NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Fuel/propulsion System complaints
104 reportsClear category filter280 miles · Aug 2, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
PURCHASED VEHICLE NEW ON 06/24/16. ON 06/28/16 WAS DRIVING ON A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET TRAVELING AROUND 20 MPH AND VEHICLE LOST POWER. VEHICLE FLASHED ERROR CODE FULL ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE, NO WRENCH SYMBOL AND ENGINE WAS STILL ON JUST NO RESPONSE FROM ACCELERATOR. VEHICLE DRIFTED TO SIDE OF ROAD AND WAS PUT IN PARK AND BACK IN…
Read full complaint
PURCHASED VEHICLE NEW ON 06/24/16. ON 06/28/16 WAS DRIVING ON A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET TRAVELING AROUND 20 MPH AND VEHICLE LOST POWER. VEHICLE FLASHED ERROR CODE FULL ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE, NO WRENCH SYMBOL AND ENGINE WAS STILL ON JUST NO RESPONSE FROM ACCELERATOR. VEHICLE DRIFTED TO SIDE OF ROAD AND WAS PUT IN PARK AND BACK INTO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE WORKED FINE. ON 06/29/2016 WAS IN A PARKING LOT GOING 10 MPH WHEN THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED. AGAIN PUT IT IN PARK AND BACK INTO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE WORKED FINE. DROVE 6 MILES DOWN THE ROAD AND THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED, AROUND 25 MPH. AGAIN VEHICLE DRIFTED OFF OF THE ROAD AND THIS TIME THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURNED OFF AND TURNED BACK ON TO GET THE VEHICLE TO WORK. WITH ALL THREE INSTANCES THE ENGINE WAS ON JUST NO RESPONSE FROM THE ACCELERATOR AND THERE WAS NO WRENCH SYMBOL DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE FLASHED THE ERROR CODE FULL ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE AND THE START BUTTON WOULD FLASH. VEHICLE WAS DROPPED OFF AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP WE PURCHASED IT NEW ON 06/29/16 WITH 340 MILES. NO ERROR CODES WERE DETECTED WHEN THE TECH PLUGGED THE VEHICLE IN. AS OF 08/02/16 VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE DEALER AND THE DEALER IS WAITING FOR FORD TO OFFER IDEAS ON HOW TO FIX THIS ISSUE. FORD HAS NOT CONTACTED US AT ALL TO GIVE UPDATES ON STATUS OR OFFER A RESOLUTION.
NHTSA ODI #10892695
3,500 miles · Aug 1, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
ACCELERATOR ISSUE - FORD EXPLORER LIMITED 2016: UPON INITIAL ACCELERATION THROUGH AN INTERSECTION (MAN-O-WAR/TODD'S RD. LEXINGTON, KY) AND REACHING APPROXIMATELY 10MPH THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE THEN BEGAN COASTING. AFTER FOUR OR FIVE ATTEMPTS TO PUSH THE ACCELERATOR, THE ENGINE (2.4L) REVVED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN GAINING…
Read full complaint
ACCELERATOR ISSUE - FORD EXPLORER LIMITED 2016: UPON INITIAL ACCELERATION THROUGH AN INTERSECTION (MAN-O-WAR/TODD'S RD. LEXINGTON, KY) AND REACHING APPROXIMATELY 10MPH THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE THEN BEGAN COASTING. AFTER FOUR OR FIVE ATTEMPTS TO PUSH THE ACCELERATOR, THE ENGINE (2.4L) REVVED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN GAINING SPEED WITH NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE WAS CLEARLY IN DRIVE, HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS AND HAS ONLY 3500 MILES ON ODOMETER. UPON NOTIFYING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE THIS DATE, THE INDIVIDUAL ANSWERING THE CALL STATED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH NEW FORD EXPLORERS.
