Ford Explorer recalls & complaint record (MY 2017–2026)

By Ivan H., EVCostIQ · reviewed against our public methodology · every source dated on this page

As of July 10, 2026, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists 78 recall campaigns and 4,644 consumer complaints for the Ford Explorer (MY 2017–2026). The most-reported complaint areas are Structure, Power Train, Engine. Every recall is a free remedy — an open recall is repaired at no cost — so a recall adds nothing to what the Explorer costs to own.

Every Ford Explorer recall campaign, by year

All 78 NHTSA recall campaigns on file for the Explorer (MY 2017–2026), newest first. A recall is a free remedy — the manufacturer repairs the defect at no cost. Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov), data as of July 10, 2026.

2026 — 14 campaigns

Power Train26V402000 · June 24, 2026 · about 741,195 vehicles
Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge.
Power Train26V371000 · June 9, 2026 · about 58 vehicles
Risk: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for park system damage and replace the park system components as necessary, free of charge.
Engine And Engine Cooling26V343000 · May 27, 2026 · about 1,536 vehicles
Risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge.
Visibility26V202000 · March 31, 2026 · about 55 vehicles
Risk: An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and secure the instrument panel joints as necessary, free of charge.
Engine And Engine Cooling26V205000 · March 31, 2026 · about 278 vehicles
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine for missing or mis-installed circlips and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge.
Back Over Prevention26V165000 · March 19, 2026 · about 254,640 vehicles
Risk: 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.
Remedy: The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge.
Seat Belts26V159000 · March 17, 2026 · about 561 vehicles
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge.
Visibility26V117000 · March 3, 2026 · about 604,533 vehicles
Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge.
Back Over Prevention26V123000 · March 3, 2026 · about 889,950 vehicles
Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge.
Exterior Lighting26V121000 · March 3, 2026 · about 35,772 vehicles
Risk: A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The headlight control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge.
Engine And Engine Cooling26V122000 · March 3, 2026 · about 47,804 vehicles
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge.
Suspension26V101000 · February 20, 2026 · about 412,774 vehicles
Risk: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge.
Visibility26V024000 · January 21, 2026 · about 8 vehicles
Risk: In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will remove and replace the windshield, free charge.
Equipment26V012000 · January 15, 2026 · about 2,403 vehicles
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied.

2025 — 18 campaigns

Engine25V828000 · December 1, 2025 · about 6 vehicles
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly, free of charge.
Visibility25V730000 · October 24, 2025 · about 56,841 vehicles
Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge.
Equipment25V685000 · October 10, 2025 · about 59,006 vehicles
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied.
Trailer Hitches25V687000 · October 10, 2025 · about 1,412 vehicles
Risk: While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge.
Exterior Lighting25V543000 · August 22, 2025 · about 213,121 vehicles
Risk: Trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the body control module C on vehicles with less than 9,000 miles.
Fuel System25V455000 · July 7, 2025 · about 850,318 vehicles
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of…
Back Over Prevention25V442000 · June 27, 2025 · about 200,237 vehicles
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge.
Seats25V393000 · June 13, 2025 · about 304,662 vehicles
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge.
Engine And Engine Cooling25V344000 · June 13, 2025 · about 156 vehicles
Risk: A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the connecting rods and replace the engine long block assembly as necessary, free of charge.
Service Brakes25V371000 · June 3, 2025 · about 3 vehicles
Risk: Loss of brake function and wheel damage can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary.
Structure25V347000 · May 23, 2025 · about 492,145 vehicles
Risk: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge.
Structure25V316000 · May 9, 2025 · about 206 vehicles
Risk: A loose subframe bolt may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the subframe bolts as necessary, free of charge.
Power Train25V239000 · April 11, 2025 · about 24,655 vehicles
Risk: A damaged park system can result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge.
Back Over Prevention25V159000 · March 14, 2025 · about 49,399 vehicles
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge.
Power Train25V166000 · March 14, 2025 · about 4,247 vehicles
Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge.
Power Train25V164000 · March 14, 2025 · about 269 vehicles
Risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge.
Seat Belts25V093000 · February 14, 2025 · about 240,510 vehicles
Risk: A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions.
Power Train25V020000 · January 17, 2025 · about 259 vehicles
Risk: An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission cross member bolts as necessary, free of charge.

