Ford Explorer Complaints
917 consumer complaints on file.
- #11546146September 23, 2023POWER TRAIN
I bought the car in 12/21/21 brand new from Hopkins Ford in Illinois drive the car just for work and school, we serviced the car and well mantained with all needed services around 1000 miles I start noticed lots of clunking noises coming out of the car right after exit the vehicle and took it to 2 diferent ford dealerships and they said was normal, which wasn't. kept driving the car I had also an issue with the panoramic roof having leaks and wasn't fixed too, around 15000 miles start noticed delay on the transmission when moving from park to reverse and also a very loud clunking noise , when moving from reverse to drive noticed de delay and and pull when the transmission engaged to drive, I use the highway around 1 time a week and noticed loose of power when accelerating so I decided to take it to the Hopkins dealership, initially they diagnose just need an update and will be ready in 5 days , they never contacted me and I call them back to ask the status because I need the SUV for my family and they gave me a Pickup TRUCK as loaner and is useless for my family, they told me it will be another 4 days, than at day 20 they said they have to replace the whole transmission , and I forced them to give me a another EXPLORER as loaner because I need that size car, I drove it and at day 29 called me and asked me for their car back and they gave me again a F150 but my car was not ready and will take another 4-5 days, magically my car was ready next day !! day 30 really? they dropped at home but with scratches in door panels and dents in the paint. they I drove the car for .3 miles and the car had the same issues , they told me to drive it for 500 miles and transmission will adapt, I drove it for 1000 miles and now the problems still and now are worse even with new transmission, vibration while driving on highway, clunking noises and lose of power , I dropped the car at the dealership already for a week and is no estimated time on repairs or how long this will take
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11546082September 22, 2023UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle infotainment system regularly displays "emergency" messages theoretically designed to alert drivers to fires or other hazardous conditions. These messages seize the infotainment screen and must be cleared manually. The problem is: all of these messages are false and/ or nonsensical, .i.e "Serious fire at the intersection of Main Street and Main Street." The messages are a distraction to the driver as they often appear when using the navigation system. Ford service tells me this problem is not fixable. I raised the issue with Ford Management and they have basically ignored my request for assistance.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11545956September 22, 2023BACK OVER PREVENTION, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon starting or while driving the vehicle, the front camera screen image was black or gray before going blank. Additionally, the navigation system was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. While driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant had intruded into the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11545892September 21, 2023POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the tires began to make a thumping sound and the steering wheel started to vibrate. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the axle seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11545808September 21, 2023VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING
The plastic window switch has peeled, creating essentially a very sharp edge that has cut me and caused bleeding and pain. It is available for inspection and I have pictures. This is a problem known to Ford. The vehicle was dropped of at a Ford dealership, Crossley Ford Liberty, MO. The problem identified, but not covered under warranty.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11545746September 20, 2023VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The failed component is the cruise control. It is available for inspection. Unknowingly, the speed increased by 10 miles an hour, without touching any buttons or controls on the steering wheel. With cruise control on, the driver might be not as engaged with the automobile, as if there was no cruise control. I will have the issue brought before my Ford dealer on Monday, September 25, 2023. There were no warning, lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the cruise control increasing speed. It only increase speed by 10 miles an hour. However, it occurred at 55 miles an hour,and 70 miles an hour. The issue occurred on a drive from Des Moines Iowa to Evansville Indiana on Monday, September 18. Driving conditions were perfect, no rain dry payment. This incident occurred four times during the 9 hour drive.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11545345September 19, 2023BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was shifted into reverse, the audible alarm feature failed to alert the contact to an object or another vehicle nearby. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11544924September 16, 2023POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While driving on a freeway on Sep 15th 2023, wrench light showed up and immediately vehicle speed dropped from 65 to 30mph. This is second time this issue has happened and luckily my family survived accidents. First incident occured on Aug 13th 2023, after which i towed my vehicle to dealership. They repaired and said its safe to drive now. But issue is recurring. Please help me on this as I am reporting this issue second time on NHTSA. I reported first incident also which happened on Aug 13 ,2023
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11544780September 15, 2023SERVICE BRAKES
On July 1, 2023, I had the vehicle parked on an incline with a trailer attached to the vehicle. The vehicle was in Park and the Parking Brake was set. As I attempted to unload the trailer, the vehicle started to move and rolled down the incline. I was on the trailer and was moving with the vehicle, I could have been injured but fortunately the vehicle rolled into a pile of topsoil before it could pick up too much speed. However, both the vehicle and trailer were damaged My safety was put at risk as the vehicle was moving without anyone in it. This occurred in my driveway but could have happened on a busy street. I still own the vehicle and it is available for inspection. There were no indications, warning lamps, etc. that would have notified me of the impending failure. I contacted Ford and they have been of little help. It took them 2-1/2 months to get me scheduled to have one of their field service engineers to inspect the vehicle. I was not allowed to talk to the field service engineer and that person did not attempt to duplicate the conditions which caused the failure. The report from Ford to me said they inspected the vehicle on a lift. They said they could not find a problem and said they will take no further action. They have been extremely uncooperative and do not seem the least concerned about the safety of the vehicle. I am concerned that the problem will recur and cause significant damage or injury so I take precautions whenever I park it.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11544192September 12, 2023UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Since I've purchase my vehicle in May 2022, the back up camera has presented a black or blue screen. Ford has not found a solution in over a year. Prior to purchase I was not informed of this issue.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11544167September 12, 2023SUSPENSION
