Ford Explorer Complaints

917 consumer complaints on file.

#11722595March 6, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER, STRUCTURE:BODY
The panoramic sunroof sunshade in my 2022 Ford Explorer failed and now sags downward. The shade hangs low enough to partially block the rear window and interferes with visibility through the rearview mirror. After researching the issue, I found many other owners reporting the same failure with the sunroof sunshade mechanism or clips. This appears to be a common defect. The reduced rear visibility while driving creates a safety hazard when checking traffic behind the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722417March 6, 2026
STEERING
The rack and pinion system needs to be replaced as a result of "normal wear and tear"
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722319March 5, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shaking violently. The check engine warning light came on, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact used a scanner to identify an error code. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence while driving 20 MPH with the vehicle shaking abnormally. Upon arriving at the residence, the vehicle lost power. The contact called Ford Customer Service and spoke with a Ford Roadside Assistance representative to retrieve the vehicle from the residence. An appointment was scheduled for the dealer to pick up the vehicle at the residence. The vehicle was taken to Ciocco Ford, but was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the spark plugs were replaced but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 9,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722072March 4, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Both catalytic converters have failed, with one have a catastrophic failure, resulting in pipe becoming disconnect from the exhaust system and dropped to pavement while vehicle was traveling at interstate speed. Pipe was facing forward when it dropped. Posed severe risk to myself and other vehicles. Disabled vehicle was towed to Ford dealership where it was confirmed both converters were cracked, with the one having broken apart. Noise and vibration condition was noted and started over a year prior, however, dealer was unable to diagnose it until the full failure made the source apparent.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721660March 3, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, POWER TRAIN
On March 2nd 2026, while operating my 2025 Ford Explorer ST at highway speeds of approximately 78 MPH, the vehicle experienced a sudden, uncommanded shift from Drive into Neutral. This resulted in an immediate and total loss of motive power in live traffic, creating a life-threatening safety hazard as I was unable to maintain speed or accelerate away from surrounding vehicles. Notably, the dashboard displayed no warning lights, wrench icons, or error messages during or after the event. I was forced to coast across lanes of traffic to reach the shoulder. This is the 7th significant warranty-related issue this vehicle has experienced since purchase in May 2025, representing a substantial impairment to the vehicle's safety, use, and market value under Wisconsin Lemon Law.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721270March 1, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My front passenger get side lighting component started blinking about 6 months ago. Now it’s completely out. I went to get a new bulb and they told me I need to buy the entire lighting unit it’s $2800 at the dealership. I joined a Ford group on Facebook and hundreds of people are having the same issue. Some models newer than mine, but most from 2020 - 205 models. I reached out to Ford they won’t cover the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719684February 22, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
A hissing noise coming from inside the vehicle when braking. The dealership isolated the problem and concluded it comes from the Brake Booster. The car just came out of manufacture warranty at 39,067 miles. However, there is no check engine or dashboard light on yet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718923February 18, 2026
SEATS
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V393000 (SEATS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718811February 18, 2026
POWER TRAIN, SUSPENSION
For full details please refer to complaint 11715221. Since the initial complaint, repairs have been completed and I will attach a list of parts that were replaced. The repair confirmed the rear axle bolt sheared and there were significant metal shavings in the rear differential. When the bolt broke, numerous other components were damaged as detailed in the repair documentation. Ford has refused to accept any responsibility for this repair even though the safety implications for this type of incident are alarming.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718657February 17, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
The parking collision sensors started to act up. Its been replaced 3 or 4 times in the last year over the same problem and no one has tried to tell me how to fix the issue besides keep getting it replaced. People are at risk of getting hit or hitting a object that could be in the way of me reversing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718529February 17, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission clutch failure. As a result my 2021 ford explorer needs a new transmission.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718125February 15, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Component/System: Low-pressure fuel pump/fuel delivery system related to Recall 25S75. Vehicle is a 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid. Description: My vehicle is subject to Recall 25S75 involving the low-pressure fuel pump that can cause loss of fuel pressure and engine stalling. The vehicle has stalled six times between about 15,000 and 35,000 miles. The issue is intermittent but ongoing. The vehicle is available for inspection. What failed or malfunctioned: The fuel delivery system appears to lose pressure consistent with Recall 25S75, leading to engine stalling and temporary inability to restart. Safety risk: One stall occurred while driving on a highway on 9/30/23 at about 15,000 miles. The engine lost power without warning and I had to coast to a gas station. Sudden loss of propulsion in traffic creates a serious crash risk. Other stalls happened in driveways or parking lots after the vehicle had been running. In several cases the vehicle would not restart for 20–60 minutes, which could be dangerous if it occurred in traffic or an unsafe location. Reproduction or dealer confirmation: Two incidents required towing to Ford dealerships. The vehicle has been taken to Ford dealers multiple times. Earlier incidents were not linked to a recall at the time. Now that Recall 25S75 has been issued, the symptoms match. Ford has not repaired it because the remedy is still under development and parts are unavailable. Inspections: The vehicle has been inspected by Ford dealerships and towed twice by AAA for diagnosis. No permanent fix has been made because the recall remedy is not yet available. Warnings or symptoms: Stalls often occurred after the vehicle had been running. The vehicle then would not restart for 20–60 minutes. In one event there were dashboard errors. There was not always a clear warning before a stall. Reason for complaint: The recall has been open since July 2025 with no remedy available. The vehicle continues to stall. I do not feel it is safe to operate.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717941February 13, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Tiny specks in the windshield between laminate decreases visibility when in sunlight
