NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
728 reports25,000 miles · Dec 31, 2020
EngineUnknown Or OtherCrashInjury
WE TOOK OUR 2018 FORD EXPLORER INTO THE SHOP LAST WINTER COMPLAINING OF A BAD SMELL. THE SHOP KEPT OUR CAR FOR ABOUT 5 DAYS AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. 2 WEEKS AGO MY WIFE WENT TO THE ER AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. WE BEGAN WORKING WITH FOR TO HELP GET THIS FIXED, 5 DAYS LATER SHE PASSED OUT AT THE…
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WE TOOK OUR 2018 FORD EXPLORER INTO THE SHOP LAST WINTER COMPLAINING OF A BAD SMELL. THE SHOP KEPT OUR CAR FOR ABOUT 5 DAYS AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. 2 WEEKS AGO MY WIFE WENT TO THE ER AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. WE BEGAN WORKING WITH FOR TO HELP GET THIS FIXED, 5 DAYS LATER SHE PASSED OUT AT THE WHEEL AND WRECKED INTO A TELEPHONE POLL. WHILE AT THE ER THERE WAS CARBON MONOXIDE IN HER BLOOD AGAIN. THANK GOODNESS SHE DIDN'T HIT A FAMILY OR SOMETHING WORSE. SINCE THEN FORD HAS REFUSED TO WORK WITH US SINCE THE CAR IS WRECKED. THIS IS A PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO!*DT*JB*DT *TR
NHTSA ODI #11385749
35,000 miles · Dec 31, 2020
SteeringSuspension
VEHICLE WHEN ACCELERATING PULLS SHARPLY TO RIGHT . PROBLEM NOT RESOLVED AFTER 30 DAYS AT DEALERSHIP. ALIGNMENT WAS NOT PROBLEM. WAS DOCUMENTED WHILE UNDER WARRANTEE ANT WAS FIRST NOTICED AT 21000 MILES AND DOCUMENTED
NHTSA ODI #11385739
22,000 miles · Dec 29, 2020
Forward Collision AvoidanceVehicle Speed Control
WHILE TRAVELING WITH ADAPTIVE CRUISE ENGAGED WE WERE IN LEFT LANE FOLLOWING A SEMI APPROXIMATELY 1000' AHEAD OF US AND WHEN HE MOVED OVER TO MAKE AN EXIT OUR VEHICLE PASSED BY AND AUTO BRAKED HARD CAUSING VEHICLES BEHIND US TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION FROM HITTING US ALONG WITH VEHICLES IN THE RIGHT LANE OF TRAFFIC. THIS ALSO HAPPENE…
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WHILE TRAVELING WITH ADAPTIVE CRUISE ENGAGED WE WERE IN LEFT LANE FOLLOWING A SEMI APPROXIMATELY 1000' AHEAD OF US AND WHEN HE MOVED OVER TO MAKE AN EXIT OUR VEHICLE PASSED BY AND AUTO BRAKED HARD CAUSING VEHICLES BEHIND US TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION FROM HITTING US ALONG WITH VEHICLES IN THE RIGHT LANE OF TRAFFIC. THIS ALSO HAPPENED AGAIN THE FOLLOWING WEEK EXCEPT PASSING BY A DUMP TRUCK. I WAS AWARE THAT TIME AN MASHED ACCELERATOR IN TIME AS INSTRUCTED AS PER OPERATING MANUAL. I DON'T FEEL SAFE USING MY CRUISE WITH OR WITHOUT ADAPTIVE ON AND NOW SEVERAL WEEKS LATER I'M GETTING AN 'ADAPTIVE CRUISE NOT AVAILABLE' MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON INSTRUMENT PANEL.
NHTSA ODI #11385508
Mileage unknown · Nov 9, 2020
Exterior Lighting
DRIVING IN THE DARK AND PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. GOT DIAGNOSED THAT IT WAS A BAD LIGHT HOUSING.GOT VARIOUS PRICES FROM 700 TO 1200 DOLLARS. NOW THE LIGHT WORKS .WAS OUT FOR 3 WEEKS DECIDED TO COME BACK ON.WELL I WOULD ASSUME ITS NOT THE HEADLIGHT OR JUST FAULTY ELECTRONICS. NOT SURE ANY HEKP?
NHTSA ODI #11373866
24,000 miles · Oct 29, 2020
Tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK TIRES, TIRE LINE: VENTUS S1 NOBLE, TIRE SIZE: 255/50/R20, DOT NUMBER: 5MNC1AH3917. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION IN THE VEHICLE DUE TO CUPPING OF THE TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK TIRES, TIRE LINE: VENTUS S1 NOBLE, TIRE SIZE: 255/50/R20, DOT NUMBER: 5MNC1AH3917. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION IN THE VEHICLE DUE TO CUPPING OF THE TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE HAD EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER HUNTLEY FORD LOCATED AT 13900 AUTO MALL DR, HUNTLY, IL 60142 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11367079
45,000 miles · Oct 27, 2020
Unknown Or Other
WHEN ACCELERATING ABOVE 2500 RPM, SUCH AS WHEN MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY / WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC, OR ACCELERATING UP HILL, THE CABIN FILLS WITH A FOUL ODOR WHICH SMELLS LIKE BURNT OIL OR BAD EXHAUST. THIS HAPPENS WITH RE-CIRCULATION TURNED ON OR OFF, AND ALSO WITH THE A/C / FAN UNITS POWERED OFF ENTIRELY AND USUALLY WINDOWS MU…
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WHEN ACCELERATING ABOVE 2500 RPM, SUCH AS WHEN MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY / WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC, OR ACCELERATING UP HILL, THE CABIN FILLS WITH A FOUL ODOR WHICH SMELLS LIKE BURNT OIL OR BAD EXHAUST. THIS HAPPENS WITH RE-CIRCULATION TURNED ON OR OFF, AND ALSO WITH THE A/C / FAN UNITS POWERED OFF ENTIRELY AND USUALLY WINDOWS MUST BE ROLLED DOWN TO GET THE ODOR/FUMES TO LEAVE THE CABIN. MY CONCERN IS IF THE SMELL IS COMING IN, ALL THE TOXIC GASSES AND FUMES THAT COME WITH IT ARE ALSO ENTERING THE CABIN.
