10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
2,514 miles

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problem #30

Jul 072023

Explorer 6-cyl

  • miles
This vehicle has a major defect and is unsafe to operate. The rear differential has only 1 rear bolt and is completely inadequate for the performance and duty of the car. It can break and cause gerat injury or death if it fails. It puts anyone operating and in the car at great risk of injury or death if the only remaining rear bolt breaks, dislogding the drive shaft and half shafts in catastrophic failure. I have had the vehicle inspected and compared to the 2020 Ex ST which has 2 rear bolts and my 2021 only has 1 rear differential bolt. This is a major defect and major safety concern. Lets not wait for someone to get injured or die. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Hartland, WI, USA

problem #29

Jun 242023

Explorer

  • miles
Numerous times over the recent 2 months, I have experienced different issues with my 2021 Ford Explorer. The vehicle was purchased used in 2022 with less than 10,000 miles on it. It currently has 36k miles. When the vehicle is stopped but in drive and then accelerated to merge into traffic, the vehicle stalls and will not engage. The accelerator has to be pressed repeatedly to get the vehicle to begin moving again. This can take anywhere from 2-3 presses and 10-20 seconds. This creates a hazard for moving traffic and a safety issue. This occurs repeatedly with no warning beforehand. The vehicle has no lights to reflect an issue. Additionally, while the vehicle has been parked and shut-off, the electronics will turn on. On two separate occasions, the lights have turned on on their own and the radio has done the same; there was nobody in the car either. Over the past weekend, while driving down the road, no rain or water on windshield, and the wipes started. The vehicle persistently has a blue screen during backup. There is a concern for the electronics as a whole with all of the issues occurring. When accelerating on the highway/interstate, often times, an odd smell can be sensed, as if the EcoBoost is not functioning appropriately. The recall for rear axle bolt was repaired by Ford in Yukon, OK, and was informed that is the only recall currently with a repair available. The vehicle is available for inspection, as necessary.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

problem #28

Jun 122023

Explorer

  • miles
The recall that was previously issued for this issue was removed by the dealer because of 'many complaints from owners about the software fix'. The dealer told me that Ford was working on it and they would update later. However, you, on this website, will list this vehicle as 'recall completed'. Not sure why the disconnect. Also, for this vehicle, the rear subframe bushing failed last fall and was replaced under warranty. This bushing has failed again and I have an upcoming appt to have it fixed. This issue MUST be addressed by NHTSA as this is a severe safety issue that you are NOT pushing Ford hard enough to address. For 2023, Ford is producing 'some' Explorer ST models with the two bolt system (that is not under this recall), however, some are still being produced with the one bolt. The 2021-2022 models were, mostly, all made with the one bolt setup. The Fix is to simply use the correct rear subframe (Ford is doing this for owners that complain/push this issue, which I'll be doing now that this has happened twice). Please call me if you need details.

- Keene, VA, USA

problem #27

Mar 182023

Explorer

  • miles
I had my suv service recall done on 6/04/22 for rear axle bolt fractures. When I got to driving my suv the transmission was acting funny, it was shifting up and down different than it was. So I took it back, and they said it had to get use to my driving. So it seemed ok in a couple of days. Then all of a sudden I was at a stop light one day and it wouldn-??t shift out of first gear.so we pulled over to a parking lot, we went in and had lunch, after lunch we tried driving it and it seemed fine. And it was ok until about 3/08/23 when we were almost got home from a shopping trip when all of a sudden it just started making noise and acted different shifting. So I took it to my ford dealer, I asked them to look at it and tell me what they wanted to drive it or not.they said not drive it, so they gave me a loaner car. So I checked with them a couple of times and they had not looked at it. So after not looking at my suv for 30 days I got mad and traded in. So I don-??t know for sure what happened to my suv I think it was in transmission or driveline.there was no warning lights or codes they told me when I dropped it off

- Bullhead City, AZ, USA

problem #26

Apr 082023

Explorer

  • miles
Car rolled down driveway while in park three separate times. Could have killed someone.

