Electrical System Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

The backup camera is not working which is already a known defect. The sensors in the back of the vehicle also intermittently sound an alert when nothing is behind the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Explorer 🔎.

My vehicle originally showed more than 10 open safety recalls in the Fordpass app and at the servicing dealer. I saved screenshots of each recall. After Ford performed a remote over-the-air software update, all but one recall suddenly disappeared from the app even though no physical repairs were done and no documentation was provided. Nhtsa still shows recall 25v543 as incomplete, involving bcm soldering defects that can cause trailer taillamp failure, electrical malfunctions, hvac issues, mirror/window failures, power outlet issues, and other safety-related electrical problems. The dealer has not scheduled the repair despite parts being listed as available. Ford motor company and the dealer have not provided any recall history, oasis report, repair documentation, or explanation for why multiple recalls disappeared. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle may have unresolved electrical or lighting defects that were not properly repaired or were prematurely marked as closed after a software update. The issue has not been resolved, and Ford has not responded to multiple requests.

“I rented vehicle VIN [xxx] from budget rental car in panama city beach, FL (reservation #xxx, rental agreement xxx). I later discovered the vehicle had an unrepaired federal safety recall (NHTSA recall 25v543 / manufacturer recall 25c42) involving the body control module. Budget never informed me of the recall at any time. On November 11, 2025, when I attempted to extend my rental, the representative told me the vehicle had been ‘sold’ and must be returned within two days. When I attempted to exchange it on November 12–13 at three different budget locations in lansing, mi, they refused to take the vehicle, stating it had a safety recall and should not have been rented out. Only after this did I check the VIN myself and learn of the safety recall. The recall affects multiple electrical and visibility-related components: trailer lights, interior lights, mirrors, windows, rear defroster, usb/12v ports, and hvac systems. These issues can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash. While driving the vehicle, I experienced visibility problems. The windows fogged up severely, and the defroster did not operate properly. As a result, I was unable to see an animal that entered the roadway and unfortunately struck it. There is now damage to the front driver’s side of the vehicle. This visibility impairment aligns with the body control module recall defects described by NHTSA. This vehicle should not have been rented to any customer, especially with the remedy unavailable until late 2025. I am reporting this because an unrepaired safety recall vehicle placed into active rental service directly resulted in a visibility hazard and an unavoidable collision while I was driving. ” I did not make it back in time to return the vehicle yesterday 11/14/2025 I am finishing up this report and on my way to budget in panama city beach florida to return it. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Loss of power steering.

See all problems of the 2011 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Sun roof, moon roof collapse while driving . Making rattling noise.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Air conditioner turns on by itself even after being manually turned off, happened multiple times. This occurred with the manual start and the vehicle running / moving.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Explorer 🔎.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? sunroof headliner assembly failed. The headliner fabric detached and came off the track without an prior misuse or manual operation, it simply fell loose on its own. The material is now sagging and when trying to use the sunroof the fabric hangs in the line of vision causing a safety hazard. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? while the issue did not cause an immediate accident, the loose headliner obstructs visibility while trying to use could become a distraction to the driver. It blocks the driver's line of sight or interferes with airbags in an emergency. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?the failure occurred spontaneously and I have a appointment to take the dealership for further inspection. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? no formal inspection has been completed at this time. The issue will be presented to a Ford service center for further evaluation. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no warning lights or messages appeared prior to the failure. The issue occurred suddenly and without any prior indication. The fabric and track system separated unexpectedly during normal stationary conditions.

When driving the vehicle's instrument panel cluster randomly goes blank. When it does so, all of the items related to speed control, lighting, turn signals, etc. Become non-operational. Additionally, the driver has no idea what his/her speed is nor any other information about the operation of the vehicle. It is very unsafe.

Vehicle: 2020 Ford Explorer XLT date of incident: October 24 2025 approx. Mileage: 82000 affected component: visibility / defroster / rear window glass description of problem: while the rear defroster was on, the rear window of my 2020 Ford Explorer XLT suddenly made a popping noise and began to spider-crack from a point near the defroster grid. There was no external impact to the glass. The cracking continued slowly across the entire rear window after the noise. The event occurred on October 24 2025. The vehicle was parked outdoors in normal fall weather conditions in pennsylvania, and the rear defroster had been turned on to clear condensation. This appears to be a rear defroster thermal event, similar to issues described in Ford’s customer satisfaction program n192265660, which addressed defroster overheating and rear-window damage in certain Ford vehicles. The defect presents a safety concern, as the rear glass integrity is compromised and visibility is reduced. I have photographs of the crack pattern and plan to have the the window replaced by safelite. It is not safe to drive to a dealership. Please investigate this potential manufacturing or electrical defect affecting 2020 Ford Explorer models.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse into a parking spot, the rearview camera was intermittently inoperative. The failure had occurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated; however, the message "contact the dealer" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the rearview camera needed to be replaced. The dealer made the contact aware of an unknown NHTSA campaign number; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Backup camera doesn't always work. It displays a black screen alot of times.

