2010 FORD EXPLORER

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    seat mechanism

    7 unsafe, 1 broken, 4 annoyance

    12
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 4,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THE HEADREST IN MY 2010 FORD EXPLORER FORCES YOUR HEAD AND NECK FORWARD IN A VERY UNCOMFORTABLE POSTION. THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT FOR THE POSITION. *TR"~1,000 mi, complaint #790791
    • "I HAVE A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HEADRESTS ARE PITCHED EXCESSIVELY FORWARD CAUSING EXTREME HEAD AND NECK DISCOMFORT. THE ONLY WAY TO ALLEVIATE THIS STRESS IS TO RECLINE THE SEAT TO THE POINT WHERE YOUR HEAD DOESN'T CONTACT THE HEADREST.…"~4,000 mi, complaint #844449
    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD REST ON THE DRIVERS SIDE CAUSED HIM EXTREME BACK PAIN AND DISCOMFORT. HE STATED THAT IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND AGREED WITH THE CONCERN AND WAS TRYING TO FIND A…"~4,400 mi, complaint #840392
    • "THE ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINT SYSTEM IN THE 2010 FORD EXPLORER PUSHES MY HEAD FORWARD WHEN I SIT STRAIGHT IN THE SEAT. I CANNOT FIND A COMFORTABLE POSITION WHERE THE "ACTIVE RESTRAINT" IS NOT ACTIVELY PUSHING MY HEAD FORWARD. I UNDERSTAND THE NECESSITY OF MINIMIZI…"~20,150 mi, complaint #850403
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT FAILED TO RE-ADJUST FORWARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXI…"~84,000 mi, complaint #1232840
  2. #2

    transmission automatic

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "CAR SITTING IN PARK WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK WITH BRAKE PEDAL FULLY PRESSED. CAN'T DRIVE CAR BECAUSE IT WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR."~63,000 mi, complaint #1438160
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE KEY FOB COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN UNKNOWN PIN WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED…"~67,000 mi, complaint #1293090
    • "TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY SLIPS OUT OF A LOW GEAR PREVENTING ACCELERATION. APPEARS TO JUMP INTO A NEUTRAL REVVING ENGINE ONLY BEFORE CATCHING IN GEAR. VERY DANGEROUS FOR MERGING ONTO HIGHWAYS. ONLY OCCURS PERIODICALLY AND AT LOW SPEEDS. HAD SEVERAL TRANS…"~69,476 mi, complaint #1297921
    • "TRUCK RECENTLY START HAVING PROBLEMS, HAS CORRECT AMOUNT OF TRANSMISSION FLUID, EVERYTHING. TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON CAR STALLED, RESTARTED THE CAR TGE CAR DROVE BUT ACTED LIKE IT WAS SLIPPING, LIGHT STILL ON, TOOK IT TO MECHANIC... THE LIGHT DID NOT GIVE AN…"~118,839 mi, complaint #1525401
    • "MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN SUFFERING A RADEK TRANSMISSION AND POWER TRAIN ISSUES AND I AM I AM TOLD THAT I WILL NEED TO REPLACE IT. AS WELL WHEN I LOOKED UP THE RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE UNDER GENERAL YEAR AND MODEL IT DOES COME UP THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS UP FOR RECAL…"~145,000 mi, complaint #1695100
  3. #3

    brake hydraulics

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE WHILE BRAKING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED DURING ONE OF THE FAILURES, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD MOMENTARILY WHEN THE BRAKES WER…"~800 mi, complaint #849588
    • "WE HAVE A 2010 FORD EXPLORER THAT IS HAVING BRAKE ISSUES. THE PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN NORMALLY DEPRESSING THE BRAKES. THE BRAKE PEDAL BECOMES SOFT AND THE TRUCK WILL NOT STOP. ONLY AFTER DEPRESSING THE PEDAL AT FULL FORCE WILL THE TRUCK FULLY STOP. IT HAS HAPPENE…"~3,000 mi, complaint #844599
    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP SIGN. THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. THE CONTACT APPLIED HIS FULL BODY FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL REPEATEDLY AND THE…"~8,000 mi, complaint #811492
    • "I WAS APPROACHING A RED LIGHT AND PRESSED THE BRAKE. THERE WAS A TRUCK INFRONT OF ME, THE HARDER I PUSHES THE BREAK THE MORE THE ENGINE TRIED TO ACCELERATE. THE TIRES WERE SCREECHING BUT THE ENGINE WAS STILL TRYING TO GO. ME AND MY KIDS COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS…"~40,707 mi, complaint #893237
    • "The contact owns a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph and attempting to stop, the brake pedal extended to the floorboard causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a guard rail. During the crash…"~92,600 mi, complaint #1822175
  4. #4