- Downers Grove, IL, USA

problem #25

Dec 072022

Explorer

  • miles
After receiving a Ford issued recall for a potential rear axle bolt fracture, the dealer reprogrammed the PCM per Ford's reported repair solution. After this PCM update, the vehicle would randomly slam to a complete stop while driving. It happened several times with 3 different drivers (myself, my wife, and my son), each happening at 30-35 mph or less. It was usually preceeded by an audible clicking sound, but not always. We took the vehicle to the dealership several times, but they said they were not able to reproduce the issue, and continually returned the vehicle to us despite our grave concern for high risk of crash and injury. We even contacted Ford's customer service and legal departments several times, who ultimately refused to allow us to continue using a loaner vehicle and demanded that we return the loaner and retake possession of our Explorer because they said they had not received any other similar complaints, and their field engineer could not reproduce the issue and cleared the vehicle as safe, although Ford was never able to supply us with service records proving the repairs they purported despite our repeated inquiries. Ultimately, the issue happened again, and slammed while driving down a hill at about 40-50 mph, but this time the slamming was immediately followed by seemingly disengaging the drivetrain and causing the vehicle to roll downhill with no ability to accelerate, ultimately causing me to roll into a utility pole. Ford has since repurchased the vehicle, but given the severe safety risk associated with this issue and Ford's poor handling of our situation, I wanted others and the NHTSA to be aware in case other similar issues are reported in a effort to protect others from potential injury, especially in light of the increasing number if PCM-related issues and recalls reported against Ford...one of which was a PCM recall pertaining to our reported issue, but was not issued until after our repurchase was complete.

- Newburgh, IN, USA

problem #24

Apr 072023

Explorer

  • miles
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V255000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Oradell, NJ, USA

problem #23

Aug 302022

Explorer

  • miles
At 13,000 miles this New vehicle started smoking blue gray smoke on startup I have videos. Yes the Dealer reproduced the problem. The dealer stated that both turbos were defective and leaking oil into the hot exhaust on both sides of the engine which could have lead to a fire and endangered our lives. The dealer removed the engine and transmission from the vehicle in the process broke numerous bolts and repaired with inferior quality parts.after four attempts to pick up the car hoses were left loose and short on antifreeze and Turbo boost hose fell off, now there is a antifreeze burning smell and a rough idle. There were no warning lights or messages. This car was meticulously maintained since brand new I have all records to back up. Ford Corporate has just denied a buy back request and said I don-€™t qualify for state Lemon law after 2 months at dealer.

- Wallingford, CT, USA

problem #22

Mar 042023

Explorer

  • miles
The transmission hesitates for several seconds and shifts hard when being shifted into reverse. The dealership has made one repair attempt already.

- Gallatin, TN, USA

problem #21

Nov 092022

Explorer

  • miles
Vehicle developed a clicking noise when accelerating/decelerating. Noise also present when switching between drive/reverse. Ford dealer found that driveline was flexing. Closer inspection revealed that the bushing for the single bolt rear subframe mounting to rear differential was broken. Had this not been caught, the bolt would have broken releasing the rear driveline from the structure of the vehicle. The 2020 Ford Explorer ST had two bolts that connected the rear diff to the rear subframe. In 2021-2022 Ford changed this to a one bolt design. This triggered the current recall for the 2021-2022 in which the 'fix' was to apply the emergency brake if the bolt broke. On the 2023 Ford Explorer ST model, Ford has returned to the two bolt design used in 2020. Photos uploaded.

- Keene, VA, USA

problem #20

Oct 032022

Explorer

  • miles
Rear subframe bolt bushing broke. (See existing recall for the rear subframe bolt breaking). This vehicle had recall performed which actually didn't address the engineering shortfall from Ford using the wrong, lighter duty, subframe on the ST model. This subframe only has one bolt holding the rear diff to the subframe. The 2020 model had two bolts, as do all MY of the Lincoln Aviator. While Ford is fixing this under warranty, using the same subframe will not fix this issue. Result will be that the bolt may break or the bushing may fail. A broken bolt will result in the drive shaft disconnecting while driving, loss of acceleration, potential wreck from drive shaft hitting ground at speed.

- Keene, VA, USA

problem #19

Aug 022022

Explorer

  • miles
Numerous times no response when pushing gas pedal no acceleration when vehicle is in electric and switching to gas.This a Hybrid vehicle. I can't let my wife drive it. No warning lights come on. The recall for rear end states if the bolt fails the drive shaft and rear axles could move out of alignment and cause an accident.....yet they refuse to replace it.

- Saint John, IN, USA

problem #18

Feb 252021

Explorer

  • miles
My Explorer ST has the issue of having the incorrect rear subframe for the high-performance engine with only one bolt holding the differential to the rear subframe. I have talked to all of the Ford dealerships in my area. They said that this is a problem, but Ford has not provided a solution or any timeframe to fix this major issue. Another example of Ford not caring about their customers and putting profits ahead of safety. Why did they think that they could get away with installing incorrect parts for the four-cylinder engine on a vehicle that develops substantially higher HP and torque. This is my first and last Ford product I will ever buy. Why doesn't the NHTSA force Ford to fix this potentially dangerous issue.

- Orem, UT, USA

problem #17

Jan 012022

Explorer

  • miles
Ford has started a recall for vehicles with a single bolt in the rear differential mount. This is in reference to the roll away issue as their calling it. Some people have recieved notice for this and others have not. My production date is listed as 8/21. Which I believe is in part of the recall. Even if not this vehicle has only one bolt in the unit and not 2. Which is part of the recall issue.