Ya me marco el funcionamiento del motor.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Traveling 50mph, noticed smoke rolling from under the dash. Got to the side of the road. The entire dash was engulfed in fire. I had to fight my way out of the car after the doors locked. After I got out of the vehicle I called 911. Fire department came. It has been ruled as electrical. I am not sure whom I need to reach out to yet in regards to this matter and a total loss.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Backup camera displays opposite. Power driver seat doesn’t lower making it difficult to reach the pedals.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Power steering assist fault and service advance trac alerts came on in the dashboard when car was cranked up to drive. I was unable to turn the steering wheel easily and the vehicle was difficult to steer. My safety and the safety of others would be put at risk when attempting to drive the vehicle because the steering wheel locked up and was very difficult to turn. I happened to be at a firestone service center at the time that this event took place. The technician was testing the battery and the alternator for me after a new battery was inserted into the vehicle. When the technician pulled the vehicle around for me to leave, I was unable to drive away due to the steering issues that had occurred. The vehicle has not been inspected by the others at this time. The warning lights came on just as I was about to drive away from the firestone service center on 09/27/25. The technician notified me that firestone was unable to repair those types of issues on my vehicle and the vehicle would need to be taken to a Ford dealership or mechanic of choice for further repairs.

Not sure exactly what caused it to fail, but the heated seat when turned on barely gets warm then shuts off with the red lights on button still lit up. I can turn it completely off and back on and seast have immediately get really warm like they are supposed to. But again, only lasts 10mins. Not sure if electrical or not. Just purchased vehicle less than a month ago through dealership. I have read many people have this same problem with the st. Other models do not do this. I will. Contact dealership on Monday 10/20 since I have 4,600 miles on warranty left.

While traveling down the road - not turning or braking - several alerts and alarms started flashing on the driver dashboard on my 2025 Explorer. At this time, I completely lost the ability to slow the car down. The digital emergency brake made no changes to the braking ability. I was able to eventually able to get the vehicle to slow down by engine torquing and turning. I reached out to my local dealership where I purchased the vehicle, and they told me to call Ford roadside assistance immediately. They contracted a local towing agency, and they promptly towed the vehicle to that dealership. I was able to take a movie of the incident.

Ford st 2020 just 37000 miles, the window from driver side can’t complete close when you try to roll up. When it all most close- it will automatically roll down. Tpms fails cause 4wd fault, abs turn off and a lot of warning symbol turn on like pre-collision…etc. Dealer can’t fix and claim for client need to paid for 4wd program.

I recently had my vehicle serviced for reprogramming of the awd control module after it failed. When the dealer returned the vehicle, I expected the issue to be resolved. Instead, I immediately noticed a new check engine light with code c00a6, related to the front axle disconnect. This was concerning because the dealer had assured me there were no active codes after programming the new module. After driving with the new fault, it became clear the vehicle was operating only in rear-wheel drive. I contacted Ford and was quoted $4,030 for repairs to the front axle disconnect. Given the cost, I researched whether this issue had a recall but found none, despite widespread reports from other owners experiencing the same failure. My main frustration is that this problem stems from Ford’s design of the intermittent awd system, which engages the front wheels only when needed to improve fuel economy. The official “fix” eliminates this design entirely—converting the vehicle into a full-time awd system. This requires removal of the front axle disconnect shaft, installation of a standard shaft, and reprogramming to support permanent awd. The technical service bulletin (TSB 23-2174) even directs technicians to cut and discard the electrical connector for the front axle disconnect actuator, confirming that the original intermittent system is abandoned rather than repaired. This is a major concern for owners. Many of us are facing the same issue, yet Ford’s solution shifts the burden of an expensive design flaw onto customers. I strongly urge Ford to address this problem responsibly and provide coverage for affected vehicles, rather than leaving owners to pay thousands for what appears to be a widespread defect.

Constant fail of O2 sensor and abs causing check engine and abs lights to come on. After diagnosis, did research and it is a common problem on Ford Explorers.

Intermittently, the vehicle's backup camera displays a blank (black) image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. The issue resolves its self by turning the vehicle off and back on.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Sunroof shade does not retract like it should causing bunching in the middle of the vehicle blocking view or rearview mirror and rear glass. Called dealer not covered under warranty, and there was no issues with it prior to it happening.

Transmission gears were not running properly. On a Saturday evening the car was sleeping when slowing down and the following morning it completely died. Ford is reporting to me that I need a new transmission and I am only 1k miles over the warranty. I have read on line from several others with the 2020 Explorer having this issue or the tranny dieing within 10-20k miles after warranty.

The sunroof does not seal properly. Randomly it starts to make a clicking sound when driving. It goes away once we open and close the sunroof. The sound is only generated when moving forward at speeds 35 and above. Appears to be a loose seal.