NHTSA ODI #10891985
8,000 miles · Jul 29, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
MY WIFE, AND 2 FRIENDS, WERE ATTEMPTING TO MERGE ONTO A MAJOR HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER WITHOUT WARNING AND WAS ALMOST STRUCK BY A PASSING SEMI. THE WRENCH SYMBOL CAME ON. VEHICLE DRIFTED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. HER FRIEND CALLED HER HUSBAND WHO KNEW IMMEDIATELY WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. HE TOLD MY WIFE TO LET IT …
Read full complaint
MY WIFE, AND 2 FRIENDS, WERE ATTEMPTING TO MERGE ONTO A MAJOR HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER WITHOUT WARNING AND WAS ALMOST STRUCK BY A PASSING SEMI. THE WRENCH SYMBOL CAME ON. VEHICLE DRIFTED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. HER FRIEND CALLED HER HUSBAND WHO KNEW IMMEDIATELY WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. HE TOLD MY WIFE TO LET IT SIT A FEW MINUTES THEN TRY TO RESTART IT. IT DID START AND DROVE IT HOME WITH THE WRENCH SYMBOL ON. DID A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH AND FOUND OUT THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM BY FORD. THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 8,000 PLUS MILES. TONIGHT WE ARE GOING TO ATTEMPT TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER AFTER ALL THE TRAFFIC DIES DOWN. SOMEONE IS GOING TO END UP DEAD OR BADLY INJURED. WHY HASN'T FORD DONE A RECALL?
NHTSA ODI #10891750
12,212 miles · Jul 23, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
I HAVE RECENTLY HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE THROTTLE BODY IN MY 2016 EXPLORER, TO THE POINT THAT THE TRUCK WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS PRESSED. I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND WHEN IT TURNED GREEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR STARTED TO BUCK AND THEN WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BEFORE STOPP…
Read full complaint
I HAVE RECENTLY HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE THROTTLE BODY IN MY 2016 EXPLORER, TO THE POINT THAT THE TRUCK WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS PRESSED. I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND WHEN IT TURNED GREEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR STARTED TO BUCK AND THEN WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BEFORE STOPPED AND PUT ON MY HAZARDS. I CALLED FORD ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND WAS STUCK IN THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH MY 2 KIDS WHILE IT TOOK MORE THEN 3 HRS BEFORE I CANCELLED AND LEFT THE CAR UNTIL THE FOLLOWING MORNING FOR AAA. IT WAS SENT TO FREEHOLD FORD WHERE THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A THROTTLE BODY DEFECT AND THAT IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. TODAY, 7-23-16 THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED WHILE I WAS TRYING TO LEAVE THE PARKING LOT OF A RESTAURANT AND HEAD HOME WITH MY FAMILY IN THE CAR. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED AND I HAVE ONLY HAD THE TRUCK ONLY 8-9 MONTHS.
NHTSA ODI #10887963
6,779 miles · Jul 15, 2016
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
BRAND NEW 2016 FORD EXPLORER WITH ONLY 6779 MILES. UNABLE TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP THROUGH A BUSY INTERSECTION. NO INDICATION THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG PRIOR TO THIS. SEVERAL DASH LIGHTS CAME ON. CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE NOT ALLOWING ME TO ACCELERATE ABOVE 15 MPH. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, POWER TRAIN LIGHT AND AIRBAG LIGHT ALL ILLUMIN…
Read full complaint
BRAND NEW 2016 FORD EXPLORER WITH ONLY 6779 MILES. UNABLE TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP THROUGH A BUSY INTERSECTION. NO INDICATION THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG PRIOR TO THIS. SEVERAL DASH LIGHTS CAME ON. CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE NOT ALLOWING ME TO ACCELERATE ABOVE 15 MPH. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, POWER TRAIN LIGHT AND AIRBAG LIGHT ALL ILLUMINATED. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. THROTTLE BODY FAILURE INDICATED AS THE ISSUE. PART WAS BACK ORDERED FOR TWO WEEKS. VERIFIED ONLINE THAT MANY OTHER NEW EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE AROUND THE SAME MILEAGE. FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT ON A BUSY HIGHWAY LIKE SOME.
NHTSA ODI #10885065
200 miles · Jul 12, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
THE INSIDE OF THE SUV SMELLS EXHAUST GAS WHEN YOU ARE MERGING INTO FREEWAY ON RAMPS AND/OR PASSING SOMEONE. ESPECIALLY WITH THE SUNROOF OPEN.