NHTSA ODI #11366751
50,000 miles · Oct 27, 2020
Structure
WHILE DRIVING THE OTHER NIGHT IN RAIN, NIGHT AND HEAVY TRAFFIC, I HEARD SOME FLAPPING FROM THE ROOF OF THE CAR, BUT COULD NOT STOP BECAUSE WE WERE IN A MOUNTAIN PASS AND WINDING ROADS. I DID SEE SOMETHING LIKE FLY OFF OF MY CAR AND CARS BEHIND ME WERE SWERVING, I THOUGHT MAYBE A SMALL BRANCH. BUT NO IT WAS THE TOP CAP OF MY RO…
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WHILE DRIVING THE OTHER NIGHT IN RAIN, NIGHT AND HEAVY TRAFFIC, I HEARD SOME FLAPPING FROM THE ROOF OF THE CAR, BUT COULD NOT STOP BECAUSE WE WERE IN A MOUNTAIN PASS AND WINDING ROADS. I DID SEE SOMETHING LIKE FLY OFF OF MY CAR AND CARS BEHIND ME WERE SWERVING, I THOUGHT MAYBE A SMALL BRANCH. BUT NO IT WAS THE TOP CAP OF MY ROOF RAIL ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE PART IS $450, AND WHEN I GOOGLED IT, IT IS DEFINITELY A KNOWN PROBLEM AT FORD. HUNDREDS OF HITS WITH THE SAME ISSUE
NHTSA ODI #11366735
53,000 miles · Oct 26, 2020
Structure
THE RAIL COVER ON TOP OF THE CAR JUST CAME OFF WITH NO ONE MESSING WITH OR BEING DAMAGED. I RESEARCHED TO SEE IF OTHER HAS A PROBLEM LIKE THIS AND I FOUND NUMEROUS OF PEOPLE SAYING THE RAIL COVER JUST DETACHED FORM THE ACTUAL RAIL. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY.
NHTSA ODI #11366399
Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 2020
Wheels
THE TWO FRONT HANKOOK TIRES HAVE WEAR IN THE FORM OF FLAKING RUBBER AROUND THE WHOLE TIRE. AT ABOUT 10,000 MILES, WE WENT TO FORD TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT AND THEY REFERRED US TO THE TIRE STORE. THEY SAID IT WAS FINE, BUT AS I LOOK AT THE OTHER COMPLAINTS, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THESE TIRES HAVE A FLAW AND THERE SHOULD BE SOME COMPENS…
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THE TWO FRONT HANKOOK TIRES HAVE WEAR IN THE FORM OF FLAKING RUBBER AROUND THE WHOLE TIRE. AT ABOUT 10,000 MILES, WE WENT TO FORD TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT AND THEY REFERRED US TO THE TIRE STORE. THEY SAID IT WAS FINE, BUT AS I LOOK AT THE OTHER COMPLAINTS, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THESE TIRES HAVE A FLAW AND THERE SHOULD BE SOME COMPENSATION GIVEN. AT 32,000 MILES OF CITY ROAD DRIVING, THE TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #11366182
18,000 miles · Oct 21, 2020
Seat Belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INFLATABLE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT WITH BRITAX FRONTIER CLICK TIGHT CHILD SAFETY SEAT WHILE USING THE HIGH BACK WITH THE REAR PASSENGER SHOULDER STRAP FAILED TO SECURE THE CHILD IN THE VEHICLE. AS THE CHILD WAS SEEN HANGING OUT THE WINDOW WHILE THE MOTHER…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INFLATABLE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT WITH BRITAX FRONTIER CLICK TIGHT CHILD SAFETY SEAT WHILE USING THE HIGH BACK WITH THE REAR PASSENGER SHOULDER STRAP FAILED TO SECURE THE CHILD IN THE VEHICLE. AS THE CHILD WAS SEEN HANGING OUT THE WINDOW WHILE THE MOTHER WAS DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAR SEAT WAS SECURED WITH THE LATCH SYSTEM HOWEVER, THE CHILD WAS NOT SECURED WITH THE VEHICLE'S SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WITH THE GRACO TURBO BOOSTER WHICH DOES NOT HAVE A LATCH SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURERS FORD AND BRITAX WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FORD MANUFACTURER OPENED A CASE. THE BRITAX MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.*DT THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PHOTOS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11365571
Official recalls
7Jul 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.
Feb 20, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links 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: Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 25, 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.
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.
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.
Aug 28, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats:mid/rear Assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Seats:front Assembly:recliner
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Nov 14, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engine. Due to an assembly error, the fuel pressure sensor may leak fuel.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 7, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S35.
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.
AQ22003 · Hertz/vehicles Rented With Open Recalls
Opened Dec 16, 2022 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
NHTSA is opening this audit query to investigate whether The Hertz Corporation (Hertz) has complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act). The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a rental company shall not rent a vehicle subject to a safety recall unless the recall remedy has been performed. 49 U.S.C. § 30120(i).NHTSA is in receipt of information that indicates Hertz rented vehicles to customers without having performed required recall repairs. Accordingly, we are opening this audit query to seek additional information concerning this issue.
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