PPV / cars / ford / explorer

Ford Explorer — the used buyer's guide

Every generation: what ownership is like, what breaks at what mileage, what repairs cost, and what to check before you buy.

Search 'Ford Explorer years to avoid' and the same answer comes back. CoPilot warns off 2002 through 2006 for transmission, body and engine complaints. CarBuzz says to stay away from the whole 2002-2005 generation. Road Ethos adds 2016, 2017 and 2020. A dealer blog, Ford of Conshohocken, points buyers to 2013 through 2015.

This page walks six Explorer generations back to 1991. For each, it shows what breaks, what the repair costs where we found sources, and what to check in person. We also show our own numbers: NHTSA complaints per catalog listing and how often ads mention a problem, always with the denominators.

Our fixed rule flags two Explorer years. 2002 has 40.31 complaints per listing (3,426 complaints across 85 listings) against a 2002-2005 median of 13.92, and 22 of 63 ads mention a problem. 2011 has 17.60 (1,197 complaints across 68 listings) against a 2011-2019 median of 5.61, and 4 of 46 ads mention a problem. Both pass the rule with rust mentions excluded too. 2020 is not flagged: it is 3.3 times its generation median and 6 of 200 ads mention a problem, but it fails the rust-excluded re-test, so it is dropped. Complaint counts for the oldest years rest on a handful of cars in our catalog, so the rule cannot fairly judge them.

The generations

problems cluster by generation, not by badge — know which one you're looking at

Gen 1 (1991-1994)1991–1994
Gen 2 (1995-2001)1995–2001
Gen 3 (2002-2005)2002–2005
Gen 4 (2006-2010)2006–2010
Gen 5 (2011-2019)2011–2019
Gen 6 (2020-present)2020–2026

1991–1994

Gen 1 (1991-1994)

The first Explorer, a four-door SUV that replaced the two-door Bronco II (CoPilot). CarBuzz lists a 4.0L V6 in rear- and all-wheel drive.

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 154.00 for 1991 (616 complaints across 4 listings) to 640.00 for 1992 (640 across 1), against a generation median of 197.48. The highest year, 1992, is 3.2 times that median. No year reaches the 2.0x our rule needs together with an above-median ad share and 30 or more listings, so nothing is flagged. Our catalog holds very few cars of these years, so a complaints-per-listing figure is mostly a small-denominator artifact and our rule cannot fairly flag them. Read the raw complaint counts, not the rate.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
not stated by the sources	Brake and transmission trouble, overheating	No sourced repair price for this generation. Mister Transmission puts a full replacement on Ford vehicles generally at $3,000 to $7,000, which is not an Explorer-specific figure.	CarBuzz lists brake failure, transmission failure and overheating as this generation's common issues. CoPilot names transmission and engine problems as the most common. Both are summaries of complaint data rather than shop quotes. A cold-start drive, a hot-idle check and a brake pedal test cost nothing.
any	Recalls on file: brake master cylinder studs (96V024001), parking brake adjuster (94V169001), plastic fuel tank (91V024000, 91V025000), automatic transmission park pawl (91V189000), Firestone Wilderness AT tires (00T005000)	Free at a Ford dealer when open	Several of these predate 1996 and may be long done. Confirm each by VIN. The Firestone tire action concerns tires from the Decatur plant, which will have been replaced on most surviving trucks.

Buying one — check these

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm the brake and fuel tank recalls were completed.
Test the brake pedal feel, and check the master cylinder and booster for leaks.
Drive through every gear, hot and cold, and watch the temperature gauge in traffic.

We have no cleared sales for 1991 to 1994 in our catalog, so there is no clearing price to show.

Full Gen 1 (1991-1994) guide →

1995–2001

Gen 2 (1995-2001)

The second generation ran 1995 through 2001 (CarBuzz, CoPilot). NHTSA recall 00V422000 refers to 4.0L SOHC cars of 1997 and 1998.

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 13.73 for 2001 (563 complaints across 41 listings) to 421.50 for 1995 (843 across 2), against a generation median of 90.62. The highest year, 1995, is 4.7 times that median. No year reaches the 2.0x our rule needs together with an above-median ad share and 30 or more listings, so nothing is flagged. Our catalog holds very few cars of these years, so a complaints-per-listing figure is mostly a small-denominator artifact and our rule cannot fairly flag them. Read the raw complaint counts, not the rate.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
any	Tire tread separation (Firestone Wilderness AT)	Free at a Ford dealer when open	CarBuzz says a tread separation recall affected 14.4 million tires. NHTSA lists the tire recall 00T005000 and a later safety improvement campaign, 01X001000, against 1995 to 2001 Explorers in our database. Tires from that period are long past replacement age, so check the date code on whatever is fitted today.
any	Cruise control deactivation switch (fire risk)	Free at a Ford dealer when open	NHTSA recall 09V399000 covers 1995 to 2002 Explorers with the Texas Instruments speed control deactivation switch, which may leak internally and then overheat, smoke or burn. CarBuzz calls out a speed control recall affecting 4.5 million vehicles. Confirm by VIN.
not stated by the sources	Automatic transmission failure (slipping, broken reverse, not engaging gear)	No Explorer-specific price found. Mister Transmission gives $3,000 to $7,000 for a full transmission replacement on Ford vehicles generally.	CarBuzz lists broken reverse gears and not getting into gear. CoPilot puts transmission problems among the most common for the generation. Check shift quality cold and hot, reverse in particular.
not stated by the sources	4.0L SOHC timing chain rattle	About $100 in parts and a kit near $55 if done at home (forum post). No shop price found.	HJL Autoparts says the SOHC chain rattle was reduced after 2002 but not fully resolved. A rattle on cold start is the sign. If a shop does it the labor will far exceed the parts, and we found no quote for that.
any	Recalls on file: front sway bar link (00V402000, 1995-1997), throttle body on 4.0L SOHC (00V422000, 1997-1998), brake tube routing (95V052000, 1995)	Free at a Ford dealer when open	00V422000: engine deposits can bridge a too-narrow gap in the original throttle body. 00V402000: a front sway bar link can fracture. Confirm each by VIN.

