10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
38,386 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #75

Jun 162022

Explorer

  • miles
On 6/16/22 my vehicle was put in the shop for overheating. It was a water pump leak. It is a timing chain run water pump. The water pump is located in the engine. It was a very expensive repair. Due to the amount of labor this took to fix I was out of a vehicle for almost a month. I paid for the repair. Less that a week after I got it back my AC stopped working. Back to the shop it went. More money later... Mechanic explained to us that the water pump is located on top of the compressor. When it leaked it got all over everything destroying it. Now I must get a new compressor. No telling what else it ruined under there. This is a huge problem with this year model of Ford. Matter of fact in Canada it has already been recalled. Why is this problem not getting recalled in the US? Many people have gone after Ford with no luck and one judge threw of the case.

- Tyler, TX, USA

problem #74

Jan 202022

Explorer

  • miles
My rack and pinion steering column and power steering pump went out causing a hefty cost to replace and it is starting to fail again creating hazardous conditions while driving. I do believe there is a steering issue in these models. Also my power lift gate in the back closes without stopping automatically while I-€™m loading the rear or unloading. There is NO STOPPING SAFETY SENSOR, I HAD THE BACK CLOSE ON ME MULTIPLE TIMES AND ALMOST CRUSH ME. there is no safety sensor to stop the power lift gate from closing on you, I have had to crawl in my rear end to avoid being crushed by my liftgate! This is not safe!

- Warren, MI, USA

problem #73

Jun 012021

Explorer

  • miles
The airbag light comes on due to the connectors in the wiring harness used for the airbag and seatbelt restraint system. When the light is on the airbags will not deploy, making this a safety related issue. Ford has a technical service bulletin Ford TSB 16-0001 showing the issue. This is not covered for repair and the cost is $900 to $1100 per side (there are two sides) to replace the wire harness and connectors. https://www.tsbsearch.com/Ford/16-0001

- Plympton, MA, USA

problem #72

Jul 212021

Explorer

  • miles
Vehicle displays airbag warning light. Dealership diagnostic test determined there is a faulty connection to the 2nd-row inflatable seatbelt sensor. Ford issued a service bulletin to replace the wire harness pigtail connection. When the airbag light is illuminated due to this faulty connection, all of the airbags in the vehicle are deactivated. Directly from site: Https://Ford.oemdtc.com/1203/air-bag-warning-light-illuminated-with-dtc-B141B-B141C-2014-2016-Ford-Explorer tsb 16-0001 airbag warning light illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) B141B and/or B141C. This is not normal wear and tear but a safety item design by Ford that has failed in the vehicle. Ford dealership claims that this is not warranty failure. Cost to repair $1085 plus $230 diagnostic test charge.

- Mill Valley, CA, USA

problem #71

Jun 292021

Explorer

  • miles
The electronic door clocks are continuously failing where the door cannot be opened in an emergent situation. On 6/24/20 the front driver door latch had to be replaced and on 03/21/21 the left rear door latch had to be replaced. Presently the right rear door latch is not operating and the vehicle has been scheduled for service on 7/9/21.. When these locks fail you are unable to open the doors unless you can reach the lock to pull up. In an emergency such as a crash or fire this failure can be fatal. It appears that there is a design flaw or defect with these locks. Review of internet blogs reveal this may be a common unreported problem that needs immediate attention. In the event there are emergent circumstances requiring the removal of a child or elderly this may be tragic.

- Chatham, NJ, USA

problem #70

Apr 172021

Explorer

  • miles
Radio sparking and smoking plus peeling and bubbles inside the hood paint

- Sarasota, FL, USA

problem #69

Apr 052021

Explorer

  • 59,995 miles
Air bag light on dash. Caused by dtc B141B. Found tsb related to connectors under rear seat mp 130. Car was stationary.

- Fife Lake, MI, USA

problem #68

Nov 022019

Explorer

  • miles
The 2nd row airbag light came on, and Ford told me it was a shortage in the wires and it wasn't covered under the manufacturers warranty. They stated that since the airbag light was on, the short in the wiring would stop the airbag from deploying, which in turn is a safety issue.

