10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 59,080 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
In the 2021 Ford Explorer there are multiple leaks due to rain / water damage. The back of the trunk has a leak that has water running down the side into the third row seat it causes rust on to the spare tire, it-??s causes fog to be on the inside of the car causing issues to see. There is also leaking in the front of the car that comes out through the light unit above all electric panel. This leaking is causing the ceiling lights to have issues, drips into the dashboard with all the electrical items causing the unit to short, which is where the rear camera display occurs.
- Lexington, KY, USA
Driving and B pillar on the driver side came off my vehicle. Then later while driving the B pillar broke while driving down the interstate, luckily no one got hurt when it broke in half. Now I have it taped up so water doesn-??t go into my vehicle.
- Wichita , KS, USA
Driver side window panel flew off during my drive on the interstate directly after I noticed it being loose for the first time. 3rd row seatbelts leak when it rains on both sides. Rear backup camera is opposite/flipped and goes in and out. Trunk will close on you after opening it up with the car not running. It will not sense movement when the car is off and continues to shut resulting in harm.
- Calhoun, GA, USA
Trim on left side A-pillar detached at highway speeds causing further damage to vehicle. The plastic trim and rubber seal detached and were damaged along with door trim and left marks on the driver window glass and upper door sash from the rubber seal.
- Parkersburg, WV, USA
I was driving on interstate 95 when the trim that covers the driver's side A pillar began to flap for a few seconds before flying off the car. It smashed the B pillar and cracked it before ultimately flying directly at the car behind me narrowly missing it. It was difficult to maintain control of the vehicle due to the sudden noise, it felt like the car was suddenly under attack.
- Ponte Vedra, FL, USA
The windshield trim on the driver's side flew off of the vehicle when I was traveling on the interstate (at interstate speed - about 70 mph). It did not hit another vehicle, but certainly could have if another vehicle had been to my left or close behind my vehicle. I was unable to stop and retrieve the part. No inspection has been made by police, insurance, etc. I now need to have the trim piece replaced, and I am nervous about the windshield trim on the passenger side possibly doing the same thing.
- Palmetto, FL, USA
I read an article online dated 1/31/23 that indicated that the NHTSA was investigating windshield trim panel issues on certain year models of the Ford Explorer. My 2011 Ford Explorer driver-side windshield trim panel flew off the vehicle while driving at highway speeds (70+ mph) on May 3, 2021, so I wanted to provide this information and photos of the damage. I agree this is a serious issue for this Make and model that should be addressed. This was an expensive repair and dangerous for other drivers on the road. I can provide additional information if needed.
- Highland, IN, USA
Passenger side windshield trim came off while traveling on freeway at 85 mph hit the windshield. Then about hit the car behind us and about hit a car next to us. The car is available for inspection.
- Mojave, CA, USA
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front windshield trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 150,000.
- Port Saint Lucie, FL, USA
Driver's seat windshield panel flew off while driving. Part number BB5Z-7803145-AA
- Arlington, VA, USA
Driver-??s side black plastic A pillar windshield trim piece detached as I was driving on the highway. Startled me but I kept my composure. No other damage. Piece could have hit another vehicle behind me or a motorcyclist. When I stopped I confirmed the piece missing. Seems only held on by tape and Velcro
- Urbandale, IA, USA
While traveling at freeway speeds a vibration sound could be heard around the front windshield area when a slight cross wind would occur, I was unable to locate the cause until after a couple months of this behavior the passenger side windshield trim piece suddenly departed the vehicle while traveling at 70 mph. The vehicle was serviced at Novus glass and the trim was then replaced. However, the new also began falling off after only a few days, and Novus Glass advised that they see this type of issue all the time, as the plastic tabs that are meant to secure the trim piece often get broken even when installing a new part.
- Bonney Lake, WA, USA
I noticed that my wheel well where the spare tire is stored, had water in it about 2 inches deep. I removed the 3-4 drain plugs and allowed water to drain out and time to dry. I think it has been leaking a while because the tire jack and wheel well had obvious rust. Then I noticed a smell of mildew in the rear of the vehicle and several items in the rear cargo area were damp. Since then, it is apparent there is a water leak in the rear. It only happens when it rains.
- Midville, GA, USA
Right front axle/control arm failing (snapped cleanly in 2) 3 times within 2 years. First time may have been subsequent to low speed front end collision. Second & third times driving less than 25 mph with no collision until after hearing the snap & subsequent loss of steering. Second time failure occurred while accelerating from a full stop & turning left on a city street.third time I'd been driving straight approximately half a mile on a city street with speed no greater than 25 mph. Last two replacement/repair done by progressive insurance certified repair facility.
- New Orleans, LA, USA
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. While driving in the rain with the sun roof in the closed position, water leaked from the sun roof into the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Court St. Ford (558 william latham dr, bourbonnais, il) was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 55,000.
- Kankakee, IL, USA
SE cuela agua Y baja por los cinturones de la tercera fila, SE llena de agua el compartimiento donde va la goma de repuesto.
- Worcester, MA, USA
This vehicle was in for a recall for the electrical power steering. Recall was done on the vehicle in 2014 now in 2019 at 150,000 miles and again the same problem only this time it cost me $1,800 to get fix just to have the same problem recur 3 times. I also got into an accident. This is more than a safety issue and I notice a lot of people complaining about the same thing. When will Ford decided to address this issue!
- Morristown, NJ, USA
When it rains, the rain comes in the truck and seeps through the seatbelts, the front passenger interior handle, the two lights in the top of the truck (above the console), the sterio in the back, the passenger side under the dashboard, through the trim of the windows on driver and front passenger side, and inside the sunroof (yes, the windows and sunroof is closed). This happens if the truck is sitting in driveway, and when driving. My guess is that something was not properly sealed when the truck was being made.
- Jacksonville, FL, USA
Took to a shop because of water in rear area coming from seat belts. Got told that the welds around the rear hatch mounts are bad and known for messing up. Dealer would not fix and told me to take to a collision shop to get fixed on my own dime.
- Las Vegas, NV, USA
- Shingletown, CA, USA