My backup camera keeps going out and now it’s gone completely out. If it does come up it’s backwards with no assist line and constantly beeping. There are recalls for this same situation with almost all other Fords 2015-2019 I think and immune is doing the same exact thing and no recalls???.

The back up camera blackouts every so often. Backing out of a parking spot then the screen blacked out and almost hit a person that walked behind the vehicle. No, it hasn’t been inspected but there is a recall on backup cameras from Ford, on several different models from 2015 to 2023 which my 2014 Explorer is experiencing. No warning at all. It just started to blackout. It started couple months ago.

Backup camera failed and almost hit another car.

While driving, vehicle gave powertrain malfunction, downhill assist unavailable and pre-collision warning system unavailable faults. The vehicle then came to a stop and would not move. Turning the ignition off and on allowed the vehicle to be safely parked in a nearby parking lot.

Back up camera stopped working due to loss of connection with apim, checked camera module works and wiring in rear gate is good. Issue is in chassis wiring.

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the anti-theft, roll stability, and fuel filler messages were displayed with an audible alarm before the vehicle suddenly shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence. However, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the pcm and ecm had short circuited and failed. The contact was informed that the short circuit was caused by water drainage from the moonroof onto the pcm and ecm computers. The contact stated that the moonroof had previously failed and failed to properly close. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the ecm and pcm computers were no longer available. The failure mileage was 48,000.

See all problems of the 2010 Ford Explorer 🔎.

As zero recall data refreshed on Aug 09,2025 shows unrepaired recalls associated with 2025 Explorer. Please broadcast. . . The following. . 2025 Explorer safety recalls* missing o-ring supporting disc on bosch fuel injectors recall incomplete accessory protocol interface module software update - loss of rear-view camera image recall incomplete missing dashboard air bag warning label recall incomplete transmission cross member bolt torque recall incomplete powertrain control module pcm reprogram recall incomplete front subframe bolt torque check recall incomplete front brake caliper bolt inspection recall incomplete unrequested second-row seat movement recall incomplete transmission main control valve body replacement recall incomplete connecting rod inspection recall incomplete while the investor is being held up by the department of the treasury, he is awaiting in ogden, ut for the release of funding to help fix this list of reported recall and alerts. By providing engineers with the held and pending release of notes/bills being paused without explanation by the internal revenue service. As the close of stock options supports the claim for legitimate use and collect my mecca express inc tr, as trustee for collecting funding for these issues. Please broadcast. . . . . And advise owners of this vehicle type to stop driving them ASAP as powertrain control module pcm reprogram, and missing o-ring supporting disc on bosch fuel injectors. May cause engine failure at high mph during high rpm on highway and road ways. Potential stall is possible, please report ASAP. For safety International!.

VIN: [xxx] recall data refreshed on Aug 09,2025 0 unrepaired recalls associated with this VIN for 2025 police interceptor - utility while the 2025 Ford Explorer is recalled,this model for 2025 police interceptor - utility has additional incomplete issues to be reported by NHTSA. As officers on duty should turn these models in to the nearest Ford dealer for competition of the following: 2025 police interceptor - utility safety recalls* missing o-ring supporting disc on bosch fuel injectors recall incomplete accessory protocol interface module software update - loss of rear-view camera image recall incomplete missing dashboard air bag warning label recall incomplete transmission cross member bolt torque recall incomplete powertrain control module pcm reprogram recall incomplete front subframe bolt torque check recall incomplete front brake caliper bolt inspection recall incomplete unrequested second-row seat movement recall incomplete transmission main control valve body replacement recall incomplete connecting rod inspection recall incomplete this recall is a immediate report for any on duty peace officer assigned to these vehicles. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

At this time, I am unsure if there is some kind of recall, but my alarm is going off alerting me that the lift gate opened but that isn't true once my vehicle is locked. Also, the headlights turn on by themselves as if I have pressed on the keyfob. I then get an alert stating that the remote features disabled to preserve battery. These are just a few of the issues that I am having with this vehicle at this moment. I am a mother to 3 kids and I need to have a reliable vehicle and I don't have time to stress about not locking my vehicle at night jus to avoid my alarm going off. This is insane.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine overheated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the serpentine belt had failed. The contact replaced the serpentine belt, and the vehicle was repaired. Later, while operating the vehicle, several electrical warning lights were displayed. The battery was replaced, but the failure persisted. The contact replaced the alternator; however, after replacing the alternator, the transmission remained stuck in park(p), rendering the vehicle undrivable. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 155,000.

An emission control alert appears when driving; seconds later, you have no control over the vehicle. The steering wheel locks up, and you can not turn while you are still driving. The risk is very high due to the car doesn't stop, and you can not move out of traffic due to no control over the vehicle. If this were to happen on the highway or during bad weather, this could cause death. This has happened a total of 3x and had to be towed 2x to the machines. July 28th 2025 and July 20th 2024 it was towed for this issue of no control of the vehical due to locked up.