Door Latch Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, while attempting to open the driver’s side door with the door handle, the door failed to respond as needed. However, when the button was pushed to unlock the vehicle, the door responded as intended. The contact stated that the driver’s side window failed to operate as needed. Neither an independent mechanic nor a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,331.

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The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to open the passenger’s side door, her son and husband’s hands were sliced and injured by the door. Neither the dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

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The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 15-20 mph, the vehicle stalled on multiple occasions. The vehicle restarted after fifteen minutes. The vehicle failed to unlock when inside or outside with the key. All the instrument warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ground wire caused the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 80 mph, the contact heard a loud bang, and the "door ajar" message was displayed. The contact pulled over and noticed that the front driver's side keyless entry keypad had detached, exposing the wires from the door. The contact drove to her destination, but the rear liftgate failed to open as needed and the interior lights failed to turn off. The contact purchased and replaced the 10 amp fuse under the steering wheel, which resolved the failure with the rear liftgate and the interior lights; however, the front driver's side keyless entry keypad was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

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The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front driver's side exterior door handle cover and keyhole detached while opening. Additionally, the front driver's side door failed to latch, and the contact had to force the door to close. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 15v171000 (structure) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

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The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger side door trim panel started to lift off the window endge. The vehicle was initially taken to the dealer for a recall repair however, the contact stated that the dealer checked the door panel trim and confirmed nothing was wrong. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided the number to call the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was 114,000.

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front and rear passenger’s side doors would failed to open from the outside when locked. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that during cold weather conditions, the front driver’s and passenger’s side door latches failed to unlock to allow the doors to be opened. In addition, the contact was using the rear passenger’s side door to exit the vehicle safely. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and both door latching cable assemblies were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed that front door latching cable assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated upon opening the front passenger’s side door, the contact noticed that the front passenger’s side door would not remain closed. The contact stated that the door ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 112,843.

Tl the contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the doors failed to lock. The contact stated that the door ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to local dealer ray price stroud Ford (6320 us-209 suite b, stroudsburg, PA 18360, (570) 402-2222) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

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Tl the contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's side front door failed to latch securely when closed. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to lock the door securely. The contact stated that the door ajar and transmission not in park warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was shifted into park and the door slammed shut to start and drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to earnhardt Ford (7300 w. Orchid ln, chandler, az 85226, (480) 893-0000) and the contact was informed that the door latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 98,500.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. While operating the vehicle and depressing the accelerator pedal with the air conditioner activated, exhaust fumes emitted from the air conditioning vents. Also, the front driver's side door ajar sensor illuminated although the door was secured. Eventually, the door could not be locked at all. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the door latch module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 36,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front passenger side door ajar warning light illuminated and the dome light remained illuminated. The contact mentioned that the door was closed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 70,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. When the contact entered the vehicle, the internal lighting remained illuminated. The contact drove away and noticed that the door ajar warning indicator illuminated and the door chime sounded; however, the door was shut. The contact parked the vehicle and, every time the lock button was depressed, the door would not lock. The contact pulled the key out of the ignition and opened the door. The contact turned the vehicle on again and it started normally. The contact stated that this was the second time the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was diagnosed that the latch connector was dirty. The latch connector was cleaned. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 14,700.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 25 mph, the drver side door latch ajar warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. When the contact called the local dealer, the technician stated that he had not heard of such a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure recurred and was not remedied. The failure mileage was 37,650.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front driver side door failed to lock properly. The dealer diagnosed that the door latch needed to be replaced. The contact informed the manufacturer who requested that the vehicle receive a second diagnostic, which rendered the same results. The vehicle was not repaired. While attempting to leave an auto shop, the power steering failed. The contact was unable to reactivate the power steering and had the vehicle towed to her home. The contact informed the dealer of the failure, but could not drive to the dealer due to the power steering failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and opened case number: 12284176. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front driver side door latch system was defective. The panel warning light remained illuminated and flashed "door ajar". The contact telephoned the manufacturer and was informed that the door assembly needed to be replaced; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.

The contact owns a 1998 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the front passenger side door did not open from the inside or outside. The contact stated that the passenger had to climb over and go out of the front driver's side door. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 220,000. Updated 7/1/cn.

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The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. Upon exiting the vehicle, the driver side door latch failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.

Cpsc#i12a0111a. 2001 Ford Explorer. Consumer stated that a day after she brought the car it broke down. The consumer stated there was a problem with the engine, as well as a hole in gas tank, which had rusted out, the bearings needed to be replaced, the tire were dry rotted, as they kept going flat, the driver's door did not lock, the rear doors did not open from the inside, the rear driver's door did not open at all, the outside handle was broke, the rear hatch would not close, and most of the time it had to be slammed shut.

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The contact owns a 2000 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the doors on her vehicle latch and unlatch intermittently. The vehicle has not yet been taken to the dealer. The failure mileage was 105,000 and current mileage was 106,000.

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The contact owns a 1998 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that he could not open the driver side door from the inside or outside. The door handle would not respond to any movement and the door would not unlock. The manufacturer has not been notified. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 140,000 and failure mileage was 135,000.

Rear passenger side door locks work intermittently. Doors will not unlock with either the front door lock/unlock buttons or the wireless key.