- Oviedo, FL, USA

problem #67

Mar 282019

Explorer

  • 94,000 miles
94000 miles the transfer case burst and when 70000 miles charging cycle does not work, the vehicle suddenly stops.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

problem #66

Jan 182021

Explorer

  • 50,000 miles
Airbag light has been coming on intermittently for over 1 year. Diagnostic test determined there is a faulty connection to the 2nd row inflatable seatbelt sensor. Ford issued a service bulletin to replace the wire harness pig tail connection. When the air bag light is illuminated due to this faulty connection, all of the air bags in the vehicle are deactivated. This is extremely dangerous, and my family has been driving the car in this condition for over a year. Upon further research, numerous cases exist reporting the same issue. Please address this safety issue.

- Red Bank, NJ, USA

problem #65

Dec 012020

Explorer

  • 47,000 miles
There is an SRS airbag warning light on the dashboard that used to intermittently display. Now it is on consistently when the vehicle is driven. It is due to a circuit failure or a broken cord leading to the driver side middle row seatbelt airbag. Directly from site: Https://Ford.oemdtc.com/1203/air-bag-warning-light-illuminated-with-dtc-B141B-B141C-2014-2016-Ford-Explorer tsb 16-0001 air bag warning light illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) B141B and/or B141C this is not normal wear and tear but a safety item design by Ford that has failed in the vehicle. Ford dealership claims that this is not warranty failure. But sounds like an electrical and safety issue to me...which should be covered under warranty. The truth to the matter is...Ford does not care that a potentially high risk problem has been identified as a failure on the company's end but they don't care enough to do anything about it. Well..other than charge the customer close to $1000 out of pocket to fix for a poor design on Ford's end. The Ford dealership service department does not know how this safety feature broke. If we were to get in an accident while the airbag is in this state, it would not deploy and the lives of all passengers in jeopardy!

- Valley Center, CA, USA

problem #64

Aug 202020

Explorer 6-cyl

  • 58,000 miles
On August 20, 2020, my vehicle had last been driven around 12 noon. It sat in the driveway with all of us home. My son went to get in the vehicle around 6:30 pm. Smoke poured out, the seat was smoldering and flames came up. We couldn't put the fire out with extinguisher. Fire department put hose on seat. Firemen stated they see this often with heated/airconditioned seats that malfunction and burn up or cause fire. Firemen stated they could tell the way it looked "like all the other heated /air conditioned seats that ignite that they see often". insurance company says car is totaled since hose was put on it. Ford will not work with me. No one left anything burning in the seat or smoked in the car. I believe the car heated/air conditioned seat malfunctioned and Ford should help. I had purchased bumper to bumper warranty from dealership. Warranty company says if a car catches fire, warranty is voided, even if car malfunctioned causing the fire. Insurance company is trying to pay as least amount as possible. This was a well cared for, very nice car. I believe it malfunctioned. Ford Motor Company sent me a letter saying they had the dealership take pictures, and they feel it had something left burning on the seat. No one left anything burning on the seat. In the letter Ford Motor Company sent me by email, they state they inspected the car. They never came to see the car in person. They only had the service staff take pictures. The car was sitting in the driveway all afternoon. I also backed out of the driveway in my Subaru at 5:00 pm and did not smell or see smoke as I left.. the passenger seat that ignited itself had a stack of business papers and some soccer gear that could have overheated if the seat was malfunctioning too. The seat ignited by itself. As a consumer I deserve to be assisted. I would like the car repaired or replaced w/similar car. Consumer stated vehicle was totaled and settlement was offered by the insurance company. Vehicle was towed to the dealership.

- Evansville, IN, USA

problem #63

Oct 252020

Explorer

  • 66,000 miles
Within 10 days of buying it brand new I've had electrical problems. Replaced back up screen within those 10 days even though they didn't find anything wrong. Still continues. Multiple issues with the power train. Now I've been out of a car for 2 weeks because I might need a new transmission at 65,000 no longer under warranty. How can I pay $38,000 and it goes bad instantly? no help from Ford or dealer. My gears are stalling and not shifting correctly or picking up speed. I drive like an old lady and take care of this car like it's brand new. I will never buy a Ford again and will tell anyone who will listen not to do the same.

- Minnetonka, MN, USA

problem #62

Sep 092020

Explorer

  • 55,236 miles
Per Ford website, I was told that my sync software need an upgrade when I typed in the VIN, then I follow the instruction on website but the program I downloaded messed up my apim module on my car and radio, gps, and other function ae not working. So I took my SUV to the dealer and they said it will cost me $1050 to fix the issue.

