FORD Explorer
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History
10 model years analyzed (2017–2026). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database — the same data used by federal regulators.
Checking a specific FORD Explorer? Run a VIN check for its exact history.
⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
AI Interpretation
Low ConfidenceBelow AverageBased on 15 NHTSA complaints for the 2017–2026 Ford Explorer, issues are concentrated in visibility/wiper, suspension, and unknown/other components. No crash-related complaints were reported, but the low complaint volume limits confidence. The 2024 model year accounts for all complaints, while earlier years (2017–2019) have none.
- Visibility/wiper, suspension, and unknown/other each account for 3 complaints, the highest among components.
- All 15 complaints are from the 2024 model year; no complaints were reported for 2017–2019.
- Seats and steering each have 2 complaints, while electrical system, engine, and air bags have 1 each.
- Visibility/wiper issues may include windshield or wiper malfunctions.
- Suspension problems could involve noise, handling, or component failure.
- Unknown or other complaints suggest some issues were not categorized by the reporter.
The 2024 model year has all 15 complaints, driven primarily by visibility/wiper, suspension, and unknown/other components.
Model years 2017–2019 have zero complaints, which may indicate fewer reported issues, but the low sample size limits conclusions.
- Inspect windshield wipers and visibility systems for proper operation.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for suspension, seats, and steering repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
149 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 15 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
15 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Rear windshield wiper doesn't work. Earlier model years have been recalled for wiper motor issues.
• Driver seat not setting its memory for the driver , and will move on its own and go all the way to dash while setting in it or all the way back . Has happened multiple times and also twice while driving. • Safety at risk could have made me wreck my vehicle if I hadn’t pulled over and the seat stopped what it was doing front and back. • yes , been checked by dealership (4) times in service department. •yes, every code on the dash has appeared and lasted a total 20 minutes and car went into limp mode. Couldn’t turn car on or off. First happen in Dec 2025. There has been multiple issues with this vehicle since I bought it from the first month.
The headrest on the third row is locked in the upright position and won't fold down. I've looked online and it seems to happen in every ford explorer in the current generation, 2020+. I see hundreds of complaints online. Across the forums and reddit.
Visual blurry defect in windshield glass in driver side
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the contact struck a deer with the front of the vehicle. There was no property damage reported. The vehicle came to a stop shortly afterwards. The contact stated that the air bags had not deployed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not destroyed. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
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.
Purchased new from dealer. At 3500 miles, noticed rattling and clunking noise under front end, more noticeable at speeds less than 35. Took to dealer who diagnosed as worn struts, saying shocks and struts need to be replaced, but they need to order parts. When asked if safe to drive, was told "yes", but "avoid potholes". Now waiting to hear from dealer when parts come in. They stated it would take 4 to 5 hours to repair/replace.
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while parked upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed the driver's side and passenger side struts failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that both front struts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 11,103.
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-40 MPH in cold weather, the vehicle started making an abnormal clunking and rattling sound near the wheels. The contact was unable to determine the source of the noise. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V091000 (SUSPENSION, STEERING). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front struts were worn and needed to be replaced. The dealer recommended that the contact not drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on backorder. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 3,600.
Inner fender liners are getting rubbed through by the tires creating large holes and exposing wiring harnesses and other components to the tire/wheel well area. We have seen this on about 5-6 of these same vehicles now.
There is a distortion in the front windshield affecting my ability to see the front right corner of my vehicle. I was leaving a restaurant in the dark and the distortion affected the headlights to the point it didn’t appear there were any on the right side of the vehicle. In daylight, that area of the windshield is so distorted I’ve missed vehicles coming from the right and developed it migraines while driving. The defect was reported to the dealership and they reported it to the manufacturer in August, they have been going back and forth since, most recently being denied due to ‘orange peel’. There is not damage to any of the paint, nor has the vehicle been through a car wash or any paint repairs (trim as been replaced by the dealership). The salesman and a number of service techs are able to confirm the distortion is visible to the center of the windshield. The manufacturer has been requested to check it in person but has not followed through. I am hoping to get a windshield repair shop, second automotive dealership, and potentially and officer to take a look at it this week.
Hello, I bought 2024 ford explore in Aug 2024 with a few hundred miles on it!! Now two months down the road with 5500miles on it, it is jerking real hard when driving or passing vehicles and slowing down!! The drive mode is in normal at all times. I took it back to where I bought it in Booneville does place and they sent me to ford place in Paris ark where they are ordering a part to see if it fix it or if I need a new transmission. Is this a lemon or what
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH on two occasions, the Lane Keep Assist malfunctioned and the vehicle veered out of the intended lane. The contact was able to recover control of the vehicle to remain in the intended lane. Additionally, while driving 40-45 MPH, the Lane Keep Assist veered the vehicle out of the intended lane and the vehicle side swiped the barrier wall. There were unknown warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries. There was no air bag deployment. The contact stated that a Police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 6,560.
This vehicle has a 360 camera system that was not included, despite is being included in the component package that is standard for this vehicle. I contacted the dealer directly, informed them that there are cameras installed on the vehicle, but only the rear camera is operational. Further investigation into the matter revealed that Ford apparently "recalled" the camera systems on the Explorer for the 2023 models, but has not distributed any information to its dealers. Now I have a forward facing camera that is not operational, but the vehicle's warning system continually advises me there is a problem with the front camera's vision, "Check forward camera lens for cleanliness". Also, the front camera lens is clear, but it still will display the warning. The Ford dealers all claim that the manufacturer has not shared information about the 2024 Ford Explorer's 360 camera system. Lastly, the reverse braking system is non-operational as well. Another system that should be included with the upgraded package.
The contact rented a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15-20 MPH, the hood became ajar, raised up, and struck the windshield. The windshield shattered and sprayed shards of glass onto the occupants inside the vehicle. There were no reported injuries. The Police were called to the scene and filed a Police report. The vehicle was towed to the rental facility. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Showing 15 of 15 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check a Specific FORD Explorer
This page shows fleet averages across all 10 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.
📖 Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The FORD Explorer has 15 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The FORD Explorer has 149 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 0 of the FORD Explorer's 15 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the AI Rating Calculated?
The AI reliability rating (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision — always verify with a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all FORD Explorer vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two FORD Explorer vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The FORD Explorer has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.