2024 — 9 campaigns

Equipment24V852000 · November 8, 2024 · about 27,678 vehicles
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge.
Back Over PreventionOTA fix24V801000 · October 25, 2024 · about 391 vehicles
Risk: The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge.
Hybrid Propulsion System24V685000 · September 13, 2024 · about 61 vehicles
Risk: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a tie strap between the battery cable and high voltage cable, free of charge.
Engine And Engine Cooling24V635000 · August 23, 2024 · about 90,736 vehicles
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge.
Fuel System24V634000 · August 23, 2024 · about 24 vehicles
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install new fuel injector O-rings and O-ring support discs, free of charge.
Engine24V598000 · August 10, 2024 · about 85,238 vehicles
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power redu…
Back Over Prevention24V188000 · March 8, 2024 · about 1,988 vehicles
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge.
Suspension24V091000 · February 8, 2024 · about 121 vehicles
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fasteners, and tighten or install them as necessary, free of charge.
Structure24V031000 · January 19, 2024 · about 1,889,110 vehicles
Risk: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge.

2023 — 10 campaigns

Back Over Prevention23V686000 · October 13, 2023 · about 2,866 vehicles
Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera wire harness and repair any loose splices, free of charge.
Power Train23V675000 · October 6, 2023 · about 238,364 vehicles
Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt.
Electrical System23V626000 · September 8, 2023 · about 2,954 vehicles
Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge.
Engine And Engine Cooling23V597000 · August 25, 2023 · about 10 vehicles
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as soon as possible if they see an oil pressure warning light or smoke coming from the engine compartment.
Back Over Prevention23V342000 · May 12, 2023 · about 442,973 vehicles
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge.
Back Over Prevention23V305000 · April 28, 2023 · about 523 vehicles
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ICS software, free of charge.
Power Train23V199000 · March 24, 2023 · about 674 vehicles
Risk: Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects.
Remedy: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge.
Power Train23V069000 · February 10, 2023 · about 3,674 vehicles
Risk: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge.
Power Train23V070000 · February 10, 2023 · about 1,138 vehicles
Risk: The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge.
Back Over Prevention23V022000 · January 23, 2023 · about 382,759 vehicles
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge.

2022 — 3 campaigns

Fuel System22V685000 · September 14, 2022 · about 69 vehicles
Risk: An improperly tightened fuel line connection may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of fire.
Remedy: Ford will inspect and replace the fuel line assembly, if needed, free of charge.
Structure22V454000 · June 24, 2022 · about 776 vehicles
Risk: Improperly heat-treated engine rails may reduce the vehicle's structural protection in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will perform an engine rail strength test and replace the rails as necessary, free of charge.
Fuel System22V088000 · February 16, 2022 · about 18,366 vehicles
Risk: A detached fuel filler tube can result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fuel vapor line redundant locking clip, free of charge.

2021 — 7 campaigns

Suspension21V870000 · November 10, 2021 · about 20 vehicles
Risk: A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear suspension module, and replace any incorrect parts, as necessary, free of charge.
Back Over Prevention21V735000 · September 22, 2021 · about 228,297 vehicles
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge.
Air Bags21V652000 · August 23, 2021 · about 592 vehicles
Risk: Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge.
Suspension21V537000 · July 15, 2021 · about 631,176 vehicles
Risk: A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge.
Structure21V316000 · May 5, 2021 · about 616,967 vehicles
Risk: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge.
Suspension20V675000 · March 12, 2021 · about 454,941 vehicles
Risk: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free o…
Suspension21V154000 · March 10, 2021 · about 49 vehicles
Risk: Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace both RLCA bolts, free of charge.

2020 — 6 campaigns

Engine20V788000 · December 17, 2020 · about 1,405 vehicles
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge.
Fuel System20V730000 · November 24, 2020 · about 17 vehicles
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank shell, free of charge.
Power Train20V693000 · November 10, 2020 · about 10,905 vehicles
Risk: 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…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shaft label inspected and replace it as necessary, free of charge.
Back Over Prevention20V575000 · September 23, 2020 · about 620,246 vehicles
Risk: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge.
Seat Belts20V549000 · September 10, 2020 · about 29 vehicles
Risk: Vehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured may fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the second row center seat assembly, free of charge.
Air Bags20V497000 · August 21, 2020 · about 488 vehicles
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove front seat back panels from one or both front seats (VIN-specific) and verify that the fasteners have been properly ti…

