2010 Ford Explorer Problems & Owner Complaints

Power Train 28 3 crash 1 injury

“COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE ALL OF A SUDDEN SURGED FORWARD. I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP IT WITH THE BRAKES. IT SURGED SO FAST AND HARD THAT IT REAR ENDED A YUKON WHICH WAS PARKED ABOUT 10 FEET IN FRONT OF ME , WHICH FORCED THE YUKON FORWARD APPROXIMATELY 7 FEET WHICH THEN BROADSIDED A PARKED PICKUP. THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED IN A PARKING AREA, ADJACENT TO A GAS STATION. MY DAUGHTER WAS UNBUCKLING FROM HER SEATBELT WHEN THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND CAUSED HER HEAD TO HIT THE WINDSHIELD. TURNING THE BILL INTO INSURANCE, OUR VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. WE HAD BEEN WITHOUT…”
NHTSA complaint #11141963, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“AUGUST 16, 2018 I HAD AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF MY 2010 FORD EXPLORER ACCELERATING WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. I WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY STOPPED AND OUT OF NO WHERE MY VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD SO FAST. THE SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE WAS EXTREMELY LOUD. MY DAUGHTER HAD UNBUCKLED HER SEAT BELT SINCE WE WERE ALL BUT STOPPED AND HIT HER HEAD ON IMPACT. MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED VERY FAST AND HIT THE REAR END OF A LARGE YUKON TRUCK WHICH WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF ME. THE YUKON THEN WAS PUSHED FORWARD AND BROAD SIDED AN OLDER TRUCK WHICH WAS PARKED AT A GAS PUMP. THIS WAS ALL A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATIO…”
NHTSA complaint #11172172, 2018 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE CONTINUED JUMPED IN THE VEHICLE, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE WALL OF THE HOUSE AND AN IRON GATE. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES WERE NOTIFIED, BUT NO REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE…”
NHTSA complaint #10695306, 2015 · crash

Seats 20

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT FAILED TO RE-ADJUST FORWARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10786535, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE DESIGN OF THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HEAD RESTRAINTS PUSHED THE OCCUPANTS HEAD FORWARD IN AN UNCOMFORTABLE POSITION. SHE TURNED THE HEAD RESTRAINTS AROUND IN ORDER TO ASSUME A COMFORTABLE POSITION WHILE TRAVELING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10519473, 2013

“THE HEADREST ON MY JUST PURCHASED 2010 FORD EXPLORER TILT SO FAR FORWARD THAT IT IS UNCOMFORTABLE TO DRIVE. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. SOUNDS LIKE TO ME THERE SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE THE HEADRESTS WITH ADJUSTABLE ONES. WITH SO MANY COMPLAINTS OUT THERE WHY HASN'T SOMETHING BEEN DONE? *TT”
NHTSA complaint #10445768, 2012

Service Brakes 15 5 crash 2 injury

“I WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC AND AS I WAS AT A FULL STOP, I SAW THAT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME HAD MOVED. SO I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. WHEN I SAW THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME HAD STOPPED, I WENT TO HIT THE BRAKES AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I HIT THEM AGAIN AND STILL NOTHING, MY CAR KEPT ON GOING. BY THE THIRD SLAM ON THE BRAKES IT FINALLY TOOK HOWEVER I ENDED UP HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND HER THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER. THIS IS NOT OKAY!!! MY VEHICLE IS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD AND I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED THIS. WHY HASN'T A RECALL OCCURRED? DOES SOMEONE NEED TO PASS AWAY FOR ONE TO HAPPEN? MY…”
NHTSA complaint #10489040, 2012 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“3 times this has happened. I brake and it seems like I'm pressing the gas pedal and the brakes feel like they aren't stopping the vehicle. The third time put me in incoming traffic and the vehicle was totaled as it already had a rebuilt salvage title when we bought it.”
NHTSA complaint #11689973, 2025 · crash

