Ford Explorer Complaints (2026)

29 consumer complaints on file.

#11759587August 25, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
I had my car in drive in a parking spot. I was ready to go, put the car in drive, DID NOT MOVE but needed to put it in park fast to assist to a child in the back seat. I put it in park pretty fast. Took my seatbelt off and assisted child. It must have not engaged. Car rolled into my office metal mailbox. I 100% put it in park. I took my seatbelt off after so I seen it. It was fast with the gear shift though. Should this have been an issue? I feel like if it was any other car you with a manual gear shifter , not electrical, it’s fine. I feel this was not my fault at all and was a malfunction of the car. The car did not automatically stop either. It hit the mailbox at like 3-4mph. I have never been in an accident of my fault in 10 years of driving. I’ve never made a crazy mistake like that. It should’ve never happened. I drive all types of cars/ and trucks. This is also a lease and I’m SO PISSED. Especially because my kids were in the car. Luckily no one was hurt and no property damage. Just the car.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759096August 24, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the upper steering column shroud and the driver-facing Driver Status Monitor Camera on my 2026 Ford Explorer equipped with BlueCruise. The upper steering column shroud became extremely loose and will not remain securely attached. The driver-facing camera is mounted in this area. Ford states that BlueCruise uses the driver-facing camera to monitor the driver’s eyes and head position during hands-free operation. I personally observed the shroud and camera assembly loose while BlueCruise remained active. I cannot determine whether monitoring accuracy was affected, but I am concerned that a driver-monitoring camera used during hands-free Level 2 driving can physically move or become unsecured without BlueCruise immediately becoming unavailable. The loose assembly could also detach or distract the driver while the vehicle is moving. Before the repair was completed, the original authorized Ford dealer advised me to temporarily tape the loose shroud assembly back together while waiting for parts. I am reporting that recommendation because the affected area contains the driver-monitoring camera used by BlueCruise. The dealer later documented “SWAP STEERING COLUMN SHROUD WITH STOCK UNIT” and returned the vehicle to me as repaired. The same loose condition remained. The next day, a second authorized Ford dealer inspected the vehicle and documented loose steering-column-shroud fitment, stated the upper and lower halves appeared mismatched in size or tolerance, and recommended replacement of both pieces. The vehicle has now been returned to the original Ford dealer for another repair attempt. Ford Motor Company also has an open customer case. I am asking NHTSA to evaluate whether this physical mounting or retention condition could affect the BlueCruise driver-monitoring function and whether similar conditions exist in other BlueCruise-equipped Explorers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759080August 24, 2026
SEATS
When entering the vehicle with a key fob that is programmed for a saved seat setting for the driver, the chair back begins to recline all the way. This could crush a passenger seated behind them.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759026August 24, 2026
SEATS
When using memory seat function and switching between driver profiles, the seat reclines too far back with no regard for the preset position. The height and forward adjustment is correct, but the recline function is not working correctly and it just keep reclining.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757224August 16, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We were driving our new 2026 Ford Explorer on the highway around 7:45 am on 8/15/26 when suddenly we heard what sounded like an explosion. Fortunately, my husband did not wreck, roll the car or stop on the highway like I would have given the pure terror I felt. He pulled over, and we looked around and confirmed the sunroof was completely shattered. Fortunately, the shade was closed, or our daughter and dog would have been covered in glass. No object impact, collision, extreme temperature, or weather event was observed before the sunroof shattered. Fortunately traffic was light, and we feel lucky to be unharmed/alive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756149August 11, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Moonroof had a seal leak. Ford replaced entire moonroof assembly. 3 weeks later the moonroof spontaneously shattered while driving down 40 MPH road, no trees, no rocks, etc. Fortunately, the inner cloth canopy was closed or shattered glass would have fallen down and hit driver and passengers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755498August 7, 2026
SEATS
