Ford Explorer Complaints

917 consumer complaints on file.

#11710892January 14, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The alternator pulley appears to be making contact with harness rubbing through the insulation exposing the wire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710886January 14, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The alternator pulley appears to be making contact with a harness rubbing through the insulation exposing the wire
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710580January 13, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel level indication on my 2022 Ford Explorer behaves erratically and inaccurately. The issue occurs regardless of whether the vehicle is parked uphill, or downhill, just any time I’m on an incline, and it happens even when the fuel tank is full. The fuel gauge and/or “miles to empty” reading changes unexpectedly and does not reliably reflect the actual amount of fuel in the tank. This behavior is not limited to low fuel conditions. The problem appears consistently raising concerns about inaccurate fuel level reporting and potential fuel system malfunction. The vehicle has not displayed warning lights, and the issue is resolved by refueling, but changing parking orientation does not reset or cause the fuel gauge to show accurate reading. I have had one instance of needing to call roadside assistance as it falsely read I was out of fuel.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710201January 11, 2026
SUSPENSION
2024 - 19k miles. Both rear shocks were leaking. Dealer replaced both at no charge. 2025 - 30k rear shock shows signs of leaking. Dealer states no leak. 2025 - 32k Tire shop says shock is leaking. I told them the dealer said it was not. they took pictures. 2025 - Arrive at dealer (2nd time same issue) Dealer states no warranty because I did not pay for replacements. They stated had I payed for replacements I would have a 2 year warranty. Since it's been over a year I have to pay for it. Left dealer called Ford and filed a complaint. Case # XXX-XXX or XXX? Under 40k miles and going on 3 sets of shocks. Online forums readily show this is a known problem that Ford will not acknowledge. Furthermore their warranty of 1 year vs 2 based on payment or warranty replacement should be illegal! 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
#11710041January 9, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709936January 9, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
First, we took this vehicle to a dealer because the rear window buttons were not working. They wouldn't roll down. Second, the dome lamps inside only work part of the time, when we take the vehicle to the dealer or another Ford dealer that we decided to try, they say they can't do anything because they see no issue as the lights are working AT THAT TIME. Third, while connected to a trailer, an error message appears several times stating that the trailer has been disconnected. It just flashes and pings, and then disappears. This is a safety issue, as it has caused me to make sudden stops as I am made to believe that the trailer has became disconnected. All these things are stated in the recall we received on this vehicle, and we just want the body control module replaced as it says they should do, but both dealers(Bruce Walters Ford - Pikeville KY) and the dealer we switched to to try and remedy the issue (Freedom Ford of Wise VA) say that there is no issue, and refuse to do the control module replacement. This vehicle has been inspected at the least 6 different times for these issues, and still nothing has been fixed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709769January 8, 2026
ENGINE
Police car started to run rough at low speed. Stalled in middle of road. Scanned codes and code for Catalytic converter showed up along with misfires from numerous cylinders. Brought to dealer and was told needed plugs and a wire. Vehicle was returned and the same issue occurred. Fixed again. Picked up and once again the same issue started. Turned around and brought it back to dealer. The mechanic stated he never checked the catalytic converter as he was never told it had a code for the converter being bad. Two weeks later I am informed that Cylinder 5 is bad. No compression. Two issues. Ford upped the warranty on the catalytic converters because of this common problem. The tech sheet shows that a bad cat will cause misfires, but never checked. Second issue is the recall 24s55 was for fords with a 3.o liter engine, built in Chicago, between the dates of 7/21 and 10/21. My vehicle was built in Chicago on 9/21 and has a 3.0 liter engine. I also received the post card regarding the recall and we had brought it t o the dealer. 24s55 states the valve could cause engine failure. Well now I have a bad engine. Ford says no recall even though prior Chief brought to dealer after receiving postcard for recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709569January 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sunroof headliner is sagging when opened.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709538January 7, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Rear differential/axle bolt broke, destroying other parts and making vehicle unsafe at the moment and then inoperable. Vehicle had previously had the recall work done for this exact issue prior to any issues/damage. Dealership is repairing the vehicle under warranty, but made sure to tell us that this is a known issue and the only true way to “fix” the issue is to install an aftermarket brace (at our cost).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708973January 5, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER
I own a 2022 Ford Explorer purchased in April 2025. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced multiple defects affecting safety and normal use. The instrument cluster becomes foggy, making it difficult to clearly see my speed while driving. The infotainment screen intermittently malfunctions and affects the backup camera display, reducing rear visibility. I also experienced fuel contamination that was confirmed and repaired by the dealership. In addition, the rear HVAC air vents close and do not provide airflow to the back seats. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership four separate times for different issues. Despite these repair attempts, the problems have continued or new issues have appeared. Due to the ongoing defects and safety concerns, I do not feel safe or confident operating this vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708523January 3, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708298January 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Parked vehicle on snowy driveway, went to back to unload personal items from liftgate, and vehicle began sliding backwards towards me. Ran to the driver‘s door, got in, put on brakes, started vehicle and pulled it forward. Put it in park, and as I was exiting the vehicle, it began sliding backwards again. Rear wheels were locked. However, the front wheels were rolling. Apparently the transmission park pawl did not engage. I took pictures of the tires after the last roll. Front tracks show clear tread in the snow (rolling); rear show lines and pushed show (sliding)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708213January 1, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707797December 30, 2025
POWER TRAIN
When given gas to move from a complete stop, vehicle lost all power. After vehicle lost all power to rear wheels, warning lights flashed on cluster. Manually moved vehicle to side of road and checked under SUV to see rear axle was at a unusual angle and later discovered rear axle bolt on road. Vehicle was towed to dealership, which originally completed recall repair in July of this year, for this known issue. Repairs have been completed after 2 weeks, and was informed by dealership it was roughly 6 thousand in damages.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707580December 29, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof liner has fallen making it impossible to see out the back window.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707558December 29, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
I brought my 2025 Explorer in on 12/19/2025 for a recall check. I mentioned to the Service Advisor that the left rear inner wheel well skirt was detached from the quarter panel. After the car was looked at, he came to me and said that they can be replaced at a cost of $600...XXX. He said it is from the snow and ice tearing them because of the larger tires on the vehicles now....NO XXX..we live in WNY. This is a brand new-ish vehicle with 15,000 miles. How is this something that is my cost, there is obviously a problem with parts or engineering. Basically I will have to replace these after every winter season for the reason that was given....AGAIN...why is this not covered. I regress, he did say Ford MAY help the first time...REALLY?? What happens the next winter and the one after that?? $40K+ for the vehicle and this
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707537December 29, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VISIBILITY/WIPER
The fabric from the moonroof has come loose on the sides and blocks rear visibility if open. This is apparently an issue with many vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707167December 26, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706334December 20, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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!!!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706328December 20, 2025
AIR BAGS
Front and side curtain air bags failed. Was side swiped and hit a guard rail head on at 60-70 mph. I was going on the far left lane on the interstate 85. When a lady in the center lane hit the side of my car not paying attention that I was in my lane.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Ford Explorer