Buying one — check these

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm the cruise control switch recall was done.
Read the date code on the tires, and replace any that are more than six years old.
Shift through every gear and reverse, hot and cold, and listen for a chain rattle on a cold start.

1995 to 2001 Explorers in our catalog clear between $2,200 and $3,375 depending on year (75 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 1999 at $2,200 (15 sales) and the highest is 2001 at $3,375 (36 sales). Years with fewer than 50 cleared sales: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001. Read those loosely.

Full Gen 2 (1995-2001) guide →

2002–2005

Gen 3 (2002-2005)

The third generation arrived for 2002 and ran through 2005 (CarBuzz, CoPilot).

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 6.88 for 2005 (502 complaints across 73 listings) to 40.31 for 2002 (3,426 across 85), against a generation median of 13.92. The highest year, 2002, is 2.9 times that median. Flagged by our rule: 2002. NHTSA lumps Sport Trac pickup complaints into the same name search for these years, so we filtered them out by product name.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
about 109K for the flashing O/D light (CoPilot); 49K for a lunging shift on a 2006	Automatic transmission failure, hesitation, overdrive light flashing	$2,840 typical transmission repair (CarComplaints, quoted by CarBuzz); $3,000 to $7,000 for a full Ford transmission replacement (Mister Transmission, not Explorer-specific)	CarBuzz says every model year of this generation had transmission complaints, and that 1,577 of the 3,618 NHTSA complaints it counted for 2002 were powertrain. CarBuzz quotes CarComplaints calling the 2002 its worst vehicle on record. Our own filtered 2002 count is lower, because we removed Sport Trac complaints. Shift hard and test reverse on the drive.
about 79K (CoPilot, 2002)	Cracked panel below the rear window	No sourced repair price	CarBuzz and CoPilot both name it. It is visible on inspection, so look at the lift gate glass surround.
not stated by the sources	Wheel bearing failure and body, paint and wheel/hub complaints	No sourced repair price	CarBuzz lists wheel bearing failure. CoPilot says body and paint topped the complaints for 2003 to 2005. Listen for hum at speed and check the paint on the lower panels.
not stated by the sources	4.0L SOHC timing chain rattle	About $100 in parts and a kit near $55 if done at home (forum post). No shop price found.	HJL Autoparts says the rattle was reduced after 2002 but not fully resolved. A cold-start rattle is the sign. No shop labor quote found.
any	Recalls on file: right-side tire sidewall cuts (01V171000, 2002), cruise control deactivation switch (09V399000, 2002)	Free at a Ford dealer when open	09V399000 covers 1995 to 2002 Explorers with the Texas Instruments switch, which may overheat, smoke or burn. Confirm by VIN.

Buying one — check these

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm the cruise control switch recall was done.
Ask for transmission service records, and test every gear and reverse hot and cold.
Look at the panel below the rear glass for cracks, and listen for wheel bearing hum.

Years flagged

A year is flagged by our rule only when all three hold: (1) its NHTSA complaints per catalog listing is at least 2.0x the median for its generation, (2) the share of ads that mention a problem is above the generation median, and (3) we track at least 30 listings for that year. The cutoff was fixed before we looked. Ad mentions are not failures, and a flag is a reason to inspect harder, not a verdict on any one car. We also re-ran the ad test with the 'rust' flaw left out, because the ad reader counts phrases like 'no rust' as mentions, and publish a flag only if it passes both ways.

2002 — flagged by our rule: NHTSA complaints are more than twice the generation norm, and ads mention a problem more often than the generation median. Inspect the items in this section and confirm recall work was done. complaints 40.31 complaints per listing (3,426 NHTSA complaints / 85 listings) vs generation norm 13.92 (generation median) · ad mentions 22 of 63 enriched ads = 34.9% (generation median 14.9%); with the 'rust' flaw excluded 21 of 63 · n=85

Complaints add up over a car's whole life, so older years in a generation can look worse here than they are. Read this flag next to the complaint details below.

2002 to 2005 Explorers in our catalog clear between $2,695 and $3,500 depending on year (269 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 2002 at $2,695 (73 sales) and the highest is 2003 at $3,500 (66 sales).

Full Gen 3 (2002-2005) guide →

2006–2010

Gen 4 (2006-2010)

The fourth generation ran 2006 through 2010 (CarBuzz, CoPilot). The 4.0L V6 and 4.6L V8 both appear in recalls and owner reports for these years.

