Ford Explorer 2020–2025 problems by year and mileage
6th generation · U625 (Ford CD6, longitudinal RWD-based)
NHTSA data through 24 September 20262,141 complaints, 611 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2020 Ford Explorer
Close- Median failure report
- 23,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,218
- Recalls naming this year
- 34
Most reported on the 2020
- Transmission and driveline487 reports · median 41,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise207 reports · median 6,000 mi
- Electrical system185 reports · median 10,000 mi
34 recall campaigns name the 2020: Seats — mid/rear assembly; Power train — automatic transmission; Seat belts. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2021 Ford Explorer
Close- Median failure report
- 43,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 426
- Recalls naming this year
- 27
Most reported on the 2021
- Transmission and driveline121 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise84 reports
- Engine48 reports
27 recall campaigns name the 2021: Seats — mid/rear assembly; Power train — automatic transmission; Seat belts. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2022 Ford Explorer
Close- Median failure report
- 37,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 267
- Recalls naming this year
- 25
Most reported on the 2022
- Transmission and driveline61 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise55 reports
- Electrical system39 reports
25 recall campaigns name the 2022: Seats — mid/rear assembly; Seat belts; Back over prevention — software. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2023 Ford Explorer
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 109
- Recalls naming this year
- 15
Most reported on the 2023
- Problems owners could not categorise25 reports
- Electrical system13 reports
- Suspension13 reports
15 recall campaigns name the 2023: Seats — mid/rear assembly; Seat belts; Back over prevention — software. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2024 Ford Explorer
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 21
- Recalls naming this year
- 10
Most reported on the 2024
- Problems owners could not categorise4 reports
- Forward collision avoidance3 reports
- Suspension3 reports
10 recall campaigns name the 2024: Seats — mid/rear assembly; Power train — automatic transmission; Seat belts. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2025 Ford Explorer
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 100
- Recalls naming this year
- 20
Most reported on the 2025
- Electrical system23 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise17 reports
- Transmission and driveline15 reports
20 recall campaigns name the 2025: Seats — front assembly; Seats — mid/rear assembly; Engine and engine cooling — engine. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
Each tile shows the median mileage at which that model year’s failures were reported. The 2021 reports latest and the 2020 earliest, but part of that gap is age: the 2020 has had 1 more year on the road to accumulate mileage. 3 of these years carry fewer than 30 reports with an odometer reading and show no median at all, rather than one computed from a handful.
The short answer
“Is the 2020–2025 Ford Explorer reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 28,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 90,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 611
- Recalls
- 64
At least 40% of this generation’s complaints were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading, so the median likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.
Most reported
- Transmission and driveline32.6% of complaints · median 39,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise18.3% of complaints · median 6,000 mi
- Electrical system14.2% of complaints · median 10,000 mi
Owners filed 2,141 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020–2025 Ford Explorer; the transmission and driveline leads with 32.6% of them, and half of the 611 that record an odometer reading came by 28,000 miles. A count like this can’t rate reliability on its own: NHTSA records what owners chose to report, not how many of each car were sold.
37% of complaints that record mileage fall within the first 12,000 miles, against 4.3 reports per 1,000 miles between 20,000 and 80,000. On a generation this new that is expected: few examples have been driven further yet, so the timing says little about design or wear so far.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2020–2025 Ford Explorer last?
The newest model years (2024–2025) are too young to have reached high mileage; most reports with an odometer reading come from the earlier years of the generation.
Complaint records can’t measure how long a car lasts; they show when reported failures happened. On the 2020–2025 Ford Explorer, half of the 611 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 28,000 miles and 90% by 90,000 miles.
4 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 2 past 200,000 — each one proof that an Explorer reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Ford Explorer 2020–2025 · 611 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
Complaints per 10,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 195 complaints.