NHTSA ODI #10884424
4,900 miles · Jul 11, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2016 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAS 4900 MILES ON IT. AFTER MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN THE CAR LOST POWER, WENT INTO (LIMP MODE) WRENCHES AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. SHE MADE IT TO A PARKING LOT AND RESTARTED THE CAR WHICH RAN OK FOR ANOTHER MILE BEFORE IT LOST POWER AGAIN, RESTARTED AGAIN WITH THE SAME RESULT.…
Read full complaint
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2016 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAS 4900 MILES ON IT. AFTER MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN THE CAR LOST POWER, WENT INTO (LIMP MODE) WRENCHES AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. SHE MADE IT TO A PARKING LOT AND RESTARTED THE CAR WHICH RAN OK FOR ANOTHER MILE BEFORE IT LOST POWER AGAIN, RESTARTED AGAIN WITH THE SAME RESULT. DECIDED TO HAVE IT TOWED TO DEALER. WAS DIAGNOSED WITH AN INTERNAL THROTTLE BODY FAILURE. WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE REPLACED THROTTLE BODY WAS THE SAME PART NUMBER AS THE FAILED ONE. HE WAS NOT SURE IF FORD HAD MODIFIED THE REPLACEMENT PART OR NOT. YOU SPEND ALL THIS MONEY ON A NEW CAR AND CAN'T BE SURE IF IT WILL MAINTAIN POWER AT HIGHWAY SPEED. IF FORD HAS MODIFIED THIS PART THEY SHOULD AT LEAST NOTIFY THEIR CUSTOMERS AND DEALERS TO ASSURE US DRIVERS THAT THE PROBLEM WILL NOT OCCUR AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #10884100
10,000 miles · Jul 10, 2016
EngineFuel/propulsion System
WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH ON A 4 LANE HIGHWAY, THE CAR SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN WITH NO WARNING. THE WENCH LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE WOULD ONLY ROUGH IDLE - PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR DID NOTHING. WE HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD; FORTUNATELY THERE WAS VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC AT THE TIME, HAD TRAFFIC BEEN HEAVY WE COULD HAVE BEEN IN…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH ON A 4 LANE HIGHWAY, THE CAR SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN WITH NO WARNING. THE WENCH LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE WOULD ONLY ROUGH IDLE - PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR DID NOTHING. WE HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD; FORTUNATELY THERE WAS VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC AT THE TIME, HAD TRAFFIC BEEN HEAVY WE COULD HAVE BEEN IN A VERY SERIOUS WRECK. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP, WE LEARNED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS FAULTY AND THIS HAS APPARENTLY BEEN A KNOW ISSUE WITH FORD FOR SEVERAL YEARS! THIS WAS A BRAND NEW VEHICLE THAT I HAVE OWNED LESS THAN 5 MONTHS. I STRONGLY BELIEVE FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT HAS REFUSED TO TAKE STEPS NEEDED TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION. EVEN THOUGH THE PART WAS ORDERED ON AN "EMERGENCY" BASIS, IT WAS OVER A WEEK BEFORE THE PART WAS DELIVERED; THIS SEEMS TO CONFIRM THAT FORD IS WELL AWARE OF THE ISSUE. FORD IS KNOWINGLY SELLING CARS WITH FAULTY PARTS AND THE PROBLEM COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI #10883840
7,000 miles · Jul 10, 2016
EngineFuel/propulsion System
2016 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED W/ABOUT 7K MILES ON IT. RENTED THIS VEHICLE FROM A NATIONAL RENTAL CAR AGENCY. ON 7/8/2016 WHILE TRAVELING ON A STATE RD IN THE MIDDLE OF A MAJOR INTERSECTION THE GAS PEDAL STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY AND I WAS SO LUCKY THAT I DID NOT GET REAR ENDED OR HIT BY OTHER CARS GOING BY AT 45MPH OR MORE. I WAS …
Read full complaint
2016 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED W/ABOUT 7K MILES ON IT. RENTED THIS VEHICLE FROM A NATIONAL RENTAL CAR AGENCY. ON 7/8/2016 WHILE TRAVELING ON A STATE RD IN THE MIDDLE OF A MAJOR INTERSECTION THE GAS PEDAL STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY AND I WAS SO LUCKY THAT I DID NOT GET REAR ENDED OR HIT BY OTHER CARS GOING BY AT 45MPH OR MORE. I WAS COMPLETELY SHAKEN UP. WHEN THE TRAFFIC SLOWED I MANAGED TO RESTART THE CAR AND THE GAS PEDAL STARTED TO WORK AGAIN AND THEN I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALL THE RENTAL COMPANY. THIS WAS THE SECOND FORD EXPLORER THAT WAS GIVEN TO US BY THE RENTAL COMPANY AFTER THE FIRST FORD EXPLORER 2016 ALSO WITH LOW MILEAGE GAVE US THE SAME PROBLEM FEW DAYS EARLIER. LUCKILY THE FIRST TIME WE WERE DRIVING ABOUT 45MPH ON THE OUTSIDE LANE OF A 6 LANE STATE RD WHERE WE WERE ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I PASSED THIS INFORMATION ON TO THE BRANCH MANAGER OF THE RENTAL COMPANY WHO WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM. I HOPE THIS WILL ALERT THEM TO PULL OUT THIS PARTICULAR MODEL FROM THEIR INVENTORY UNTIL THEY HAVE THEM ALL FIXED. PERHAPS THIS WILL HELP SAVE SOME UNNECESSARY ACCIDENTS AND EVEN A FATALITY. WE ARE STAYING AWAY FROM THIS VEHICLE TYPE AND MODEL FROM NOW ON UNTIL THEY HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10883824