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 1.00 for 2009 (33 complaints across 33 listings) to 9.00 for 2006 (630 across 70), against a generation median of 1.74. The highest year, 2006, is 5.2 times that median. No year reaches the 2.0x our rule needs together with an above-median ad share and 30 or more listings, so nothing is flagged. 2009 has only a few dozen complaints in our data.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
about 49K for a lunging shift; about 63K for radiator leaks (CoPilot)	2006: transmission lunging, hesitation and radiator leaks	$1,800 for a lunging shift, $2,800 average for hesitation (CarComplaints figures reported by CoPilot); $3,000 to $7,000 for a full Ford transmission replacement (Mister Transmission, not Explorer-specific)	CoPilot ranks 2006 worse than 2002 because the problems appear at lower mileage and cost more. Its list otherwise treats 2007 to 2010 as low-complaint years. One 2006 owner on JustAnswer describes a 4.0L slipping and then refusing to go into gear.
not stated by the sources	4.0L SOHC timing chain rattle	About $100 in parts and a kit near $55 if done at home (forum post). No shop price found.	The forum guide says its kit fits 1997 to 2009 SOHC 4.0L Explorers. A cold-start rattle is the sign. No shop labor quote found.
any	Recall on file: transmission oil cooler line bolt (07V453000, 2008, 4.6L with the 6R transmission)	Free at a Ford dealer when open	The bolt holding the oil cooler line fittings may be under-torqued, so the lines can come off the transmission and leak fluid. Confirm by VIN.

Buying one — check these

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm the 2008 oil cooler line recall was done on V8 cars.
On a 2006, ask for transmission service history and check for coolant leaks at the radiator.
Listen for a chain rattle on a cold start with the 4.0L.

2006 to 2010 Explorers in our catalog clear between $3,500 and $4,800 depending on year (318 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 2007 at $3,500 (95 sales) and the highest is 2010 at $4,800 (77 sales). Years with fewer than 50 cleared sales: 2009. Read those loosely.

Full Gen 4 (2006-2010) guide →

2011–2019

Gen 5 (2011-2019)

The fifth generation ran 2011 through 2019 (CarBuzz, CoPilot). Sources here name a 3.5L V6. Police Interceptor Utility versions exist; we counted only the Explorer name.

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 1.84 for 2019 (300 complaints across 163 listings) to 17.60 for 2011 (1,197 across 68), against a generation median of 5.61. The highest year, 2011, is 3.1 times that median. Flagged by our rule: 2011.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
not stated by the sources	3.5L water pump leaking coolant internally	$1,253 to $1,617 (RepairPal); $1,500 to $3,000 quoted (The Weekly Driver); $1,500 to $2,500 at a dealer (EngineNeeds)	The pump sits inside the engine, which is why a cheap part carries a large labor bill. EngineNeeds warns that mixed coolant types can gel and clog the radiator and heater core. Ask for coolant service history.
not stated by the sources	Power transfer unit (PTU) leak or failure on all-wheel-drive cars	About $1,100 all in, from a forum post (PTU roughly $800 online plus pump and fluids)	A Reddit thread says Ford called the PTU fluid lifetime fluid, there is no drain plug, and the catalytic converters sit beside the PTU and cook the fluid. These are owner claims, not Ford statements. Look under the car for fluid at the PTU and ask when it was last changed.
any	Exhaust odor in the cabin (2011-2017)	Free at a Ford dealer for 2011 to 2017 (Consumer Reports, 2017); it was a service offer, not a recall	CBS reported a 2015 deposition calling it a design issue, and Ford told CBS the odor poses no safety risk. Consumer Reports covered the free fix. Owners on Reddit report a bad PTU as one cause and the rear deck airflow as another. Drive with the vents closed and the rear glass shut and note any odor under hard acceleration.
any	Recalls on file: rear suspension toe links may fracture (19V435000, 2011-2017), road-salt corrosion of the rear suspension in 22 northern states (20V675000, 21V537000, 21V746000)	Free at a Ford dealer when open	The salt-state recalls apply to cars first sold or ever registered in the listed states, so a southern car with a northern history still counts. Confirm each by VIN.

Buying one — check these

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm the toe link and rear suspension salt recalls were done.
Ask when the coolant and PTU fluid were last serviced, and look for fluid under the PTU.
Check the rear suspension for rust if the car ever lived in a salt state, and test for exhaust smell under hard acceleration.

Years flagged

2011 — flagged by our rule: NHTSA complaints are more than twice the generation norm, and ads mention a problem more often than the generation median. Inspect the items in this section and confirm recall work was done. complaints 17.60 complaints per listing (1,197 NHTSA complaints / 68 listings) vs generation norm 5.61 (generation median) · ad mentions 4 of 46 enriched ads = 8.7% (generation median 6.1%); with the 'rust' flaw excluded 2 of 46 · n=68

Complaints add up over a car's whole life, so older years in a generation can look worse here than they are. Read this flag next to the complaint details below.

2011 to 2019 Explorers in our catalog clear between $5,495 and $14,395 depending on year (1915 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 2011 at $5,495 (53 sales) and the highest is 2019 at $14,395 (119 sales).

Full Gen 5 (2011-2019) guide →

2020–2026

Gen 6 (2020-present)

The sixth generation arrived for 2020 (CarBuzz, CoPilot). NHTSA recalls name 2.3L, 3.3L gas, 3.3L hybrid and 3.0L ST powertrains, and a 10R60 automatic.

