Ford Explorer Complaints

917 consumer complaints on file.

#11685212September 5, 2025
POWER TRAIN, POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear differential, with the vehicle vibrating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the drive axle, wheel hub assembly, and the hub splines needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V255000 (Power Train); and was repaired by Hutchinson Ford of Forsyth (288 Harold G. Clark Parkway, Forsyth, GA 31029). The vehicle was not yet repaired for the recent failure. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684602September 2, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Automatic Return To Park safety feature failed to stop vehicle from forward rolling causing vehicle to crash into open garage. The drivers door hit side of garage frame, closing onto my left leg causing calf muscle pain and bruising.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11684422September 2, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds on several occasions with the cruise control activated, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated to 70 MPH. The contact stated that the unintended acceleration had occurred on Highway 70, even though the Speed Limit was 25 MPH. The contact stated that the incorrect Speed Limit was displayed on the instrument cluster. The contact became afraid of driving the vehicle because the failure could be potentially harmful. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684311September 1, 2025
STEERING
The system that warns the driver that you do not have both hands on the steering wheel. It turns on while I have both hands on the wheel and sometimes I can not get it to acknowledge that and the car begins to stop on the interstate, in traffic and in a dark tunnel wiht no shoulder. The dealer can not reproduce the proble,. I have had it to them now for the third time.It has been inspected by the dealer and they have only reinstalled the software and can not fix the problem nore can they disable the system.This has been occuring with this care since I purchased it and have had it into the dealer but no fix. During a recent trip it acted very dangerously and I began to slo in a dark tunnel and even after banging ther steering wheel in frustration it continued to activeae and slow the car from 70 MPH to 30 MPG. I tryed to take a video of the problem but that became to dangerous. I stopped during my trip and installed a zip tie on the steering wheel and that seemed to help a bit with but even with both hands on the steering wheel and the zip tie it still activated several times. This has occurred several times over the past two years.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684230August 31, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof shade won't open and bind down covering the rear mirror view
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683816August 29, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING
On October 24, 2024, my 2025 Ford Explorer ST experienced a sudden steering column lock and complete loss of braking while I was driving, leading to a crash and injuries. The vehicle had approximately 800 miles and was a warranty replacement provided weeks earlier. Prior to delivery, the dealer referenced a Quality Assurance hold of about two months on this vehicle, which was not disclosed to me in any detail. The simultaneous loss of steering and brakes suggests a potential common cause safety defect that may affect other 2025 Explorer ST vehicles. My insurer State Farm is currently conducting a Cause and Origin inspection. I request NHTSA review for a potential defect trend.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11683487August 27, 2025
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a 15x3/4-inch strip on the B-pillar trim of the driver's side rear door that was detaching from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who attempted to use adhesive to secure the trim piece; however, the temporary repair failed to fix the vehicle. The dealer determined that the entire B-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact became aware that the B-pillar trim on the passenger's side rear door had started to detach. The contact informed the manufacturer of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure). The manufacturer advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683418August 27, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Hi, i am concerned about the safety of my vehicle. i brought it to the attention of ford motor company and an authorized dealer that i am getting a parking brake warning on my dashboard. the authorized dealer inspected it, and said that the braking system is contaminated due to liquid spilling from the damaged cupholders. i communicated to them, that 1. the cupholders are clearly not strong enough to be placed over a critical component of the vehicle such as a braking system. 2. i think that this is a design flaw as there are normally drips and spills from having liquid in your car, especially in the designated place for it (cupholders). I should not be held liable for the repair to the braking system. they insisted this should be for my account, and if i decided not to fix it, it could lead to the entire braking system malfunctioning while the car is in motion or at a stand still. I am noting this with the department of transportation for investigation hopefully prior to an incident/accident taking place and the risk of a fatality, i have communicated to the dealer but they feel they have no accountability for this. while this may seem to be a cosmetic issue "just a cupholder", it is directly over a critical system of the car, and based on research i have done, i am not the only one with a broken cupholder in my ford explorer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683300August 26, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof cover hanging and restricting rear view mirror