    unintended acceleration

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 36,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT LESS THAN 5 MPH THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES. YET, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BUILDING CAUSING FRONT END DAMAGE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED BECAUSE…"~12,000 mi, complaint #810745
    • "MY WIFE AND I WERE LEAVING OUR LOCAL WALMART STORE AND WE WERE DRIVING IN THE PARKING LOT. WE WERE GOING DOWN A HILL AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND MY FOOT WAS COVERING THE BRAKE AND WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR. SUDDENLY THE CAR ACCELERATED RAPIDLY WITH THE MOTOR…"~26,400 mi, complaint #901849
    • "I HAVE BEEN NOTICING THAT WHEN I AM ON THE HIGJWAY DRIVING IT FEELS LIKE THERE IS A INCREASE OF ACCELERATION WHEN I AM GOING SPEEDS OF 55 MPH - 60MPH. EVEN WHEN I HAVE TAPPED THE BRAKE, THERE IS STILL A LITTLE INCREASE OF SPEED. ON AUGUST 12, 2015 AT APPROXI…"~36,500 mi, complaint #1208873
    • "COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE ALL OF A SUDDEN SURGED FORWARD. I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP IT WITH THE BRAKES. IT SURGED SO FAST AND HARD THAT IT REAR ENDED A YUKON WHICH WAS PARKED ABOUT 10 FEET IN FRONT OF ME , WHICH FORCED THE…"~104,000 mi, complaint #1508715
    • "AUGUST 16, 2018 I HAD AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF MY 2010 FORD EXPLORER ACCELERATING WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. I WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY STOPPED AND OUT OF NO WHERE MY VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD SO FAST. THE SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE WAS EXTREMELY LOUD. MY D…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1534172
  5. #5

    airbag system

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON AFTER BELOW ZERO TEMPERATURES BUT AFTER SHUTTING OFF ENGINE AND RESTARTING, IT WENT OUT AFTER 3-4 SECONDS. 2 INCIDENTS: ONE DAY LOW WAS -7 2ND LOW WAS -12 TEMP AT TIME OF ENGINE START AND OCCURRENCE WAS 1ST DAY + 7 2ND + 15 DOES…"~6,500 mi, complaint #841836
    • "AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. LAST FEB 2014 CAME ON FOR THE FIRST TIME. IT GAVE CODE B2292 AND WAS CORRECTED BY FORD. *TR"~32,800 mi, complaint #1175149
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1242913
    • "HERE IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS THE AIR BAG LIGHT COME ON AIR BAG . LIGHT COME ON AS I WAS DRIVING O ROAD. IT DOSE THIS SOME TIMES AND DON'T AT OTHER TIMES."~68,560 mi, complaint #1509928
  6. #6

    engine stall or no start

    1 stranded, 5 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AT ONLY 14,000 MILES.THERE WAS NO WARNING IT JUST SHUT DOWN. THE DEALERSHIP THAT REPLACED THE ENGINE TOLD ME THERE WAS A SAFETY NOTICE SENT TO DEALERSHIPS BUT THEY DID NOT HAVE TO TELL CONSUMERS. FORD KNOWS SPECIFIC ENGINES THAT COULD BE A…"~14,000 mi, complaint #839926
    • "CAR IDLES AND SURGES WHILE EITHER IN PARK OR WHILE FOOT ON BRAKE QUITE SCARY AS YOU WATCH THE RPM RISE ON ITS OWN WONDERING IF THE CAR WILL JET OUT IN TRAFFIC. *TR"~28,773 mi, complaint #1112035
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT NEEDED TO BE R…"~130,000 mi, complaint #1106303
  7. #7

    interior trim

    2 unsafe, 4 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THE 2010 FORD EXPLORER HEADREST PITCHES YOUR HEAD UNCOMFORTABLY FORWARD. FORGET ABOUT WEARING A PONY TAIL, YOUR CHIN WILL TOUCH YOUR CHEST! PLEASE GET FORD TO REPLACE THE HEADREST! THIS IS NOT A COMFORT COMPLAINT, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE! *TR"~4,000 mi, complaint #818154
  8. #8