NHTSA complaints per catalog listing run from 0.51 for 2024 (21 complaints across 41 listings) to 4.62 for 2020 (1,248 across 270), against a generation median of 1.39. The highest year, 2020, is 3.3 times that median. No year reaches the 2.0x our rule needs together with an above-median ad share and 30 or more listings, so nothing is flagged. NHTSA files the 2026 complaints under EXPLORER GAS, and we counted them. 2024 has only 21 NHTSA complaints against 113 for 2023 and 107 for 2025; we found no other name holding the rest, so read 2024 as thin data.

What happens at what mileage

Miles	Item	Cost	Notes
any	Rear axle mounting bolt may fracture and disconnect the driveshaft (2020-2022)	Free; the recall repair is at no charge	Car and Driver reports 238,364 vehicles, and the NHTSA record is 23V675000. A follow-up, 23V199000, covers cars where an earlier software fix omitted the automatic parking brake in Park. Owners on Reddit report dealers checking the bolt and doing nothing when it was fine. Confirm by VIN that both were closed.
any	Transmission and parking recalls: 10R60 PCM reset can damage the park system (23V069000, 2020-2022 2.3L), manual park release (19V575000, 2020)	Free at a Ford dealer when open	These are software and hardware park-system fixes. Confirm each by VIN.
any	Fuel system recalls: fuel delivery hose (19V859000), 2.3L fuel tank (20V730000)	Free at a Ford dealer when open	Both are 2020 recalls. Confirm each by VIN.

Buying one — check these

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm the rear axle bolt, parking brake and transmission recalls were closed.
Ask for the dealer paperwork on those recalls, since a first repair was later recalled again.
Check shift quality and that the car holds in Park on a slope.

2020 to now Explorers in our catalog clear between $17,999 and $42,000 depending on year (618 cleared sales in total). The lowest yearly median is 2020 at $17,999 (213 sales) and the highest is 2026 at $42,000 (29 sales). Years with fewer than 50 cleared sales: 2024, 2026. Read those loosely.

Full Gen 6 (2020-present) guide →

The wider family

Variant	Years	What it means for a buyer
Explorer Sport Trac (excluded)	mixed into the NHTSA Explorer search in 2002 to 2005	A pickup truck sold under the Explorer name. It has its own NHTSA model name, and its complaints are removed from every count on this page.
Police Interceptor Utility	2013 onward (per NHTSA records)	NHTSA files these under EXPLORER POLICE INTERCEPT with a handful of records. They were not counted.

The receipts — complaint & mention data

the story above, validated by two independent sources: federal complaints (NHTSA) + what sellers mention in 3355 real ads from our catalog

What sellers mention in their own ads

Issue	Ads mentioning	Rate
rust	114/3355	3.4%
electrical	47/3355	1.4%
transmission	28/3355	0.8%
engine replaced	15/3355	0.4%
timing chain	11/3355	0.3%
egr	9/3355	0.3%
head gasket	7/3355	0.2%
suspension	5/3355	0.1%
brake actuator	4/3355	0.1%
ac failure	3/3355	0.1%

These are mentions, not confirmed failures — a seller writing "hybrid battery just replaced" and one writing "needs hybrid battery" both count. High rates mean the issue is common enough that sellers address it unprompted.

Federal complaints by model year (NHTSA)

complaint volume spikes show where problems cluster — higher bars, more owner pain

Year	Complaints	Top components
1991	616	Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Tires, Power Train
1992	640	Tires, Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Power Train
1993	949	Tires, Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Structure
1994	1,231	Tires, Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Structure
1995	843	Tires, Power Train, Suspension
1996	1,450	Tires, Vehicle Speed Control, Power Train
1997	1,767	Tires, Vehicle Speed Control, Engine And Engine Cooling
1998	2,079	Tires, Vehicle Speed Control, Engine And Engine Cooling
1999	1,440	Tires, Visibility, Vehicle Speed Control
2000	1,023	Tires, Power Train, Vehicle Speed Control
2001	563	Tires, Power Train, Suspension
2002	3,426	Power Train, Structure, Suspension
2003	1,195	Structure, Power Train, Engine And Engine Cooling
2004	1,322	Power Train, Structure, Visibility
2005	502	Structure, Power Train, Fuel System, Gasoline
2006	630	Power Train, Engine And Engine Cooling, Engine
2007	208	Power Train, Seats, Engine
2008	148	Power Train, Electrical System, Seats
2009	33	Unknown Or Other, Vehicle Speed Control, Seats
2010	115	Seats, Power Train, Engine
2011	1,197	Steering, Structure, Unknown Or Other
2012	830	Steering, Structure, Unknown Or Other
2013	2,237	Steering, Structure, Unknown Or Other
2014	1,684	Steering, Unknown Or Other, Structure
2015	1,819	Structure, Unknown Or Other, Steering
2016	2,485	Structure, Steering, Unknown Or Other
2017	1,713	Structure, Unknown Or Other, Engine
2018	736	Structure, Unknown Or Other, Engine
2019	300	Structure, Unknown Or Other, Power Train
2020	1,248	Power Train, Unknown Or Other, Back Over Prevention
2021	452	Power Train, Unknown Or Other, Engine
2022	272	Unknown Or Other, Power Train, Fuel/propulsion System
2023	113	Unknown Or Other, Structure, Suspension
2024	21	Unknown Or Other, Visibility/wiper, Air Bags
2025	107	Unknown Or Other, Electrical System, Power Train
2026	42	Seats, Unknown Or Other, Visibility/wiper

total: 35,436 complaints on file · source: NHTSA complaints database (api.nhtsa.gov)

Recalls (156 campaigns)

Show all recall campaigns

Fuel System, Gasoline 13V227000 · 31/05/2013

Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicles. In the...