The driver's memory seat has a serious malfunction. Whenever I enter the vehicle or switch between memory presets, the driver's seat unexpectedly reclines completely backward. This also crushes anyone sitting in the rear driver's-side seat, making it essentially unusable until we can return the driver's seat to its upright position. Even more concerning, the seat can begin reclining while I am driving, creating an obvious safety hazard. I recently learned that Ford has issued a recall for this exact issue. However, my vehicle was somehow excluded from the recall despite exhibiting the very same defect. My local dealership acknowledged that my car does show the problem listed on the recall and attempted to repair it by replacing the seat back and seat motor. Unfortunately, the replacement parts Ford supplied had the exact same malfunction. The dealership now must order another set of parts and hope they function properly. What concerns me most is the safety aspect. I am continuing to drive a brand-new vehicle with a known defect that may cause the driver's seat to unexpectedly recline while the vehicle is in motion. That is not simply an inconvenience—it is a legitimate safety concern for me, my family, and others on the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754880August 5, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Put vehicle in drive to pull out of driveway started moving when all of a sudden the explorer started rolling in reverse and the the D on the transmission knob blinked green the E brake did not work I ended up in my garage door and in the back of an ambulance for neck pain and whiplash.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11752943July 26, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
While driving my 2026 Ford Explorer on the highway, the panoramic roof glass made an abnormally loud noise and completely shattered without any impact from an object or other vehicle. No other cars were nearby. The protective shade remained in place and no glass entered the cabin. This appears to be a spontaneous failure of the tempered glass. I have already located a nearly identical NHTSA complaint on another 2026 Ford Explorer (Campaign 11734759). The vehicle is currently undrivable in normal conditions and is being repaired through insurance. I am concerned this is a known defect with the panoramic roof glass on 2026 Explorers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752314July 23, 2026
SEAT BELTS
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint Narrative I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety incident involving the rear seat belt of a Ford rental vehicle obtained from Budget Rent A Car. My [XXX] grandson was properly restrained in a weight-appropriate booster seat and secured with the vehicle’s rear lap and shoulder seat belt in accordance with child passenger safety recommendations. There had been no collision, sudden stop, or other event that would normally activate the seat belt locking mechanism. While seated in the vehicle, the seat belt became tightly wrapped around my grandson’s waist and locked in a manner that prevented it from being loosened or released. Multiple adults attempted to free him by following the normal procedures for releasing and loosening the seat belt, but all attempts were unsuccessful. An off-duty Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) stopped to assist. After repeated unsuccessful attempts to release the seat belt, the EMT determined that the only safe way to free my grandson was to cut the seat belt. The child could not be removed from the vehicle until the seat belt was cut. This incident caused significant concern because a properly functioning seat belt should not trap an occupant in a manner that prevents emergency release. My grandson had been properly restrained in a weight-appropriate booster seat and was using the seat belt as intended. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether this incident represents a defect in the seat belt restraint system and determine whether similar incidents have been reported involving this vehicle or seat belt design. If appropriate, I request that this information be shared with the manufacturer so that corrective action can be taken if a safety defect exists. My goal in submitting this complaint is to help prevent another child or other vehicle occupant from becoming trapped in a seat belt and requiring emergency intervention for release. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751585July 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2026 Ford Explorer. While the contact's wife was driving 60 MPH, the instrument cluster independently turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a software malfunction. The contact was informed that the unknown software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. In addition, the contact stated that only the fuel gauge and the speed odometer operated as needed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with an unknown software malfunction. The contact was informed that the software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed that the software update was completed, and the system was rebooted. The contact was not satisfied with the repair. The contact researched and inquired about the APIM board being replaced to prevent the failure from reoccurring. The contact was informed that the manufacturer did not approve of the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750000July 13, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER, VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