2019 — 6 campaigns

Fuel System19V859000 · December 4, 2019 · about 3,857 vehicles
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a longer protective sleeve on the liquid fuel line, as necessary, free of charge.
Electrical System19V687000 · September 30, 2019 · about 10,655 vehicles
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a tie strap to the wiring harness at the hand shock tower clip, free of charge.
Seats19V651000 · September 11, 2019 · about 311,907 vehicles
Risk: Occupants my contact the sharp edges when reaching between the power front seat and center console, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective tape on the exposed inside edge and tab of the power seat frames, free of charge.
Seats19V633000 · August 28, 2019 · about 639,137 vehicles
Risk: 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 in…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge.
Power Train19V575000 · August 5, 2019 · about 13,896 vehicles
Risk: Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover.
Suspension19V435000 · June 10, 2019 · about 1,194,173 vehicles
Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if ne…

2018 — 1 campaign

Fuel System18V807000 · November 14, 2018 · about 144 vehicles
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line assembly, free of charge.

2017 — 3 campaigns

Wheels17E048000 · August 28, 2017 · about 630 vehicles
Risk: A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles.
Steering17V530000 · August 28, 2017 · about 253 vehicles
Risk: 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…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers to inspect and replace the heat shield fasteners as needed, free of charge.
Seats17V332000 · May 22, 2017 · about 2,204 vehicles
Risk: If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge.

2016 — 1 campaign

Engine And Engine Cooling16V925000 · December 22, 2016 · about 1,163 vehicles
Risk: An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge.

Where the Explorer’s recalls and complaints cluster

Recalls by component (78 campaigns total): Power Train (12), Back Over Prevention (12), Engine And Engine Cooling (7), Suspension (7), Fuel System (7), Structure (5), Visibility (4), Seats (4), and 11 other components.

Complaints by reported area (4,644 total; a single complaint can cite more than one area): Structure (1,158), Power Train (840), Engine (539), Electrical System (451), Back Over Prevention (202), Visibility/Wiper (167).

Recall counts are NHTSA campaign records; complaint counts are consumer reports. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA.

Crash, fire, injury and death reports

Across those consumer complaints, NHTSA’s records for the Explorer (MY 2017–2026) include 126 crash reports, 36 fire reports, 156 injury reports and 0 reports of a death. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA.

Do recalls affect what the Explorer costs to own?

No direct cost. A recall is a free remedy: the manufacturer must repair the defect at no charge, so an open or completed recall adds nothing to the 5-year cost of ownership.
Resale is the one caveat. An unrepaired recall can make a used Explorer harder to sell or trade in — a buyer or dealer may want it fixed first — but the fix itself is still free, and completing it removes that friction.
How our totals treat it. Our 5-year cost-of-ownership totals use market-level depreciation estimates; they are not adjusted per recall campaign. See the honest 5-year cost to own: 2026 Ford Explorer RWD cost to own →.

Recalls & complaints — FAQ

How many recalls does the Ford Explorer have?

As of July 10, 2026, NHTSA lists 78 recall campaigns for the Ford Explorer (MY 2017–2026). Each is a free remedy — the manufacturer repairs the defect at no cost. The full dated campaign list is above.

What is the most serious Explorer recall?

The largest by scale is campaign 24V031000 (January 19, 2024, Structure), affecting about 1,889,110 vehicles: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. The remedy is free of charge.

How do I check if my Explorer has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA’s free recall lookup, nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows any open (unrepaired) recall for your exact vehicle, and recall repairs are always free at a franchised dealer.

Do recalls make the Explorer cheaper or more expensive to own?

Neither, directly — recall repairs are free, so they add nothing to the cost of ownership. An unrepaired recall can make a used one harder to resell, but our 5-year cost totals use market-level depreciation and are not adjusted per campaign. See the Explorer cost to own.

About this data

All powertrains and trims. Figures cover all powertrains and trims sold under the Explorer nameplate for the model years shown (MY 2017–2026).
A recall is a free fix. A recall means the manufacturer must remedy a safety defect free of charge; it is not the same as a breakdown or a repair bill.
Complaints are unverified. Consumer complaints are unverified reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA — a signal of what owners report, not confirmed defects.

Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov), data as of July 10, 2026.