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical 26V205000 · 31/03/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer and Mustang vehicles. The engine piston circlips may have been incorrectly installed during manufacturing, which can result in piston failure and engine...

Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:fan/motor 26V202000 · 31/03/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to...

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine 16V183000 · 31/03/2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured November 25, 2013, to January 25, 2016, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured October 20, 2014, to January...

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut 95I007000 · 31/01/1996

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL...

Electrical System:wiring 19V687000 · 30/09/2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.3L engines. The wiring harness may not have been properly secured and may contact the air conditioner compressor...

Vehicle Speed Control 97V074000 · 30/04/1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.0L ENGINES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, IDAHO, IOWA, MAINE, MICHIGAN (UPPER PENINSULA ONLY), MINNESOTA,...

Vehicle Speed Control 99V062001 · 30/03/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1997-1999 RHD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MAY 29, 1996 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC...

Seats 17V767000 · 29/11/2017

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 F-150 and Explorer vehicles. Loose power seat adjuster pivot bolts may cause the front seat cushions to detach and not properly restrain the seat occupant in the...

Equipment:other:labels 96V161000 · 29/08/1996

THE CERTIFICATION LABELS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES HAS INCORRECT REAR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE DESIGNATIONS. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."

Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch 99V164000 · 29/06/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY CORRODE AT THE LATCH PIVOT AND STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION.

Steering:electric Power Assist System 14V286000 · 29/05/2014

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the...

Suspension 00V402000 · 28/11/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A FRONT SWAY BAR LINK CAN FRACTURE.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (Tcm/pcm/tecm) 00V395000 · 28/11/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 3.27 OR 3.55 AXLE RATION. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE THAT COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO EXCEED THE DESIGN INTENT TOP SPEED. AT...

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting 15V605000 · 28/09/2015

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured on July 24, 2015. During vehicle production, the fuel tank attachment bolts may...

Seats:front Assembly:recliner 19V633000 · 28/08/2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles...

Steering 17V530000 · 28/08/2017

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles. The steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach.

Wheels:hub 17E048000 · 28/08/2017

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These...

Seats:front Assembly:recliner 16V475000 · 28/06/2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Explorer and F-150 vehicles equipped with a manual recline driver's seat. The seat back frame may have insufficient welds which may not meet the...

Back Over Prevention:display Function 23V305000 · 28/04/2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 12.1-inch Integrated Computer Screen (ICS). When the Display On/Off Button is used to turn the...

Vehicle Speed Control 00V422000 · 27/12/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SOHC ENGINES AND STILL RETAIN THE ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODY (PART NUMBERS 97JF-9E926AB OR 97JF-9E926-AC). SOME OF THE ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODIES INSTALLED...

Back Over Prevention:software 25V442000 · 27/06/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator,...

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical 26V343000 · 27/05/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly 13V109000 · 27/03/2013

Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and model year 2013 Explorer vehicles manufactured July 19, 2011, through March 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the fuel tanks may have a marginally...

Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines 07V453000 · 26/09/2007

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.6L ENGINE AND 6R TRANSMISSION, THE BOLT SECURING THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE FITTINGS AT THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TORQUED DURING...

Latches/locks/linkages 13V270000 · 26/06/2013

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Ford Explorer, Taurus, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured November 29, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, with sufficient...

Suspension:rear 16V245000 · 26/04/2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured January 17, 2014 to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links...

Back Over Prevention:software 24V801000 · 25/10/2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The rearview camera image may fail when the vehicle speed reaches 10 MPH or greater. As such, these vehicles fail to comply...

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical 26V548000 · 25/08/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome...

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger 23V597000 · 25/08/2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines. The turbocharger oil supply line may be damaged, which can result in an oil leak inside the engine compartment.

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut 95V164001 · 25/08/1995

THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDERS ARE ATTACHED TO BRACKETS THAT ARE WELDED TO THE LIFTGATE. THE BRACKET WELDS CAN FRACTURE.

Steering 07V181000 · 25/04/2007

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE TWO BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME MAY HAVE BEEN OVER-TIGHTENED. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH OF THE BOLTS FRACTURING, CAUSING THE...

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage 20V730000 · 24/11/2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines and 19 gallon fuel tanks. The fuel tank inlet check valve may not be fully welded to the fuel tank shell.

Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:control Module 97V215000 · 24/11/1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES, EDDIE BAUER AND LIMITED EDITIONS. THE KEY-IN-IGNITION/DOOR OPEN WARNING CHIME MAY NOT FUNCTION WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED. THIS DOES NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH FMVSS...

Visibility:windshield 25V730000 · 24/10/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility. As such,...

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical 24V635000 · 24/08/2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake...

Parking Brake 15V464000 · 24/07/2015

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015, Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 21,...

Power Train:automatic Transmission 26V402000 · 24/06/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion,...

Structure:frame And Members 22V454000 · 24/06/2022

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The engine rails may have been improperly heat-treated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements...

Exterior Lighting 06E049000 · 24/05/2006

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH...