- First 12,000 miles — 37% of all failures
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 2 complaints (0.3%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 1,927
- 25%
- 6,600
- Median
- 28,000
- 75%
- 61,500
- 90%
- 90,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 195 | 31.9% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 72 | 11.8% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 43 | 7.0% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 43 | 7.0% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 52 | 8.5% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 40 | 6.5% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 47 | 7.7% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 34 | 5.6% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 21 | 3.4% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 21 | 3.4% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 17 | 2.8% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 13 | 2.1% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 7 | 1.1% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 1 | 0.2% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 1 | 0.2% |
| 170,000–180,000 | 1 | 0.2% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 1 | 0.2% |
| 200,000+ | 2 | 0.3% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Common Explorer problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Ford Explorer 2020–2025
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Problems owners could not categorise392 reports6,000896–9,000Problems owners could not categorise: 392 reports, median 6,000 miles, middle half 896 to 9,000 miles.
- Brakes128 reports7,0002,000–20,000Brakes: 128 reports, median 7,000 miles, middle half 2,000 to 20,000 miles.
- Electrical system305 reports10,0004,500–42,000Electrical system: 305 reports, median 10,000 miles, middle half 4,500 to 42,000 miles.
- Forward collision avoidance122 reports10,0006,500–32,000Forward collision avoidance: 122 reports, median 10,000 miles, middle half 6,500 to 32,000 miles.
- Engine211 reports14,0006,000–80,000Engine: 211 reports, median 14,000 miles, middle half 6,000 to 80,000 miles.
- Reversing camera and sensors172 reports24,0007,000–42,000Reversing camera and sensors: 172 reports, median 24,000 miles, middle half 7,000 to 42,000 miles.
- Transmission and driveline697 reports39,0009,000–72,000Transmission and driveline: 697 reports, median 39,000 miles, middle half 9,000 to 72,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and driveline | 697 | 32.6% | 39,000 | 9,000–72,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 392 | 18.3% | 6,000 | 896–9,000 |
| Electrical system | 305 | 14.2% | 10,000 | 4,500–42,000 |
| Engine | 211 | 9.9% | 14,000 | 6,000–80,000 |
| Reversing camera and sensors | 172 | 8.0% | 24,000 | 7,000–42,000 |
| Brakes | 128 | 6.0% | 7,000 | 2,000–20,000 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 122 | 5.7% | 10,000 | 6,500–32,000 |
| Visibility/wiper | 117 | 5.5% | — | — |
| Body structure | 94 | 4.4% | 40,000 | 10,000–62,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 84 | 3.9% | 4,000 | 651–7,500 |
System by system, in words
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 28,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The transmission and driveline accounts for 32.6% of complaints (697 reports, 230 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 39,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 9,000 and 72,000 miles.
A single system taking 32.6% of all complaints is a concentration worth noting. It means that for this generation, most of what owners reported came back to one area of the car rather than being distributed across many small faults.
Problems owners could not categorise accounts for 18.3% of complaints (392 reports, 35 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails early — a median of 6,000 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 896 and 9,000 miles.
The electrical system accounts for 14.2% of complaints (305 reports, 83 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails early — a median of 10,000 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 4,500 and 42,000 miles.
The engine accounts for 9.9% of complaints (211 reports, 52 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails early — a median of 14,000 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 6,000 and 80,000 miles.
The reversing camera and sensors account for 8.0% of complaints (172 reports, 65 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 24,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 7,000 and 42,000 miles.
The brakes account for 6.0% of complaints (128 reports, 43 of them with a mileage figure), and they fail early — a median of 7,000 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 2,000 and 20,000 miles.
Known problems with the 2020–2025 Explorer
Drivetrain 2020–2022
Rear axle horizontal mounting bolt can fracture under hard acceleration, allowing the driveshaft to disconnect from the rear axle. Because the park pawl acts on the transmission output side, a disconnected driveshaft means the vehicle can roll away when shifted to Park; also causes sudden loss of drive. Multiple recalls covering roughly 250,000-290,000 vehicles.
