COMPONENT SPOTLIGHT

Ford Explorer electrical problems

2,242 distinct owner reports with an electrical-system component in this snapshot.

Includes the electrical-system component and its detailed subcategories. Related recalls and investigations must also name this component; they are not linked by narrative keyword alone.

44 crash reports312 fire reports36 injury reports

Reports by model year

Recall and investigation columns show each year’s full history. A report naming several years can appear in more than one row.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

246

0–25K

179

25–50K

194

50–75K

154

75–100K

198

100–150K

123

150K+

1,094 reports with mileage · 1,148 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What owners actually said

2,242 reports

2011 model year · 5,089 miles · Aug 9, 2012

Electrical System

Read full complaint

FORD "MYFORDTOUCH" SYSTEM HAS FAILED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. IT HAS FROZEN, LOCKED UP, AND CONTINUOUSLY REBOOTED. WHEN THIS OCCURS, YOU LOSE ALL FUNCTIONALITY AND ABILITY TO CHANGE RADIO STATIONS, ADJUST CLIMATE CONTROL, USE NAVIGATION, HANDS FREE FUNCTIONS, ETC. WHILE THERE IS SOME MANUAL CONTROLS FOR BASIC OPERATIONS, IT DOES NOT ALLOW FULL CONTROL OF TALL SYSTEMS. FOR INSTANCE, WHEN THE MFT SYSTEM FAILS, YOU HAVE NO ABILITY TO TURN ON OR ADJUST THE REAR CLIMATE CONTROLS FOR REAR PASSENGERS. DEALER HAS TRIED UPGRADING SOFTWARE, RESETTING SOFTWARE, REINSTALLING SOFTWARE, AND REPLACING HARDWARE. WHILE THE PROBLEM IS NOT AS BAD AS IT HAS BEEN, IT CONTINUES WITH NO RESOLVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10469990

2011 model year · 29,000 miles · Aug 6, 2012

Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering

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THE STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON 4 OCCASIONS IN MY BRAND NEW XLT. THE FIRST THREE TIMES IT HAPPENED I RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER TO CHECK IT OUT AND FIX THE PROBLEM. EACH TIME (THREE TOTAL) THE FORD DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT RETURNED IT TO ME AND TOLD ME IT WAS FIXED. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS THE STEERING WOULD SUDDENLY STOP WORKING, WARNING CHIMES AND LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD "SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC", "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT", "TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT" AND TRACTION CONTROL FAILURE AND TRACTION CONTROL OFF LIGHTS GLOWING WHILE IN MOTION. ALMOST CRASHED THE VEHICLE EACH TIME IT HAPPENED. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO SLOW DOWN EVEN THOUGH MY GAS PEDAL POSITION NEVER CHANGED. WHEN IT HAPPENED THE 4TH TIME, I ALMOST WAS IN A FATAL ACCIDENT WITH A TRACTOR TRAILER AND REALIZED FORD MOTOR CORPORATION IS NOT INTERESTED IN FIXING THIS PROBLEM OR ADDRESSING THIS LIFE SAFETY ISSUE ALL LATE MODEL EXPLORER OWNERS ARE FACED WITH. FORD CLAIMED THEY KNOW NOTHING BUT SAME ISSUE ALL OVER INTERNET. THEY CLAIMED THE FIX WAS THEY REPLACED AN ANGLE SENSOR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, ANOTHER TIME IT WAS THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REFRESHED AND ANOTHER SAID THERE WAS NO RECORD IN THE ONBOARD COMPUTER, NOTHING TO FIX. AS I AM NOT AN EXPERT, IT SEEMS LIKE THE COMPUTER IS FAULTY BECAUSE THE SYNC AND NAVIGATION NEVER WORKED PROPERLY. WAS THERE A CRASH? WAS THERE AN INJURY OR FATALITY? I BELIEVE IF IT HAS NOT HAPPENED YET, IT WILL. THE HEAD OF CUSTOMER SERVICE OPERATIONS MANAGER TOLD ME I HAD TWO OPTIONS "CALL THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU", OR "CALL AN ATTORNEY". I WILL BE DOING BOTH. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD BECAUSE OF THEIR INABILITY AND UNWILLINGNESS TO HELP ME IN THIS. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM THE DEALER LEVEL THROUGH THE TOLL FREE CORPORATE HOTLINE WAS ABSOLUTELY HORRIFYING. SEARCH ONLINE FOR OTHERS UNREPORTED HERE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10469329

