Equipment Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

The chrome overlay on the driver side interior door handle is chipping and caused an injury to my finger. The chipped chrome broke off and became wedged in my skin and also resulted in a 0. 5in scratch. The injury was extremely painful and required medical attention to remove the broken chrome chip that was lodged in my finger.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Explorer 🔎.

My vehicles exterior a-pillar trim is coming off and pieces flew off on highway. I was told to contact Ford.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Explorer 🔎.

I was driving on the interstate and the b pilar from my vehicle flew off, hit my passenger side window, and merely missed the vehicle traveling behind us. This incident could have caused a big accident.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The recall for the roof rails was not properly fixed. Ford is not willing to fix their mistake.

I am writing to formally report an issue regarding safety recall 24s02 on my 2019 Ford Explorer, which is incorrectly shown as completed by cornerstone Ford in elk river, minnesota. This recall involves the exterior a?pillar trim on 2011–2019 Ford Explorer vehicles and is a documented Ford safety campaign (24s02 / 24v031). According to Ford’s records and cornerstone Ford’s reporting, recall 24s02 is flagged as completed on my vehicle on Jun 2025; however, the actual recall repair has never been performed. It appears only on an estimate repair invoice from July 2025, and I have text message correspondence from the dealer dated December 19, 2025, stating that the part had arrived, yet no recall work was scheduled or completed. Notice on invoice (attached): [primary]: s100 - recall recall recall - c/s: no remedy available yet-24s02 exterior a pillar applique inspection I am unable to take it to a different dealership because it has been flagged as completed. I contacted Ford's customer service, and they are taking the dealership's word.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford Explorer 🔎.

My 2018 Ford Explorer continues to have issues with the rear back up camera. It makes it difficult to see while backing, especially at night. I have noticed recalls concerning this very problem on Ford Explorers with a recall on this very issue beginning with 2020 models. My vehicle is experiencing the sale malfunction. We called Ford a couple of times about the issue, and their response was, summarized, “sorry, it is not under the recall and there is nothing for us (Ford) to do. ” I feel sure that I am not the only pre-2020 Ford Explorer owner to have this wide spread problem. It should be included in the recall. Thank you.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Rear view camera 360 camera when backing up is going to a blue or black screen. When it’s not going black or blue the image is very grainy and hard to see image while backing up.

Horn stopped working. Airbag indicator will not reset. Took to local dealership but their service department doesn’t seem to find an active recall for this, even though I can see them listed, just not for my particular VIN number.

I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding a severe design defect in the 3. 5l v6 engine of my 2013 Ford Explorer. The vehicle is equipped with an internal, chain-driven water pump that is currently failing at 100000 miles, as evidenced by coolant actively draining from the factory weep hole. Because this pump is located inside the engine block and driven by the timing chain, a complete seal failure dumps engine coolant directly into the oil pan. This is a critical safety hazard. When the coolant and oil mix, it destroys the engine bearings and causes the engine to completely seize without warning. If this sudden engine seizure occurs while driving at highway speeds, it results in an immediate and total loss of motive power, power steering, and power brakes. This defect creates an extreme crash hazard for the occupants of the vehicle and other drivers on the road. The internal weep hole provides virtually no dashboard warning or indicator to the driver before this catastrophic failure occurs. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this known, dangerous design flaw to force a mandatory safety recall before this sudden loss of vehicle control causes severe injuries or fatalities.

Remedy not available in timely manner. This came out in 2024. Issue should be fixed and parts available. I am experiencing the wind noice due to this. Manufacturer recall number 24s02 NHTSA recall number 24v031 recall status recall incomplete, remedy r yet available.

Sunroof clip broke and fabric sags which can affect visibility.

My Explorer has the optional double moonroof with an electric sunshade that opens or closes with a button. A week ago when I tried to retract the sunshade I noticed that the driver side of the fabric started drooping. After trying a few more times the roller failed to retract the fabric completely. So when I try to open the sunshade the fabric just hangs from the roller and impedes my view out the rear window, thereby creating a safety hazard.

