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Ford Explorer problems, repairs and warranty value

Review possible repair costs and submitted NHTSA records for the Ford Explorer. Compare documented symptoms and manufacturer repair guidance, then choose your model year for its available records and repair estimates.

12model-year profiles
9,287submitted complaints
96unique vehicle recall campaigns
3 typesEPA powertrain choices
Animated diagnostic illustration for the Ford Explorer

Model records

What changes the warranty calculation

The Ford Explorer records contain 9,287 submitted complaints across 12 matched model years. The median is 376 reports per matched year. NHTSA source snapshot: 2026-10-18.

The 2016 record contains 2,482 complaint reports, the highest raw count among matched years here; other years may tie. Vehicle sales and time on the road differ, so this comparison does not establish a failure rate.

Engine replacement or major internal repair has the highest arithmetic midpoint for parts in the applicable planning estimates, at $8,000 before labor. Confirm the configuration and remaining factory coverage before using this broad estimate to compare a service contract.

198 recall/model-year entries. A campaign can cover several years; the unique campaign count removes that repetition. Missing model-name matches remain unavailable.

Problem research and repair guidance

Ford Explorer: symptoms, affected vehicles and documented fixes

Match the symptom and the exact vehicle scope before arranging work. The imported catalogue is an editorial index of source documents, not an independent safety authority. Recall text is checked against NHTSA; each record links to the evidence that supports its scope and remedy.

5documented issue files
5vehicle systems

5 recall files · 0 other manufacturer files. These are editorial file counts, not distinct campaign totals, failure rates or a complete recall history.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Official safety recall2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024Campaign 26V123000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE: recall 26V123000

An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Condition in the official record

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: EXPLORER. Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
  • NHTSA campaign 26V123000
  • The complete campaign lists 889,950 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.

Component in the source: BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Published recall remedy

Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: 2026-10-18

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Official safety recall2021, 2022, 2023Campaign 25V455000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: recall 25V455000

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.

Condition in the official record

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: EXPLORER. Model years: 2021, 2022, 2023.
  • NHTSA campaign 25V455000
  • The complete campaign lists 850,318 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.

Component in the source: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Published recall remedy

Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: 2026-10-18

SEATS

Official safety recall2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026Campaign 26V451000

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY: recall 26V451000

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.

Condition in the official record

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: EXPLORER. Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
  • NHTSA campaign 26V451000
  • The complete campaign lists 387,911 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.

Component in the source: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Published recall remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: 2026-10-18

STRUCTURE

Official safety recall2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019Campaign 24V031000

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS: recall 24V031000

A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

Condition in the official record

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: EXPLORER. Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019.
  • NHTSA campaign 24V031000
  • The complete campaign lists 1,889,110 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.

Component in the source: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Published recall remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: 2026-10-18

SUSPENSION

Official NHTSA safety recall2020Campaign 21V154000

SUSPENSION:REAR: recall 21V154000

Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The rear lower control arm (RLCA) bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the wheel knuckles may not have been heat-treated, which could cause them to break.

Condition in the official record

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The rear lower control arm (RLCA) bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the wheel knuckles may not have been heat-treated, which could cause them to break.

Which vehicles the source covers
  • NHTSA model names: EXPLORER. Model years: 2020.
  • NHTSA campaign 21V154000
  • The complete campaign lists 49 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
  • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

Campaign 21V154000 is based on the recalled vehicle population and VIN, not a published mileage threshold. Mileage alone cannot confirm or exclude it.

Component in the source: SUSPENSION:REAR

Jurisdiction: United States

Published recall remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace both RLCA bolts, free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S11.

Consequence in the NHTSA record: Broken RLCA bolts can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.

Official recall remedyManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace both RLCA bolts, free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S11.

Limit: Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

Check the complete VINVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

Limit: The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

Evidence for this issue
Open this problem file →

Source review: 2026-10-18

Confirm who pays before authorizing work

A recall remedy follows the campaign and VIN eligibility. A service bulletin provides diagnosis or repair instructions; it does not by itself promise payment. Manufacturer warranty extensions and support programs have their own conditions.

Compare recalls, bulletins and warranty extensions →

Keep a current problem separate from future coverage

These files do not supply a shop quote. Ask for a diagnosis and written estimate, then check recall remedies or existing coverage. A new vehicle service contract generally excludes pre-existing conditions.

Prepare a useful description for the mechanic →

Each file retains its original source review date. Historical remedy wording can change; check the current manufacturer notice and NHTSA VIN lookup for your vehicle. The separately dated NHTSA counts elsewhere on this page use a different dataset and scope.

Read the evidence for this vehicle

What can the data tell you about Ford Explorer?

No model-specific individual-repair price keys are retained for Ford Explorer in this library. Generic parts and labor estimates, public records and separate annual cost references may still be available.

Individual-repair price scopeGeneric inputs

Model-level range presence is a source-coverage check. It does not confirm that a repair fits every engine or model year.

EPA configuration match102 source rows

The mapped years for this model can include different equipment. Use the VIN and original specifications to identify the actual configuration.

Documented repair pathsCheck the source

Recall and communication counts describe records. They cannot establish a breakdown probability or current VIN status.

Price-key audit reviewed October 18, 2026; EPA source snapshot 2026-08-07. Individual-repair ranges and annual repair-budget references are different datasets.

Campaign-reference audit

One campaign can create many entries

1,200 selected recall files resolve to 780 distinct campaign IDs after compact references are normalized and checked against official NHTSA records. Files and campaigns are different counting units.

1200 selected recall files; normalized references checked against official NHTSA records

See the analysis, charts and method →

EPA configuration facts

Engines and drivetrains sold under this model name

FuelEconomy.gov lists 102 matched Ford Explorer configurations across the model years shown here. Trim, engine and drive layout can change which repairs belong in a warranty comparison.

Vehicle classStandard SUV
Fuel choicesGasoline, Gasoline or E85, and Hybrid
Drive layoutsAll-wheel drive, Four-wheel drive, Front-wheel drive, and Rear-wheel drive
Engine range2 to 3.5 L; 4 to 6 cylinders
EPA efficiency range18 to 28 mpg
Transmission typesAutomatic

These are ranges across EPA configurations, not the specification of every trim. The VIN and original window sticker settle the exact equipment. Source: FuelEconomy.gov vehicle data, dataset updated 2026-08-07.

Possible repair costs

Major repairs for this powertrain

These estimates use parts benchmarks and modeled independent-shop labor rates for 50-metro reference, so you can compare models using the same labor assumptions.

RepairEstimated range
Engine replacement or major internal repair$6,095 to $16,964
Transmission replacement$6,079 to $6,995
Transfer case replacement$2,189 to $8,192
Hybrid high voltage battery replacement$4,797 to $5,140
Turbocharger replacement$1,662 to $6,524
Head gasket replacement$2,339 to $3,728
Compare a warranty quote with repair costsAll Ford models