10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 9 / 2
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 25 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 17,185 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.
Leather dash is coming unglued near windshield and retracting towards front of dash. This is exposing a white underliner near the windshield and causing a severe glare on windshield. This condition significantly reduces visibility which is a high risk safety concern I have researched and several other Explorer owners have this same condition
- Athens, TN, USA
Leather dash has peeled back. Have found from other owners this is a common problem.
- Yukon, OK, USA
the exterior A-piller trim part is missing, having already detached. I have called Ford 3 times and the customer service once. They keep saying for the last year that the parts are not available. they will not take responsibility to get this fixed. If the other one falls off it could cause other people to get injured.
- Schulenburg, TX, USA
Recall ford # 21S22 roof rack cap. I called ford and reported that the roof rack cap has broken off. They stated that recall for my vehicle has been completed and closed. If the issue is still happening after the recall has been established even if it has been repaired, why is it still not covered under the recall. The repairs made to correct it were obviously not adequate.
- North Vernon, IN, USA
When driving my Explorer feels like the gear is stuck making the vehicle jerk. Very loud at start up from fan. I have taken it to get the code read, I think it stated transmission needed to get checked.
- Gainesville, GA, USA
The windshield trim on my car is missing. There is a recall on this but there is no remedy yet. With this not being fixed it is causing a safety issue with our car as well as allowing our car to flood inside when it rains. I have contacted Ford and they told me unfortunately there was nothing they could do at this time.
- West Union, OH, USA
When accelerating more rapidly (like getting on interstate), a burning smell will enter the cabin. It is not noticed at low speeds, nor when acceleration to high speeds happens gradually. The smell is strong and lingers for about one minute.
- Nevada, MO, USA
The rear camera is compromised because water gets inside and is blocking the view of the camera. You are unable to use the rear backup camera because the view is completely blocked or blurred by the water or moisture that is able to get in.
- Encino, CA, USA
I went to the dealer, Parsons Ford. The pillar b even has the weather stripping from recall is even detaching. Which they saw and stated its part of the recall. No recommendations to fox it. They said no parts or remedy at this time. Today when driving I heard noise and looked over. Saw the stripping getting worse. I contacted Ford and they say the same thing. This recall has been out since 2024 and no one wants to even fix it. I have a newborn coming and this is the only car I can use to transport her. I feel this is a safety risk not just for us but other people. See the pictures below all from today 9/5. The weather stripping is coming off more. I called Parsons Ford, they were to call me back. No response back today. Ford Social Media filed a claim and dealer to reach out. No response. All responses from Ford and myself today.
- Falling Waters, WV, USA
I was made aware of a recall for my 2016 Ford Explorer Sport involving the Exterior A-Pillar Appliqué molding recall#24S02 and NHTSA# 24V031 I had an inspection done on 12/30/24 and it was determined at that time it needed to be replaced, but parts were not yet available. I have since then regularly checked with the dealership to see if parts were available, but they have not become available. I reached out to Ford directly on 7/28/25 and was told my case was escalated and I need to work with my 'case handler' who did not contact me until 8/11/25 after I made multiple repeated requests to speak to someone. They informed me there are no parts, there is no ETA and despite assurances to the contrary(they informed me that they "...works daily with your dealership's management team." have not spoken to the service advisor at the dealership as of yet. their case number at ford is [XXX] The part flew off on the highway on [XXX] and now today, [XXX] the rubber around the windshield is coming loose. Ford continues to say they have no updates. The dealership said the last they checked, last week, there were over 30,000 orders in for this part, that Ford was no longer accepting new orders from dealers for this, and that they will not give any ETA on this being remedied. I'm concerned that more damage is being done to my vehicle and based on Ford's behavior thus far will try to not cover any additional repairs that caused by their inability to provide a repair in a reasonable and timely fashion. I'd like this repaired, correctly, and any other repairs necessary due to the delay, by no later than the end of the month of August. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Byron Center, MI, USA
The water pump has been replaced 3 times within a 2 year period on this vehicle. Something is causing it to fail and the constant leaking of fluid causes the vehicle to drive erratically in highway traffic. The alternator has been replaced twice within a 10 month period. Something is causing it to fail and it has caused major anxiety because the vehicle has completely turned off in the middle of extreme traffic. This is a dangerous situation and has yet to be fully remedied. I believe this model to be a lemon.
