Ford Explorer Complaints
917 consumer complaints on file.
- #11630282December 12, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
On 11-21-24, I was traveling down the interstate going at 60mph when a car began to urgently brake, I proceeded to hit the brakes as well and my car would not stop, at the time of the impact no air bag deployed, driver seat belt did not lock, my driver seat moved, no pre-collision assist came up for this accident. No prior issues or lights on dash.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11629771December 9, 2024FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
While driving on a two lane, rural road at dusk, with adaptive cruise control turned on, the car suddenly applied the brakes (hard) and a red warning briefly appeared on the dashboard. (It was on too brief to read.) The brakes were released quite quickly, but the vehicle had slowed approximately 20 MPH. There was no other traffic on the road at the time. No animals were crossing the road when the incident occurred. The weather was clear and visibility was good. Although it was dusk, the landscape was clearly visible without headlights. This is a rental vehicle and I have not used cruise control since the incident. NOTE: Had another vehicle been driving behind my vehicle, it could have rear ended it. This is a rental vehicle. Rented from Enterprise in Woodland CA. The registered owner is EAN Holdings LLC of Tulsa.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11629644December 9, 2024STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DOOR
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in a parking lot, while attempting to exit the vehicle, the front driver’s side door panel separated from the door frame. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was inspected. The contact was advised to wait for several days before a solution could be provided. The vehicle was temporarily repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,600.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11629584December 9, 2024POWER TRAIN
While driving on the freeway, the customer experienced a power train failure, which resulted in the vehicle stopping. Though the vehicle was able to continue driving, it would unpredictably jump gears and eventually became immobile. The "service engine" wrench light first appeared on [XXX], signaling the issue. The vehicle was inspected by Curt Service in Oak Park, Michigan, and no additional codes were identified beyond the service engine wrench light. The power train system is available for inspection upon request. This situation posed a safety risk to the driver and others on the road, as the vehicle's sudden stop and gear issues could have led to an accident. 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
- #11629443December 7, 2024POWER TRAIN
We have experience a wrench light on the dash in regards to a powertrain malfunction. I have done some research, it seams that there are a lot of other ford explorer owners that are experiencing this. I have found that there is also a possible TSB for this. Just wondering if this TSB could be recall eligible.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11629312December 6, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving and was at a traffic light, the light turned green and the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was dark, and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that his wife waited for approximately 15 minutes in the middle of the road. The contact’s wife was able to restart the vehicle and drove a local dealer. The vehicle had experienced the failure in November 2024 and the same dealer replaced the battery and replaced all four tires. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that the 12-Volt battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11629159December 6, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Inner fender liners are getting rubbed through by the tires creating large holes and exposing wiring harnesses and other components to the tire/wheel well area. We have seen this on about 5-6 of these same vehicles now.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11628608December 3, 2024FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel hoses had ruptured due to the hoses making contact and rubbing together. The contact was informed that the fuel hoses needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V859000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 44,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11628359December 2, 2024POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train); 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11628323December 2, 2024POWER TRAIN
Difficulty shifting gears, delayed shifting, slipping between gears, jerking motions during acceleration, and stalling when you move from a stop. Also leaking oil under transmission pan and makes noises in the transmission.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11627664November 27, 2024FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have had this problem ever since we Purchased this automobile on [XXX], When the car gets to a Quarter tank of gas or a little less the dash monitoring system says there's 87 miles left till empty and you park this car on a hill or incline with the front end facing down the car will not start and everything shuts down. The only way to restart it is to put more gas from a can in it or go through a long process to takes two people to do to get the car on a level area then it will restart. I call the Dealer abut it and they said there is no problem. The car had to be towed twice in the first few months we had it for this and as soon as they got it off the truck it would start and they do nothing about it. I call Fords Hot line and they said they know about the Problem but can't do anything about it , I was told that its a fuel pickup Problem. Today [XXX] my wife when to the store this morning and the fuel gage said it had a quarter tank of gas in it and when she came out of the store the car would not start for her. I had to go and get a 5 gal. can of gas and drive to where she was and put the gas in the car and after that the car started, she drove to the nearest gas station to fill it up. All I have been told to do by Ford and the Dealer is to keep the gas tank full and fill it when it gets to half a tank. There is definitely a problem with this car and it needs to be Addressed. 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