Powertrain Control 2025
PCM can intermittently reset while driving, causing loss of drive power, inability to shift into Park, or unintended engagement of Park at speed with possible pawl damage.
Assembly Quality 2020
Chicago Assembly launch-quality problems produced an unusually dense recall cluster in the first model year, spanning trim, wiring, seat, and rear-view camera issues.
Before you buy a 2020–2025 Explorer: the 3-minute check
Generated from 611 mileage-tagged complaints, 64 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 64 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Ask for problems owners could not categorise repair records. Reports on this area come at a median of 6,000 miles — a newer example may not have reached that mileage yet, so ask what was repaired under warranty and what the warranty still covers.
- Ask for electrical system repair records. Reports on this area come at a median of 10,000 miles — a newer example may not have reached that mileage yet, so ask what was repaired under warranty and what the warranty still covers.
- Check drivetrain on 2020–2022 (AWD with 2.3L EcoBoost or 3.3L hybrid) cars. Rear axle horizontal mounting bolt can fracture under hard acceleration, allowing the driveshaft to disconnect from the rear axle. Because the park pawl acts on the transmission output side, a disconnected driveshaft…
- Check powertrain control on 2025 cars. PCM can intermittently reset while driving, causing loss of drive power, inability to shift into Park, or unintended engagement of Park at speed with possible pawl damage.
- Check assembly quality on 2020 cars. Chicago Assembly launch-quality problems produced an unusually dense recall cluster in the first model year, spanning trim, wiring, seat, and rear-view camera issues.
- Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer of a newer example: 37% of the reported failures occur in the first 12,000 miles, and many of these cars have not covered that yet. The early window may still be ahead, so check what the factory warranty still covers and whether any recall on the VIN is open.
On inspection, the transmission and driveline and problems owners could not categorise are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. Problems owners could not categorise in particular shows a median failure mileage of 6,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
Explorer problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer reading, or read the common mileages in the table. Your marker lands on the timing chart above and on the curve below.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi73% below | At 90k mi90% below | At 120k mi98% below | At 150k mi99% below | At 200k mi100% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and driveline | 9,000–72,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 896–9,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 4,500–42,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 6,000–80,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Reversing camera and sensors | 7,000–42,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 2,000–20,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Forward collision avoidance | 6,500–32,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Ford Explorer 2020–2025 · 611 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 60,000 mi — 73% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 90% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 98% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 100% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it above
The staircase tops out at 100%: the remaining 0.3% of reports (2) came above 200,000 miles.
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
2020–2025 Ford Explorer recalls (64)
NHTSA records 64 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
The campaigns cluster around the reversing camera and sensors (12), the transmission and driveline (11), the fuel system (6). Several campaigns against one area can mean a remedy that did not hold, or separate defects in parts filed under the same heading; the summaries below name each defect.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Jul 2026 · 2025 · SeatsUnexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
What can happen. Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters…
Jul 2026 · 2020–2025 · SeatsA seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
What can happen. A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and…
Jun 2026 · 2020–2021 · Power TrainPark system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
What can happen. Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety…
Jun 2026 · 2024 · Power TrainA park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system…
What can happen. A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect for park system damage and replace the park system components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2026. Owners may contact customer…
May 2026 · 2025 · Engine and Engine CoolingA sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
What can happen. A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is…
Mar 2026 · 2025 · Back Over PreventionLoss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) may experience multiple unexpected resets, resulting in loss of the…
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 Aviator, 2025…
Mar 2026 · 2020–2025 · Seat BeltsA loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
What can happen. A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may…
Mar 2026 · 2020–2024 · Back Over PreventionAn incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is…
What can happen. An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…
Mar 2026 · 2025 · Engine and Engine CoolingAn unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive…
What can happen. An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is…
Mar 2026 · 2025 · Exterior LightingA headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction when driving through curves in the road. As such, these vehicles…
What can happen. A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. The headlight control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 23, 2026. Owners may contact…
Mar 2026 · 2020–2022 · VisibilityWindshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
What can happen. Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent…
Jan 2026 · 2024 · EquipmentAn electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
What can happen. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine…
Oct 2025 · 2025 · VisibilityReduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…
