Ford Explorer years to avoid (and the best years)
15,147 NHTSA owner complaints and 103 recalls across 17 model years, 2010 to 2026. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 15,147complaints
- 103recalls
- 334reported crashes
- 79reported fires
- 461reported injuries
- 53reported deaths
Which Ford Explorer years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Ford Explorer years to avoid are 2016, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2014 and 2010. The typical Ford Explorer year has 727 complaints on file.
- 2016: 2,448 complaints, 3.4 times the typical year. Most reported problem: Windshield pillar trim detachment.
- 2013: 2,234 complaints, 3.1 times the typical year. Most reported problem: Power steering assist loss.
- 2015: 1,782 complaints, 2.5 times the typical year. Most reported problem: Exhaust fumes entering cabin.
- 2017: 1,691 complaints, 2.3 times the typical year. Most reported problem: Windshield and A-pillar trim detaching.
- 2014: 1,676 complaints, 2.3 times the typical year. Most reported problem: Power steering loss and lockup.
- 2010: 115 complaints, including 50 reports of a death. Most complaints name the transmission and drivetrain (24% of complaints) and the seats (17% of complaints).
What are the best Ford Explorer years?
The Ford Explorer years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2023 (108), 2022 (264) and 2019 (294). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 34 | 0.0× | 14 | 2 | 2 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2025 | 98 | 0.1× | 20 | 7 | 4 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2024 | 20 | 0.0× | 10 | 1 | 3 | Few red flags | Forward collision avoidance system |
| 2023 | 108 | 0.1× | 15 | 7 | 9 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2022 | 264 | 0.4× | 24 | 17 | 23 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2021 | 423 | 0.6× | 26 | 14 | 16 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2020 | 1,210 | 1.7× | 33 | 35 | 38 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2019 | 294 | 0.4× | 6 | 2 | 6 | Few red flags | Body and structure |
| 2018 | 727 | 1.0× | 7 | 15 | 12 | Some concerns to check | Body and structure |
| 2017 | 1,691 | 2.3× | 14 | 34 | 51 | Approach with caution | Windshield and A-pillar trim detaching |
| 2016 | 2,448 | 3.4× | 15 | 39 | 59 | Approach with caution | Windshield pillar trim detachment |
| 2015 | 1,782 | 2.5× | 9 | 37 | 98 | Approach with caution | Exhaust fumes entering cabin |
| 2014 | 1,676 | 2.3× | 7 | 32 | 38 | Approach with caution | Power steering loss and lockup |
| 2013 | 2,234 | 3.1× | 12 | 44 | 61 | Approach with caution | Power steering assist loss |
| 2012 | 827 | 1.1× | 7 | 10 | 13 | Some concerns to check | Steering |
| 2011 | 1,196 | 1.6× | 8 | 30 | 15 | Some concerns to check | Steering |
| 2010 | 115 | 0.2× | 2 | 8 | 13 | Approach with caution | Transmission and drivetrain |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 3,495 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain1,029 (29%)
- Steering, suspension & tires879 (25%)
- Structure & body497 (14%)
- Electrical & infotainment476 (14%)
- Other systems331 (9%)
Recalls (103)
Airbags · 26V581000 · Sep 2026 · model year 2026
An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Engine · 26V548000 · Aug 2026 · model year 2026
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Engine · 26V532000 · Aug 2026 · model year 2026
Engine failure can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing oil to leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Safety · 26V470000 · Jul 2026 · model years 2025, 2026
Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Structure · 26V448000 · Jul 2026 · model years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 26V451000 · Jul 2026 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Transmission · 26V402000 · Jun 2026 · model years 2020, 2021
Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 26V371000 · Jun 2026 · model year 2024
A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Engine · 26V343000 · May 2026 · model years 2025, 2026
A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Body & glass · 26V202000 · Mar 2026 · model year 2026
An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 26V205000 · Mar 2026 · model year 2026
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Safety · 26V165000 · Mar 2026 · model year 2025
Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat belts · 26V159000 · Mar 2026 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Body & glass · 26V117000 · Mar 2026 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 26V123000 · Mar 2026 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 26V121000 · Mar 2026 · model years 2025, 2026
A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 26V122000 · Mar 2026 · model year 2025
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Suspension · 26V101000 · Feb 2026 · model years 2017, 2018, 2019
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Body & glass · 26V024000 · Jan 2026 · model year 2026
In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.
Safety · 26V012000 · Jan 2026 · model years 2019, 2024
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Safety · 25V828000 · Dec 2025 · model year 2026
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a fire. In addition, the loss of oil can result in engine seizure and loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Body & glass · 25V730000 · Oct 2025 · model years 2025, 2026
Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 25V695000 · Oct 2025 · model year 2015
A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 25V685000 · Oct 2025 · model years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Safety · 25V687000 · Oct 2025 · model years 2024, 2025, 2026
While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 25V543000 · Aug 2025 · model year 2025
Trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 25V455000 · Jul 2025 · model years 2021, 2022, 2023
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Safety · 25V442000 · Jun 2025 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 25V393000 · Jun 2025 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Engine · 25V344000 · Jun 2025 · model year 2025
A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 25V371000 · Jun 2025 · model year 2025
Loss of brake function and wheel damage can increase the risk of a crash.