- #11626629November 21, 2024POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated when she was shifting the vehicle into reverse (R), and as she depressed the brake pedal, the vehicle was lunging forward. The contact stated that the failure had occurred following a routine service appointment with a local dealer. The contact stated that the failure was occurring only when she was shifting into reverse (R). The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she had had a crash in a parking lot after she had shifted to reverse (R). The contact stated that the vehicle lunged forward and the front end crashed into a concrete parking bollard. The contact stated that the front bumper was dented and there was no other damage. The contact stated that she later was in pain and had bruises on her right shoulder and chest. The contact stated that she went to an urgent care facility and was x-rayed. The contact stated that she only had the bruising and no broken ribs or bones. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and no power train failures were detected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11625909November 18, 2024POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (POWER TRAIN); 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. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11625899November 18, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact's wife stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with a system shut-down message displayed. The contact also stated that the vehicle inadvertently shifted into park. The vehicle was able to restart after 30 minutes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the tires had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,469.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11625224November 14, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sun roof fabric issue became undone (sags) and blocks view out your rear view mirror.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11624212November 8, 2024ENGINE
On 10/28/2024 at approximately 0515 I was traveling at 51 MPH when my 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch edition with ~25k miles experienced catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle had no prior indication of failure. No engine light, no warning lights, etc. The vehicle started shaking violently and lost all power. I was able to safely pull to the shoulder of a two-lane road. The vehicle was completely dead and would not start. I am not sure if there was oil or anything leaking as it was dark outside. I called a tow truck and had the car taken to the Ford dealership. After initial inspection, the dealership moved the car to the "heavy maintenance" part of the service department. After a few days, I called to find out what they found and was informed the engine had "thrown a rod" and the entire engine would have to be replaced. After a week and a half, I called back and was told they are still disassembling the engine and their next step will be to submit a "cost cap" to Ford for permission to replace the engine. After researching the issue online, I came across the Safety recall 24V-598 on engine failures in the 3.3L size engine, typically only on police interceptor versions of the Ford Explorer. The information in the recall sounded exactly like what happened to my explorer but was told by the dealer the 3.0L engines were not affected and they had never seen one fail like this. I truly believe the 3.0L engine sizes are affected and the recall should be expanded to include this version of the explorer. I was lucky that I was able to safely drift to the side of the road, however, others may not be that lucky.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11624049November 7, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH, the vehicle stalled on several occasions. The vehicle was restarted after fifteen minutes. The vehicle failed to unlock from inside or outside with the key. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ground wire had caused the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11623430November 4, 2024VISIBILITY, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
The contact's son owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH down a hill and making a left turn, the hood was unintentionally released, swung open, and hit the front windshield causing it to shatter. There was an abnormal snapping or popping sound detected. The driver pulled over immediately since their view was obstructed. No warning lights were illuminated before the failure however after the hood shattered the windshield the "hood open sensor" light was displayed. The driver's pregnant fiancé was occupying the front passenger's side seat and sustained injuries and pain to her left side. There was glass in her lap, and medical attention was provided. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 55,401.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11623413November 4, 2024VISIBILITY/WIPER
There is a distortion in the front windshield affecting my ability to see the front right corner of my vehicle. I was leaving a restaurant in the dark and the distortion affected the headlights to the point it didn’t appear there were any on the right side of the vehicle. In daylight, that area of the windshield is so distorted I’ve missed vehicles coming from the right and developed it migraines while driving. The defect was reported to the dealership and they reported it to the manufacturer in August, they have been going back and forth since, most recently being denied due to ‘orange peel’. There is not damage to any of the paint, nor has the vehicle been through a car wash or any paint repairs (trim as been replaced by the dealership). The salesman and a number of service techs are able to confirm the distortion is visible to the center of the windshield. The manufacturer has been requested to check it in person but has not followed through. I am hoping to get a windshield repair shop, second automotive dealership, and potentially and officer to take a look at it this week.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11622965October 31, 2024ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled with an engine misfire. The contact stated there was a knocking sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that valve springs in the engine cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was referred to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance by the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0