The contact owns a 2026 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH in the rain, the front windshield wipers suddenly stopped operating. The front power windows failed to operate properly and failed to go up or down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,600.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749586July 10, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Purchased brand new vehicle two months ago, only has 2000 miles on it. We took it on vacation 14hours from home. Made it to our destination and started getting “vehicle communication errors” on the screen. Jumped the vehicle, notifications went away. We scheduled an appointment with a local ford dealer who told us to bring it in. On the way to the dealership and while driving on the road, the vehicle screen listed the same “vehicle communication error” indicator and every single vehicle service light was on. We lost all electrical power. No blinkers, no miles per hour indicator, no lights etc, but we were able to continue driving to the service dealership. Drove an additional 15 miles with absolutely no electrical power and did not want to stop as we were afraid the car was not going to turn back on, on the side of the road per previous experience.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748926July 7, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This 2026 Ford Explorer has stopped, stalled, hesitated and jerks after fuel fill-ups. It stopped twice for myself in busy intersections. The dealer has had it for weeks and when driving the vehicle back to me, stalled and hesitated for Ford Service dept. twice. They told me I could not have my car back for safety reasons.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745642June 22, 2026
SEATS
The contact owns a 2026 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left or right turn, the front passenger’s side seat was moving from side to side. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The contact was informed that that bolts were all connected. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact he would receive a call back within 24 hours. The approximate failure mileage was 2,600.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745208June 19, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I have a brand new 2026 Ford Explorer ST. There is a permanent haze on or between the glass windshield that does not come off with any cleaning agent and appears to be between the layer. The service manager at the dealership acknowledges seeing the haze and the reduced clarity but clains Ford will not warranty since it is not on a recall. It is dangerous when the sun glare causes it to "glow" impairing clear visibilty of the road. It is also evident and impairs during rain. The difference is very evident when looking through the windshield versus the side windows at the same object,
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744633June 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Description On your vehicle, it may be possible that one or more engine camshaft roller finger followers were not properly installed at the time of engine assembly. Safety Risk An improperly installed engine camshaft roller finger follower may result in engine failure, resulting in a no-start condition or a loss of motive power. A loss of motive power increases the risk of a crash. Your vehicle may also experience engine ticking or tapping noise, and or a low-volume oil leak due to this condition. Remedy A remedy is not yet available. Ford Motor Company is working to provide parts for this repair. When the remedy becomes available, Ford Motor Company will notify you via mail to schedule a service appointment with your dealer for repairs to be completed free of charge. The remedy is anticipated to be available 4TH quarter of 2026. Next Steps Contact your dealer for more information to schedule the free service.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744048June 14, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE
Description On your vehicle, some of the bolts used to attach the vehicle trailer tow hitch may have below-specification torque. Safety Risk This condition may affect vehicle handling characteristics or lead to loss of attachment of the trailer hitch while towing, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy Parts are now available to repair your vehicle. Ford Motor Company Lincoln has authorized your dealer retailer to inspect and secure or replace the trailer tow hitch bolts as required free of charge. Next Steps Contact your dealer for more information to schedule the free service.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743994June 14, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I purchased this new car from Bell Ford on XXX. Since I have owned it, it has been under Ford’s care for almost 2 weeks at 2 different service departments. (I have owned for 90 days.) The car sputters and stops when putting on the gas from a start position. I ended up stalling in a busy intersection on [XXX] All the dash lights come on and then the engine light comes on. Says, take to dealer. They are replacing the fuel pump now and trying that. This car has less than 4900 miles on it. The car they have given me to use is not comparable. 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
#11740470May 27, 2026
STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Purchased new 26 Ford Explorer on [XXX] from Franklin Ford in TN. During test drive noted the BlueCruise hands free was canceling but was advised by dealer that it might need to download an update or sync my profile. Next day I confirmed the BlueCruise and adaptive cruise was not working. The hands free BlueCruise and adaptive system will cancel randomly with no warning even while in turn. This almost caused me to slam into the vehicle next to me several times but was able to catch the wheel just in time. This is an extreme danger and hazard. The issue seems to revolve around the lane centering feature but Ford has not confirmed this for me. I dropped the vehicle off with Ford of Franklin on 3/24 who kept the vehicle for 4 days. At the end I was advised Ford engendering was working to push out an update to correct this issue. As of today (5/27), I have confirmed with Ford of Franklin that there is currently no fix for this. I have had to disable Ford BlueCruise and have as of today requested a buyback from Ford. 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

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