Tires:sidewall 01V171000 · 24/05/2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE RIGHT SIDE TIRES MAY HAVE HORIZONTAL CUTS ON THE EDGE OF THE TREAD THAT COULD HAVE OCCURRED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (Tcm/pcm/tecm) 23V199000 · 24/03/2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain. The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under...

Structure:body:door 15V171000 · 24/03/2015

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not...

Air Bags:frontal 95E006002 · 24/02/1995

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG HAS AN INFLATOR BODY THAT CRACKED DURING FORMING OF THE CURL THAT RETAINS THE IGNITER PLUG IN THE END OF THE INFLATOR. ALSO THE IGNITER END CAP CAN SEPARATE FROM THE INFLATOR.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 20V575000 · 23/09/2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor...

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights 25V543000 · 23/08/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. When towing a trailer, the tail lights on the trailer may fail to illuminate due to an improperly manufactured body control module....

Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors 24V634000 · 23/08/2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles. The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can...

Air Bags:side/window:curtain 21V652000 · 23/08/2021

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during the deployment of the side air bag, resulting in an improper...

Structure:body 25V347000 · 23/05/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.

Exterior Lighting 06E026000 · 23/03/2006

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS...

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 23V022000 · 23/01/2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera...

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger 16V925000 · 22/12/2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. ...

Suspension:rear 21V746000 · 22/09/2021

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine,...

Back Over Prevention:software 21V735000 · 22/09/2021

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from...

Seats:front Assembly:recliner 17V332000 · 22/05/2017

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism. In the event of a crash, the seat back...

Tires:tread/belt 01X001000 · 22/05/2001

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16,...

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch 96V070000 · 22/04/1996

WHEN IN THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, THE DRIVER DOOR LATCHES MAY OPEN WHEN SUBJECTED TO TRANSVERSE LOADS LESS THAN THAT SPECIFIED IN FMVSS NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."

Air Bags:critical Fasteners 20V497000 · 21/08/2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag and/or seat back module attachments may not have been properly tightened in the front seat backs.

Tires:tread/belt 00T005000 · 21/08/2000

TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW...

Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust 26V470000 · 21/07/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.

Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly 90V098000 · 21/05/1990

IF SUNROOF GLASS IS REMOVED AND REINSTALLED BY VEHICLE OPERATOR, HINGE ASSEMBLIES CAN BE ACCIDENTALLY IMPROPERLY MATED.

Visibility:windshield 26V024000 · 21/01/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles...

Seats:front Assembly:recliner 10V161000 · 20/04/2010

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT...

Suspension:rear 26V101000 · 20/02/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut 97V137000 · 19/08/1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LIFTGATE ASSIST GAS CYLINDER BRACKET ON THE RIGHT HAND BODYSIDE OUTER PANEL WAS INCORRECTLY WELDED.

Exterior Lighting 00V168000 · 19/06/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS, LIGHT PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OFF LEASE CANADIAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WHICH MEET CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS AND NOT THE PHOTOMETRIC...

Back Over Prevention:software 26V165000 · 19/03/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) may experience multiple...

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings 98V060000 · 19/03/1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SINGLE OVERHEAD CAM ENGINES. THE ENGINE FUEL LINES CAN BE DAMAGED IF THE VEHICLE IS JUMP STARTED AND THE GROUND CABLE IS ATTACHED TO THE FUEL...

Structure:body:roof And Pillars 24V031000 · 19/01/2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

Structure:body:roof And Pillars 97V235001 · 18/12/1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY INSTALLED SUNROOF. THE SUNROOF GLASS PANEL ASSEMBLY CAN SEPARATE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING DUE TO INCORRECT HINGE ENGAGEMENT. THIS WAS...

Seat Belts 00V228001 · 18/08/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT...

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings 99V123000 · 18/05/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE TO THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT (HCU) CONNECTION COULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE LINE TO LEAK WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED.

Engine 20V788000 · 17/12/2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.

Equipment:other:labels 00V313000 · 17/10/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567.4, "CERTIFICATION." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED FROM THE ASSEMBLY PLANT WITHOUT SAFETY CERTIFICATION LABELS.

Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly 92V113000 · 17/08/1992

THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES ARE DEFECTIVE IN THREE WAYS. FIRST, A FASTENED SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH WHEN THE RELEASE BUTTON IS DEPRESSED. THIS RESULTS FROM INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE BUCKLE EJECTOR...

Seat Belts 26V159000 · 17/03/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.

Power Train:automatic Transmission 25V020000 · 17/01/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The transmission may be improperly secured due to loose cross member bolts.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap 22V088000 · 16/02/2022

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The fuel filler tube may detach during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal...

Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater 26V012000 · 16/01/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block...

Seats:mid/rear Assembly 26V451000 · 15/07/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or...

Suspension:rear 21V537000 · 15/07/2021

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan,...

Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly 95V053000 · 15/03/1995

THE INNER TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND CAN FRACTURE CAUSING SHAKING OR SHIMMY AT LOW SPEEDS.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings 95V052000 · 15/03/1995

IN SOME OF THE VEHICLES, BRAKE TUBES WERE MISROUTED BETWEEN THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT AND RESULTS IN EXCEEDING THE ALLOWABLE STOPPING DISTANCES AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE...

Fuel System, Gasoline 18V807000 · 14/11/2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engine. Due to an assembly error, the fuel pressure sensor may leak fuel.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 25V695000 · 14/10/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang...