2012 model year · 6,000 miles · Aug 5, 2012

Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

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POWER STEERING FAULT WHILE RETURNING FROM SHORT SUPERMARKET TRIP, LOST ALL POWER STEERING, DASH BOARD LIT UP, THEN TERRAIN SENSOR FAULT, CAUSING A FEELING OF REDUCED GEAR, TURN SIGNALS FAILED AS WELL. VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE, AND UNABLE TO RESET BY SHUTTING VEHICLE OFF. DEALERSHIP STATED A FAULT IN POWER STEERING RACK, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT, THEY ALSO STATED IT IS A DIFFERENT PART NUMBER THEN ORIGINAL PART MEANING IT MAY HAVE BEEN REMODELED DUE TO "ISSUES". VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION!!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10469261

1995 model year · 143,000 miles · Aug 2, 2012

Electrical SystemSeatsFire

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VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AND ENGINE HAD BEEN OFF FOR 30 MINUTES. DRIVER WAS SITTING IN VEHICLE MAKING PHONE CALLS WHEN HE SMELLED SMOKE AND SAW FLAMING WIRE UNDER DRIVER'S SEAT. DRIVER ESCAPED UNHARMED AND WAS ABLE TO REMOVE SOME CONTENTS BUT VEHICLE WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAME WITHIN A FEW MINUTES, DESTROYING VEHICLE ENTIRELY, MELTING PAVEMENT, BURNING NEARBY GRASS AND TREES, AND MELTING BUMPER AND PAINT ON A NEARBY PARKED VEHICLE. FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10468967

2011 model year · 12,273 miles · Jul 25, 2012

Electrical SystemSteering

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POWER STEERING FAILURE ON 2011 FORD EXPLORER WHILE TRAVELING IN NEIGHBORHOOD. STARTED THE VEHICLE WITH REMOTE START TO COOL VEHICLE IN HOT, HUMID HOUSTON, TEXAS ABOUT 3 TO 4 MINUTES BEFORE ENTERING IT. WE DROVE 1.2 MILES TO AN ACQUAINTANCE'S RESIDENCE TO CO-SIGN A CHECK FOR NON-PROFIT PAYMENT. LEFT VEHICLE RUNNING FOR +/- 3 MINUTES IN HIS DRIVEWAY. BACKED OUT OF HIS DRIVEWAY AND DROVE 1/2 MILE WHEN LOST POWER STEERING AND NOTICED TWO MESSAGES ON THE DASH. ONE SHOWED "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" AND OTHER "SERVICE AUTO TRACKING". STOPPED ON THE STREET, SHUT OFF ENGINE, AND RESTARTED THE CAR. NO MESSAGE. DROVE 1/4 AND THE EVENT RECURRED AS DESCRIBED. RETURNED HOME AND PARKED CAR AT OUR PERSONAL RESIDENCE. CALLED RUSSELL & SMITH FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 5:03PM AND LEFT MESSAGE. SUSPECT IT IS AFTER HOURS AND WILL NOT HEAR FROM THEM UNTIL MORNING OF JULY 26, 2012. THE MESSAGE IS NOT IN OWNER'S MANUAL. SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND NOTICED NHTSA INVESTIGATION AND CHOSE TO CONTRIBUTE AND PROVIDE CONTACT INFORMATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10467719

2000 model year · Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2012

Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

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THE PROBLEM STARTED WITH THE DRIVERS DOOR IT WOULD NOT OPEN , WITH THE REMOTE CONTROL , THE ACTUATOR WORKS BUT THE DOOR LATCH WOULD NOT OPEN AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS OF HAVING TO OPEN IT WITH THE KEYS I TOOK THE DOOR PANEL OPEN AND SPAY SOME WD-40 AND IT STARTED TO OPEN BUT AS TIME WHEN ON THE REAR PASSENGER DOORS HAVE STARTED TO DO THE SAME , THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS HAVE GOT JAM AND NOW BOTH DOORS ARE FAILING AT ONE POINT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR DIDN'T OPEN AND I HAD TO TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC TO GET IT TO WORK BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS AND NOW THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR DOES NOT OPEN IT GOT STOCK AND THE HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR HAS FALLEN OFF IT HAS BEEN SUCH A FRUSTRATING PROBLEM AND I WENT TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST FOR THE PARTS AND ITS GOING TO COST ABOUT $87.00 PER DOOR NOT INCLUDING THE LABOR AND IT VERY FRUSTRATING I WISH THEY DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT ALSO THEIR WAS A RECALL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL I WENT TO THE DEALER TO GET IT FIX , AND THEY DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL I HAVE CALL SEVERAL TIMES THEY SAY THEIR IS NO OPENINGS AND IT HAS NOW BEEN FOUR YEARS I HAVE GIVEN UP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10466532