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717765February 13, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717439February 11, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES
I am writing to formally report a series of catastrophic and life-threatening mechanical and electronic failures in my 2025 Ford Explorer Active (VIN: [XXX] ]), purchased in Bogotá, Colombia. Despite immediately notifying the Ford Post-Sales Support Line after the first incident, the technical response was insufficient, leading to a second, more severe event that nearly resulted in a fatal high-speed collision on February 9, 2026. Incidents Summary: 1. Total Power Loss: Engine and all electrical systems shut down while in motion (40 km/h), losing steering and braking assistance. 2. Brake System Failure: At 70 km/h, The vehicle presented a multi-system failure of sensors, audible alarm and illumination of warning lights (ABS, Traction Control, Pre-collision Assistant, hill start assist not available, check brake system, BRAKE, ESC check, driving modes not available). the vehicle experienced a total loss of brake pedal response followed by a sudden, uncontrolled autonomous "hard braking" event. This happened on a high-traffic highway (Autopista Norte). Global Safety Concern: I am formally requesting a Global Technical Investigation into this unit and the 2025 Explorer Active series. The failure of the electronic brake booster and the total system shutdown represent a "Product Liability" risk that could lead to mass-casualty events. I demand: • Direct intervention from Ford Global to Ford Colombia. • A formal safety alert or recall investigation for similar units. Sincerely, [XXX] MAIL [XXX] bogota colombia phone [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717140February 10, 2026
SUSPENSION
Struts rattle and shake aggressively while driving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716635February 9, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
The vehicle failed the inspection related to Recall 25C42. Since owning the vehicle, I have experienced repeated intermittent failures of multiple safety and driver-assistance systems, which raise serious safety concerns. The Pre-Collision Assist system has activated without any apparent reason on four separate occasions, including situations where there were no vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles present. These unexpected activations are alarming and could increase the risk of a collision. I fear for my safety when driving the vehicle due to these unpredictable safety system activations. Additionally, the Rear Cross Traffic Alert system functions intermittently and does not activate consistently when vehicles are present, further reducing confidence in the vehicle’s safety systems. While driving, the vehicle’s phone connectivity system has disconnected unexpectedly, and during these events the GPS/navigation system became unavailable, preventing the use of turn-by-turn directions. These failures occur while the vehicle is in motion and contribute to driver distraction and safety concerns. The vehicle was inspected for Recall 25C42, and I was informed that the required repair cannot be completed because the replacement part is on backorder until June. As a result, the vehicle continues to be operated with known and unresolved safety-related defects for an extended period of time. These issues occur intermittently and without warning, making them difficult to reproduce or diagnose. Due to the ongoing malfunction of critical safety systems and the delay in recall repairs, I fear for my safety while driving this vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716438February 7, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716418February 7, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The headliner that covers my panoramic sunroof has came loose on both sides , obstructing my reaview .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716265February 6, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle has an ongoing oil leak originating from the engine/drivetrain area. The affected components include the intermediate shaft and related seals, which are subject to Ford technical service bulletins, and potentially the plastic engine oil pan and its sealing surfaces. The vehicle is currently operable and remains available for inspection upon request. he vehicle is actively leaking engine oil at approximately one drop per day. Oil leakage presents a safety risk due to the potential for oil contacting hot engine or exhaust components, reduced lubrication if the condition worsens, and the possibility of oil dripping onto road surfaces, which could reduce traction for other motorists. The condition has not caused an accident to date, but it presents an ongoing safety concern. Yes. A Ford dealership identified and documented oil leakage during a scheduled service visit in November. In addition, the dealership acknowledged known issues with the affected components and confirmed that the vehicle continues to exhibit oil leakage. The manufacturer has declined repair outside of warranty. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Ford dealership on multiple occasions. Ford Motor Company executive customer care reviewed the case and documented a decision to decline repair based on warranty status. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. No warning lamps or messages were present prior to the discovery of the oil leak. The condition was first identified visually during a scheduled service visit in November when oil leakage was observed. The vehicle currently exhibits ongoing oil leakage without warning lamps or messages. I am also concerned that this model has had several recalls regarding the engin and our falls just outside the range of Ford recall it was build in January of 21 and the recall starts in May of 21. I would like to have that expanded to my vwhicle as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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