    control module

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "2010 FORD EXPLORER RENTAL FROM HERTZ. APPROX 3500 MILES. AFTER 10 MILES DASHBOARD RED WARNING SAID "SERVICE RSC IMMEDIATELY" ALSO AUDIBLE ALARM REPEATED EVERY FEW MINUTES. TOOK IT TO FORD DEALER WHO SAID IT WAS A LOOSE WIRE. AFTER 10 MORE MILES, WARNING REPEAT…"~3,500 mi, complaint #776156
    • "The contact owns a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the anti-theft, roll stability, and fuel filler messages were displayed with an audible alarm before the vehicle suddenly shut off. The contact was able to resta…"~48,000 mi, complaint #2124847
    • "THE WRENCH SYMBOL HAS COME ON SEVERAL TIMES. THE LAST TIME IT STAYED ON ALONG WITH AN ENGINE SYMBOL. FORD DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING TO INDICATE WHY THE WRENCH SYMBOL CAME ON BUT DID REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY TO TAKE CARE OF THE ENGINE SYMBO…"~87,233 mi, complaint #1326780
    • "WHEN I DRIVE THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON, THE BREAK SYSTEM LIGHT, ENGINE LIGHT, AND AIR BAG LIGHT ALL CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME AND THE RADIO WILL SHUT OFF ALONG WITH ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS. WHEN I DRIVE SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL STOP CATCHING GEAR AND STOP ACCELER…"~189,000 mi, complaint #1670431
  9. #9

    engine internal

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED WHEN DECELERATING AT LOW SPEEDS OR WHEN REVERSING DURING COLD WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICL…"~52,000 mi, complaint #1030569
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT END MADE AN UNUSUAL NOISE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE SPRING FRACTURED AND NEEDED…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1277977
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING [REDACTED ADDRESS], THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FRACTURED AND CAUSED THREE OTHER VEHICLES TO BE STRUCK BY THE PULLEY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. TH…"~81,000 mi, complaint #1320833
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. IN ADDITION, THE KEY FAILED TO EJECT FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (IRVIN MOTORS IN SAN ANTONIO,…"~103,999 mi, complaint #1381498
    • "VEHICLE FLOAT SENSOR HAS WENT BAD AT 143,000 AND NOW THE EGR IS FAULTY AT 146,000"~146,000 mi, complaint #1250761
  10. #10

    throttle and pedal

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "BOUGHT CAR FROM BATES FORD IN LEBANON, TN NEW. WITHIN THE FIRST 1500 MILE I EXPERIENCED AT LEAST ONE INCIDENT WHERE I TRIED TO STOP BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CAR HAS ABOUT 36000 MILES NOW AND BOTH MY WIFE AND I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS INCIDENTS O…"~1,200 mi, complaint #1080875
    • "MY 2010 FORD EXPLORER JUMP FORWARD WHILE SITTING STILL WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. IT HAD HAPPEN TWICE. MAY 15,2010 AND MAY 17,2010. *TR"~1,290 mi, complaint #787956
    • "2010 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS. THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS ARE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE MY FOOT CONTACTED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE ENGINE ACCELERATED. WHEN THE BRAKE IS FULLY DEPRESSED IT IS BELOW THE LEVEL OF THE…"~6,900 mi, complaint #805767
    • "INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) STUCK ACCELERATOR PEDAL. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 35 MPH ATTEMPTED TO STOP AT RED LIGHT. BRAKES WERE NOT HOLDING MUCH LIKE YOU WOULD EXPERIENCE AFTER DRIVING IN W…"~7,600 mi, complaint #783100
  11. #11

    wheel bearing

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "I OWN A 2010 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4X4 THAT I PURCHASED NEW IN 2009. AT APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WORE OUT AND WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. A SECOND TIME AFTER WARRANTY AT APPROXIMATELY 55, 000 MILES THE SAME WHEEL BEARIN…"~27,000 mi, complaint #1127868
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A CLANKING NOISE WAS EXHIBITED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSIDE BEARI…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1049183
    • "WHEEL BEARINGS MAKING NOISE GETS WORSE COULD LOSE WHEEL TRUCK HAS 62000 MILES. HAVE HEARD OF MANY OF THESE SAME MODELS HAVING SAME PROBLEMS. I THINK FORD SHOULD RECALL THIS MODEL FOR BEARING REPLACEMENT."~62,000 mi, complaint #1417879
    • "THE CAR WAS JUST UNDER 3 YEARS OLD AND JUST PAST IT'S WARRANTY MILEAGE. WE STARTED THE CAR TO DRIVE IT, AND IT WAS MAKING A GRINDING NOISE AND FELT LIKE SOMEONE WAS PRESSING ON THE BRAKES WHILE ACCELERATING. WE THEN PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND GOT OUT, AND IT STAR…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1088516
  12. #12