2002 model year · 193,261 miles · Jun 13, 2012

Electrical System

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FORDS TAILLIGHT/STOP SWITCH ILLUMINATES THE BRAKE LIGHTS, IS USED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL AND IS USED TO ENABLE THE OPERATOR TO BE ABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR ONCE THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. ROUGHLY A YEAR AGO I HAD SOME INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH TRYING TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE WHEN USING THE BRAKES PLUS I HAD TROUBLE TAKING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK WITHOUT HAVING TO STEP ON THE BRAKE MULTIPLE TIMES. LASTLY HAVING A FRIEND FOLLOW ME HOME I WAS TOLD MY BRAKES LIGHTS DID NOT ALWAYS ILLUMINATE WHEN I WAS SLOWING DOWN OR AT A COMPLETE STOP! GOING BACK TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER I BOUGHT A REPLACEMENT SWITCH THAT HAD INSTRUCTIONS TO CUT THE OE'S PLUG OFF OF THEIR HARNESS AND TO HARD WIRE THE NEW SWITCH IN IT'S PLACE AS FORD HAD EXPERIENCED SOME "ISSUES" WITH THOSE ORIGINAL COMPONENTS. JUST 13 MO'S LATER I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM BUT THIS TIME IT FAILED COMPLETELY SO THE VEHICLE WAS LOCKED IN PARK IN MY DRIVEWAY. HAVING SEEN RECALLS ON SEVERAL OTHER FORD AND MERCURY PRODUCTS FOR A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND EXPECTED FORD TO GIVE ME A FREE REPLACEMENT. HOWEVER, AFTER ENTERING MY VIN # THEY SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS BUT THEY WOULD REDUCE THEIR NORMAL PRICE FROM $93.44 TO $76.00 AS THEIR COMPENSATION. CONTACTING MY LOCAL NAPA SUPPLIER I BOUGHT ANOTHER SWITCH FROM THEM FOR JUST $44.49 WHICH RESOLVED MY PROBLEM FOR EVEN LESS MONEY. I RETURNED TO THE DEALER TO REPORT MY FINDING AND STRONGLY SUGGESTED THAT THEY CONTACT THEIR FORD REP. AS I BELIEVE THIS BRAKE SWITCH ISSUE IS A BIGGER PROBLEM THEN FORD IS AWARE OF OR HAS OWNER UP TO KNOWING ABOUT. I WAS ACTUALLY LUCKY TO HAVE THE SWITCH FAIL AT MY HOME AS HAD I BEEN ON THE ROAD I COULD VERY WELL HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED DUE TO MY BRAKES LIGHTS NOT COMING ON. I QUESTION IF FORD WILL EVER TAKE MY WARNING SERIOUSLY SO I FELT OBLIGATED TO PASS THIS INFORMATION ALONG TO AN INDEPENDENT SOURCE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10461650

2008 model year · 85,001 miles · Jun 12, 2012

Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

VEHICLE CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON, SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE STALL WHILE IN MOTION DRIVING AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 25MPH AND EVENTUALLY LOSS POWER, STEERING CONTROL AND BRAKING CAPABILITIES. CURRENTLY AT THE MECHANIC, IT APPEARS IT MAY HAVE BEEN AN ALTERNATOR MALFUNCTION THAT CAUSED THE LOSS OF POWER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10461380