Structure · 25V347000 · May 2025 · model years 2016, 2017
Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure · 25V316000 · May 2025 · model year 2025
A loose subframe bolt may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Transmission · 25V239000 · Apr 2025 · model year 2025
A damaged park system can result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. An engine stall while driving can result in a sudden loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 25V159000 · Mar 2025 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 25V166000 · Mar 2025 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 25V164000 · Mar 2025 · model year 2025
Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
Seat belts · 25V093000 · Feb 2025 · model years 2020, 2021
A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Transmission · 25V020000 · Jan 2025 · model year 2025
An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 24V852000 · Nov 2024 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Safety · 24V801000 · Oct 2024 · model year 2025
The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 24V685000 · Sep 2024 · model year 2024
A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Engine · 24V635000 · Aug 2024 · model years 2021, 2022
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 24V634000 · Aug 2024 · model year 2025
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Safety · 24V598000 · Aug 2024 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Safety · 24V188000 · Mar 2024 · model year 2020
A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension · 24V091000 · Feb 2024 · model year 2023
A loose or missing connection between the knuckle and strut can cause improper tire alignment, resulting in a steering pull or require increased steering effort. Additionally, the brake hose may contact the tire and become damaged, resulting in a brake fluid leak and a loss of braking ability. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Structure · 24V031000 · Jan 2024 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 23V686000 · Oct 2023 · model year 2023
A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 23V675000 · Oct 2023 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 23V626000 · Sep 2023 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
Engine · 23V597000 · Aug 2023 · model year 2023
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. In addition, the loss of oil can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 23V342000 · May 2023 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 23V305000 · Apr 2023 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Transmission · 23V199000 · Mar 2023 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 23V069000 · Feb 2023 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Transmission · 23V070000 · Feb 2023 · model years 2022, 2023
The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Safety · 23V022000 · Jan 2023 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 22V685000 · Sep 2022 · model year 2022
An improperly tightened fuel line connection may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of fire.
Structure · 22V454000 · Jun 2022 · model year 2022
Improperly heat-treated engine rails may reduce the vehicle's structural protection in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. In addition, an engine rail may detach and contact the road while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 22V088000 · Feb 2022 · model year 2022
A detached fuel filler tube can result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Suspension · 21V870000 · Nov 2021 · model year 2021
A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension · 21V746000 · Sep 2021 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 21V735000 · Sep 2021 · model years 2020, 2021
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 21V652000 · Aug 2021 · model year 2021
Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Suspension · 21V537000 · Jul 2021 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure · 21V316000 · May 2021 · model years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension · 20V675000 · Mar 2021 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension · 21V154000 · Mar 2021 · model year 2020
Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Safety · 20V788000 · Dec 2020 · model years 2020, 2021
With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 20V730000 · Nov 2020 · model year 2020
An incomplete weld securing the inlet check valve to the fuel tank shell could result in a substantial fuel leak during a crash, increasing the risk of fire.
Transmission · 20V692000 · Nov 2020 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016
The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 20V693000 · Nov 2020 · model year 2020
Defective drive shafts may fail and cause a loss of connection between the transfer case and rear axle, possibly resulting in a vehicle rollaway when in Park or a loss of drive. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash. The drive shafts can also deform and separate from the driveline and potentially contact the fuel tank, increasing the risk of fuel leaks and/or fire.
Safety · 20V575000 · Sep 2020 · model year 2020
Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Seat belts · 20V549000 · Sep 2020 · model year 2020
Vehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured may fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Airbags · 20V497000 · Aug 2020 · model year 2020
If the side air bag or seat back fasteners were not properly tightened, the side air bag deployment could be affected, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fuel system · 19V859000 · Dec 2019 · model year 2020
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Electrical system · 19V687000 · Sep 2019 · model year 2020
The A/C pulley may rub through the wiring harness insulation and contact the unfused battery positive wire, resulting in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Safety · 19V651000 · Sep 2019 · model year 2017
Occupants my contact the sharp edges when reaching between the power front seat and center console, increasing their risk of injury.
Safety · 19V633000 · Aug 2019 · model years 2018, 2019, 2020
A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Transmission · 19V575000 · Aug 2019 · model year 2020
Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Being in Factory Mode, the vehicle will not display warnings and/or gear selection on the instrument cluster. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.
Suspension · 19V435000 · Jun 2019 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 18V807000 · Nov 2018 · model year 2018
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Safety · 17V767000 · Nov 2017 · model year 2016
In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.
Safety · 17E048000 · Aug 2017 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Steering · 17V530000 · Aug 2017 · model year 2017
If the heat shield detaches, the steering gear may overheat, increasing the steering effort required by the driver, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 17V332000 · May 2017 · model year 2017
If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.
Engine · 16V925000 · Dec 2016 · model year 2017
An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Safety · 16V475000 · Jun 2016 · model year 2016
The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Suspension · 16V245000 · Apr 2016 · model years 2014, 2015
A fracture of the rear suspension toe link may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 16V183000 · Mar 2016 · model year 2016
Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.
Fuel system · 15V812000 · Dec 2015 · model year 2013
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fuel system · 15V605000 · Sep 2015 · model year 2016
If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Safety · 15V464000 · Jul 2015 · model years 2015, 2016
If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure · 15V171000 · Mar 2015 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013
If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Steering · 14V286000 · May 2014 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist it will require extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Steering · 14E001000 · Jan 2014 · model years 2011, 2012
The inability to steer the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Safety · 13V270000 · Jun 2013 · model year 2013
If the child lock is deactivated, the door could be unlocked and opened from the inside which could lead to personal injury to an unrestrained child.
Fuel system · 13V227000 · May 2013 · model year 2013
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fuel system · 13V109000 · Mar 2013 · model year 2013
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Safety · 11V063000 · Feb 2011 · model year 2011
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BACK MAY NOT PROVIDE THE REQUIRED STRENGTH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Safety · 10E043000 · Sep 2010 · model year 2010
AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
Safety · 10V161000 · Apr 2010 · model year 2010
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATBACK AND HEAD RESTRAINT MAY MOVE REARWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.