9,000 miles · Jul 7, 2016
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM OCCURRED THREE TIMES OVER TWO DAYS. THE FIRST TIME I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45MPH ON A CITY STREET WHEN A WRENCH LIGHT AND AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE'S THROTTLE STOPPED RESPONDING. IF I LET OFF THE BREAK THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE TO MOVE AT APPROXIMATELY 5MPH SO I WAS ABLE TO GET IT OFF THE …
Read full complaint
THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM OCCURRED THREE TIMES OVER TWO DAYS. THE FIRST TIME I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45MPH ON A CITY STREET WHEN A WRENCH LIGHT AND AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE'S THROTTLE STOPPED RESPONDING. IF I LET OFF THE BREAK THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE TO MOVE AT APPROXIMATELY 5MPH SO I WAS ABLE TO GET IT OFF THE ROADWAY. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON AND IT SEEMED TO BE FUNCTIONING NORMALLY WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO MY OFFICE WHERE I LEFT IT PARKED UNTIL AFTER LUNCH. WHEN I CRANKED UP THE VEHICLE AFTER LUNCH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NO LONGER ON. AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY TEN MORE MILES I ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN INTO A PARKING LOT WHEN THE SAME THING HAPPENED AND I WAS ALMOST HIT BY AN ONCOMING TRUCK. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF FOR A WHILE I CRANKED IT AGAIN AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. I MADE IT HOME WITH NO ISSUE AND THE NEXT MORNING I LEFT HOME HEADING TO THE DEALERSHIP TO DROP THE VEHICLE OFF. AS I WAS TURNING LEFT ON TO A SIDE STREET THE VEHICLE AGAIN STALLED AND AGAIN I WAS ALMOST STRUCK BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON AND AFTER THAT WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WITHOUT AN ISSUE. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST INDICATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY WAS THE ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE I WAS OPERATING IS AN UNDERCOVER POLICE VEHICLE AND ONLY HAS 9,000 MILES ON IT. HAD I BEEN RESPONDING TO AN EMERGENCY AT A HIGH SPEED I FEAR THAT EITHER I OR ANOTHER MOTORIST COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED.
NHTSA ODI #10883462
Official recalls
14Jul 14, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Oct 10, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
May 23, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S53.
Jan 19, 2024
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Jul 15, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
May 5, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
Mar 12, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
Nov 10, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
Jun 10, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
Nov 29, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 F-150 and Explorer vehicles. Loose power seat adjuster pivot bolts may cause the front seat cushions to detach and not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the power seat track upper pivot link bolt, either applying threadlocker or replacing the lift link and hardware, free of charge. Interim letters are expected to go out January 15, 2018. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S40.
Jun 28, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Explorer and F-150 vehicles equipped with a manual recline driver's seat. The seat back frame may have insufficient welds which may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall begin on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 16C11.
Mar 31, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured November 25, 2013, to January 25, 2016, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured October 20, 2014, to January 28, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters. These engine block heaters have elements that may overheat while plugged in.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and replace the electrical cord, as necessary. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S14. Note: Owners should not use the engine block heater until the vehicle has been remedied.