2011 model year · 43,878 miles · Jun 11, 2012

Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

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WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE IT LOST POWER STEERING ASSIST SYSTEM SHOWED "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE" AS WELL AS "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL". THIS WAS THE SCARIEST FEELING I HAVE EVER HAD. THIS HAS HAPPEN TO MY HUSBAND SEVERAL TIMES.. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP SPOKE WITH SERVICE ADVISOR. I WAS TOLD TO TURN MY VEHICLE OFF AND RESTART IT. I ADVISED MY SERVICE ADVISOR THAT I HAD TAKEN MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE ON APRIL 30, 2012 (40197 MILES) AND I MENTION THIS SAME PROBLEM FOR REPAIR. WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE FOR FORD TO REALIZE THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS, SERIOUS PROBLEM. I AM AFRAID FOR MY FAMILY TO BE IN THIS CAR, WE TRAVEL ALOT AND I AM REFUSING TO DRIVE IT. I WAS AFRAID OF PURCHASING AN AMERICAN CAR BUT LOVED THE NEW FORD EXPLORER LOOK AND BODY. HOWEVER, I DON'T THINK I'LL EVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD VEHICLE AND I WILL TRADE THIS CAR ASAP........ *TR

NHTSA ODI #10461207

1998 model year · 99,000 miles · Jun 8, 2012

Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

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MAY 20, APPROXIMATELY 03:30AM, WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35MPH TO WORK IN THE DARK WITH HEAD LIGHTS ON; HEADLIGHTS UNEXPECTEDLY TURNED OFF. LUCKILY THAT SECTION OF THE STREET, HAD STREET LIGHTS WORKING PROPERLY; BUT, I WAS APPROACHING AN UNLIT STRETCH OF WINDING ROAD WITH A 45MPH SPEED LIMIT. THIS COULD HAVE BECOME VERY DANGEROUS. (DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE NOT AFFECTED.) TURNING THE NORMAL HEADLIGHT SWITCH DID NOT SEEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I TRIED THE BRIGHT LIGHT FUNCTION, WHICH IS PART OF THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER. THEY DID NOT COME ON AT FIRST; HOWEVER WHEN JIGGLING THE "TURN SIGNAL LEVER," I NOTICED A "LOOSENESS IN THE LEVER, AT THE BASE WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE STEERING COLUMN." WIGGLING IT, TURNED THE HEAD LIGHTS BACK ON, TEMPORARILY; BUT, WIGGLING FROM VIBRATION IN TRAFFIC CAUSED THEM TO TURN "OFF" AGAIN. THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER ON THE 1998 FORD EXPLORER IS USED TO CONTROL THE "BRIGHT LIGHTS" AND ALSO CONTROLS WINDSHIELD WIPERS. I AM NOT CERTAIN; BUT, I BELIEVE I HAD THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER ASSEMBLY REPAIRED SEVERAL YEARS AGO BY A FORD DEALER IN SAN DIEGO...NEITHER OF THE DEALERS I USED TO HAVE SERVICE MY VEHICLE ARE STILL IN BUSINESS. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM WITH THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER AT THAT TIME, HAD TO DO WITH THE WIPERS CUTTING OFF UNEXPECTEDLY; AND, EVENTUALLY, NOT WORKING ALL TOGETHER. FIRST: IS THIS SOMETHING THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD INVESTIGATE "BEFORE" HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED? SECOND: SHOULD FORD BE THE ONE INVESTIGATING THIS PROBLEM? THIRD: SHOULD FORD REPLACE THE TURN LEVER ASSEMBLY AND PROVIDE THE LABOR AT THEIR EXPENSE? ... ON A PERSONAL NOTE, AFTER WORKING FOR THE SAME COMPANY FOR 12 YEARS AND BEING A WORKAHOLIC, I JUST GOT LAID OFF LAST WEEK. THIS EXPENSE IS DEFINITELY GOING TO COST SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS IN PARTS AND LABOR, WHEN I CAN LEAST AFFORD IT. AT THIS TIME, I CAN RULE OUT TRYING TO APPLY FOR A NIGHT JOB. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10461016

Related Official recalls

26V165000 · Back Over Prevention:software; Electrical System:adas

Mar 18, 2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) may experience multiple unexpected resets, resulting in loss of the rearview camera image and advanced driver assistance (ADAS) features, including pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 Aviator, 2025 Explorer, 2025 Nautilus notified owners on 4/13/2026. Phase 2 will include 2025 Navigator will notify owners on or about 4/20/2026. Phase 3 will include 2022-2024 Navigator will notify owners on or about 6/8/2026. Phase 4 will include 2024 Nautilus will notify owners on or about 6/22/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S21. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 25, 2026.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Back Over Prevention:software

Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 Aviator, 2025 Explorer, 2025 Nautilus notified owners on 4/13/2026. Phase 2 will include 2025 Navigator will notify owners on or about 4/20/2026. Phase 3 will include 2022-2024 Navigator will notify owners on or about 6/8/2026. Phase 4 will include 2024 Nautilus will notify owners on or about 6/22/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S21. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 25, 2026.