What can happen. Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 6, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
Oct 2025 · 2024–2025 · Trailer HitchesWhile towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Oct 2025 · 2020–2023 · EquipmentAn electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack…
What can happen. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine…
Aug 2025 · 2025 · Exterior LightingTrailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. When towing a trailer, the tail lights on the trailer may fail to illuminate due to an improperly manufactured body control module. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with…
What can happen. Trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the body control module C on vehicles with less than 9,000 miles. For vehicles over 9,000 miles, dealers will perform a functional check on the body control module C and replace…
Jul 2025 · 2021–2023 · Fuel System, GasolineAn engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can…
What can happen. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The free fix. 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 charge. Owner notification…
Jun 2025 · 2020–2024 · Back Over PreventionA rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023…
What can happen. 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 free fix. Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number…
Jun 2025 · 2020–2025 · SeatsA seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
What can happen. A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford…
Jun 2025 · 2025 · Engine and Engine CoolingA damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Transit, F-150, and Explorer vehicles. The connecting rod and rod bearing components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
What can happen. A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the connecting rods and replace the engine long block assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford…
Jun 2025 · 2025 · Service Brakes, HydraulicLoss of brake function and wheel damage can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles. The bolts securing the front brake caliper may not be tightened properly, which can result in a loss of front brake function and possible wheel damage.
What can happen. Loss of brake function and wheel damage can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary. If bolts are missing, the brake caliper and pads will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were…
May 2025 · 2025 · StructureA loose subframe bolt may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. A mounting bolt for the front subframe may have been tightened improperly.
What can happen. A loose subframe bolt may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and tighten the subframe bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2025.…
Apr 2025 · 2025 · Power TrainA damaged park system can result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles. The powertrain control module (PCM) may reset while driving, which can damage the park system or cause an engine stall.
What can happen. 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.…
The free fix. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's…
Mar 2025 · 2020–2022 · Power TrainA disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
What can happen. 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.…
The free fix. Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
Mar 2025 · 2025 · Power TrainUnexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward…
What can happen. Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
Mar 2025 · 2020–2023 · Back Over PreventionLoss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from…
What can happen. Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's…
Feb 2025 · 2020–2021 · Seat BeltsA loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured. Additionally, vehicles may have an improperly secured seat belt retractor…
What can happen. A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions. Additionally, dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center…
Jan 2025 · 2025 · Power TrainAn improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The transmission may be improperly secured due to loose cross member bolts.
What can happen. An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission cross member bolts as necessary, free of charge. If the cross member bolts are missing, dealers will replace the cross member and install new bolts…
Nov 2024 · 2020–2025 · EquipmentWithout a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these…
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
Oct 2024 · 2025 · Back Over PreventionThe loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The rearview camera image may fail when the vehicle speed reaches 10 MPH or greater. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor…
What can happen. The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025.…
Sep 2024 · 2024 · Hybrid Propulsion SystemA short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.3L Hybrid engines. The 12-Volt battery cable may chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generat (BiSG) and short circuit.
What can happen. A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will install a tie strap between the battery cable and high voltage cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…
Aug 2024 · 2021–2022 · Engine and Engine CoolingA loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result…
What can happen. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…
Aug 2024 · 2025 · Fuel System, GasolineA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles. The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can result in a fuel leak.
What can happen. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will install new fuel injector O-rings and O-ring support discs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…
Aug 2024 · 2020–2022 · EngineAn engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near…
What can happen. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The free fix. 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 reduction, or seeing smoke from the…
Mar 2024 · 2020 · Back Over PreventionA rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal…
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
Feb 2024 · 2023 · SuspensionA loose or missing connection between the knuckle and strut can cause improper tire alignment, resulting in a…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles. The right-front lower fastener connecting the steering knuckle and strut may be loose or missing.
