,7909
1997 Ford Explorer1,7311,5767
1996 Ford Explorer1,4501,3056
1995 Ford Explorer8437375
1994 Ford Explorer1,2071,0974
1993 Ford Explorer9398516
1992 Ford Explorer6335024
1991 Ford Explorer6093588
1990 Ford Explorer1240
1989 Ford Explorer100
1988 Ford Explorer400
1987 Ford Explorer300
1986 Ford Explorer300
1985 Ford Explorer100
1984 Ford Explorer100

Recall campaigns, all years

Every campaign filed against this model, with the model years it covers. Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN.

CampaignYearsComponentSummary
26V5810002026Air BagsFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. The active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying...
26V5480002026Engine And Engine CoolingFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles.
26V5320002026Engine And Engine CoolingFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine. The engine connecting rod bearings may seize, which can result in engine failure.
26V4700002025-2027SeatsFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
26V4510002020-2026SeatsFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles.
26V4480002016-2019StructureFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
26V4020002020-2021Power TrainFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles.
26V3710002024Power TrainFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission.
26V3430002025-2026Engine And Engine CoolingFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
26V2050002026Engine And Engine CoolingFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer and Mustang vehicles.
26V2020002026VisibilityFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles.
26V1650002025Electrical SystemFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles.
26V1590002020-2026Seat BeltsFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
26V1230002020-2024Back Over PreventionFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles.
26V1220002025Engine And Engine CoolingFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles.
26V1210002025-2026Exterior LightingFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the...
26V1170002020-2022VisibilityFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles.
26V1010002017-2019SuspensionFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
26V0240002026VisibilityFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach...
26V0120002019-2024EquipmentFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles.
25V8280002026EngineFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair, and 2025 Maverick vehicles.
25V7300002025-2026VisibilityFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles.
25V6950002015Back Over PreventionFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019...
25V6870002024-2026Trailer HitchesFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
25V6850002016-2023EquipmentFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco,...
25V5430002025Exterior LightingFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles.
25V4550002021-2023Fuel System, GasolineFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150,...
25V4420002020-2024Back Over PreventionFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021...
25V3930002020-2025SeatsFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles.
25V3440002025Engine And Engine CoolingFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Transit, F-150, and Explorer vehicles.