Electrical System:adas

Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.

24V685000 · Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables; Hybrid Propulsion System

Sep 13, 2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.3L Hybrid engines. The 12-Volt battery cable may chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generat (BiSG) and short circuit.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will install a tie strap between the battery cable and high voltage cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S61.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Hybrid Propulsion System

Consequence: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will install a tie strap between the battery cable and high voltage cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S61.

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables

Consequence: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

23V686000 · Back Over Prevention:display Function; Electrical System:wiring

Oct 13, 2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a standard rearview camera. Due to a manufacturing error in the wire harness, the rearview camera may display a blue image on the SYNC screen when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera wire harness and repair any loose splices, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C31.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Back Over Prevention:display Function

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera wire harness and repair any loose splices, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C31.

Electrical System:wiring

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

23V626000 · Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

Sep 8, 2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford Motor Company's number for this recall is 23S53.

19V687000 · Electrical System:wiring

Sep 30, 2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.3L engines. The wiring harness may not have been properly secured and may contact the air conditioner compressor (A/C) pulley, potentially damaging the harness or the A/C belt.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The A/C pulley may rub through the wiring harness insulation and contact the unfused battery positive wire, resulting in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a tie strap to the wiring harness at the hand shock tower clip, 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 19S32.

19V575000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel; Parking Brake; Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

Aug 5, 2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) cover may not be installed. In addition, the vehicles may be in Factory Mode, which disables warning alerts and does not display the transmission gear selected. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 114, "Theft Prevention" and 102, "Trans Shift Lever Seq/Starter Interlock/Trans Braking Effect."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Being in Factory Mode, the vehicle will not display warnings and/or gear selection on the instrument cluster. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover. Dealers will verify the instrument cluster is not in Factory Mode and clear any fault codes, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C06.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Parking Brake

Consequence: Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Being in Factory Mode, the vehicle will not display warnings and/or gear selection on the instrument cluster. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover. Dealers will verify the instrument cluster is not in Factory Mode and clear any fault codes, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C06.

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

00V072000 · Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

Mar 7, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L ENGINES AND ALL-TIME 4-WHEEL DRIVE (A4WD) POWERTRAINS. THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM) COULD EXPERIENCE A CONDITION REFERRED TO AS "LOCK-UP" IN WHICH THE GEM CONTROLLED ELECTRONIC FUNCTIONS (E.G., FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, 4X4 SYSTEM, ETC.) COULD NOT BE TURNED ON OR, IN SOME CASES IF THE FUNCTION IS ON, COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE GEM CIRCUIT.

97V215000 · Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module

Nov 24, 1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES, EDDIE BAUER AND LIMITED EDITIONS. THE KEY-IN-IGNITION/DOOR OPEN WARNING CHIME MAY NOT FUNCTION WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED. THIS DOES NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE STANDARD SPECIFIED THAT A WARNING TO THE DRIVER SHALL BE ACTUATED WHENEVER THE KEY HAS BEEN LEFT IN THE LOCKING SYSTEM AND THE DRIVER'S DOOR IS OPENED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A JUMPER WIRE TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY GROUND CIRCUIT IN THESE VEHICLES.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

Related NHTSA investigations

EA05005 · Engine Compartment Fires

Opened Mar 22, 2005 · Closed Aug 2, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A VACUUM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE SCDS TO FAIL AND, IN CERTAIN SWITCH INSTALLATION ORIENTATIONS, CATCH FIRE.FORD IS ALSO INCLUDING THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF 1998 EXPLORERS.FORD HAS INFORMED ODI THAT TESTING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURES IN THE 1998 EXPLORERS WILL CONTINUE AFTER THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLES EXHIBITING THE FACTORS CAUSING SCDS FAILURE DESCRIBED IN THIS REPORT CORRELATE WELL WITH THE OBSERVED FAILURE RATES ON THESE VEHICLES BY MODEL AND MODEL YEAR.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST IN THE NON-RECALLED VEHICLES MANUFACTURED WITH SCDS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN FORD?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE NON-RECALLED POPULATION FOR INCIDENCE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR DETAILS.

