Electrical System Problems of Ford Explorer - part 2

I previously reported a safety issue re. Brakes not working in park. Vehicle rolled back and car almost hit mom and young daughter walking behind vehicle in parking lot. When I brought it to bellford in [xxx] they told me it was not covered under the recall since it wasn’t being caused by rear axle. Instead they wanted to charge me $3,000 to diagnose their manufacturing defect. In addition when I notified Ford rep who never said anything other then I must get car diagnosed and pay for it and then “we will see . ” Ford complaint xxx and I believe this is the NHTSA complaint # xxx. Here is my initial Ford complaint cxh-xxx was closed without explanation no one could tell me why no one had contacted me. I am very concerned that Ford is not taking responsibility for defective cars. My car now has only 47k. Brake issue. I had to replace front boots due to leaking and front axle was leaking. I had that fixed and now rear back up camera isn’t working. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Ever since I bought that vehicle, it's had system malfunctions. I received three letters directly from Ford explaining the problems this vehicle had or could have. But he and the dealerships, where I took my vehicle for repairs, never did them. They always denied that it had any problems and said that my vehicle was new and had nothing wrong with it.

See all problems of the 2025 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The windshield wipers activate by themselves, even when it is not raining and there is no water.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Power lift gate working sporadically.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The alternator pulley appears to be making contact with a harness rubbing through the insulation exposing the wire.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The alternator pulley appears to be making contact with harness rubbing through the insulation exposing the wire.

On January 8, 2026, my 2014 Ford Explorer (VIN: [xxx] ) caught fire without warning. The vehicle was parked in my garage prior to departure. When I pulled the vehicle out to leave, I noticed something burning on the garage floor. I briefly returned inside to extinguish that small fire, and when I turned back, the vehicle itself was on fire. I immediately moved the vehicle onto the grass away from a nearby tree to reduce the risk of further damage or spread. The fire department responded and extinguished the fire, and police were also on scene. The vehicle was effectively a total loss. There was no collision or prior accident involved. The fire appeared to originate in or around the engine compartment. The vehicle was properly maintained, and to the best of my knowledge, no unauthorized modifications were made. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Explorer 🔎.

I have a leaking antenna (likely the "shark fin" or roof antenna base) on my 2020 Ford Explorer. This has caused significant electrical issues, leading to safety concerns like malfunctioning lights, infotainment, or even stalling, the water shorting wiring harnesses or modules located in the roof or headliner area. This should be a recall, but rather it is a known problem where water intrusion damages sensitive electronics, necessitating immediate professional inspection and repair to prevent further damage and ensure safety, as electrical failures can be dangerous. My gps and satellite do not work because of this and I am being charged significantly by the dealership because I have to repair this or the damage will become more severe. The antenna's base seal can fail, allowing water to seep into the roof, drip down the pillars, and saturate the headliner and wiring harnesses. Common symptoms: interior lights, instrument cluster, or dashboard warnings. Sync system freezing or failing. Windows, locks, or other accessories malfunctioning. Even potential water on the front passenger floor. Safety risks: loss of control!!!!!!! malfunctioning lights (headlights, brake lights) or sudden power loss can create dangerous driving conditions. Reduced visibility: issues with the infotainment screen or instrument cluster can distract the driver. System failures: critical safety systems, if affected by water, could fail unexpectedly. I barely get car washes or anything. This is certainly a manufacturers issue & poor design or cheap casing/ seals that leak and corrode too easily. This problem is a known weakness for the 2020 Explorer, often requiring a thorough inspection beyond just the antenna itself, as water can travel far from the entry point. And sure enough I have plenty of damage that I should not have to pay for. This is not a fluke, there are forums all across the internet about this. Please help! this is truly unfair to the customers.

While in moderate snow attempted to go from backing up to drive and the vehicle stopped, parking brake auto engaged, powertrain (wrench) trouble light illuminated. The trouble light did not shut off after sitting overnight.

See all problems of the 2023 Ford Explorer 🔎.

I have a 2016 Ford Explorer limited and it has 2 separate recalls on it one being the exterior a pillar applique trim clip attachments are not properly engaged due to improper assembly which borders the right and left side of the windshield, may be loose missing or become detached. Also, the driver and front passenger door b-pillar trim appliques may become partially or fully detached. Which I can hear wind noise and a rattling noise with also water pouring inside my truck when it rains, which has now caused damage to my wiring in the seats where the heat and cold does not work, nor does my sunroof/moonroof work anymore bc the water comes in from the top also.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Explorer 🔎.