Recently purchased a vehicle that had just previously got a recall 23s55 3 weeks prior. Upon receiving the vehicle there was a slight clicking noise when going into gear. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealer and they investigated the recall remedy was installed improper from the dealership and the vehicle was unsafe to drive the rear subframe of the car moves and has free play which made is very unsafe to drive . . While calling the dealership back that did the recall work they refused to take responsibility . I then put in a repair order through Ford and they denied repairs for the recall mishap . I am being stuck with a $3500 bill for a recall that was installed improper.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Ptu failure, due to no maintenance service recommended for ptu, ptu failure has been a ongoing issue due to the position of the ptu,location of changing fluid and no mileage recommended for regular service or recommended regular service in the owners manual.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Explorer 🔎.

I am filing a safety complaint for my 2013 Ford Explorer (VIN: [xxx] ). There is a strong raw fuel smell inside the cabin, which is a severe fire hazard. This model has a history of cracked fuel delivery modules. Additionally, my vehicle has open recalls for the rear suspension toe link (19v435/20v675) and the a-pillar exterior trim (24v031). Despite these critical safety issues, the dealer (midland Ford) claims they see no open recalls and refuses to inspect the fuel leak without a diagnostic fee. I am concerned about a potential fire and the risk of a suspension failure while driving. " information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The lift gate glass shattered / exploded while sitting at a red light.

The headliner that covers my panoramic sunroof has came loose on both sides , obstructing my reaview .

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Sun roof sun shade malfunctions and the shade sags down unable to see out of rear of vehicle, or rear view mirror. Also sags down on rear passengers and children and could cause your passengers to stop breathing from covering your face. Very dangerous.

While out shopping yesterday, [xxx], after turning off the car it would not start again. Everything completely shut down. Locks on doors did not work, hatch wouldn't open, fobs did not work (mine or my husband's) and my Ford app even went blank. I called aaa and they sent someone out to get the car started. He thought it might be the battery. So my husband took the car this morning to the Ford dealer. They said the battery is good and everything checked out. So we still don't know what caused this. The service department said if it happens again to let them know. I'm just afraid this might happen when we are out in traffic. I'm not sure if anyone else has reported the same issue. I would appreciate if someone could look into this issue. The person from aaa told us that he just came from starting an Explorer that shut down at a traffic light in traffic and would not start. This is very scary especially since I take my special needs granddaughter with me most of the time. Thank you in advance for checking into this issue [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2023 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Sun roof fabric/covering came off tracks and is now sagging. Many forums on this issue. When driving if windows are down, the fabric flaps in the wind and sounds like it will fly off. I no longer drive with the windows down. If it continues to sag, could obstruct rear view.

The rear differential axle bolt on my vehicle has broken. There was no impact or collision prior to this failure. The vehicle suddenly made a loud noise and came to a complete stop in the middle of the road while I was driving with my [xxx] daughter in the car. This created a serious safety hazard. Although my VIN does not currently appear under an active recall, I am aware that there have been prior recalls issued for this specific issue on the same vehicle. I am requesting that this matter be reviewed promptly for safety concerns and potential coverage, as the failure occurred without warning and placed my family at risk. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The drivers side door latch mechanism malfunctions and causes the door to unlatch or does not allow the door to latch. This is a safety hazard. I know two other Ford owners with vehicles after 2021 that is having this same issue. This calls for a recall!.

When driving my car, you can hear wind noise like the windows are down and it's loud enough to where I can't hear my kids most of the time when they need something from the backseats. These two recalls have been in place since may 2025 and there is still no remedy to fix this almost a year later. I have not taken it to a dealership but plan to this Friday 02/27/26.

2016 Ford Explorer exterior a-pillar & b-pillar applique trim clip this may result in the b-pillar trim appliques detaching while driving. A b-pillar trim applique that detaches while driving can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. The problem been confirmed by a Ford dealer the vehicle has been inspected by the Ford dealership with no resolutions available!!!!?? no warnings at all before purchase of the family vehicle.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Explorer 🔎.

