NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
728 reports28,000 miles · Jul 8, 2020
Wheels
HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 (255/50R20 105H) TIRES HAVE EXCESSIVE TREADWEAR (LESS THAN 2/32' MINIMUM) AND CUTS. HANKOOK TIRES HAVE 28K MILES, ARE ORIGINAL TO 2018 EXPLORER PURCHASED NEW. VEHICLE AND TIRES ARE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED VIA PREMIUM MAINTENANCE PLAN. VEHICLE IS ALIGNED. LOW TREAD AND CUTS ARE PREVENTING DEALERS/OTH…
Read full complaint
HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 (255/50R20 105H) TIRES HAVE EXCESSIVE TREADWEAR (LESS THAN 2/32' MINIMUM) AND CUTS. HANKOOK TIRES HAVE 28K MILES, ARE ORIGINAL TO 2018 EXPLORER PURCHASED NEW. VEHICLE AND TIRES ARE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED VIA PREMIUM MAINTENANCE PLAN. VEHICLE IS ALIGNED. LOW TREAD AND CUTS ARE PREVENTING DEALERS/OTHERS FROM FIXING FLAT CAUSED BY NAIL PUNCTURE.
NHTSA ODI #11338183
20,000 miles · Jul 4, 2020
Structure
THE GAS DOOR DOES NOT SEAL AND PROPS OPEN ALL TIME, THE VEHICLE COMES WITH NO FUEL CAP AND DOOR DOES NOT LOCK ALLOWING ANYONE TO PUT CONTAINMENTS IN THE FUEL
NHTSA ODI #11337437
24,459 miles · Jun 9, 2020
Tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED HANKOOK TIRES, TIRE LINE: VENTUS S1 NOBLE2, TIRE SIZE: 255/50/R20, DOT NUMBER: 5117. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR ROUTINE SERVICE AT KOEPPEL FORD (57-15 NORTHERN BLVD, QUEENS, NY 11377), AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED HANKOOK TIRES, TIRE LINE: VENTUS S1 NOBLE2, TIRE SIZE: 255/50/R20, DOT NUMBER: 5117. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR ROUTINE SERVICE AT KOEPPEL FORD (57-15 NORTHERN BLVD, QUEENS, NY 11377), AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO ACCELERATED TREAD SEPARATION. THE CONTACT MENTION THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED DUE TO THE TIRES. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TIRES WOULD BE PRORATED TO DEFRAY SOME OF THE COST FOR THE TIRE REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE AND TIRES WERE APPROXIMATELY 24,459. *LN *TR
NHTSA ODI #11327950
Mileage unknown · May 24, 2020
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
I HAVE A FORD EXPLORER LIMITED 2018 WITH ROTTEN EGG AND SULFUR SMELL WHEN REMOTE START AT IDLE AND HARD ACCELERATION. I TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR THE 3RD TIME AND GOT IT BACK AFTER 14 DAYS. I WAS HOPING THEY WOULD REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BUT THEY DECLINED IT. THE REPORT STATED THERE WERE NO CAT CONVERTER CODE AND THAT BY DES…
Read full complaint
I HAVE A FORD EXPLORER LIMITED 2018 WITH ROTTEN EGG AND SULFUR SMELL WHEN REMOTE START AT IDLE AND HARD ACCELERATION. I TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR THE 3RD TIME AND GOT IT BACK AFTER 14 DAYS. I WAS HOPING THEY WOULD REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BUT THEY DECLINED IT. THE REPORT STATED THERE WERE NO CAT CONVERTER CODE AND THAT BY DESIGN THE FORD EXPLORER'S CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAS NORMAL SULFUR AND ROTTEN EGG SMELL. THIS WAS TAKEN FROM THE VEHICLE REPORT " SOME SULFUR OR ROTTEN EGG TYPE SMELLS FROM THE EXHAUST ARE NORMAL BECAUSE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER DESIGN. PLEASE CONFIRM THE SOURCE OF THIS STENCH BECAUSE AFTER HARD ACCELERATION AND OR REMOTE STARTS THE EXHAUST FUMES COULD SMELL LIKE SULFUR AND IT'S NORMAL" . HOW CAN I CLAIM THE 8YRS/80,000 MILES CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHEN THEY CALL SULFUR AND ROTTEN EGG NORMAL? WILL I JUST EXPOSE MY FAMILY TO CANCER CAUSING FUMES? IF I TRADE THIS VEHICLE I WILL BE $5000 NEGATIVE AND THE PERSON WHO WILL BUY THIS VEHICLE WILL HAVE THE SAME ISSUES. I CAN PROVIDE A COPY OF THE SERVICE REPORT IF NEEDED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11325698
Mileage unknown · May 7, 2020
Unknown Or Other
EXHAUST FUME INSIDE THE CABIN. BROUGHT IT TO 2 FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY BOTH SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. FORD GAVE ME EXTENDED SERVICE WARRANTY MAYBE TO KEEP ME CALM. BUT I GOT THE SUV IN JAN 2, 2019 AND UP UNTIL NOW I STILL SMELL THE FUME INSIDE THE CABIN. I HAVE 2 KIDS AND THEY HAVE BEEN INHALING TOXIC FUMES …
Read full complaint
EXHAUST FUME INSIDE THE CABIN. BROUGHT IT TO 2 FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY BOTH SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. FORD GAVE ME EXTENDED SERVICE WARRANTY MAYBE TO KEEP ME CALM. BUT I GOT THE SUV IN JAN 2, 2019 AND UP UNTIL NOW I STILL SMELL THE FUME INSIDE THE CABIN. I HAVE 2 KIDS AND THEY HAVE BEEN INHALING TOXIC FUMES EVERY TIME I TAKE THEM INSIDE THE EXPLORER. ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ACCELERATE HARD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11323602
15,000 miles · Apr 8, 2020
Wheels
VEHICLE CAME WITH HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2, 255/50R20 TIRES. WE ONLY HAVE 15K MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND THE TIRES ALREADY NEED TO BE REPLACED. WE HAD THEM ROTATED AT THE DEALERSHIP AT THE SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE INTERVAL. ONE OF THE TIRES DEVELOPED A SLOW LEAK AND REQUIRED RE INFLATION EACH WEEK. ONE REAR TIRES LOST ALL AIR PR…
Read full complaint
VEHICLE CAME WITH HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2, 255/50R20 TIRES. WE ONLY HAVE 15K MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND THE TIRES ALREADY NEED TO BE REPLACED. WE HAD THEM ROTATED AT THE DEALERSHIP AT THE SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE INTERVAL. ONE OF THE TIRES DEVELOPED A SLOW LEAK AND REQUIRED RE INFLATION EACH WEEK. ONE REAR TIRES LOST ALL AIR PRESSURE WHILE WE WERE DRIVING ON THE STREET. THERE WAS NO NAIL OR HOLE FOUND IT IT. THE TIRES ARE SHREDDING TREAD AS WELL. ALL 4 NEED TO BE REPLACED BUT NEITHER FORD OR HANKOOK HAVE ANSWERED OUR COMPLAINT. THESE TIRES NEED TO BE RECALLED BECAUSE THEY ARE DANGEROUS.