Additional source detail variants (21)

Electrical System

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

PE97010 · Electrical Fire In Center Console

Opened Mar 13, 1997 · Closed Sep 4, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

THIS INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT CONSOLE FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MOST OFTEN OCCURRED WHILE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE LAMP OUTAGE MODULE (LOM), WHICH IS PART OF THE MESSAGE CENTER, WERE TOWING A TRAILER AND WHICH HAD BEEN MODIFIED BY ADDING AN AFTERMARKET TRAILER WIRING HARNESS INTO THE VEHICLE'S TAILLIGHT CIRCUITS.THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATES NEVER AND MORE THAN OTHER TRAILER LIGHT BULB TO ONE CIRCUIT HOWEVER TRAILERS FREQUENTLY CONTAIN SEVERAL BULBS.THE RESULTING EXCESS CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE LOM COULD CAUSE IT TO OVERHEAT RESULTING IN A FIRE.PROPER AFTERMARKET INSTALLATION OF TRAILER WIRING REQUIRES THE USE OF A BYPASS MODULE, WHICH OBTAINS POWER FOR THE TRAILER LIGHTS DIRECTLY FROM THE BATTERY RATHER THAN FROM THE VEHICLE'S TAIL LIGHT AND STOP LAMP CIRCUITS, OR THE USE OF THE MANUFACTURER'S WIRING HARNESS.IN A LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 2, 1997, FORD NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT INTENDS TO TAKE ACTION TO PRECLUDE FURTHER INCIDENTS INCLUDING ISSUING A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO ITS DEALERS, NOTIFYING TRAILER RENTAL ASSOCIATIONS AND AGENCIES WHERE KNOWN, AND ADVISING OWNERS BY LETTER OF THE PROPER METHOD FOR CONNECTION OF TRAILER TOW WIRING ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE WAS NO DEFECT TREND IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IDENTIFIED AS A RESULT OF THIS INVESTIGATION, AND FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT WARRANTED TO CONTINUE THE INVESTIGATION.

PE96066 · Driver Door Electrical Fire

Opened Nov 22, 1996 · Closed May 15, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

THE CONTACT ASSEMBLY FOR THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE SWITCH POSITIVE PAD AND CHASSIS GROUND PAD AS A RESULT OF WATER INTRUSION.EXCESS CURRENT FLOW RESULTING FROM THE SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITION MAY OVERHEAT THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH CIRCUIT BOARD AND CAUSE A FIRE IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR.FORD HAS INDICATED THAT CURRENT IN EXCESS OF 15 AMPS CAN OVERHEAT THE CIRCUIT BOARD ENOUGH TO CAUSE A FIRE.CIRCUIT PROTECTION IS PROVIDED BY A 30 AMP FUSE.FORD IS RECALLING ALL 1993-94 4-DOOR EXPLORER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT ELECTRONIC OPTION COMBINATION TO INSTALL AN IN-LINE 10 AMP FUSE IN THE POSITIVE BATTERY FEED TO THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH ASSEMBLY.NO 2-DOOR EXPLORER VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS.ACCORDING TO FORD, VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE RECALL PRODUCTION RANGE WERE EQUIPPED WITH LOWER CAPACITY CIRCUIT BOARDS FOR THE SUBJECT SWITCH ASSEMBLY THAT WOULD FAIL FROM AN OPEN CIRCUIT IF A SIMILAR SHORT OCCURRED.A NEW SWITCH ASSEMBLY WITH 10 AMP FUSE PROTECTION WAS INTRODUCED BEGINNING WITH THE 1995 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER.MAZDA WILL CONDUCT A PARALLEL COMPAIGN (97V-083.002) TO REMEDY THE SUBJECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 14,000 NAVAJO VEHICLES.THE NAVAJO VEHICLES WERE AVAILABLE IN ONLY THE 2-DOOR VERSION WHICH, UNLIKE THE EXPLORER VEHICLES, DID USE THE SUBJECT OPTION COMBINATION IN THAT BODY STYLE.