I was on the highway when the passenger side exterior a-pillar applique trim had detached from the SUV. There was a car behind me, not close at all, and the thing almost hit that car. No one got hurt but the driver and myself both were visibly upset. No police or emergency services were needed. As stated in my previous complaint, I have horrible anxiety issues. When that happened, I had an anxiety attack. I thought consumers were supposed to feel protected and safe in there vehicles. I am in the process of retaining legal counsel to address this safety defect and its impact that its had, twice now, on other drivers as well as myself. Kind regards, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Sagging sunroof shade.

The passenger side silver cover came off the top rail of my 2017 Ford Explorer. This sould be covered by Ford safety recall 21s22. I was told by my local Ford dealer my mileage was over the mileage limit of 152,000. My current mileage is 152,197. 7; I can send a picture. Any item(s) flying off a vehicle should be a safety concern and covered by any recalls. Does Ford and/or NHTSA want to limit the age and/or mileage for safety recall? I was told by my local Ford dealership, this was a 'customer satisfaction' issue and only addressed if the problem was evident at the time of inspection. I've had my vehicle in for routine maintenance (oil change, tire rotation, etc) on a very regular basis. Normally I leave with instructions to fix any recalls on the vehicle. This was not addressed on previous maintenance instances because the broken top rail was not showing signs of distress. (my terms based on the conversation with the local dealership service personnel. ) are you kidding me??? I would expect these types of issues to be addressed/fixed prior to failure. Once failure occurs, the potential for roadway damage has happened. I'm having problems uploading my files on your system.

While driving down the highway at about 55mph, I tried to open the panoramic sunroof. As it was opening, the sunroof shade/curtain did not retract into its roller assembly causing the shade to hang down from the roof. It blocked my entire view behind me. I couldn’t even see into the backseat. It was like a movie theater curtain had come down between the front and back seats. Luckily I was able to get home without further incident. This would be horrible if there were an infant in the backseat.

Transmission oil cooler leaking transmission fluid cooler inlet and outlet leaking.

Catalytic converters and flex pipes cracking.

Recall Ford # 21s22 roof rack cap. I called Ford and reported that the roof rack cap has broken off. They stated that recall for my vehicle has been completed and closed. If the issue is still happening after the recall has been established even if it has been repaired, why is it still not covered under the recall. The repairs made to correct it were obviously not adequate.

My 2018 Ford Explorer sport had a recall on the luggage rack. The railing on top it was repaired. In twenty one, but the repairer didn't hold the relling, flew off on the passenger side and driver's side is about to fly off. And my local four dealer has changed hands. So they're refusing to repair it again. So recall clips felled, so what do I do.

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!!!!.

The manufacturer has not remedied the repair of a recall within a timely manner. I am scheduled to ship my vehicle overseas, which requires all recalls to be addressed. Manufacturer recall number24s02 (NHTSA recall number24v031).

My 2023 Ford Explorer st has rolled while parked, turned off, and in park, with the electronic parking brake engaged. This has occurred multiple times on my residential driveway, which has an approximate 20-degree slope, during light snow conditions. On one occasion, the vehicle rolled backward down the driveway and into the street after being parked and shut off. On another occasion, it rolled forward while parked in the same location. In both cases, the vehicle stopped on its own without driver input. The dashboard indicated the vehicle was in park, and the electronic parking brake had automatically engaged. This behavior is inconsistent and occurred in both directions, which raises concern that the parking pawl and/or electronic parking brake is not reliably holding the vehicle. Snow may reduce traction, but a properly functioning parking system should prevent a parked vehicle from rolling, especially into the street. After the December 14, 2025 incident, the dealer was contacted and they replaced the parking pawl. The subsequent incidents occurred on January 14, 2026 while both rear facing and forward facing. This appears to be a vehicle rollaway safety defect and presents a serious risk of collision, injury, or property damage. The vehicle has not been modified, and this occurred under normal parking conditions. I am reporting this issue due to the safety risk and concern that the parking system may not be functioning as designed. I do have a video is of the December 14, 2025 incident when the vehicle was unoccupied, parked, turned off, and in park, with the electronic parking brake engaged.