Ford Explorer Reliability Problems

Explorer owners have made 12,945 complaints over 30 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it dead last in overall reliability, with significant transmission and body concerns.

8 Common Ford Explorer Problems

A list of some of the most common issues Explorer owners have to deal with.

  1. Why Do Ford Hoods Corrode So Easily?

    Cars are prone to rust, unfortunately that's just the way it is. This is especially true for those who live in rust belt states where salt is used to clear ice from roads. We can fight the onslaught with regular washes and waxing ... unless…

    Continue reading article "Why Do Ford Hoods Corrode So Easily?" A large patch of hood paint is missing right above the grille, revealing the hood's bare metal.

  2. Rodent Damage to Soy-Based Wire Coating

    Newer Ford vehicles use an electrical wire coating that is a more eco-friendly, soy-based material. But maybe it's a little too eco-friendly? There's been an uptick in owner complaints about rodents using the coating as a chew toy and causi…

    Continue reading article "Rodent Damage to Soy-Based Wire Coating" A chewed wiring harness showing exposed copper wiring

  3. Door Ajar Light Won't Shut Off

    Ford owners are dealing with a door ajar warning lights that won’t shut off. 2011-2013 Ford Edge owners, in particular, are having this problem in record numbers. The problem happens just outside the car’s standard warranty and has prompted…

    Continue reading article "Door Ajar Light Won't Shut Off" An illuminated door ajar warning light

  4. Explorer Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

    Exhaust concerns have reached a fevered pitch for the 5th-generation Explorer. There are reports of nausea, headaches, and even carbon monoxide poisoning. Ford reluctantly issued a “complimentary service” program following multiple lawsuits…

    Continue reading article "Explorer Carbon Monoxide Poisoning" A smog filled Ford interior

  5. Cracked Rear Explorer Panels

    If you own a 2002-2005 Explorer, chances are your rear lift-gate is cracked. It’s a widespread problem in all Ford-family SUVs from that generation, including the Mercury Mountaineer and Lincoln Aviator. But what’s causing the split?…

    Continue reading article "Cracked Rear Explorer Panels" A large crack runs heightwise down a rear body panel, just to the right of the Ford emblem

  6. Spark Plugs Ejected in Triton Engine

    Ford Triton engines are spitting out spark plugs like sunflower seeds, but the suits in Detroit act like there isn't any problem. They're wrong. We believe this defect affects the following 2-valve engines: Triton 4.6L V8, 5.4L V8, 6.8L V10…

    Continue reading article "Spark Plugs Ejected in Triton Engine"

  8. Explorer Transmission Failure

    Nothing lasts forever and transmissions in early 2000's Ford Explorers are no exception. One dealership claimed 1 out of every 10 Explorers from the 3rd generation will experience a premature transmission failure, and with a typical repair …

    Continue reading article "Explorer Transmission Failure"

What Explorer Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

Full Lists on CarComplaints.com

Explorer Generations

The Explorer has 6 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 3rd generation (2002–2005).

Explorer Key Numbers

  1. 12,945 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  2. 1,403 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  3. 80 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Explorer Class-Action Lawsuits

The Explorer has been named as a class vehicle in the following lawsuits.

  • Dismissed

    Cavette, et al., v. Ford Motor Company

    1. Dismissed

      Court documents don't go into much detail, but the plaintiffs say their claims in this matter pending against Ford Motor Co. (Defendant) have been resolved to the satisfaction of Plaintiffs and Defendant.

    2. Case Filed

      A Ford Explorer hood rust recall allegedly should have been ordered long ago, or so says a plaintiff who filed a proposed class action lawsuit about aluminum hoods.

  • Settlement

    Boatner, et. al., v. Ford Motor Company.

    1. Settlement

      Ford Explorer carbon monoxide and exhaust fume concerns will be tackled by the automaker as Ford announced complimentary service for 1.4 million model year 2011-2017 non-police Explorers in North America.

    2. Case Filed

      A Ford carbon monoxide lawsuit alleges 2016-2017 Ford Explorer, 2007-2013 Ford Edge and 2007-2015 Lincoln MKX vehicles have defects that allow exhaust fumes and carbon monoxide to enter the vehicles and sicken occupants.

  • Silvia Franco, et al, v. Ford Motor Company.

    1. Case Filed

      A Ford sudden deceleration lawsuit alleges a host of vehicles have defective electronic throttle body control systems that cause the vehicles to suddenly and dangerously lose power.

