10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 1
Average Mileage:
64,608 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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problem #11

Mar 012019

Explorer

  • 108,673 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. While the contact was reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle was placed into drive and accelerated on its own. The accelerator pedal became stuck at 60 mph. The vehicle went through a backyard, drove over a curb, drove through a neighbor's backyard, and crashed into a tree. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained two black eyes and a concussion that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The crash was not in relation to any recall. The failure mileage was 108,673.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #10

Apr 012013

Explorer

  • 90,000 miles
Takata air bags didn't deploy after a head on collision on a highway

- Sterling, AK, USA

problem #9

Dec 222015

Explorer

  • 30 miles
Takata recall. Driving in the city my 2005 Ford Explorer have a crash and air bags do not open.

- Alamo, TX, USA

problem #8

Mar 252015

Explorer

  • 113,570 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while exiting the vehicle, the front and rear curtain air bags deployed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,570.

- Wellington, CO, USA

problem #7

Nov 022012

Explorer

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the frontal air bags deployed erroneously as the engine was started. The contact received injuries to the arm as a result. The vehicle was later taken to the dealer for diagnosis where the contact was advised that there was a shortage in the wiring harness that needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and advised her that the part needed to complete the repair was no longer available and that they were unable to assist her any further. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 150,000.

- Henrico, VA, USA

problem #6

Jul 072011

Explorer

  • 118,000 miles
The contact owned a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the driver was driving approximately 55 mph, when she crashed into a truck and the air bags did not deploy. The driver was taken to the hospital, by ambulance for serious injuries. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a towing yard. The failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure and current mileage was 118,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Mentor, OH, USA

problem #5

Feb 172010

Explorer

  • 62,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. While driving at speeds of 30 mph in slightly icy road conditions, the vehicle slid over black ice and crashed into a nearby wall. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact sustained injuries to her arm, shoulders and neck. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. The dealer advised contacting the manufacturer for further assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was awaiting a return call. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage were 62,000. Updated 07/13/2010.

- East Syracuse, NY, USA

problem #4

Apr 142008

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,113 miles
2005 Ford Explorer, driving on a twisty coastal highway, about 35 mph, turned wheel to follow right hand turn in the road, there was no power to the steering wheel, or to the brakes. I had to wrench the wheel really hard to the right to keep from driving off of the road. I finally pulled to the side, turned on hazard lights, removed key from ignition. I reinserted key, car started and ran as if nothing ever happened. I drove for another 20 miles, about 40 minutes, without incident. Then the engine cut out again-no warning, just all of a sudden I was unable to accelerate. Service engine light came on, small wrench icon lit up, and digital display message "engine failsafe mode" appeared. There is nothing in the owner's manual about this warning message. I have taken the car to Ford dealer service where it was purchased. They have told me a sensor on a belt was damaged when the belt slipped off its pulley, and that sensor was therefore unable to sense the crankshaft, and therefore the engine shut down. There was no indication of why this occurred in the first place, or what measures could be done to assure that it does not happen again. This engine shutoff had occurred twice before, but both times the road was uncrowded, and straight, and the car ran fine after starting back up, so I didn't really think about it. But the idea that I could have very easily driven off the road, off a cliff (!) and died, or had my family in the car and this same thing could have happened, this to me is terrifying, and unacceptable. I realize there is inherent risk in driving a car, but potentially lethal malfunction of the vehicle should not be among those risks.

- Oakland, CA, USA

problem #3

Apr 252006

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving, both passenger and driver side air bags deployed, without vehicle being involved in a collision or roll over. Ford has refused to honor warranty, due to scratches on the underside-car frame, near box. Have placed claim with insurance company.

- Apple River , IL, USA

problem #2

Feb 012006

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,300 miles
I was involved in an accident on fl state road 85 at the okalossa regional airport on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 at approximately 6:30 P.M. while traveling North on highway 85 another vehicle ran the stop sign exiting the airport to travel South on highway 85. My 2005 Ford Explorer was traveling at 55 mph and T-boned a 2003 Ford minivan. None of my airbags deployed!

- Niceville, FL, USA

problem #1

Apr 042005

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,000 miles
Both the passenger's side and driver's side air bags deployed without the vehicle being involved in a collision or rolling over. Both driver's and passenger's ears were still ringing from the impact. Vehicle was towed to the dealer.

- Union Pier, MI, USA