“The contact owns a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph and attempting to stop, the brake pedal extended to the floorboard causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a guard rail. During the crash, no injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,600”
NHTSA complaint #11471376, 2022 · crash

Engine 14 1 crash

“AUGUST 16, 2018 I HAD AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF MY 2010 FORD EXPLORER ACCELERATING WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. I WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY STOPPED AND OUT OF NO WHERE MY VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD SO FAST. THE SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE WAS EXTREMELY LOUD. MY DAUGHTER HAD UNBUCKLED HER SEAT BELT SINCE WE WERE ALL BUT STOPPED AND HIT HER HEAD ON IMPACT. MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED VERY FAST AND HIT THE REAR END OF A LARGE YUKON TRUCK WHICH WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF ME. THE YUKON THEN WAS PUSHED FORWARD AND BROAD SIDED AN OLDER TRUCK WHICH WAS PARKED AT A GAS PUMP. THIS WAS ALL A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATIO…”
NHTSA complaint #11172172, 2018 · crash

“Oil leak in both valve gasket covers oil on the crossmember it started slow then it was traced by Ford to the gaskets(fire hazard) 120 k on odometer”
NHTSA complaint #11499554, 2022

“Driving 65 mph on I95 and it just shut off. The yellow wrench on dash came on. I somehow was able to Pull over to the shoulder without being killed. I cranked once then tried it again and it started. Drove all the way home and it’s running fine now. This is a common problem and Ford should be contacting me to warn me and fix it. By the way I had a baby in the car. Thanks Ford for the warning.”
NHTSA complaint #11431861, 2021

Vehicle Speed Control 14 2 crash 10 injury 50 death

“BOUGHT CAR FROM BATES FORD IN LEBANON, TN NEW. WITHIN THE FIRST 1500 MILE I EXPERIENCED AT LEAST ONE INCIDENT WHERE I TRIED TO STOP BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CAR HAS ABOUT 36000 MILES NOW AND BOTH MY WIFE AND I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS INCIDENTS OF THIS THE LAST RESULTED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN PLANO, TEXAS. THERE WERE 3 VEHICLES INVOLVED.THE PLANO, TEXAS POLICE OFFICER WHO DROVE THE CAR TO A SAFE LOCATION FOUND NO PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. EARLY IN MY CAREER I WAS A POLICE OFFICER WHOSE SPECIALTY WAS TRAFFIC INVESTIGATION. I HEARD SIMILAR EXPLAINATIONS FOR ACCIDENT AND IN PER…”
NHTSA complaint #10606873, 2010 · crash · 50 death(s)

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT LESS THAN 5 MPH THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES. YET, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BUILDING CAUSING FRONT END DAMAGE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED BECAUSE IT WAS STILL ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE DEALER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPAIRS. A POLICE REPORT IS AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 12000.”
NHTSA complaint #10352760, 2010 · crash

“I HAVE BEEN NOTICING THAT WHEN I AM ON THE HIGJWAY DRIVING IT FEELS LIKE THERE IS A INCREASE OF ACCELERATION WHEN I AM GOING SPEEDS OF 55 MPH - 60MPH. EVEN WHEN I HAVE TAPPED THE BRAKE, THERE IS STILL A LITTLE INCREASE OF SPEED. ON AUGUST 12, 2015 AT APPROXIAMTELY 5:30PM, WAS DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 10MPH WHILE TURNING A CORNER. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHEN I TURNED BUT MY TRUCK WOULD NOT STOP AND IT ACTUALLY TRIED TO OVERRIDE MY BRAKING AND ACCELERATED TO THE POINT WHERE I FELT LIKE I WAS NO LONGER IN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER 2 JOLTS OF ACCELERATION (WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE),…”
NHTSA complaint #10748316, 2015

Electrical System 12

“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 135,902. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, it was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 224,283. The information was from a Carfax Report.”
NHTSA complaint #11719863, 2026

“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was approximately 150,000. Most recently, the contact downloaded the Ford App, and when the maintenance history was checked, it was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was approximately 243,000. The contact stated that the date listed on the Ford App was June 2025.”
NHTSA complaint #11712675, 2025