    wiring harness

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 295 JUST SOUTH OF BRUNSWICK, MAINE MY 2010 FORD EXPLORER LOST ALL POWER AND RAPIDLY DECELERATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. I DID MANAGE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY JUST BEFORE LOSING ALL POWER…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1033618
    • "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CODE WAS P0106 AND P0401. I DISCOVERED PLASTIC TUBING FAILED BY BREAKING (DISINTEGRATING REALLY), ALL IN THE VICINITY OF A PART THAT I SUSPECT CONTROLS THOSE FUNCTIONS. THE PART IS A HARNESS WITH 4 OF THESE PLASTIC TUBES THA…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1364628
  13. #13

    abs module

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WHILE DRIVE THE RSC LIGHT CAME ON. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THAT THE ANTI SKID CAME ON LOCKING THE WHEELS. [REDACTED ADDRESS] CAME ON LOCKING THE WHEELS FURTHER AND THE BREAKS ENGAGED. CAR WOULD NOT TURN OR MOVE AND PUSHING THE GAS PETAL ONLY CAUSED BREAK SYSTEM TO…"~125,000 mi, complaint #1480404
  14. #14

    fuel tank and lines

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "CAPLESS FUEL FILLER ADAPTER BROKEN OFF WHEN GAS PUMP NOZZLE INSERTED DUE TO POOR FORD DESIGN WHICH CAUSES IT TO BREAK OFF VERY EASILY . THERE WAS A PSEUDO RECALL THAT REQUIRES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BE ON WHICH IS NOT THE CASE WITH MY CAR . MANY FORD OWNERS HA…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1037485
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND REPLACED THE FUEL FUME NECK AND RUBBER HOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…"~85,000 mi, complaint #1239654
  15. #15

    lighting exterior

    1 unsafe, 1 broken

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "8 DAYS AFTER NEW VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, I WAS PULLED OVER BY THE SHERIFF FOR NO TAILLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN INTO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR AND THEY SAID THE FUSE WAS BLOWN AND THEY REPLACED THE 15AMP FUSE TO THE SMART JUNCTION BOX. ABOUT 50 MILES LATER…"~1,050 mi, complaint #834812
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH BEZEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIE…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1135578
  16. #16

    other

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TAKATA RECALL AND SHIFT ASSEMBLY NOT LETTING OPERATOR TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. HAVE NOTICED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2010'S. AND RATCHET GEAR ON FRONT MANUAL RECLINING SEATS AND SEAT COVER PROBLEMS WITH AIR BAGS."~100,000 mi, complaint #1410028
    • "Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was approximately 150,000. Most recently, the contact dow…"~243,000 mi, complaint #2168905
  17. #17

    power windows and locks

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTUR…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1024677
  18. #18

    stability and traction control

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "WE RENTED A 2011 4X4 EXPLORER FOR A SKI TRIP TO TAHOE. ONCE WE CAME OFF THE PASS, THE RSC LIGHTS CAME ON. THE ANTILOCK AND SLIP LIGHTS ALSO CAME ON. THE CAR LOST ALMOST ALL BRAKING ABILITY ON SNOWY ROADS. IT WAS UNDRIVABLE AND SCARY. THE RENTAL CAR COMPANY RES…"~5,500 mi, complaint #831511
    • "MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY TO GET TO WORK WHEN THE ABS LIGHT, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND THE WRENCH LIT UP ON THE DASHBOARD. HE IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND SHUT OFF THE TRUCK. WHEN HE TURNED IT BACK ON, HE WAS UNABLE TO GET THE TRUCK TO MOVE.…"~98,000 mi, complaint #1110246
  19. #19

    steering column

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD TIGHTEN AND THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO UTILIZE EXTREME FORCE TO RE-CENTER THE STEERING WHEEL UNTIL REACHING 15 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED…"~19,000 mi, complaint #914950
    • "I AM UNABLE TO REMOVE KEYS FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. I LOOKED UP THE ISSUE ON YOUTUBE AND FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON. SEVERAL VIDEOS GAVE A QUICK FIX. I DID THE FIX AND IT WORKED FOR A DAY AND A HALF. THE ISSUE IS A PIN THAT SLIPS OUT OF PLACE O…"~76,000 mi, complaint #1388694
  20. #20

    alignment and pull

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHEN MAKING A FORWARD 90 DEGREE TURN EITHER TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT, THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT RETURN SO THAT THE VEHICLE STRAIGHTENS OUT. THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO TURN UNTIL THE STEERING WHEEL IS STRAIGHTENED OUT MANUALLY. IN REVERSE, THE STEERING WHEEL WILL R…"~19,000 mi, complaint #857919
  21. #21

