Ford Explorer Complaints

917 consumer complaints on file.

#11443819December 14, 2021
SEATS
The vehicle was involved in a rear-end collision. When the collision occurred, both front seats dropped into a fully reclined position and locked fully reclined.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11443800December 14, 2021
POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact leased a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact stated that five minutes later the vehicle went into safety mode and the vehicle failed to move. The low battery message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer but, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 7,600.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443642December 13, 2021
AIR BAGS
On 11/25/2021, I started the vehicle and drove about 2 miles when I noticed that the airbag light was illuminated on the dash. Knowing that this is a safety concern, I pulled into a parking lot and shut off the vehicle. I let the vehicle sit for about 30 seconds and restarted the car. When restarted, the light did not come back on. Took the vehicle in to have a recall performed and told the service advisor that the light had come on. They confirmed that there was a "stored code" but "not something that made sense". The dealership has had the vehicle for 9 days with no resolution. They say that a wiring pigtail harness needs replaced but also that there is a fault in the driver's seat airbag. The replacement airbag is not available due to a backorder (told 3-4 weeks). I feel that this is a large safety concern as I was told I could pick up the vehicle until the parts become available knowing that there is a fault in the airbag. The failure occurred with 3410 miles on the odometer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443304December 9, 2021
STRUCTURE:BODY, WHEELS
On October 25, 2021; my wife and I were driving across country when we experienced a blow-out at 75 MPH in New Mexico (about 80 miles west of Amarillo. The blow-out was caused by body cladding, which came off the right rear door of our 2021 Ford Explorer - apparently attributable to 19+ MPH desert cross winds at highway speeds of 75 MPH. The trim lodged in the right rear wheel well; slicing the tire and cutting a gash from the aluminum rim. We had to get to California for a scheduled closing on our new home and were therefore unable to stay in Amarillo or Albuquerque for the three days required to receive a matching rim and tire, so I had a nearby tire store install a wheel of a different size with an offsetting tire size to approximate the circumference of the stock wheels and tires. Ford has thus far neglected to acknowledge the obvious defect that would allow a body part to blow off the car and has offered no assistance in repairing the car or reimbursing me for the wheel and tire I had to purchase to meet personal legal obligations. I've seen evidence in online forums indicating other incidents of body trim blowing off Ford Explorers at highway speeds. Ford must take responsibility for this defect and reimburse other owners and me for costs incurred to resolve implications of their defective body parts.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11441506November 23, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There is no way to securely lock the vehicle when someone with the key fob is near it. When fueling, someone can unlock the opposite side of the car, by pulling on the door handle, which unlocks it, enter and drive away. Not only does this open the possibility of easily stealing the car, but also abducting passengers, if any have the fob on them, or simply stealing contents, planting contents, etc. This is a serious security issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11440203November 12, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When vehicle is up to temperature, there is an overpowering burning smell coming through the vents into the cab. It only occurs at idle and dissipates when the vehicle is in motion. With the hood open, there is some small noticeable amount of smoke coming from the left side of the engine compartment. The smell is not plastic or rubber.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11438750October 30, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Vibration: First use of the day, at about 35 MPH vehicle exhibits vibration throughout, especially around 40-41mph. Felt in steering wheel, seat, and with a loud rumble often heard. Has been since car was new. Has a vibration in rear view mirror at highway speeds. Goes away after driving for 15 miles or so, and at least a half hour. Returns after vehicle cools off. Cruise control: Adaptive cruise sometimes causes extreme braking at highway speeds for no reason. This happened while driving past a vehicle on Alligator alley causing all my passengers to comment, even though I had not touched the brake. Happened again 10/28 on 75 coming down from Sarasota. Braking: ABS engages on dry roads, especially when turning, for example into a driveway, but it cold be just a normal stop for a traffic light. The brakes also “grab” when coming to final stop, causing the car to stop suddenly
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11437614October 21, 2021
BACK OVER PREVENTION
I had the safety recall 21V735000 performed on October 12, 2021. Within 2 days the same problem of rear-view backup camera blue screen recurred, just as it did before the recall. The problem happens in about 1/3 of trips. Once the blue screen occurs, it doesn't go away until powering off the vehicle, waiting a few minutes, and then upon powering the vehicle on the rear backup camera might work again for a while, but will usually break again the same day.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11432323September 9, 2021
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
When putting the car in reverse it jerks back if the pedal is touched which has almost caused an accident. It takes about a minute or two to adjust backing up and the rear camera does not show until the clutch has adjusted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11429352August 16, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Constant shuddering between 30-45mph. Local dealer fobs it off as typical, I've driven other 2020 and 2021 Explorers, none have exhibited similar symptoms. Dealer refuses to repair, Ford corporate will not investigate. Has already had one rear axle replaced under warranty, not waiting another 3 weeks for parts when this one breaks again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11429266August 16, 2021