NHTSA ODI #11320621
11,500 miles · Apr 1, 2020
Structure
2018 FORD EXPLORER HAS A ROOF RAIL ISSUE WHERE THE TOP PART THE THE ROOF RAIL THAT COMES FACTORY ON THE VEHICLE WILL POP OUT OF PLACE AND NOT CLAMP DOWN PROPERLY THE FOR PART NUMBER IS FB5Z 78551A47 AA AND ALSO FB5Z 78551A46 AA ONE BELONGS TO THE LEFT AND THE OTHER THE RIGHT. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGH WAY WITH THEM NOT FULLY S…
Read full complaint
2018 FORD EXPLORER HAS A ROOF RAIL ISSUE WHERE THE TOP PART THE THE ROOF RAIL THAT COMES FACTORY ON THE VEHICLE WILL POP OUT OF PLACE AND NOT CLAMP DOWN PROPERLY THE FOR PART NUMBER IS FB5Z 78551A47 AA AND ALSO FB5Z 78551A46 AA ONE BELONGS TO THE LEFT AND THE OTHER THE RIGHT. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGH WAY WITH THEM NOT FULLY SEATED IN THE BACK END OF THE RAILING AND NOTICED WHEN I GOT HOME THAT THEY MUST HAVE FLOWN OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS THE SECOND SIME I HAVE HAD THEM FIXED AND THEY ARE NOW NOT STAYING DOWN PROPERLY SEATED. LUCKLY MY VEHICLE HAS WARRANTY ON IT STILL TO GET IT FIXED BUT IF THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY ITS NOT A CHEAP FIX UNFORTUNATLY.
NHTSA ODI #11319955
25,000 miles · Mar 3, 2020
Wheels
WENT FOR A INSPECTION STICKER ON MY 2018 EXPLORER AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED TIRES. I SAID THAT WAS IMPOSSIBLE SINCE I ONLY HAD 25000 MILES ON THEM. THEY SHOWED ME THE WEAR AND I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT. THE TIRES ARE HANKOOK VENTUS S NOBLE 2. THESE TIRES ARE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND UPON RESEARCH HERE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THEM…
Read full complaint
WENT FOR A INSPECTION STICKER ON MY 2018 EXPLORER AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED TIRES. I SAID THAT WAS IMPOSSIBLE SINCE I ONLY HAD 25000 MILES ON THEM. THEY SHOWED ME THE WEAR AND I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT. THE TIRES ARE HANKOOK VENTUS S NOBLE 2. THESE TIRES ARE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND UPON RESEARCH HERE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THEM. DO NOTBUY THESE TIRES
NHTSA ODI #11315809
Mileage unknown · Mar 1, 2020
Unknown Or Other
THE TOP CAP ON THE DRIVERS SIDE (WHERE THE LUGGAGE RACK IS) CAME COMPLETELY OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE PASSENGER SIDE ONE KEEP COMING LOOSE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, AS THE PIECE THAT FLEW OFF COULD HAVE INJURED SOMEONE OR WORSE. THIS IS NOT A SAFE PIECE ON THE SUV AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED, AS MANY, MANY PEOPLE HAVE …
Read full complaint
THE TOP CAP ON THE DRIVERS SIDE (WHERE THE LUGGAGE RACK IS) CAME COMPLETELY OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE PASSENGER SIDE ONE KEEP COMING LOOSE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, AS THE PIECE THAT FLEW OFF COULD HAVE INJURED SOMEONE OR WORSE. THIS IS NOT A SAFE PIECE ON THE SUV AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED, AS MANY, MANY PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11315408
3,200 miles · Feb 29, 2020
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
ELECTRIC SHORTAGES, SMELL BURNING WIRES, STALLS VEHICLE WAS REPURCHASED BY FORD AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE ITS REPORTED AS A LEMON AND NOT RESOLD FOR SAFETY OF OTHERS
NHTSA ODI #11312251
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.
Illustration