    cruise control conventional

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE CRUISE CONTROL INTERMITTENTLY ENGAGES WHEN IT IS TURNED OFF AND THE CAR SPEEDS UP, WHEN THE BRAKE IS PRESSED IT SHUTS OFF MOMENTARILY THEN RE-ENGAGES ITSELF. IT HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED AND THERE IS NO RHYME OR REASON FOR WHY IT HAPPENS. FORD HAS BEEN UNABLE…"~22,000 mi, complaint #967453
  22. #22

    differential

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING AN OIL CHANGE AT CHUCK COLVIN AUTO CENTER (1925 OR-99W, MCMINNVILLE, OR 97128, [REDACTED PHONE]), THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLA…"~38,200 mi, complaint #1536604
  23. #23

    engine head gasket

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Oil leak in both valve gasket covers oil on the crossmember it started slow then it was traced by Ford to the gaskets(fire hazard) 120 k on odometer "complaint #1862401
  24. #24

    evap system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "KEEP GETTING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DIE TO CAPLESS GAS SYSTEM"~65,000 mi, complaint #1442792
  25. #25

    exhaust system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "EXHAUST FUMES LEAK INSIDE CAR WHILE DRIVING"~57,710 mi, complaint #1296856
  26. #26

    fuel pump

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "FUEL GAUGE IS SWEEPING BACK AND FORTH BEFORE RESTING ON EMPTY WHEN THE CAR WAS STARTED. WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM BUT NOW THE GAUGE REMAINS ON EMPTY WITH THE LOW FUEL LIGHT ON AND THE MILES TO EMPTY READING AS "---" AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DEAL…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1405458
  27. #27

    heater core and blower

    1 broken

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE AC AND HEATER BLOWER MALFUNCTION. DURING THE WINTER OF 2016 I BEGAN TO HEAR A LOUD THUMPING NOISE WHEN ADJUSTING THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE OF THE HEATER. THE ISSUE HAS PROGRESSED TO THE SAME EXPERIENCE, HOWEVER THE BLOWER FAN SPEEDS OF 1 & 2 ARE NOT WORKING AT…"~140,000 mi, complaint #1402563
  28. #28

    key fob and immobilizer

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ENGAGED IN PARK, THE KEY BECAME STUCK INSIDE THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE MANUALLY PUSHED A PIN IN THE SHIFTER TO REMOVE THE KEY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE GEAR WAS ABLE T…"~127,000 mi, complaint #1599451
  29. #29

    parking brake

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE CONTINUED JUMPED IN THE VEHICLE, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE WALL OF THE HOUSE AND AN…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1167068
  30. #30

    torque converter

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • ""TAKATA RECALL"-DIAGNOSIS/ENGINE LIGHT(WRENCH COMING UP ON SCREEN)-CODE PO741 TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER SYSTEM STUCK OFF. PCM WON'T COMMAND TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT AND WHEN DOES COMMAND TRANSMISSION WILL SLIP. TAKEN TO FORD DEALER-SHEEHY FORD MERCURY LINCOL…"~133,000 mi, complaint #1519503
  31. #31

    tpms

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY. THE TURN SIGNALS WERE OPERABLE, HOWEVER THE SOUND INDICATOR THAT ADVISED THE…"~13,500 mi, complaint #856243
  32. #32

    transfer case awd

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NO PARTICULAR SPEED, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO 4-WHEEL DRIVE WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE AND AT OTHER SPEEDS ON DIFFERENT HIGHWAYS. . THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITT…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1056448
  33. #33

    transmission manual clutch

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "A FAILURE OF THE ELECTRIC INTERLOCK BETWEEN THE IGNITION AND THE "PARK" POSITION OCCURRED WHICH MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO MOVE THE SHIFT FROM "PARK" TO SOME OTHER POSITION WITHOUT PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS CAN RESULT IN SOMEONE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEA…"~88,000 mi, complaint #1252371
  34. #34

    trunk or liftgate

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE PARKED, THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000."~98,000 mi, complaint #1115496
  35. #35

    wheel or rim

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE SCREWS…"~13,700 mi, complaint #878729
  36. #36

    wiper and washer

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ACTIVATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DURING SNOWY CONDITIONS AND THE WIPERS LEFT SNOWY STREAKS ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALE…"~5,000 mi, complaint #904934

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for FORD EXPLORER directly.