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings 22V685000 · 14/09/2022

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Explorer and Ranger vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines. The fuel line may be loose due to improper tightening of the fuel line connection.

Structure:body 26V448000 · 14/07/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft 25V166000 · 14/03/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the...

Power Train:automatic Transmission:fluid/lubricant:valves/valve Body 25V164000 · 14/03/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause...

Back Over Prevention:software 25V159000 · 14/03/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342. The video output may fail,...

Seat Belts 25V093000 · 14/02/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured. Additionally, vehicles may have...

Back Over Prevention:display Function 23V686000 · 13/10/2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a standard rearview camera. Due to a manufacturing error in the wire harness, the rearview camera may display a blue image on the...

Vehicle Speed Control 09V399000 · 13/10/2009

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY...

Hybrid Propulsion System 24V685000 · 13/09/2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.3L Hybrid engines. The 12-Volt battery cable may chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generat (BiSG) and short circuit.

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge And Attachments 04V442000 · 13/09/2004

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT MAY BECOME DISENGAGED OR THE HINGE MAY FRACTURE ALLOWING THE GLASS TO FALL AND POSSIBLY BREAK.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical 26V532000 · 13/08/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine. The engine connecting rod bearings may seize, which can result in engine failure.

Seats:mid/rear Assembly 25V393000 · 13/06/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding...

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical 25V344000 · 13/06/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Transit, F-150, and Explorer vehicles. The connecting rod and rod bearing components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.

Fuel System, Gasoline 06E056000 · 13/06/2006

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK...

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 23V342000 · 12/05/2023

Suspension:rear 20V675000 · 12/03/2021

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine,...

Structure:body:bumpers 91V026000 · 12/02/1991

REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT MAY BE SUBJECT TO FATIGUE CRACKING UNDER EXTENDED TRAILER TOW SERVICE WHEN USING A BUMPER-MOUNTED TRAILER HITCH BALL.

Visibility:glass, Side/rear 07E104000 · 11/12/2007

CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT...

Seats 19V651000 · 11/09/2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with power front seats. The seat frames may have sharp edges.

Exterior Lighting:headlights 09E025000 · 11/05/2009

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE...

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module:software 25V239000 · 11/04/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles. The powertrain control module (PCM) may reset while driving, which can damage the park system or cause an engine stall.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly 91V025000 · 11/02/1991

THE HOT PLATE WELD WHICH ATTACHES THE VAPOR VENT VALVE CARRIER TO THE TOP OF THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK MAY PARTIALLY FRACTURE, ALLOWING VAPOR OF FUEL TO ESCAPE FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly 91V024000 · 11/02/1991

THE FRONT HEAT SHIELD MAY CONTACT THE FRONT OF THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK, CAUSING CUTS OR OTHER DAMAGE TO THE EXTENT OF PENETRATION.

Suspension:rear 21V870000 · 10/11/2021

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Incorrect rear suspension module components may have been installed due to a labeling error.

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft 20V693000 · 10/11/2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 3.3L engine and a 10 Speed Automatic Transmission with the All Wheel Drive package. The drive shaft...

Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft 20V692000 · 10/11/2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle...

Trailer Hitches 25V687000 · 10/10/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.

Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater 25V685000 · 10/10/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick...

Seat Belts: Rear/other:buckle Assembly 20V549000 · 10/09/2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with second row center seat belt buckles that may not be properly secured to the seat.

Engine 24V598000 · 10/08/2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the...

Suspension:rear 19V435000 · 10/06/2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

Visibility:glass, Side/rear 01I010000 · 10/04/2001

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND MERCURY MONTAINEER SPORT UTILITY...

Suspension:rear 21V154000 · 10/03/2021

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The rear lower control arm (RLCA) bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the wheel knuckles may not have been...

Power Train:automatic Transmission 23V070000 · 10/02/2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which...

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (Tcm/pcm/tecm) 23V069000 · 10/02/2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the...

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor 05V520000 · 09/11/2005

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, PASSENGER CARS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE BEING APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.

Air Bags:frontal 26V581000 · 09/09/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. The active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying properly.

Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery 23V626000 · 09/09/2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result...

Power Train:automatic Transmission 26V371000 · 09/06/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle...

Structure:frame And Members 25V316000 · 09/05/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. A mounting bolt for the front subframe may have been tightened improperly.

Equipment:other:labels 24V852000 · 08/11/2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be...

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 24V188000 · 08/03/2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to...

Suspension:front:macpherson Strut 24V091000 · 08/02/2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles. The right-front lower fastener connecting the steering knuckle and strut may be loose or missing.

Parking Brake:conventional 94V169001 · 07/09/1994

THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL SELF-ADJUST PAWL DOES NOT LINE UP PROPERLY WITH THE SELF-ADJUST RACHET CAUSING THE PAWL TO SLIP OVER ONE OR MORE TEETH IN THE RACHET.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump 25V455000 · 07/07/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The...

Exterior Lighting 09E012000 · 07/04/2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE...

Structure 03V094000 · 07/03/2003

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A...

Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers 00V072000 · 07/03/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L ENGINES AND ALL-TIME 4-WHEEL DRIVE (A4WD) POWERTRAINS. THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM) COULD EXPERIENCE A CONDITION REFERRED TO AS "LOCK-UP" IN...