AT MY 10,000 MILE SERVICE, ON JUNE 08, 2023, I WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR SHOCKS WERE LEAKING. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BUT WERE ON BACK ORDER DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF SHOCKS THAT HAVE FAILED ON THIS MODEL VEHICLE. IT IS NOW SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 AND THE SHOCKS ARE STILL ON BACK ORDER AND I NOW HAVE 14,500 MI ON THE VEHICLE. OVER 3 MONTHS AND ADDITIONAL 4,500 MILES ON DEFECTIVE SHOCKS THAT ARE STILL ON BACK ORDER SEEMS LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE TO ME.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11543763September 11, 2023BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the back over prevention screen was either black or blue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V342000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the software was updated, and the camera was replaced however, the permanent fix 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11543443September 8, 2023STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that prior to the failure she observed a "transmission code" warning that flashed twice but did not illuminate again. The contact pulled off the roadway and stopped the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and regained power steering functionality. Additionally, the instrument cluster failed to operate as needed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the instrument cluster failure reoccurred. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11543004September 6, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
While merging on to the freeway, while trying to achieve freeway speed, the Explorer lost all power for about 10 seconds. During that time, multiple error messages appeared on my dashboard. The messages included "Pre-Collision Assist Not Available" and "See Manual". Several Error message were sent to my FordPass app. The messages include: 1."Service Engine Soon Warning - The powertrain control system speed sensors have detected the transmission did not achieve the gear expected and may be slipping internally..." 2."Service Engine Soon Warning - The powertrain control system has detected an internal PCM communication error. The PCM will invoked failure mode effects management (FMEM) operating strategy that maintains limited vehicle function..." 3."Pre- Collision Assist Not Available - The collision warning system has detected either a fault or an obstructed radar sensor". 4. "Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power - Illuminates when the system has detected a powertrain or a four-wheel drive fault. I was almost rear ended because I could not achieve freeway speed while merging onto the freeway. The vehicle has been at the dealership for 3 days. I am still waiting to find out what the diagnosis is.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11542475September 4, 2023POWER TRAIN
While driving a significant rumble and vibration occurs under the center console. This typically occurs while coasting, usually around 40 mph. When this occurred on the freeway, I felt I may lose control of the car and immediately exited to slow speeds.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11541588August 30, 2023UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
While on interstate at 70mph, the front sunroof exploded. Sounding like a gun going off.. was no vehicles in front of me to cause debris.. after pulling over to see what happened I could tell the glass was pushed up away from vehicle. Not only was this safety concern for me. But also the vehicles behind me that had to suddenly stop and avoid the flying glass..
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11540878August 26, 2023UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The first window that exploded is The back windshield when my husband and I were sitting in the parking lot at the American Legion. I took the Explorer to Duval Ford they suggested I call Ford Corporate. They said they didn’t know why the window exploded. On Wednesday the right passenger back window exploded as I was traveling on Interstate 95. I called Corporate Ford and they said take it to Duval Ford to be assessed. This is two windows in 8 months that have exploded. It cost me out of pocket a total of $900 to replace both windows.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11540676August 25, 2023UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There is a $7.00 seal that leaks near my oil filter that has been replaced for the second time and this time i was not under warranty and the labor to repair the broken seal cost $1100.00 and would like for you to recall this seal so i can be made whole again
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11539577August 19, 2023UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Due to a Sync system update the display has been unresponsive, thrown errors, shut off during driving, and been delayed during operation. Most noticeably during reverse. There is a significant delay when the reverse camera is supposed to turn on causing a potential safety hazard. Ford has not responded to the issue in a timely manner and hasn’t given an ETA on when the firmware will be updated.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11538462August 14, 2023POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I bought a new Ford Explorer XLT in 2021. I was driving with my kids on highway 101 at 70mph on 08/13/2023, wrench symbol came up and car speed immediately dropped down from 70mph to 30mph. Luckily the driver behind was very attentive and an accident was avoided and we were saved. After that car went into limp mode and had to be towed away. My car just have over 13k miles on it and is under every warranty. This wrench warning lamp came once on 07/31/2023 without impacting vehicle speed. I took the car to Ford dealership for inspection on 08/01/2023. After 3 days of inspection they said some sensor needs to be replaced which they don't have in inventory and will call me back when it is available. They handed over car to me telling it is totally safe to drive as they don't see any issue with driving. Now when I told the dealership about the harrowing experience they turned a deaf ear and said we will look into it without even caring to provide an answer. I insisted on providing a loner vehicle as they dont have a timeline on fixing the issue.I trusted the ford mechanics and ended up paying towing expenses for over 100 miles and best of all luckily survived. Me and my family are still in this shock.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0