Sep 28, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured on July 24, 2015. During vehicle production, the fuel tank attachment bolts may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the fuel tank straps may fracture and the fuel tank could separate from the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S26.
Jul 24, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015, Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 21, 2015, and 2015-2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015. The affected vehicles have a parking brake that may not fully engage when applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the operation of the parking brake system, and if necessary, replace the parking brake control assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C07.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2PE23001 · Windshield Trim Molding Item Detachment
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Feb 8, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:roof And Pillars
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
EA17002 · Exhaust Odor In Passenger Cab
Opened Jul 27, 2017 · Closed Jan 17, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe; Structure:body
During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers. This investigation required an approach that incorporated knowledge and expertise from the automotive, medical, environmental health, and occupational safety fields. The agency conducted an in-depth investigation that encompassed the review of over 6,500 consumer complaints, conducting field inspections, and testing the relevant vehicles, both independently and in coordination with Ford and other entities. During the investigation, the evolution of Ford service bulletins intended to reduce the level of exhaust odors and carbon monoxide (CO) entering the occupant compartment was examined and independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the final Field Service Actions (FSA) for both consumer and police vehicles were conducted. As part of the investigation, the agency also examined the effects of cracked exhaust mani-cats on the measured CO levels in the vehicles and tested the FSA repairs to ensure they did not adversely impact occupant compartment CO levels due to cracked mani-cats.The investigation identified upfitting issues for Police Interceptor vehicles. Upfitting (sirens, lights, cages, auxiliary power, etc.) is typically performed by governmental fleet operations, independent repair facilities, or local Ford dealers after the sale of the new vehicle. Sealing issues caused by upfitting were responsible for the highest measured carbon monoxide levels in tested vehicles. The police FSA instructs how to inspect the quality of the vehicle upfits and how to properly seal any leaks caused by these upfits, at no cost to the police agency. Similarly, the highest CO levels measured in consumer vehicles were usually traced to sealing issues caused by rear crash damage where the repairs did not ensure sealing integrity. The most recent Ford FSA procedure for both the police (17B25) and consumer vehicles (17N03) includes an HVAC reprogramming operation. Tests by Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated a substantial reduction of CO levels due solely to the HVAC reprogramming. Other FSA repairs also demonstrated measurable contributions to CO level reductions during controlled tests.Throughout the investigation, vehicles accurately measured with higher levels of carbon monoxide were almost always affected by upfitter alterations, damage, or other causes compromising rear passenger cabin seals.NHTSA received thousands of reports alleging odors which triggered a variety of physiological responses, predominately nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness. NHTSA focused the investigation on accurately measuring vehicle CO levels, and accurately measuring carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) levels from properly administered blood tests. Using rigorous test methods to produce exhaust gas intrusion in vehicles with a properly performed FSA, occupant compartment CO levels remained below current environmental limits for CO in any environment (EPA ambient air quality standards). Furthermore, even without FSA repairs, no vehicles unaffected by upfitter issues or prior crash damage were identified with CO levels that exceed accepted occupational CO exposure levels. This investigation finds that the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles when accurately measured produce occupant compartment CO levels which fall below current accepted health standards, and could not identify COHB levels for vehicle drivers or other occupants, which exceeded thresholds for acute physiological effects. Therefore, the agency has not identified a defect that represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This inve
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers. This investigation required an approach that incorporated knowledge and expertise from the automotive, medical, environmental health, and occupational safety fields. The agency conducted an in-depth investigation that encompassed the review of over 6,500 consumer complaints, conducting field inspections, and testing the relevant vehicles, both independently and in coordination with Ford and other entities. During the investigation, the evolution of Ford service bulletins intended to reduce the level of exhaust odors and carbon monoxide (CO) entering the occupant compartment was examined and independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the final Field Service Actions (FSA) for both consumer and police vehicles were conducted. As part of the investigation, the agency also examined the effects of cracked exhaust mani-cats on the measured CO levels in the vehicles and tested the FSA repairs to ensure they did not adversely impact occupant compartment CO levels due to cracked mani-cats.The investigation identified upfitting issues for Police Interceptor vehicles. Upfitting (sirens, lights, cages, auxiliary power, etc.) is typically performed by