In January of 2025 the rear windshield suddenly blew a hole in it after starting the vehicle with the remote start. I was advised that due to the cold temperatures and then the heat from the rear defrost caused this to occur. On Wednesday 12/31/25, the same exact thing happened. My vehicle was parked at my home in the garage when I remote started it. A few minutes later, my daughter and I got in, started it, then proceeded to back up when we heard a loud boom. Same thing happened as the first issue in January of 2025. No reason, no damage and it blows a hole it in near the rear wiper. This is causing glass shards to explode into the interior.

Description on your vehicle, some of the bolts used to attach the vehicle trailer tow hitch may have below-specification torque. Safety risk this condition may affect vehicle handling characteristics or lead to loss of attachment of the trailer hitch while towing, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy parts are now available to repair your vehicle. Ford motor company Lincoln has authorized your dealer retailer to inspect and secure or replace the trailer tow hitch bolts as required free of charge. Next steps contact your dealer for more information to schedule the free service.

The check engine light and see manual (alley wrench) constantly goes off and code for p0973- the symptoms following were stalling that felt like someone was rear ending her and acceleration takes time to go back up. Will happen many times on a right and shops claim a replacement of transmission would be needed. Vehicle is 2022 Ford Explorer and should not need a replacement this soon!!!!.

Total loss of electric power steering assistance while driving on the interstate.

See all problems of the 2012 Ford Explorer 🔎.

**upon request, all failed components can be inspected anytime for any reason. From this date (01/23/26) forward. If any repairs or replacementa had been rectified by Ford, receipts of the repair(s) will be provided regardless. I cannot recall exactly when these issues started so my ball park is 5/11/22. That is literally 2 years of driving the car from the show room. I was getting some lights on my dash that I have lost all functions with the vehicle . . . Drivers assistance, airbags, up hill decent, pre- collision, no driving modes and the car felt normal. I was still under warranty so the repair that was done was an update to the bcm (is what I am told. ) so the mechanic did a reprogram to the module. About a year I noticed I was then getting check headlamp notification pin my dash. I check the lamps and all seemed to be just fine. Also I was dealing with a dead battery all the time. At least once a month. But I was told I needed to drive the car more often. No matter still getting a dead monthly battery and here and there "check headlamp". Approx last year 2025, I realized. It was really dark driving the SUV. I get out and long behold the low beam headlamp was out. Played with switches. . Nothing. Checked into just getting a new one. Its is a staggering 1. 5k!!!!per headlamp! well, the cops pull me over 4 times. For a headlight with leds why am I even having to price this? this platinum trim just h I 5 years old and I cant believe all the problems. Along with that I found that this is considered something for the owner has to replace due to owners maintenance. No. This needs to be recalled. Should have already been recalled. The dead battery. Well. . . I know am out of all warranties to the vehicle and Ford is shutting the door in my face for any "goodwill repairs" (so far) as of this very moment, I have a dead 2020 Ford platinum Explorer. Heads lamp is still out. Yet there is a recall on a backup camera. Complete joke and this is literally disappointing.

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.

During a storm, our SUV had water leaking in through the top, middle of the windshield. The water soaked the dashboard controls and our heating/air system was stuck on high heat and would not turn off. It was 70° and it was extremely hot in the SUV and the windows kept fogging up making it hard to see. Our temperature controls no longer work properly.

See all problems of the 2018 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.

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.

Backup camera failed, screen turns black or freezes when the car is put in reverse. While driving or in reverse the screen becomes pixelated with red, green stripes. The camera is unuseable which creates a safety hazard. A recall is currently active for Ford 2015 Explorers but not 2014 Ford Explorers. It is the exact problem the 2015 Explorers are experiencing. The recall needs to be expanded to include the 2014 models.

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.

Recall id 25v695 rear camera. Camera does not work. Please issue a remedy!.

Ya me marco el funcionamiento del motor.

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.

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

The recall campaign from Jan 19,2024 manufacturer recall number24s02 NHTSA recall number24v031 has been open since 2024 and has not had a remedy become available. In the meantime, my passenger side pillar has become detached, as warned in the recall. Rain leaks into my car and causes visibility issues. This is worrisome because I do have three young children, one in a car seat right behind the passenger side. In addition, the second recall,oct 13,2025 manufacturer recall number25sa9 NHTSA recall number25v695 is also an extreme issue with my vehicle. The backup camera has malfunctioned several times, almost daily at this point. It also will not notify me of something behind me as it's intended to at times. Ford has yet to remedy either of these.

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.