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682280August 21, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The smell of propane/metal smell in the cabin of vehicle after longer than 1 hour of driving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682243August 21, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V442000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact received Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP): 24B47 in August 2024. However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Most recently, the contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the navigational system displayed a black screen, compromising the functions on the screen. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the Ford App on the cellphone failed to sync with the vehicle as intended. The message "Unable to Connect" was displayed on the App. While attempting to remotely start the vehicle, the message "Temporarily Unavailable – Unable to Connect" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the software and screen had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent an Over-the-Air software update; however, the sync failed to connect as intended. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681823August 20, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. While the contact’s son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and shook violently. The driver noticed a strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The hood was raised, and the fuel odor was much stronger. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact’s son, who is a certified mechanic, used a diagnostic machine to retrieve DTC: P0300, P0304, P0305, P0306, and P0352, indicating several cylinder misfires. The vehicle was towed to the dealer the following day and was diagnosed with three incorrectly misaligned cylinders. The contact was informed that the three cylinders had been realigned. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 10,628.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681709August 19, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FOR THE PAST YEAR AND A HALD I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO FORD IN ONTARIO BECAUSE IT HAS HAD NUMEROUS INCIDENTS THAT I AM AT A LIGHT AND THE VEHICLE COMPLETY SHUTS OFF. WHEN I HAVE TAKEN IT IN THEY RETURN IT STATING THAT NOTHING ID WRONG WITH THE CAR. THIS MONTH ALONE IT HAS HAPPENNED ATLEATT 5 TIMES. LATEST ONE BEING THIS MORNING ON MY WAY TO WORK. IT SHUT OFF LUCKYLY I AM GETTING FASTER AT 1ST PRESSING ON MY HAZARDS AND THEN RESUMING THE ENGINE AND TAKING OFF THE PARKING BRAKE I AM IN FEAR OF BEING IN A COLLISION. I CALLED DEALER TODAY THEY SAID ALL THEY CAN DO IS KEEP THE CAR AGAIN FOR SEVERAL DAYS BUT IF NOTHING IS FOUND AGAIN I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE RENTAL CAR OUT OF POCKET. THIS IS CRAZY AS MY SELF AND MY FAMILY ARE AT RISK EVERY TIME THE CAR SHUTS OFF WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED NOT TO HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED. THERE ARE NO WARNING LAMPS THAT TURN ON.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681550August 19, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
It has became a safety hazard on my 22 ford explorer. The sunroof cover has folded and is now drooping down into my visual area in my review mirror and I can’t see out of my rear window.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680984August 15, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V442000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a white screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the navigation screen seized and turned white. The contact stated that the screen icons failed to function as intended. The message "Unable to Connect with your Vehicle" displayed on the phone while using the Ford App. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680960August 15, 2025
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver’s door window independently rolled down. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had previously occurred with the front passenger’s and rear driver’s side windows. The contact stated that during the first failure the vehicle was repaired by the dealer and covered under warranty. After the second failure, the vehicle was repaired by an independent mechanic and the contact paid out-of-pocket. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,188.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680777August 14, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V442000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the safe operation of the vehicle. The contact stated that the black screen was permanently displayed on the rearview camera. The contact stated that none of the touchscreen icons on the screen were functioning as intended. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680757August 14, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION, SEATS
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was blank. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V159000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V393000 (Seats). The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679961August 11, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
While driving, the panoramic sunroof shade on my vehicle failed to retract properly, sagging down into the rear visibility area. The shade hangs low enough to completely block the view through the rearview mirror, significantly impairing my ability to monitor traffic behind me. This is a serious safety hazard, particularly when changing lanes, merging, or reversing. The issue also impacts rear passengers, as the drooping shade hangs down into the back seat area. This obstruction makes it difficult to check on passengers—especially children—while driving. There were no warnings before this failure occurred, and research shows that this problem is common among other owners, as documented in multiple online forums and complaint records. The shade appears to have a design flaw where the guide sliders or attachment points fail, causing it to sag into the driver’s line of sight. This failure should not happen on a safety-critical component affecting visibility. Given the frequency of reports and the direct impact on driver awareness, a recall or mandatory repair campaign should be issued to address this defect in all affected vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679735August 11, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I was driving down the road and heard a loud pop and it sounded like a golf ball hit my door. I immediately looked in my rear view mirror and was unable to see anything. After merging to the shoulder of the road and stopping safely I turned around and noticed that the headliner from my sun roof had broken and fallen and was blocking all view from my mirror.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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