2010 Ford Explorer: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2010 Ford Explorer? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 115 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2010 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2010 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.
2010 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 2010 Ford Explorer has 115 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Explorer
- Model year
- 2010
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 115
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 16
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 14 / 20
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2010 Ford Explorer Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Seat-Related Issues
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Seat-Related Issues, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2010 Ford Explorer?
The 2010 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 2010 Ford Explorer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for any signs of failure or unusual behavior.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, seat, engine, and brake repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for any signs of failure or unusual behavior.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, seat, engine, and brake repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2010 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 2010 Ford Explorer are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and seat-related issues, with a notable number of engine and brake complaints. The data suggests potential concerns with these systems, though the low confidence level and limited sample size warrant caution.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Seat-related issues are the second most common complaint category.
- Unintended acceleration and electrical faults are also frequently reported.
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Seat-Related Issues
- Engine Problems
All 2010 Ford Explorer Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Ford Explorer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 28 | 3 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 17 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 15 | 5 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 14 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 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 2010 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 135,902. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, it was late…
Thing accelerate by itself while on highway od light blinking at high speeds and then when you come to a complete stop and try to takeoff it goes really slow with the RPMs high then it will kick into gear, unsafe on the road. Truck willjump in gear then out on takeoff.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was approximately 150,000. Most recently, the contact downloaded the Ford App…
3 times this has happened. I brake and it seems like I'm pressing the gas pedal and the brakes feel like they aren't stopping the vehicle. The third time put me in incoming traffic and the vehicle was totaled as it already had a rebuilt salvage title when we bought it.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the anti-theft, roll stability, and fuel filler messages were displayed with an audible alarm before the vehicle suddenly shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and d…
Transmission , Wheel Hub
Runs for about 25 minutes then just dies while driving. Starts back after sits for about an hr and does same thing.
Oil leak in both valve gasket covers oil on the crossmember it started slow then it was traced by Ford to the gaskets(fire hazard) 120 k on odometer
The air bag light will not go off. I have checked the the wiring, cleared the area, and checked all fuses. All checked out okay. I'm a new buyer and can't register the car until it passes inspection. My only conclusion is that it possibly has a defect or has been previously been…
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph and attempting to stop, the brake pedal extended to the floorboard causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a guard rail. During the crash, no injuries were r…
Rsc alarm keeps going sounding alarm and the abs alarm keeps sounding as well. Seen a ton of owners having this same error
Driving 65 mph on I95 and it just shut off. The yellow wrench on dash came on. I somehow was able to Pull over to the shoulder without being killed. I cranked once then tried it again and it started. Drove all the way home and it’s running fine now. This is a common problem …
While driving on the highway, my Explorer did a sudden jolt and I had no control over the vehicle. It acted as though it was no in gear. I almost crashed going 60 mph on a 4 lane highway. It then did another large jolt and revved high into the red line. I took it to Firestone and…
BACK HATCH WINDOW INTERMITTENTLY OPENS WITHOUT USING REMOTE HAD THE ACTUATOR REPLACED DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM LEAVES MY VEHICLE VULNERABLE TO THIEVES!
SERVICE RSC LIGHT COMES ON WITH THE WRENCH LIGHT WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE. REPLACED THE TCM AND THE PROBLEM DID NOT GO AWAY. CODES U0101 AND U1900 ARE POPPING UP. VEHICLE GOES INTO LIMP MODE. REPLACED IGNITION COILS ON THE LEFT BANK AND IT DID NOT GO AWAY.
MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN SUFFERING A RADEK TRANSMISSION AND POWER TRAIN ISSUES AND I AM I AM TOLD THAT I WILL NEED TO REPLACE IT. AS WELL WHEN I LOOKED UP THE RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE UNDER GENERAL YEAR AND MODEL IT DOES COME UP THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS UP FOR RECALL HOWEVER WHEN I TYP…
WHEN I DRIVE THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON, THE BREAK SYSTEM LIGHT, ENGINE LIGHT, AND AIR BAG LIGHT ALL CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME AND THE RADIO WILL SHUT OFF ALONG WITH ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS. WHEN I DRIVE SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL STOP CATCHING GEAR AND STOP ACCELERATING RANDOMLY. THE …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ENGAGED IN PARK, THE KEY BECAME STUCK INSIDE THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE MANUALLY PUSHED A PIN IN THE SHIFTER TO REMOVE THE KEY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE GEAR WAS ABLE TO BE REMOVED OUT OF …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING AN OIL CHANGE AT CHUCK COLVIN AUTO CENTER (1925 OR-99W, MCMINNVILLE, OR 97128, (800) 223-5099), THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS C…
AUGUST 16, 2018 I HAD AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF MY 2010 FORD EXPLORER ACCELERATING WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. I WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY STOPPED AND OUT OF NO WHERE MY VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD SO FAST. THE SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE WAS EXTREMELY LOUD. MY DAUGHTER HAD UNBUCKLE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2010 Ford Explorer.
2010 Ford Explorer Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Ford Explorer. 2 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.
2010 Ford Explorer Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2010 Ford Explorer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 115 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2010 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 2010 Ford Explorer?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (28 complaints). #2: Seat-Related Issues (20 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (17 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2010 Ford Explorer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2010 Ford Explorer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2010 Ford Explorer, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 115 total complaints. 13 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2010 Ford Explorer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Ford Explorer. A major recall area is SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER. 2 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 2010 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2010 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 2010 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.