“The contact owns a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the anti-theft, roll stability, and fuel filler messages were displayed with an audible alarm before the vehicle suddenly shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence. However, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the PCM and ECM had short circuited and failed. The contact was informed that the short circuit was caused by water drainage from the moonroof onto the PCM and ECM computers. The contact stated tha…”
NHTSA complaint #11683569, 2025

Fuel/Propulsion System 8 1 crash

“3 times this has happened. I brake and it seems like I'm pressing the gas pedal and the brakes feel like they aren't stopping the vehicle. The third time put me in incoming traffic and the vehicle was totaled as it already had a rebuilt salvage title when we bought it.”
NHTSA complaint #11689973, 2025 · crash

“Driving 65 mph on I95 and it just shut off. The yellow wrench on dash came on. I somehow was able to Pull over to the shoulder without being killed. I cranked once then tried it again and it started. Drove all the way home and it’s running fine now. This is a common problem and Ford should be contacting me to warn me and fix it. By the way I had a baby in the car. Thanks Ford for the warning.”
NHTSA complaint #11431861, 2021

“FUEL GAUGE IS SWEEPING BACK AND FORTH BEFORE RESTING ON EMPTY WHEN THE CAR WAS STARTED. WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM BUT NOW THE GAUGE REMAINS ON EMPTY WITH THE LOW FUEL LIGHT ON AND THE MILES TO EMPTY READING AS "---" AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DEALER TOLD ME ALMOST ONE YEAR AGO THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS THE REASON FOR THE GAUGE ACTING LIKE THIS.”
NHTSA complaint #11021330, 2016

Unknown Or Other 8 1 crash 1 injury

“COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE ALL OF A SUDDEN SURGED FORWARD. I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP IT WITH THE BRAKES. IT SURGED SO FAST AND HARD THAT IT REAR ENDED A YUKON WHICH WAS PARKED ABOUT 10 FEET IN FRONT OF ME , WHICH FORCED THE YUKON FORWARD APPROXIMATELY 7 FEET WHICH THEN BROADSIDED A PARKED PICKUP. THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED IN A PARKING AREA, ADJACENT TO A GAS STATION. MY DAUGHTER WAS UNBUCKLING FROM HER SEATBELT WHEN THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND CAUSED HER HEAD TO HIT THE WINDSHIELD. TURNING THE BILL INTO INSURANCE, OUR VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. WE HAD BEEN WITHOUT…”
NHTSA complaint #11141963, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“BACK HATCH WINDOW INTERMITTENTLY OPENS WITHOUT USING REMOTE HAD THE ACTUATOR REPLACED DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM LEAVES MY VEHICLE VULNERABLE TO THIEVES!”
NHTSA complaint #11398177, 2020

“TAKATA RECALL AND SHIFT ASSEMBLY NOT LETTING OPERATOR TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. HAVE NOTICED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2010'S. AND RATCHET GEAR ON FRONT MANUAL RECLINING SEATS AND SEAT COVER PROBLEMS WITH AIR BAGS.”
NHTSA complaint #11025289, 2017

Air Bags 6

“The air bag light will not go off. I have checked the the wiring, cleared the area, and checked all fuses. All checked out okay. I'm a new buyer and can't register the car until it passes inspection. My only conclusion is that it possibly has a defect or has been previously been deployed. There is no record of a previous collision as of yet, although that may not be factual as the car has had a drivers door panel replaced. Can you help with the air bag information? Also, Is there a financial aid grant or some help in obtaining/repairing the problem for low or no income families? Thank yo…”
NHTSA complaint #11496120, 2022

“HERE IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS THE AIR BAG LIGHT COME ON AIR BAG . LIGHT COME ON AS I WAS DRIVING O ROAD. IT DOSE THIS SOME TIMES AND DON'T AT OTHER TIMES.”
NHTSA complaint #11142914, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10808340, 2015