- Hazel Green, AL, USA
My B-pillar trim flew off while I was driving down the road. We received a recall letter and got in contact with the Ford dealership where I live. They came out to asses the vehicle and said they would call me when they received the part to be replaced. I have been waiting at least a year for it to be fixed. I have called several times but they keep telling me the part is on back order and they will call me when it comes in.
- Brighton, TN, USA
Good Morning, I-??m reaching out in regards to my 2016 Ford Explorer. I-??ve been trying to get the necessary recall repairs completed, but unfortunately, I-??ve been unable to locate the required pillars for the repairs. I recently brought my vehicle back to the dealership, but was told that no work can be done until both parts are available. I was also advised to try sourcing one of the parts from another Ford dealership on my own, which I-??ve had no luck with. To be honest, I-??m feeling very overwhelmed. I purchased this vehicle used, back in September 2025, and since then, it has been one issue after another. I-??ve already invested more into mechanical repairs than what I currently owe on the vehicle. I-??m a [XXX], and this vehicle is our only mode of transportation. I-??m growing increasingly concerned for our safety, especially knowing that the recall parts are critical and things could start to fall apart -?" literally -?" if they-??re not addressed soon. With that said, I would greatly appreciate your help in exploring any other options available through Ford or the dealership. Some specific questions I have are: Is there any way for the dealership to help source the necessary parts through other Ford networks or escalate this to Ford corporate? Can you assist with a temporary vehicle solution while waiting on the parts (loaner or rental)" Would there be any way to explore trading in or transitioning into another vehicle, even with the current issues and financial position I-??m in" I understand that supply issues happen, but I-??m just trying to keep my kids and myself safe, and right now I-??m feeling stuck. I would extremely appreciate any help or direction you can offer. Please feel free to call or email me directly. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Capitola, CA, USA
A-Pillar trim on both sides of my windshield flew off while driving over one year ago. Contacted Ford multiple times and parts are still not available to make the repair under recall 24S02. Ford still does not have parts for 18 months. Please do something to require Ford to make the parts to fix this recall. Thank you.
- Coral Springs, FL, USA
The rear camera, mounted on the lift gate, is no longer operating correctly. At times, it will flicker off and on, camera picture 'rolls', or does not work at all (black screen with error message - "camera is no longer operational, contact the dealership"). These incidents with the camera have occurred multiple times each month over the last year. When reversing in the dark especially, this becomes a major safety issue. Currently do not see a NHTSA or Ford recall for this defect.
- Glenwood, IA, USA
Spoke to Maplecrest Ford in Union NJ about the front Pilars recall. Maplecrest ford took pictures of the pilars in September 2024 and told me in January that they will replace them. January became April, Abril became June. Now Maplecrest ford is back to the beginning by taking pictures again and waiting on Ford for approval to replace the pilars.
- Union, NJ, USA
There was no incident however I received a recall for a windshield piece that was back in 2024 and supposedly would be available for repair in the latter half of 2024. However nothing has been sent to me regarding this and when the piece came off it cracked my windshield so I have a crack across that as well.
- Pasco, WA, USA
Ford has been unable to repair our vehicle for over a YEAR because they say they can't get parts for recall # 25V347. We have contacted multiple Ford dealerships in a 300 mile radius. The outside noise coming from around the windshield area has increased. This is a major safety issue. I'm fearful that many people will be killed when the windshield and connected components start blowing out while driving. If Ford had been serious about getting manufactured parts out to dealers, they would be available. It appears that Ford has made a calculated decision to attempt to wait out owners. This is a dangerous situation for all concerned. We request repairs or an equitable solution.
- Church Hill , TN, USA
Was driving on the highway at an high speed and abruptly received a message -??power steering failure-?? the steering wheel locked up. After a few seconds I was able to find a way to safely maneuver lanes but it was very difficult to maintain control Of vehicle. Upon re starting car the error popped up again and the wheel is now completely locked. Upon conversation with a family member about the occurrence we found out this happened to their car as well. Same make year and model. Upon research this sounds to be a problem in the 2016 Explorers and is a major safety concern. This could have ended extremely badly.
- Keller , TX, USA
- Austin, TX, USA