Equipment Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

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 🔎.

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

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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!.

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.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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.

The sunroof fabric is sagging and partially obstructing my view through the rear view mirror.

The moon roof cover was being opened backward, small plastic piece popped off. As that piece popped off the rollaway cover disengaged from the track and angled downward. When the moonroof cover was falling the metal piece that holds it straight slid out directly at my babies head! barely missed him! this has since been repaired at the dealership.

It has been 1. 5 years since this recall and Ford has not remedied the problem in a timely manner.

There is a large black box on the interior windshield surrounding the rearview mirror. This box blocks the defrost on the windshield, causing ice buildup on the windshield in this area thus causing ice buildup on the windshield wipers. This causes the windshield wipers to be ineffective at removing water, snow, slush, - whatever debris is on the windshield from being removed greatly decreasing visibility in freezing temperatures. I first noticed this when it started to get cold and my windshield wipers were making a strange noise. I got out of the car to see what was going on with the windshield and noticed the ice building up at the top middle of the windshield. As I drove, and the temperatures dropped, the top half of my windshield where this black box is iced up causing my windshield wipers to be ineffective on about the top half of my windshield. This greatly reduced visibility in already reduced visibility driving conditions. This was not just ice on the windshield. It was very obviously accumulating where this box is, due to ineffective defrost of the windshield.

See all problems of the 2025 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The sun shade for my 2020 Explorer has now joined the list of many others, where the sunshade drops and as it is now, I can’t see out my rear view mirror. Very dangerous!.

There is an odor in the passenger cabin. Seems unsafe.

Panaromic sunroof blind became lose and is sagging, causing an unsafe driving experience, making it difficult to see out rear view mirrors.

I am filing an official safety complaint regarding my 2015 Ford Explorer sport 3. 5l due to a dangerous and sudden power-steering failure that occurred while I was driving with my children in the vehicle. There were no warning lights, alerts, or symptoms leading up to the failure. The power steering went out instantly and without any indication that something was wrong. The moment it failed, the steering wheel locked up and became extremely difficult to turn, nearly causing multiple accidents. I had children in the car at the time, and this situation created an immediate and severe safety hazard for everyone in my vehicle and on the road. After this happened, I contacted (by phone) Ford directly. Without any inspection, hesitation, or further explanation, I was immediately told that the vehicle “needs a new steering rack and pinion. ” the quoted repair cost exceeds $3,000, on a vehicle I am still paying $500 a month for. I have since discovered that there are thousands of other Ford Explorer owners reporting the exact same issue, with the same model years, same sudden failure, and the same required repair. This is clearly not an isolated incident. This pattern strongly indicates a widespread manufacturing or component defect that poses a significant risk of injury or death. I am deeply concerned that Ford has not issued a formal recall for a problem that can cause an immediate loss of steering control at highway speeds and in everyday driving conditions. The number of publicly documented complaints online demonstrates that this is a systemic and dangerous failure that should not be ignored. I am requesting that NHTSA fully investigate this issue and require Ford motor company to issue a recall for the defective steering rack/power steering system in the 2015 Ford Explorer sport 3. 5l ecoboost w/o park assist, as well as any related model years or trims using the same components. Vehicle is available for inspection.

The panoramic sunroof cover is not functioning properly. When it is open, it’s supposed to spool up in the back, but it is not working and the cover just drops back into the backseat, obscuring the view to the rear of the vehicle. It’s a very unsafe situation and upon doing some research, I have found this to be a very common problem with this car. No recall has been issued, but it is very clearly a manufacturers defect.

The sunroof shade is sagging. It broke from one day to the next, and it’s blocking my rear view.

**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 sunroof shade cover has become unattached to the rollers on the sunroof track. This causes sagging of the sunroof sunshade, and limits visibility while driving.

The panoramic sunroof shade broke and hung down obstructing my view out of my rear view mirror. It is dangerous for me to be driving without being able to see behind me when my sunshade or sunroof are open. It is available to inspect. I brought it to a repair shop and they said it is a very common issue with Ford Explorers and an expensive repair. The vehicle wasn’t inspected by the manufacturer or police and there were no warning lamps. Ford is well aware of this issue and needs to fix it.

Manufacturer recall number25s72 NHTSA recall number25v442 vehicle had been taken to and left at the local Ford dealership all day (opening to closing on 11/28 and 12/23/25) twice now with no resolution to this recall ticket. Technician and service manager advised both times that the required update from Ford is not working and they believe the apim needs to be released, but Ford service (corporate) must authorize this. Almost two months since the initial appointment and I still have no answers as to when this recall will be addressed. As this is a safety related recall and my vehicle often replicates the problems which are listed in the recall, I would like this matter addressed with a little more urgency by Ford.

Since Ford issued the first recall notice for recall 24s02, I have been contacting my local Ford dealerships every few months to check whether the replacement parts were available. Each time, I am told the parts are still not in stock. As of today, multiple pieces of my vehicle have flown off while I was driving. This has become a serious safety hazard. Most recently, while driving on the freeway, a part detached from my car and the vehicles behind me had to swerve to avoid hitting it. I am increasingly concerned for my safety and the safety of others on the road. At this point, my vehicle does not feel safe to drive, but I have no alternative transportation. This appears to be a straightforward part for Ford to manufacture and replace, yet the delay has been unreasonable. Something needs to be done— I cannot continue driving a vehicle where pieces are literally coming off while in motion.