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Ford Explorer Problems, Recalls and Owner Complaints by Model Year
Across 15 model years, NHTSA lists 208 recalls and 14,109 owner complaints for the Ford Explorer. Newest model year first. Data as of November 9, 2026.
Ford Explorer by model year
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ford Explorer | 0 | 44 | |
| 2025 Ford Explorer | 20 | 111 | |
| 2024 Ford Explorer | 10 | 29 | |
| 2023 Ford Explorer | 15 | 115 | |
| 2022 Ford Explorer | 24 | 276 | |
| 2021 Ford Explorer | 27 | 463 | |
| 2020 Ford Explorer | 35 | 1,255 | |
| 2019 Ford Explorer | 6 | 303 | |
| 2018 Ford Explorer | 7 | 737 | |
| 2017 Ford Explorer | 14 | 1,715 | |
| 2016 Ford Explorer | 15 | 2,485 | |
| 2015 Ford Explorer | 9 | 1,823 | |
| 2014 Ford Explorer | 7 | 1,684 | |
| 2013 Ford Explorer | 12 | 2,239 | |
| 2012 Ford Explorer | 7 | 830 |
Model years with no recall and fewer than three complaints are not listed. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. All Ford models · How these reports are made.
Ford Explorer: questions owners ask
Which Ford Explorer year has the most problems?
By owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the Ford Explorer model years with the most are the 2016 (2,485), 2013 (2,239) and 2015 (1,823). Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are naturally lower; compare years of a similar age.
Which Ford Explorer years have the fewest complaints?
Leaving out the newest model years (too new to compare), the fewest owner complaints were filed for the 2024 (29), 2023 (115) and 2022 (276), out of 13 model years from 2012 to 2024. A low count can also mean that year sold fewer cars.
How many recalls does the Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists recalls for 14 Ford Explorer model years, 208 in total when counted per model year (one recall often covers several years). The years with the most are the 2020 (35), 2021 (27) and 2022 (24). Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Which Ford Explorer years have the most power steering complaints?
892 owner complaints across 5 Ford Explorer model years describe power steering failing, locking up or turning heavy. The most were filed for the 2013 (314), 2014 (180) and 2016 (145) model years, out of 5 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Explorer years have the most stalling complaints?
776 owner complaints across 12 Ford Explorer model years describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. The most were filed for the 2013 (172), 2016 (157) and 2020 (82) model years, out of 12 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Explorer years have the most backup camera complaints?
201 owner complaints across 4 Ford Explorer model years describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. The most were filed for the 2015 (91), 2020 (75) and 2021 (22) model years, out of 4 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Explorer years have the most airbag complaints?
159 owner complaints across 2 Ford Explorer model years describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. The most were filed for the 2016 (91) and 2015 (68) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Explorer years have the most check engine light complaints?
121 owner complaints across 3 Ford Explorer model years describe the check engine light coming on. The most were filed for the 2016 (84), 2018 (23) and 2022 (14) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Explorer years have the most overheating complaints?
89 owner complaints across 2 Ford Explorer model years describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. The most were filed for the 2017 (57) and 2018 (32) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Explorer years have the most transmission shifting complaints?
86 owner complaints across 2 Ford Explorer model years describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. The most were filed for the 2020 (82) and 2023 (4) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Explorer years have the most sunroof complaints?
20 owner complaints across 2 Ford Explorer model years describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. The most were filed for the 2022 (13) and 2026 (7) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Ford Explorer years have the most rough idle and misfire complaints?
18 owner complaints across 3 Ford Explorer model years describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. The most were filed for the 2022 (10), 2023 (5) and 2026 (3) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.