Wheels 5

“WHEEL BEARINGS MAKING NOISE GETS WORSE COULD LOSE WHEEL TRUCK HAS 62000 MILES. HAVE HEARD OF MANY OF THESE SAME MODELS HAVING SAME PROBLEMS. I THINK FORD SHOULD RECALL THIS MODEL FOR BEARING REPLACEMENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11039795, 2017

“I OWN A 2010 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4X4 THAT I PURCHASED NEW IN 2009. AT APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WORE OUT AND WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. A SECOND TIME AFTER WARRANTY AT APPROXIMATELY 55, 000 MILES THE SAME WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER $500. THE ENTIRE WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED AND I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THIS IS FAIRLY COMMON? THE TRUCK NOW HAS ONLY 66, 000 MILES ON IT AND HAS 3 SETS OF WHEEL BEARINGS ON THE SAME SIDE. WHAT KIND OF DEFECT IN THE FRONT END CAN BE CAUSING THIS? (I RARELY USE THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE IF THIS HE…”
NHTSA complaint #10652966, 2013

“THE CAR WAS JUST UNDER 3 YEARS OLD AND JUST PAST IT'S WARRANTY MILEAGE. WE STARTED THE CAR TO DRIVE IT, AND IT WAS MAKING A GRINDING NOISE AND FELT LIKE SOMEONE WAS PRESSING ON THE BRAKES WHILE ACCELERATING. WE THEN PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND GOT OUT, AND IT STARTED TO ROLL. OUR SON WAS IN THE CAR AT THE TIME AND LUCKILY MY HUSBAND STILL HAD ONE FOOT IN THE CAR TO BE ABLE TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS A WHEEL BEARING ISSUE IN THE FRONT WHEEL. WE REPORTED THIS TO FORD, AT WHICH TIME THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE BEECHMONT FORD IN CINCINNATI TOLD US THA…”
NHTSA complaint #10614954, 2013

Steering 4

“WHILE DRIVE THE RSC LIGHT CAME ON. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THAT THE ANTI SKID CAME ON LOCKING THE WHEELS. 4 WHEEL DRIVE CAME ON LOCKING THE WHEELS FURTHER AND THE BREAKS ENGAGED. CAR WOULD NOT TURN OR MOVE AND PUSHING THE GAS PETAL ONLY CAUSED BREAK SYSTEM TO LOCK UP FURTHER.”
NHTSA complaint #11109537, 2018

“WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 295 JUST SOUTH OF BRUNSWICK, MAINE MY 2010 FORD EXPLORER LOST ALL POWER AND RAPIDLY DECELERATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. I DID MANAGE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY JUST BEFORE LOSING ALL POWER, BUT I COULD NOT RESTART MY VEHICLE. I THEN HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO A FORD SERVICE CENTER, AND FORD INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY FRICTION WHICH HAD WORN AWAY THE ELECTRICAL TAPE AND WIRE CASING OF THE ELECTRICAL NODE AND THE WIRING HARNESS AROUND THE FUEL TANK. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF OTHER DRIVERS SHOULD A SIMILA…”
NHTSA complaint #10560865, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD TIGHTEN AND THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO UTILIZE EXTREME FORCE TO RE-CENTER THE STEERING WHEEL UNTIL REACHING 15 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WOULD THEN RETURN TO NORMAL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND HAD THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING AS NORMAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10455618, 2011

Suspension 4

“Rsc alarm keeps going sounding alarm and the abs alarm keeps sounding as well. Seen a ton of owners having this same error”
NHTSA complaint #11458431, 2021

“SERVICE RSC LIGHT COMES ON WITH THE WRENCH LIGHT WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE. REPLACED THE TCM AND THE PROBLEM DID NOT GO AWAY. CODES U0101 AND U1900 ARE POPPING UP. VEHICLE GOES INTO LIMP MODE. REPLACED IGNITION COILS ON THE LEFT BANK AND IT DID NOT GO AWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11396431, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A CLANKING NOISE WAS EXHIBITED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSIDE BEARINGS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10574498, 2013