SEATS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Third row seat won't go up or down (it is an electrical seat for folding flat or to lift back up for seating). On Aug 12, 2021 took it to Ford dealership near me for any appointment to have fixed. In morning of Friday 13th dealership said still hadn't figured out the problem. By afternoon of 13th August dealership said it is either module or buttons issue and said they needed keep it over weekend. Dealership said they d call me by noon on Monday 16th August to let me know. Well, since I hadn't heard from then I called them again (as I have been doing since they dont seem to communicate with customers). Callie of Service dept said its the buttons/switches. That must order them; closest place had them is Tennessee she said. We are concerned for we had these exact issues with 2015 Explorer; started with 3rd row seat then all other electrical issues started happening. That explorer suv was in shop for several months.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11427704August 4, 2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Adaptive Cruise control reads the overhead electronic posted 65MPH speed limit signs as 85MPH. This only occurs when traveling on I-670 eastbound between Leonard Ave and I-270 on the east side of Columbus Ohio...This section of highway was recently upgraded with "Smart Lane" overhead electronic signs. The dash on this vehicle shows the posted speed limit at all times, but if the cruise control is on the vehicle with automatically go to what it reads and in this case goes to 85MPH! I have driven this vehicle over 5000 miles in 4 different states and this situation only occurs at this particular locatiion. I have contacted State of Ohio, Department of Trtansportation and discussing this issue with Drive Ohio representative Luke Stedke ( [email protected])
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11423018June 30, 2021
POWER TRAIN
The transmission in the Ford Explorer failed on June 28th. This was noticed by observing the vehicle struggle to shift gears, and sometimes failing to shift at all resulting in extremely high RPMs. It also resulted in rough transitions from Park to Drive, combined with lurching forward suddenly. The vehicle is currently awaiting service at the Ford dealership, which was originally scheduled for June 29th. Upon notification to the dealership (where vehicle was purchased) of a transmission issue, the dealership moved the appointment to July 6th, thus encouraging me to drive a dangerous vehicle until then. During the next couple of days, the car intermittently exhibited both check engine and service lights, but neither consistently. It also produced another alert which automatically put the car into park from drive. Once the car turned off and back on, the alert did not repeat. The car was then taken to a separate dealership where it was diagnosed with a defective transmission due to an engine coolant leak. The dealership did not provide any means of transportation in response despite the vehicle being under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11422181June 24, 2021
TIRES, STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
The front tires chewed to pieces, one blew, and the dealer initially felt it was an alignment issue from the factory. Up one further inspection, they found an aluminum toe rod with a 45 degree bend. I believe this was a factory issue as we hit nothing on the highway. It seems from an FMEA point of view, it is likely the blown tire and momentum of the car bent the tie rod and that the tire damage was caused by a part failure or some other issue with the car. It is a 3 month old car with 9,400 miles. The car struck Nothing on the highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11415587May 7, 2021
POWER TRAIN
I NOTICED TRANSMISSION FLUID ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. MARCH 27,2021. DROPPED THE CAR OF AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR. 2021 FORD EXPLORER ST WITH 2120 MILES I PURCHASED ON JANUARY 30, 2021. PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS LEAKS AT THE TRANSFER CASE SEALS ON THE TRANSMISSION OUTPUT DRIVE TRAIN. THE BOOTS WERE LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE TRANSFER CASE NEEDED TO BE REMOVED AND THE SEALS REPLACED. THIS RESULTED IN WAITING 6 WEEKS FOR THE PARTS TO BE DELIVERED AND 1 WEEK MORE TO REPAIR AND INSTALL. TODAY I STILL DO NOT HAVE MY CAR BACK. WEEK 7 WILL BE NEXT WEEK WHEN COMPLETION IS ESTIMATED TO BE .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11414737May 1, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I PURCHASED A FORD EXPLORER ST 2021 IN NEW YORK FROM CITY WORLD FORD ON BOSTON RD IN THE BRONX ON APRIL 22, 2021 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:37PM. I TOOK MY CAR HOME THE SAME SAME DAY. THE FOLLOWING DAY (SECOND DAY) I STARTED EXPERIENCING A PRE-COLLISION ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE AND POWERTRAIN MALFUNCTION/REDUCED POWER LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD AT 12:49 PM. THE CAR BEGAN TO JERK AND FELT LIKE IT WAS ON AWD MODE. THE GAS PEDAL WAS HEAVY AND DIFFICULT TO DRIVE WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY CHILDREN. I STARTED TO SMELL FIRE COMING FROM THE INSIDE OF MY CAR. ONCE I STARTED EXPERIENCING THOSE PROBLEMS FROM MY CAR I IMMEDIATELY PARKED THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T GET AN ANSWER SO I DROVE TO THEM PERSONALLY AFTER I LET IT COOL DOWN FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS. I EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM I EXPERIENCED WITH THE CAR TO THEM. THE DEALERSHIP STATED TO ME TO TAKE IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP THE MONDAY AND I DID. THE NEXT DAY (TUESDAY) I PICKED UP THE CAR FROM REPAIR SERVICE CENTER. THE NEXT DAY I STARTED EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE FORD. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON WEDNESDAY (NEXT DAY) AND STATED I WANTED A NEW CAR OR EXCHANGE FOR A DIFFERENT CAR. MANAGER STATED I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR FOR SECOND TIME FOR REPAIR. I THEN TOOK THE CAR FOR THE SECOND TIME FOR REPAIR ON WEDNESDAY. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY STILL IN THE REPAIR SERVICE CENTER AND STILL DISPLAYING MALFUNCTIONS AFTER BEING REPAIRED IN THE REPAIR SERVICE CENTER. I HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED MY CAR BACK AND REPAIR CENTER STATED THEY ARE NOT SURE WHEN WILL THE PROBLEM WILL BE FIXED AND WORKING PROPERLY.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11404027March 20, 2021
STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS
THE WHEEL WELLS OF THE VEHICLE COLLECT LARGE AMOUNTS OF SNOW AND ICE. THIS BUILD UP CONSTRICTS THE WHEELS OF THE VEHICLE CONTACTING THE TIRES RESTRICTING ROTATION AND STEERING. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS POTENTIALLY DEADLY SITUATION. WE HAVE CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THE DEALERSHIP. NO REMEDY TO THIS SITUATION HAS BEEN OFFERED. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND ANY ASSISTANCE IS APPRECIATED. I BELIEVE THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM FORD IS UNWILLING TO DEAL WITH. THIS CONDITION OCCURS IN COLD WEATHER AND SNOWY ICY CONDITIONS. THE BUILD UP HAZARD HAPPENS EVEN DRIVING SHORT HIGHWAY DISTANCES.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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