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the fasteners, and tighten or install them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 08, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…
Oct 2023 · 2023 · Back Over PreventionA rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a standard rearview camera. Due to a manufacturing error in the wire harness, the rearview camera may display a blue image on the SYNC screen when the vehicle is placed in…
What can happen. A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the rearview camera wire harness and repair any loose splices, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service…
Oct 2023 · 2020–2022 · Power TrainA disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. They will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole location and replace with a new cover if any damage is found.…
Sep 2023 · 2020–2022 · Electrical SystemBattery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery…
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8…
Aug 2023 · 2023 · Engine and Engine CoolingAn oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines. The turbocharger oil supply line may be damaged, which can result in an oil leak inside the engine compartment.
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. 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. Dealers will replace the turbo oil supply…
May 2023 · 2020–2023 · Back Over PreventionLoss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
What can happen. Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for…
Apr 2023 · 2020–2022 · Back Over PreventionA rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 12.1-inch Integrated Computer Screen (ICS). When the Display On/Off Button is used to turn the display to "Off" prior to placing the vehicle…
What can happen. A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The free fix. Dealers will update the ICS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall…
Mar 2023 · 2020–2022 · Parking BrakeWithout the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain. The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include the automatic…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall…
Feb 2023 · 2022–2023 · Power TrainThe inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging…
What can happen. The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
Feb 2023 · 2020–2022 · Power TrainA park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system…
What can happen. A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…
Jan 2023 · 2020–2023 · Back Over PreventionLoss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
What can happen. Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification…
Sep 2022 · 2022 · Fuel System, GasolineAn improperly tightened fuel line connection may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of fire.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Explorer and Ranger vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines. The fuel line may be loose due to improper tightening of the fuel line connection.
What can happen. An improperly tightened fuel line connection may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of fire.
The free fix. Ford will inspect and replace the fuel line assembly, if needed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
Jun 2022 · 2022 · EngineImproperly heat-treated engine rails may reduce the vehicle's structural protection in a crash, increasing…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The engine rails may have been improperly heat-treated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. Dealers will perform an engine rail strength test and replace the rails as necessary, free of charge. If the engine rails require replacement, owners will have the option for a vehicle replacement or…
Apr 2022 · 2020–2022 · Power TrainA disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in 'Park' without the…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV, and 3.0L ST GAS vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft…
What can happen. A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in 'Park' without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover, or update the electronic parking brake software. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification…
Feb 2022 · 2022 · Fuel System, GasolineA detached fuel filler tube can result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The fuel filler tube may detach during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 301, "Fuel…
What can happen. A detached fuel filler tube can result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will install a fuel vapor line redundant locking clip, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
Nov 2021 · 2021 · SuspensionA rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Incorrect rear suspension module components may have been installed due to a labeling error.
What can happen. A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the rear suspension module, and replace any incorrect parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford…
Sep 2021 · 2020–2021 · Back Over PreventionA rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
What can happen. A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
Aug 2021 · 2021 · Air BagsImproper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during the deployment of the side air bag, resulting in an improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to…
What can happen. Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 10, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number…
Mar 2021 · 2020 · SuspensionBroken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The rear lower control arm (RLCA) bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the wheel knuckles may not have been heat-treated, which could cause them to…
What can happen. Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace both RLCA bolts, free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for…
Dec 2020 · 2020–2021 · EngineWith a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…
Nov 2020 · 2020 · Fuel System, GasolineAn incomplete weld securing the inlet check valve to the fuel tank shell could result in a substantial fuel…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines and 19 gallon fuel tanks. The fuel tank inlet check valve may not be fully welded to the fuel tank shell.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank shell, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for…
Nov 2020 · 2020 · Power TrainDefective drive shafts may fail and cause a loss of connection between the transfer case and rear axle…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 3.3L engine and a 10 Speed Automatic Transmission with the All Wheel Drive package. The drive shaft may fracture along the weld seam.