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3

“WHILE DRIVE THE RSC LIGHT CAME ON. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THAT THE ANTI SKID CAME ON LOCKING THE WHEELS. 4 WHEEL DRIVE CAME ON LOCKING THE WHEELS FURTHER AND THE BREAKS ENGAGED. CAR WOULD NOT TURN OR MOVE AND PUSHING THE GAS PETAL ONLY CAUSED BREAK SYSTEM TO LOCK UP FURTHER.”
NHTSA complaint #11109537, 2018

“MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY TO GET TO WORK WHEN THE ABS LIGHT, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND THE WRENCH LIT UP ON THE DASHBOARD. HE IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND SHUT OFF THE TRUCK. WHEN HE TURNED IT BACK ON, HE WAS UNABLE TO GET THE TRUCK TO MOVE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10633739, 2014

“WE RENTED A 2011 4X4 EXPLORER FOR A SKI TRIP TO TAHOE. ONCE WE CAME OFF THE PASS, THE RSC LIGHTS CAME ON. THE ANTILOCK AND SLIP LIGHTS ALSO CAME ON. THE CAR LOST ALMOST ALL BRAKING ABILITY ON SNOWY ROADS. IT WAS UNDRIVABLE AND SCARY. THE RENTAL CAR COMPANY RESPONDED IMMEDIATELY AND SENT A NEW VEHICLE OUT TO US GIVEN THE GRAVITY OF THE SITUATION. WE HAD CHAINS ON THE REAR TIRES WHEN THIS HAPPENED. WE HAD 4 KIDS INTHE CAR. HAD THE PROBLEM HAPPENED ON THE PASS, WE COULD HAVE GONE OFF THE CLIFF. WE ALMOST RAN INTO PEOPLE AND A LIGHT POLE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10371120, 2010

Engine And Engine Cooling 3

“I WAS APPROACHING A RED LIGHT AND PRESSED THE BRAKE. THERE WAS A TRUCK INFRONT OF ME, THE HARDER I PUSHES THE BREAK THE MORE THE ENGINE TRIED TO ACCELERATE. THE TIRES WERE SCREECHING BUT THE ENGINE WAS STILL TRYING TO GO. ME AND MY KIDS COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED AND I WOULD HAVE BEEN HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE REAR END. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TOMORROW. HOPING THEY CAN FIND A FIX BEFORE IT SERIOUSLY INJURES MY FAMILY OR SOMEONE ELSE'S LOVED ONES. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10438028, 2011

“THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AT ONLY 14,000 MILES.THERE WAS NO WARNING IT JUST SHUT DOWN. THE DEALERSHIP THAT REPLACED THE ENGINE TOLD ME THERE WAS A SAFETY NOTICE SENT TO DEALERSHIPS BUT THEY DID NOT HAVE TO TELL CONSUMERS. FORD KNOWS SPECIFIC ENGINES THAT COULD BE AFFECTED BECAUSE THEY WERE MANUFACTURED AT SPECIFIC PLANTS BUT HAVE NOT CONTACTED ANYONE. I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT DAY AND DID NOT TAKE THE HIGHWAY BUT A SIDE ROAD INSTEAD. I HAD MY 2 TODDLERS IN THE CAR WITH ME AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR DEADLY ACCIDENT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10379922, 2011

“PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY APPLIED BRAKES AND CAR KEPT ACCELERATING. APPLIED MORE BRAKE PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL AND RPM SHOT UP OVER 7000. TURNED OFF ENGINE, AND RE-STARTED ENGINE AND CALLED FORD. CAR WAS TOOLED TO FORD, CHECKED AND NO PROBLEMS FOUND. WAS GIVEN FORD SERVICE BULLITEN ABOUT STICKING LINKAGE ON NEW VEHICLES. 03/07/2011 12000 MILES ONCE AGAIN WHILE DRIVING THRU PARKING LOT AT 3 TO 5 MPH APPLIED BRAKES FOR PEDESTRIAN AND ONCE ENGINE ACCELERATED AND HAD TO APPLY HEAVY BRAKING AND PUT IN NEUTRAL TURN OFF BUT THIS TIME WOULD NOT RESTART FOR ABOUT 5 MIN. CALLED FORD DEALER AND WAS TO CALL FOR…”
NHTSA complaint #10391668, 2010