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft 23V675000 · 06/10/2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Steering 14E001000 · 06/01/2014

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain replacement steering gears installed on model year 2011-2012 Explorers as service parts in September 2013 and January 2014. The affected gears may lock, preventing the...

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (Prndl) 19V575000 · 05/08/2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) cover may not be installed. In addition, the vehicles may be in Factory Mode, which disables...

Seats:front Assembly:recliner 03V281000 · 05/08/2003

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS, THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT, THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, COULD FRACTURE. IF THE BOLT...

Vehicle Speed Control:cables 03V280000 · 05/08/2003

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL AND 4.0L SOHC ENGINES, IF THE STRAND COVER ON THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE BECOMES FLARED AT THE END, THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE MAY BIND WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL...

Air Bags:side/window 00V179000 · 05/07/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4-DOOR SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A REVISED LEVEL SIDE CRASH SENSOR THAT COULD DEPLOY THE SIDE AIR BAG IF THE IGNITION KEY IS IN THE "RUN"...

Structure:body 21V316000 · 05/05/2021

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.

Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices 97V083000 · 05/05/1997

A SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITION CAN OCCUR IN THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH CIRCUIT BOARD AS A RESULT OF A SEPARATED PART OF THE CONTACT ASSEMBLY BRIDGING THE SWITCH POSITIVE BATTERY PAD AND ADJACENT CHASSIS GROUND PAD.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:hydraulic 96V024001 · 05/02/1996

THE STUDS WHICH ATTACH THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY CAN DEVELOP STRESS CORROSION CRACKING AFTER BEING OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOCATION.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings 19V859000 · 04/12/2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Over time, the protective sleeve on the vapor fuel line may chafe through the plastic liquid fuel line and cause a fuel leak.

Power Train:automatic Transmission 91V189000 · 04/11/1991

WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARK PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ABUT OR ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper 25V371000 · 04/06/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles. The bolts securing the front brake caliper may not be tightened properly, which can result in a loss of front brake function and possible wheel damage.

Back Over Prevention:software 26V123000 · 04/03/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly...

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) 26V122000 · 04/03/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may...

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut 99V310001 · 03/11/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDER BRACKET WELDS COULD FRACTURE.

Equipment 10E043000 · 03/09/2010

MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE...

Vehicle Speed Control 07V336000 · 03/08/2007

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Exterior Lighting:headlights 26V121000 · 03/03/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction when driving through...

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor 26V117000 · 03/03/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.

Engine 25V828000 · 02/12/2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair, and 2025 Maverick vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail,...

Fuel System, Gasoline 15V812000 · 02/12/2015

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel...

Seats 11V063000 · 02/02/2011

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 EXPLORER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 15, 2010, THROUGH DECEMBER 13, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SECOND ROW 60% SEATS WITH MANUAL RECLINER MECHANISMS THAT MAY HAVE COMPONENTS THAT...

Vehicle Speed Control 06V286000 · 01/08/2006

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.

Own a Ford Explorer, or pricing one? See what they're actually selling for →

Questions people actually ask

What Ford Explorer years should you avoid?

We don't tell you to skip a year; we flag by a fixed rule, and it flags 2002 and 2011. Third-party lists commonly name 2002 to 2006 (CoPilot, Road Ethos), the whole 2002-2005 generation (CarBuzz), and 2016, 2017 and 2020 (Road Ethos). 2002 has 40.31 NHTSA complaints per catalog listing (3,426 complaints across 85 listings) against a 2002-2005 median of 13.92. 2011 has 17.60 (1,197 complaints across 68 listings) against a 2011-2019 median of 5.61. 2006 has 9.00 (630 complaints across 70 listings) against a 2006-2010 median of 1.74, but its ads do not mention problems often enough to flag it.

Which Ford Explorer generation has the most transmission trouble?

CarBuzz says every model year of the 2002-2005 generation had transmission complaints, and quotes CarComplaints at a typical $2,840 repair. CoPilot adds a 2006 with a lunging shift at 49,000 miles costing about $1,800. Mister Transmission puts a full replacement on Ford vehicles at $3,000 to $7,000, which is not an Explorer-specific price.

How much does an Explorer water pump replacement cost?

RepairPal puts it at $1,253 to $1,617. The Weekly Driver reports quotes of $1,500 to $3,000 on 2011-2019 cars with the 3.5L V6, and EngineNeeds says dealers often charge $1,500 to $2,500, because the pump is inside the engine.

Is there an exhaust smell problem in the 2011-2017 Explorer?

Yes. Consumer Reports covered a free fix Ford offered on 2011 to 2017 Explorers in 2017, which was not a recall. CBS reported a 2015 deposition in which a Ford representative called it a design issue, and Ford told CBS the odor poses no safety risk. If you notice an exhaust smell on a test drive, have it looked at before you buy.

What is the Explorer rear axle bolt recall?

Ford recalled 238,364 2020-2022 Explorers because the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and disconnect the driveshaft (Car and Driver, NHTSA 23V675000). The repair is free. A second recall, 23V199000, covers cars whose earlier software fix left out the automatic parking brake in Park.

Is the Explorer Sport Trac the same as the Explorer?

No. The Sport Trac is a pickup truck with its own NHTSA model name. We excluded it. NHTSA's search for 'Explorer' also returns Sport Trac complaints in 2002 to 2005, so we removed them by product name.