    Problem
    ETB Puts Escape in Limp Home Mode
    Class Vehicles
    • 2011-2016 Edge (3.5L engine)
    • 2011-2014 Edge (3.7L engine)
    • 2015-2016 Mustang (3.7L engine)
    • 2011-2014 Mustang (GT and Shelby)
    • 2013-2015 Taurus (3.5L engine)
    • 2011-2014 F-150 (3.7L engine)
    • 2015-2016 F-150 (3.5L Duratec V6)
    • 2011-2016 Explorer (3.5L Duratec V6)
    Location
    California
  • Settlement

    Sanchez-Knutson v. Ford Motor Co.

    1. Settlement

      A Ford Explorer exhaust lawsuit has been settled days before the trial was scheduled to begin. The terms of the settlement haven't been finalized and approved by the court.

    2. Case Filed

      A Florida woman has filed a Ford Explorer carbon monoxide lawsuit against Ford alleging her 2013 Ford Explorer is making her and her 5-year-old daughter sick.

Recent Explorer News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Ford is recalling a problem that can cause a sudden loss of power while driving or an unexpected rollaway while parking. Neither of these things are ideal.

    The issue revolves around excess vibration that can prematurely snap a link shaft bracket somewhere in the powertrain. I'm guessing the transmission? Maybe the flux capacitor? Who can say for sure.…

    keep reading article "Little Known Bracket Recalled For Causing Big Time Problems in 16,000 Ford Vehicles"

  2. Ford needs to repair 18 driveshafts that they believe have fractured weld seams.

    Only trouble is they'll have to recall a heck of a lot of vehicles to find them. The affected vehicles are all 2020 Ford Explorers or Lincoln Aviators built in Chicago between 08/24/2019 and 09/30/2019. That's roughly 12,200 vehicles.

    So while less than 1% will actually have the problem, it's imperative that all affected owners bring their SUVs in for inspection.…

    keep reading article "A Handful of 2020 Explorers and Aviators Have a Dangerous Driveshaft Defect. Now Ford Just Needs to Find Them."

  3. A jury has blamed Ford for concealing dangers that could have prevented a 1998 Explorer rollover crash.

    According to the lawsuit, concerned Ford engineers wanted to change the design of the 1998 Explorer to stop rollovers. Ford refused and switched to computer simulated rollover tests instead. Ford will appeal the jury’s decision to award $151 million to an Alabama man who was paralyzed in a 2015 rollover crash.

    keep reading article "Jury Blames Ford for Covering Up Rollover Problems"

  6. The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) says enough with the "special programs" and "complimentary service" campaigns,

    it's time for an extensive recall program for 1.3 million Explorers with carbon monoixide problems. The CAS says the SUVs have cracked exhaust manifolds that allow carbon monoxide to enter the cabins and that claims about CO exposure have increased 900% since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation a year and a half ago. That's not even counting the thousands of complaints sent by owners to Ford and sites like CarComplaints.com.

    The "complimentary service" program only lasts until December 31st of this year. The CAS is looking for something more permanent, saying it is possible that Ford and Ford’s customers have just been lucky up until this point, but the time for Ford to take more serious action is now, before that luck runs out.

    keep reading article "Safety Advocates Are Calling For a Ford Explorer Carbon Monoxide Recall"

  7. The Austin Texas police department is starting to put Ford Explorer Police Interceptors back into service after pulling all 397 off the streets earlier this year.

    An additional 42 used by other city departments were pulled as well. The issue is exposure to carbon monoxide. After multiple officers complained about feeling sick the department made a move to equip all the SUVs with carbon monoxide detectors. Multiple officers filed lawsuits against Ford. At least one officer says the exposure led to nerve damage. Yikes.…

    keep reading article "Soon Austin Residents Will Start Seeing Ford Explorer Police SUVs Again"

  8. Another day, another police officer accusing Ford of negligently poisoning them while on the job.

    Austin police officer Ryan Hancock says his symptoms (nausea, headaches and vision problems ) continued the next day and caused him to seek medical help. According to the lawsuit, tests conducted at the hospital showed his symptoms were from carbon monoxide poisoning. Furthermore, the plaintiff says his nervous system has been damaged by the fumes.

    Hancock is represented by Brian Chase, the same attorney repressing officer Zachary LaHood in another carbon monoxide lawsuit against the automaker.…

    keep reading article "Texas Police Officer Says Ford’s Negligence Resulted in Nerve Damage"

See All Explorer News

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