Visibility 3

“The contact owns a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the anti-theft, roll stability, and fuel filler messages were displayed with an audible alarm before the vehicle suddenly shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence. However, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the PCM and ECM had short circuited and failed. The contact was informed that the short circuit was caused by water drainage from the moonroof onto the PCM and ECM computers. The contact stated tha…”
NHTSA complaint #11683569, 2025

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE PARKED, THE REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10640386, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ACTIVATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DURING SNOWY CONDITIONS AND THE WIPERS LEFT SNOWY STREAKS ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10447803, 2011

Exterior Lighting 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH BEZEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10661598, 2014

“8 DAYS AFTER NEW VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, I WAS PULLED OVER BY THE SHERIFF FOR NO TAILLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN INTO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR AND THEY SAID THE FUSE WAS BLOWN AND THEY REPLACED THE 15AMP FUSE TO THE SMART JUNCTION BOX. ABOUT 50 MILES LATER, A HIGHWAY PATROL DROVE BY AND ANNOUNCED ON THE SPEAKER SYSTEM TO TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS. I CHECKED AND MY HEADLIGHTS WERE ON, SO I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THE TAILLIGHTS WERE OUT AGAIN. THE NEXT DAY, THE CAR WAS SERVICED A SECOND TIME AND THEY SAID THEY REPLACED THE BURNED OUT FUSE AGAIN AND DID AN EXTENDED ROAD TEST AND PUT 130 MILES…”
NHTSA complaint #10374702, 2010

Fuel System 1

“WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 295 JUST SOUTH OF BRUNSWICK, MAINE MY 2010 FORD EXPLORER LOST ALL POWER AND RAPIDLY DECELERATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. I DID MANAGE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY JUST BEFORE LOSING ALL POWER, BUT I COULD NOT RESTART MY VEHICLE. I THEN HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO A FORD SERVICE CENTER, AND FORD INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY FRICTION WHICH HAD WORN AWAY THE ELECTRICAL TAPE AND WIRE CASING OF THE ELECTRICAL NODE AND THE WIRING HARNESS AROUND THE FUEL TANK. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF OTHER DRIVERS SHOULD A SIMILA…”
NHTSA complaint #10560865, 2014

Seat Belts 1

Structure 1

“2010 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS. THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS ARE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE MY FOOT CONTACTED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE ENGINE ACCELERATED. WHEN THE BRAKE IS FULLY DEPRESSED IT IS BELOW THE LEVEL OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IF THE FOOT IS NOT FULLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT CONTACTS THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR JUMPS FORWARD. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10348563, 2010

Traction Control System 1

“WE RENTED A 2011 4X4 EXPLORER FOR A SKI TRIP TO TAHOE. ONCE WE CAME OFF THE PASS, THE RSC LIGHTS CAME ON. THE ANTILOCK AND SLIP LIGHTS ALSO CAME ON. THE CAR LOST ALMOST ALL BRAKING ABILITY ON SNOWY ROADS. IT WAS UNDRIVABLE AND SCARY. THE RENTAL CAR COMPANY RESPONDED IMMEDIATELY AND SENT A NEW VEHICLE OUT TO US GIVEN THE GRAVITY OF THE SITUATION. WE HAD CHAINS ON THE REAR TIRES WHEN THIS HAPPENED. WE HAD 4 KIDS INTHE CAR. HAD THE PROBLEM HAPPENED ON THE PASS, WE COULD HAVE GONE OFF THE CLIFF. WE ALMOST RAN INTO PEOPLE AND A LIGHT POLE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10371120, 2010