Ford Explorer Complaints

917 consumer complaints on file.

#11672046July 8, 2025
SEATS
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V393000 (SEATS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear passenger’s seat moved forward unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671921July 8, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife had parked and remained in the vehicle, and while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the Cross-traffic monitor and Blind Spot monitor had failed. The contact was informed that the software was updated; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure and opened a case. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 33,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671822July 7, 2025
VISIBILITY
I bought the car May 31th and on June 1st the moon roof shade come out of its track
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671520July 7, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Deputy was going to an incident and after arrival at the scene the patrol car began to smoke, and flames were seen within the wheel well. Deputy was not in the vehicle when the fire was discovered, and Fire responded and extinguished the flames - but not before major damage to the engine compartment.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671513July 7, 2025
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V157000 (Visibility); 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 dealer was contacted. 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
#11671386July 5, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
The rear traffic warning did not alert timely, resulting in a fender bender in a parking lot. I have dash cam footage with audio supporting that it did not beep until it was too late.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671252July 4, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Gateway module does not work. I've had my 2025 vehicle since 11/21/2024 (over 7 months) and it has never worked. I have not had a safety update since 05/2024 when it was at the factory. There has been many OTA updates and updates that need to be preformed at dealership and have not had any completed. I have a PCM safety recall that can't be preformed because of the gateway module not being available to dealerships. Ford Engineers know about the problem and still has not released any parts. It can cause many unsafe issues because codes do not show up on the mechanics machines.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670781July 2, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Backup camera has failed again aftyer being programmed twice and replaced once under recall's. But now it's out completely. It has worked off and on since new.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670710July 2, 2025
POWER TRAIN
I am writing to express my concern regarding a safety issue I have experienced with my vehicle. Specifically, there is a noticeable 3-5 second delay when shifting from Drive to Reverse. This delay not only creates confusion about whether the vehicle is in the correct gear, but also presents a potential safety hazard, as the vehicle may lurch forward when the driver intends to reverse. In addition, this gear shift delay causes the backup camera to display with a similar delay, reducing visibility and reaction time when maneuvering in reverse. This compromises the camera's effectiveness and the driver's ability to safely back up. I brought this issue to a Ford dealership, but I was told that there was nothing they could do about it. I find this response unsatisfactory, especially considering the safety implications. I would appreciate it if this issue could be further investigated and properly addressed. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and a resolution to this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670581July 1, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. Additionally, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the front end of the vehicle, and there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,378.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670499July 1, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
First Drivers window not working properly wont always go back up. Took to ford service and told needed a software update at my expense. I have a problem paying for an update that affects my car from working properly. This should be automatic if there are bugs to work out Second Significant air coming from back passenger window. Not under warranty as it is seal. Window very rarely used I have extended warranty however nothing covered. Glad I spent $3500 for that!! Third The plastic clips that hold the undercarriage in place break frequently. I have replaced several times both on my Explorer as well as husbands escape. Again I have to pay for this even though service guys tell me it won’t last because it’s plastic. Seems like ford could find something else to make these clips out of. I put a lot of highway miles on so rain and snow on roads create these clips to break often. The noise it makes when they r broken is ridiculous to go along with the air from the back window I have owned 3 explorers never experienced any window or software updates with previous explorers. $300 to update software and a quote for $80 for clips and $1000 for passenger window - Ford tells me it’s my problem. My concern is ford hold control over the software so they can create these updates whenever and if I want my car to run and use the windows my hands are tied. There is no charge from Verizon to update my cell phone all the time for updates and such but I’m expected to pay for ford updates. I’m not ok with this and will be looking at other options for future vehicle. They all have their issues but customer service goes along well in acknowledging the problems Google window problems and wind noise and updates clearly noted
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669898June 28, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Just before [XXX] on [XXX], I was driving [XXX] near Bakersfield, CA. I was going approximately 60 mph. The outside temperature was about 88° and I had the inside a/c set at 69°. I was the only vehicle on the road at the time. I first noticed the technology screen glitching which caught me off guard. It settled back to normal after several seconds. Then, within moments I heard a boom. I pulled off of the road to find the front portion of my panoramic sunroof exploded outward/upward. There were no holes in the glass or signs of impact. The cloth glass cover was open at the time. Some glass dust rained down into the vehicle but the glass was initially intact. I closed the inside cover to prevent more glass from falling into the vehicle. I contacted the dealer to see what to do and they instructed me to bring the vehicle to them. While driving the vehicle to the dealership some of the glass flew off the top of the vehicle leaving a hole in the glass. 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
#11669715June 27, 2025
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was a gap between the body and the frame on the passenger's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 74,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669223June 25, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Transmission failed while driving leading to a sudden loss of power. Vehicle was hard to control after incident causing other vehicles to swerve around. Vehicle was taken to Ford dealership where it was recommended for a total transmission replacement due to internal transmission components that failed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668919June 24, 2025
POWER TRAIN
10 speed Transmission malfunction, needs replacing,
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668763June 23, 2025
SEATS
The passenger 3rd row seat if the fold button is hit it can lock and pin a passenger. It wont release itself unless you try and hit the reset holding the 2 buttons simultaneously. Currently for safety reasons I taped that seats button and won't let anyone out in the 3rd row
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668481June 22, 2025
AIR BAGS
The airbag burnt a hole in a cotton shirt and then left 2nd and 3 degree burns on my side.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11667778June 18, 2025
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After the Ford recall software update, the gear shifter will turn itself out of park and either into drive or reverse. The software update was in regards to the PCM resetting itself. We took it to the Ford dealer and because they can not duplicate the problem, the truck was returned to us. it has happened to us more than once and it is very alarming. I have two children on top of other children in the neighborhood. I don't trust this truck to stay in park even with it off at this point.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667081June 16, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear panel of the sunroof exploded on the highway. Only 8200 miles on the vehicle. There were no other cars around to kick up a stone and I was not near any overpasses. Heard a loud popping noise followed by the sound of glass falling. Glass was down my back, in my hair and in my seat, as well as all over the back of the car. Luckily, children were not in the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666641June 12, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver heard an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred while the vehicle was idle. Additionally, the contact stated that the driver had noticed an abnormal exhaust odor coming from the outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had fractured at the welds location and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. The vehicle was then taken to an exhaust system center, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21E11. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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