2007 Ford Explorer: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2007 Ford Explorer? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 208 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2007 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2007 Ford Explorer trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2007 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated22.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
22.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2007 Ford Explorer has 208 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Explorer
- Model year
- 2007
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 208
- Crash-related complaints
- 11
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 15
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 13 / 18
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2007 Ford Explorer Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2007 Ford Explorer?
The 2007 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2007 Ford Explorer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the transmission/drivetrain for any signs of wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, engine, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported problem areas.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the transmission/drivetrain for any signs of wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, engine, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported problem areas.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2007 Ford Explorer, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2007 Ford Explorer are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and engine systems, with a notable number of electrical and seat-related issues. The data suggests potential problem areas, but the low confidence level and limited sample size warrant caution.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints are the most numerous, accounting for 57 of 208 total complaints.
- Engine problems are the second most reported issue with 38 complaints.
- There are 11 crash-related complaints, though the overall confidence in the data is low.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues, including potential failures or rough shifting.
- Engine Problems, such as stalling or loss of power.
- Electrical Faults, possibly affecting lights, windows, or other systems.
All 2007 Ford Explorer Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2007 Ford Explorer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 57 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 38 | — | 3 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 25 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 24 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 12 | 5 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | 1 | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2007 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I am writing to formally express my concerns regarding a persistent issue with the throttle body system in my Ford Explorer. I have addressed this problem multiple times, having repaired the throttle body system, replaced the sensor, and even substituted the entire assembly on tw…
The contact owns a 2007 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of a failure with the transmission. The contact attempted to shift the gear shifter and the vehicle made a loud clanking sound and the vehicle was rattling. There were n…
My check engine light came on and the car was making a loud acceleration noise when touching the gas. I took it to the dealer and they found that the wiring harness (Part# 7L2Z-12A581-CB) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The dealership told me they are trying to locate the p…
The contact's brother-in-law owned a 2007 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her brother-in-law was driving 60-62 MPH, her husband was sitting in the front passenger's side seat, the contact was sitting in the rear passenger's side seat and her sister was sitting in the…
HIT A BUMP AND THE DRIVER SEAT RANDOMLY MOVED ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE POINT I COULD NO LONGER REACH THE PEDALS.
WHILE DRIVING ON THE THE HIGHWAY ON RAMP THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO ACCELERATE AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT MERGING ON THE HIGHWAY. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SCANNED 16 TRANSMISSION OBD CODES CAME UP. THE CAUSE OF THE CODES WAS A CORRODED CONNECTOR GOING TO THE TRANSMISSION. IT CORRO…
WE WERE DRIVING HOME AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. NO ENGINE, NO STEERING, ETC. MY HUSBAND WAS REDUCING SPEED (45 TO 35) USING THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE STEERING WHEEL. EVERY LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD LIT UP, ENGINE, WRENCH. OIL CAN. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS…
OUT TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. WE UNDERSTAND THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED MANY TIMES AND THAT FORD IS AWARE OF IT. IT IS A MALFUNCTION IN THE TRANSMISSION AND NOT A MAINTENANCE PROBLEM. WE WERE DRIVING ON 25 HEADED EAST OUT OF BAY CITY GOING STRAIGHT …
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR JUST CUT OFF. NO WARNING .
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER FAILURE. DIAPHRAGM INSIDE THE BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED SUDDENLY CAUSING A HARD TIME TO STOP WHEN TRAVELING AT A HIGHWAY. NO CRASH INVOLVED BUT HAD TO USE THE SHOULDER FOR EXTRA STOPPING DISTANCE.
CAR HESITATES AT FIRST START UP IN THE MORNING. AND SOMETIMES WHEN TURN OFF AND THEN TURN ON.
TL* THE CONTACT DRIVES A 2007 FORD EXPLORER OWNED BY THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO …
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE, MY DRIVER SIDE SEAT WILL MOVE BY ITSELF. IT'S HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND IS VERY SCARY KNOWING I CANT REACH THE GAS OR BRAKE PEDAL WHILE DRIVING WHEN IT HAPPENS. MY HEATED SEAT DOESNT WORK PROPERLY EITHER I DONT KNOW IF THIS IS ALL PART OF THE PROBLEM OR…
HARMONIC BALANCER IS BAD ON A LOT OF FORD EXPLORERS. MY GIRLFRIEND AND I JUST PURCHASED A 2007 FORD EXPLORER AND DIDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL. A COUPLE WEEKS AGO WE NOTICE A LOUD SQUEALING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FIRST THOUGHT IT WAS A FAN BELT NEEDING REPLAC…
AFTER STARTING VEHICLE, AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON (NOT EVERY TIME) AND SEAT MOVES TO THE IGNITION OFF POSITION. TURN ENGINE OFF AND RESTART AND AIR BAG LIGHT AND SEAT POSITION MAY OPERATE CORRECTLY BUT NOT ALWAYS. IF IT OCCURS AGAIN, ONLY AFTER TURNING VEHICLE OFF AND REST…
REAR LIFT GATE GLASS SHATTER DURING THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENT MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY, ON A COUNTY ROAD FOR 12 DAYS. ALL WINDOWS WERE ROLLED UP THE FULL DURATION OF THAT TIME. THE TEMPURATERS RANGED FROM THE MID 70S TO MID 90S. WHILE PARKED IT WAS DETECTED TH…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE F…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD AND FLUID LEAKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT N…
DRIVER SEAT MOVES BACKWARDS WHILE DRIVING ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THIS HAS STARTED HAPPENING OCTOBER 2017. SINCE THEN IT HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT AND WILL HAPPEN AT RANDOM SO THE CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. SPEEDS CAN RANGE FROM 40 MPH TO 70 MPH. WHICH RESULTS IN NOT BEING ABLE TO REACH THE…
I WENT TO PULL OUT FROM THE STORE BUT MY STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T TURN. WHEN WE OPENED THE HOOD, WE SAW THE POWER STEERING BELT HANGING OFF. HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE SHOP AND WHEN THE MECHANIC TOOK A LOOK HE SAW THAT THE WHOLE POWER STEERING UNIT WAS HANGING DOWN AND THE BOLT WAS B…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2007 Ford Explorer.
2007 Ford Explorer Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2007 Ford Explorer. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2007 Ford Explorer Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2007 Ford Explorer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 208 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2007 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Ford Explorer?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (57 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (38 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (25 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2007 Ford Explorer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2007 Ford Explorer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2007 Ford Explorer, NHTSA complaints include 11 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 208 total complaints. 9 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2007 Ford Explorer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2007 Ford Explorer. A major recall area is VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2007 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2007 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2007 Ford Explorer based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.