- Anaheim, CA, USA

problem #61

Jun 202020

Explorer 6-cyl

  • 64,000 miles
Saturday June 20th 2020 the hill assist message came on as did the ABS and traction control lights came on. There is no power steering and both axles are making a clicking noise. I have learned that this is the rack and pinion electronic power assist system. Epas unit has failed. Luckily it was in my cul de sac turning around and not on the freeway. My wife predominantly drives this vehicle. The steering is very difficult to move. The vehicle only has 64,000 miles on it. Is this a private recall? I have spoken with a couple of other Explorer owners that Ford "took care of it" for them. I have ordered the part, but it will not be there for a week. This car is well taken care of and is normally driven on city streets and occasionally on the highway.

- Taylorsville, UT, USA

problem #60

Jan 012019

Explorer

  • 35,000 miles
Seat heat under driver seat keeps going bad. Only the seat bottom, not the top. I noticed as this is the 3rd time it has been in for this, that when I have the seat in the farthest back position it works, but when the seat is moved further it pulls on the wires. I wonder if this could be causing a short in the wiring, which potential could be a fire hazard.

- West Olive, MI, USA

problem #59

Aug 142019

Explorer

  • 98,500 miles
Issues started with several electrical glitches that occurred and still occur consistently with no resolution. Battery was "fried" and replaced, sync module was replaced, now the glitches include a frozen steering column while driving and a "charging system service now" light that comes on and off while stationary and driving. Also passenger side view mirror gets stuck outwards, interior electrical malfunctions. Truck is no longer under warranty and I am tired of paying $150 diagnostic fees with no resolution.

- Pawling, NY, USA

problem #58

Oct 302019

Explorer

  • 65,235 miles
Airbag warning light appeared on instrument gauge @ approx 65,000 miles. The concern is for the rear seat restraint systems that have airbags built into the seatbelt shoulder straps. This design flaw by Ford Motor Co has resulted in faulty wire harness systems for the seat belt airbags. Ford is not taking action because there is no official "recall" even though this is a well known design defect. Ford is leaving the responsibility up to consumers to pay out-of-pocket for this repair @ a $660 cost!!! this is absolutely unacceptable as we are talking about arguably the most important safety feature of a modern automobile...the airbags!!! Ford clearly cannot stand behind their own products from a safety standpoint, so consumers such as myself are forced to pay the $660 charge in order to protect the passengers (often children in our scenario) in the backseat or take the deathly risk of safety airbags not deploying in an accident scenario? you've got to be kidding me. Extremely shameful and disappointing that one of the biggest automobile manufacturers in the world cannot stand behind it's own safety products. This needs to be issued a recall pronto...this is people's safety we are talking about here!

- Hampton, NH, USA

problem #57

Nov 282018

Explorer

  • 32,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. While driving 70 mph, the steering column seized and the steering column warning indicator illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle to the side of the highway, pressed the "ok" option on the message board, and was able to resume normal driving. Also, while driving 55 mph and hauling a trailer, the "hill start assist not available" warning indicator illuminated. The contact pressed the "ok" button and the warning light disappeared. In addition, the ABS, steering fault service now, and service track warning indicators illuminated at various times while driving. During the failure, the contact pressed the "ok" button again and the warning indicators disappeared. The contact took the vehicle to sunnyvale Ford (650 E el camino real, sunnyvale, ca 94087, 408-215-9949) and was informed that the repairs would cost $400. After a diagnostic was performed, the dealer determined that the warning indicator illumination was linked to a faulty battery. The dealer wanted to test the vehicle's trailer hitch cable to determine if that cable was linked to the failures. It was diagnosed that the steering rack was the cause for the system failure and the dealer provided an estimate for the repairs. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,000.

- Sunnyvale, CA, USA

problem #56

Oct 102018

Explorer

  • 45,000 miles
Standard driving drug with no crashes. Airbag light began coming on intermittently while driving in early to mid October of 2018 (around 45,000 miles). After a full week of the light staying on vehicle was taken to dealership. The harness connector was loose. Five to seven days after repair the light began coming on intermittently again. A second dealership said the gardens connector was loose. Two to the weeks later the light came on and persisted. I was told in late may that it was the wiring harness before the front passenger seat. After some issues with the dealership, it was taken to the dealership that originally fixed it in October 2018. This time both the passenger wiring harness and airbag were replaced. Over $800 and 3.5 hour appointment for the actual fix. Pictures from initial service are attached.

- Scottsville, KY, USA

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