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All locking door mechanism's have failed and I have spent money to repair them. The rear hatch lock is no longer operating unless the key is in the lock and then, only sporadically. The driver's side handle, has broken off twice and been replaced twice. I was unable to open the door with the engine was off, thereby effectively "trapping" me in the vehicle. In an emergency, I would not have been able to exit the car and remove myself from any potential danger. In order to exit the car, I had two options, either climb out over the center console or put the key back in the ignition, turn on the vehicle, lower the power window and open the car from the outside, I opted for the second solution until I was able to order a second new door handle and replace it.

Locking mechanism on the inside of the driver door stopped working after only 41 thousand miles. When vehicle was taken to the dealer for the problem to be addressed, they advised that the wires for the lock mechanism were caught inside the door jam, and had to be replaced. The locking and unlocking button on the inside drivers door would not unlock or lock the car. This is obviously a safety hazard as if there is an accident the button would not work to unlock the door and allow the passenger to get out of the car. I contacted Ford motor company and they advised this is not currently a recall, therefore I am submitting this request for review and follow-up for potential safety defects. No accidents led up to this event, it was just a sudden onset where the locking mechanism failed after very little use. Thank you very much for your time and assistance.

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I am having problems with my 1999 Ford Explorer drivers side door. It worked fine up until a few months ago. It stopped unlocking with the remote then it eventually stopped unlocking with the key. I have to now reach through my passenger door to open my drivers door. I am afraid of getting into an accident and the only way to get rescued is for someone to open my drivers door to get me out. If it is locked, and it normally is because it locks automatically when start to drive, no one would be able to get me out. This is a very serious problem if this were to happen. I have looked it up online and have found that quite a few people have had the same problem. To make things worse my back door has done the same thing except I can not get it to open at all. I have two very young kids and I would hate for them to get trapped inside. I can't open it from the inside because the child safety lock is on. Another safety issue I am having is being scared that I will be on the passengers side when unlocking the drivers side and maybe having someone else get into the car before I can get in and leave. I have purchased the part to get it fixed but I can't afford to pay the dealership to fix it for me. It has yet to get fixed but I do plan on getting it done soon. Please help with this problem.

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1998 Ford Explorer, door locks fail and can't get out, can not be open with key or remote, can't even be slim jimmied. . Dealer tell me that the enter door has to be torn apart and it will cost $500. 00. . . This is a very dangerous safely hazard. What happens when this vehicle is in a accident or starts fir and passengers can't get out. . . Should be recalled.

2000 Ford Explorer problems with door locking mechanism. Customer states that it began with the rear doors not unlocking, hatch door will now not unlock. Customer thinks doors will stop opening. The consumer has tried oiling the mechanisms, but that still didn't work. Updated 10/03/07.

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear passenger doors will not open. When the failure began, she was able to open the door from the inside or from the outside by rolling down the window. The dealer has not diagnosed the failure. There were no warning indicator lights present. The contact will follow up with the manufacturer on NHTSA campaign notice number 03v280000 (vehicle speed control:cables) she received. The failure mileage was 100,000 and current mileage was 170,000.

The contact owns a 1996 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the hatchback support gate would not properly support the glass. Also, the child safety locks do not work properly. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer for inspection. She notified the manufacturer and they stated that her vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 97v137000 (structure:body:hatchback/lift gate:support device) or NHTSA campaign id number 96v070000 (latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch). The failure mileage was 120,000 and current mileage was 129,000.

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The passenger door lock stopped popping up on the first press of the unlock button on the door. This began almost 2 years ago. It required multiple presses on the unlock button to get the door to unlock. The problem has now occurred on the driver' s side door. Only this time it required many more depresses to unlock. I have to physically pull the handle and pull up on the door lock knob to force it to open if it will open. My fear now is if I am in an accident or the truck catches on fire I may not be able to unlock either door.

: the contact stated the rear driver side door handle had to be lifted up higher than normal to open the door from the inside. The door was inoperable from the outside. An independent repair shop determined the door handle needed to be replaced.

My family and I went to my family members house and after putting the vehicle in park and unlocking the doors my daughter's door (rear passenger) would not unlock nor open for the inside or outside, by switch nor manually. For my daughter to exit the vehicle she had to climb in the front seat to exit the vehicle, we have a baby that rides in a car seat so she couldn't exit on the driver passenger side. I've discovered that the only way to fix this is take the panel off and take the one screw off that holds the handle mechanism and pull it a few times to finally release the latch. I just read about a Ford recall on faulty latches. The only difference in this recall and my latch issue is my latch will not return to an open state. I feel that my issue is related in the same context, and feel that there is a safety issue because if something happen my daughter could not get out of the vehicle.

: the contact stated the locking mechanisms on three doors and the rear hatchback failed to operate properly. The door locks felt loose, while the door is manually unlocked, prior to each failure. The rear left door will not unlock from the inside or outside of the door. The rear right door failed to unlock from the outside, and the rear hatch failed to unlock on an intermittent basis. The service dealer and manufacturer have not been contacted. Updated 01/19/07.

: the contact stated on three separate occasions the door locks failed to open. The first was the passenger's side rear passenger door followed by the rear driver's side and now the front driver door. The vehicle was taken to the dealer each time and the latch assemblies were replaced. Updated 10/25/2006 - the technician told the consumer that this was a know problem with this model/year vehicle and that the problem is caused by a defect in the door latches. One of the pieces is made of a type of plastic which is not strong enough.