governmental fleet operations, independent repair facilities, or local Ford dealers after the sale of the new vehicle. Sealing issues caused by upfitting were responsible for the highest measured carbon monoxide levels in tested vehicles. The police FSA instructs how to inspect the quality of the vehicle upfits and how to properly seal any leaks caused by these upfits, at no cost to the police agency. Similarly, the highest CO levels measured in consumer vehicles were usually traced to sealing issues caused by rear crash damage where the repairs did not ensure sealing integrity. The most recent Ford FSA procedure for both the police (17B25) and consumer vehicles (17N03) includes an HVAC reprogramming operation. Tests by Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated a substantial reduction of CO levels due solely to the HVAC reprogramming. Other FSA repairs also demonstrated measurable contributions to CO level reductions during controlled tests.Throughout the investigation, vehicles accurately measured with higher levels of carbon monoxide were almost always affected by upfitter alterations, damage, or other causes compromising rear passenger cabin seals.NHTSA received thousands of reports alleging odors which triggered a variety of physiological responses, predominately nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness. NHTSA focused the investigation on accurately measuring vehicle CO levels, and accurately measuring carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) levels from properly administered blood tests. Using rigorous test methods to produce exhaust gas intrusion in vehicles with a properly performed FSA, occupant compartment CO levels remained below current environmental limits for CO in any environment (EPA ambient air quality standards). Furthermore, even without FSA repairs, no vehicles unaffected by upfitter issues or prior crash damage were identified with CO levels that exceed accepted occupational CO exposure levels. This investigation finds that the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles when accurately measured produce occupant compartment CO levels which fall below current accepted health standards, and could not identify COHB levels for vehicle drivers or other occupants, which exceeded thresholds for acute physiological effects. Therefore, the agency has not identified a defect that represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This inve
Structure:body
During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers. This investigation required an approach that incorporated knowledge and expertise from the automotive, medical, environmental health, and occupational safety fields. The agency conducted an in-depth investigation that encompassed the review of over 6,500 consumer complaints, conducting field inspections, and testing the relevant vehicles, both independently and in coordination with Ford and other entities. During the investigation, the evolution of Ford service bulletins intended to reduce the level of exhaust odors and carbon monoxide (CO) entering the occupant compartment was examined and independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the final Field Service Actions (FSA) for both consumer and police vehicles were conducted. As part of the investigation, the agency also examined the effects of cracked exhaust mani-cats on the measured CO levels in the vehicles and tested the FSA repairs to ensure they did not adversely impact occupant compartment CO levels due to cracked mani-cats.The investigation identified upfitting issues for Police Interceptor vehicles. Upfitting (sirens, lights, cages, auxiliary power, etc.) is typically performed by governmental fleet operations, independent repair facilities, or local Ford dealers after the sale of the new vehicle. Sealing issues caused by upfitting were responsible for the highest measured carbon monoxide levels in tested vehicles. The police FSA instructs how to inspect the quality of the vehicle upfits and how to properly seal any leaks caused by these upfits, at no cost to the police agency. Similarly, the highest CO levels measured in consumer vehicles were usually traced to sealing issues caused by rear crash damage where the repairs did not ensure sealing integrity. The most recent Ford FSA procedure for both the police (17B25) and consumer vehicles (17N03) includes an HVAC reprogramming operation. Tests by Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated a substantial reduction of CO levels due solely to the HVAC reprogramming. Other FSA repairs also demonstrated measurable contributions to CO level reductions during controlled tests.Throughout the investigation, vehicles accurately measured with higher levels of carbon monoxide were almost always affected by upfitter alterations, damage, or other causes compromising rear passenger cabin seals.NHTSA received thousands of reports alleging odors which triggered a variety of physiological responses, predominately nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness. NHTSA focused the investigation on accurately measuring vehicle CO levels, and accurately measuring carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) levels from properly administered blood tests. Using rigorous test methods to produce exhaust gas intrusion in vehicles with a properly performed FSA, occupant compartment CO levels remained below current environmental limits for CO in any environment (EPA ambient air quality standards). Furthermore, even without FSA repairs, no vehicles unaffected by upfitter issues or prior crash damage were identified with CO levels that exceed accepted occupational CO exposure levels. This investigation finds that the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles when accurately measured produce occupant compartment CO levels which fall below current accepted health standards, and could not identify COHB levels for vehicle drivers or other occupants, which exceeded thresholds for acute physiological effects. Therefore, the agency has not identified a defect that represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This inve
Illustration