- Huntsville , AL, USA

problem #16

Sep 022022

Explorer

  • 37,000 miles
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that he had received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V255000 (Power Train). During a routine maintenance check, the recall was serviced; however, upon return of the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard with the parking brake fault, uphill assist, and ABS warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal hardened and the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact's wife called the dealer and was informed that there were 5 other vehicles that had experienced the same failure. The contact attempted to reach the manufacturer but was unsuccessful. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

- Franklin, KY, USA

problem #15

Aug 232022

Explorer

  • miles
I recently had the recall addressed at my local Ford dealer, Performance Ford in Randolph, NJ. Ford is only allowing dealerships to reprogram the parking break to engage whenever the vehicle is placed in park. If the axle bolt were to shear, it would disengage, allowing the vehicle to roll in park. This remedy does not adequately address the underlying issue- which was the fact that Ford-€™s Chicago mfg facility used a part designed for the 4-cyl engine power train, not the 4 bolt design required in the Police Interceptor and Explorer ST versions. The police version will be getting the parts upgraded while consumers are left with a band-aid solution. NHTSA should force Ford to address the issue- which is an inadequate bolt configuration for the HP/Torque output of performance version Explorers. This is a safety hazard as the bolt can snap while in use, disconnecting the drive axle from the rear differential.

- Succasunna, NJ, USA

problem #14

Aug 272022

Explorer 6-cyl

  • miles
My 2021 Ford Explorer should be included in safety recall NHTSA 22V255, Ford recall 22S27, Ford Program 22N06 My vehicle[XXX] was built in September 2021. Ford identified to NHTSA that Explorer vehicles built between June 4 2020 to November 10, 2021 were affected. My vehicle was built during that period. My vehicle has the V6 engine with AWD powertrain. My vehicle has the 52T trailer towing package. Trailer towing will put additional load on the powertrain and the rear axle mounting bolt. The bolt may fracture while towing the trailer leading to a serious injury and personal property damages. I have not received the recall letter from Ford. All letters were supposed to be sent by June 2022. Ford will not include my vehicle in the recall at my request. Ford will not apply the PCM update to automatically engage the electronic parking brake every time the vehicle is shifted into Park (P). Ford will not provide the one-time repair of the for 10 years or 150,000 miles. I'm concerned the vehicle may experience the rear axle mounting bolt fracture. Please help. Thank you. -------------------------------------- Safety Recall 22S27 / NHTSA Recall 22V255 / Customer Satisfaction Program 22N06 Certain 2020-2022 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Axle Bolt Fractures REASON FOR THIS SAFETY RECALL In some of the affected vehicles, the rear axle mounting bolt may fracture during vehicle acceleration. A fractured rear axle bolt will allow the rear axle housing to move out of position, resulting in severe noise and vibration. If the rear axle bolt breaks, the driveshaft/half shafts may become disconnected, resulting in loss of transmission torque to the rear wheels which is necessary to hold the vehicle in park. If the parking brake is not applied, the loss of the primary park torque will allow the vehicle to roll in park increasing the risk of crash and injury. --------------------- INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Lancaster, NY, USA

problem #13

Jun 272022

Explorer

  • miles
Our 2021 Ford Explorer Limited was purchased in December of 2020. It currently has been driven only 6,900 miles. Our apparent transmission problem has occurred three times so far. 1. On 27 June 2022, I experienced the first problem. While turning left on to a four-lane city street, which is largely flat in that area, a loud grinding/ringing sound occurred. Right in the middle of the four-lane street, the transmission dropped into neutral. It scared the crap out of us. We could have been hit by oncoming traffic. I brought it to a stop, then shifted to park and then into drive. We drove away normally as if nothing happened. 2. On 28 July 2022, after having the "bolt failure" recall completed (22S27/22V255/22N06), the transmission again made the loud grinding/ringing sound immediately after accelerating from stopping at a city street intersection. The road grade has a slight incline in the direction we were traveling. The vehicle dropped into neutral, then the newly programmed "auto braking" brought us to an abrupt stop in the middle of this intersection! Again, a scary situation. 3. Today, 25 August 2022, while backing out of our garage today, which has a slight downward driveway, the vehicle did an abrupt stop while halfway out of the garage. The message was "Hill Start Assist Warning." The message on my phone was "The Hill Start Assist System has detected a failure." This is the first and only time that this problem has happened. I think it is related to the problems mentioned above. It is a good thing I was not backing out into a busy street.

- Laurel, MS, USA

problem #12

Jul 162022

Explorer

  • miles
The car is struggling to switch gear and loosing power. While I am driving

- Loveland, CO, USA

problem #11

Jun 202022

Explorer

  • miles
My vehicle is throwing alerts about a power train malfunction. It reduces speeds by it self attempts to loose all power when having issues and the transmission feels like it is slipping or not shifting into gear. This has now happened on multiple occasions.

- Loveland, CO, USA

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