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shaft label inspected and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Sep 2020 · 2020 · Back Over PreventionReduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera…
What can happen. Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were…
Sep 2020 · 2020 · Seat BeltsVehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured may fail to restrain an occupant during a…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with second row center seat belt buckles that may not be properly secured to the seat.
What can happen. Vehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured may fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the second row center seat assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
Aug 2020 · 2020 · Air BagsIf the side air bag or seat back fasteners were not properly tightened, the side air bag deployment could be…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag and/or seat back module attachments may not have been properly tightened in the front seat backs.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. 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 tightened, free of charge. The…
Dec 2019 · 2020 · Fuel System, GasolineA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Over time, the protective sleeve on the vapor fuel line may chafe through the plastic liquid fuel line and cause a fuel leak.
What can happen. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a longer protective sleeve on the liquid fuel line, as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners and interim notification on January 29, 2020.…
Sep 2019 · 2020 · Electrical SystemThe A/C pulley may rub through the wiring harness insulation and contact the unfused battery positive wire…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.3L engines. The wiring harness may not have been properly secured and may contact the air conditioner compressor (A/C) pulley, potentially damaging the harness…
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a tie strap to the wiring harness at the hand shock tower clip, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Aug 2019 · 2020 · SeatsA seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual…
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
Aug 2019 · 2020 · Parking BrakeWithout the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away.
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) cover may not be installed. In addition, the vehicles may be in Factory Mode, which disables warning alerts and does not display the…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover. Dealers will verify the instrument cluster is not in Factory Mode and clear any fault codes, free of charge.…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 2,141 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 82 (3.8%)
- Fires
- 19
- Injury reports
- 67
- Fatality reports
- 0
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
Explorer problems by model year
The 2020 drew the most complaints of this generation, 1,218, most of them about the transmission and driveline, and the 2024 the fewest, 21. A typical year drew about 188.
That makes the 2020 stand out at roughly 6.5 times a typical year. A count like this follows how many cars of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as how often they failed, so it is not by itself evidence of a worse year; what each year's reports name, in its card and row, is the useful part.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,218 | 409 | 23,000 | Transmission and driveline (487) | 34 |
| 2021 | 426 | 101 | 43,000 | Transmission and driveline (121) | 27 |
| 2022 | 267 | 58 | 37,000 | Transmission and driveline (61) | 25 |
| 2023 | 109 | 25 | under 30 reports | Problems owners could not categorise (25) | 15 |
| 2024 | 21 | 4 | under 30 reports | Problems owners could not categorise (4) | 10 |
| 2025 | 100 | 14 | under 30 reports | Electrical system (23) | 20 |
What Explorer owners reported
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into park(P), and the message “Shift System Fault” was displayed. The vehicle restarted and shifted out of park. The contact stated that on several occasions the transmission was shifted into park but…
2020 · 113,000 miles · Transmission and driveline
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the electronic seat back adjustment malfunctioned, causing the right side of the seat to rise while the left side failed to respond, resulting in extreme discomfort for the driver while operating the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The local dealer…
2021 · 60,000 miles · Seats
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V117000 (Visibility) and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts to perform the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
2021 · 64,000 miles · Transmission and driveline
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 10 MPH with children inside the vehicle, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and loss power. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond. A dealer was contacted. No warning…
2022 · 66,000 miles · Fuel system
Built from 611 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-09-26 · open data · how it is built
Other Explorer generations
- Explorer 1991–1994 175 reports with mileage, most about the tyres
- Explorer 1995–2001 1,534 reports with mileage, most about the tyres
- Explorer 2002–2005 4,953 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline
- Explorer 2006–2010 980 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline
- Explorer 2011–2019 7,896 reports with mileage, most about the steering