Ford Explorer Recalls (2021-2027)

What recalls does the Ford Explorer have?

• 2026 Ford Explorer Front Air Bag Recall (26V581)
  September 9, 2026 · 7 vehicles · Air Bags

  The active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying properly.

  Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge.

• 2026 Ford Explorer Engine Recall (26V548) Repeat recall
  August 25, 2026 · 10,001 vehicles · Engine

  The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power.

  Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge.

• 2026 Ford Explorer Engine Recall (26V532) Repeat recall
  August 13, 2026 · 6 vehicles · Engine

  3L engine. The engine connecting rod bearings may seize, which can result in engine failure.

  Risk: Engine failure can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing oil to leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

  Fix: Dealers will replace the engine long blocks, free of charge.

• 2025-2027 Ford Explorer Seat Power Seat Recall (26V470)
  July 21, 2026 · 76,748 vehicles · Body, Doors and Seats

  An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.

  Risk: Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

  Fix: Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available.

• 2021-2027 Lincoln Aviator Rear Seat Recall (26V451) Repeat recall
  July 14, 2026 · 387,911 vehicles · Body, Doors and Seats

  The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.

  Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge.

• 2021 Lincoln Navigator Transmission Recall (26V402) Repeat recall
  June 24, 2026 · 741,195 vehicles · Transmission

  The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.

  Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge.

• 2024 Ford Explorer Transmission Recall (26V371) Repeat recall
  June 9, 2026 · 58 vehicles · Transmission

  3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.

  Risk: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.

  Fix: Dealers will inspect for park system damage and replace the park system components as necessary, free of charge.

• 2025-2026 Ford Explorer Engine Recall (26V343) Repeat recall
  May 27, 2026 · 1,536 vehicles · Engine

  The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.

  Risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge.

• 2026 Ford Explorer Engine Recall (26V205) Repeat recall
  March 31, 2026 · 278 vehicles · Engine

  The engine piston circlips may have been incorrectly installed during manufacturing, which can result in piston failure and engine damage, leading to a loss of drive power.

  Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine for missing or mis-installed circlips and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge.

• 2026 Lincoln Aviator Fan and Motor Recall (26V202)
  March 31, 2026 · 55 vehicles · Lighting and Visibility

  The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative.

  Risk: An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will inspect and secure the instrument panel joints as necessary, free of charge.

• 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator Electrical Adas Recall (26V165)
  March 18, 2026 · 254,640 vehicles · Electrical System

  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.

  Risk: 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.

  Fix: The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge.

• 2021-2026 Ford Explorer Seat Belt Recall (26V159) Repeat recall
  March 17, 2026 · 561 vehicles · Seat Belts

  The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.

  Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  Fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge.

• 2021-2022 Ford Escape Backup Camera Software Recall (26V123) Repeat recall
  March 3, 2026 · 889,950 vehicles · Rearview Camera

  The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image 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."

  Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge.

• 2025 Ford Ranger Gas Recirculation Valve Recall (26V122)
  March 3, 2026 · 47,804 vehicles · Engine

  The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.

  Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge.

• 2021-2022 Ford Explorer Wiper Motor Recall (26V117)
  March 3, 2026 · 604,533 vehicles · Lighting and Visibility

  The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.

  Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge.

• 2025-2026 Ford Explorer Headlight Recall (26V121)
  March 3, 2026 · 35,772 vehicles · Lighting and Visibility

  The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction when driving through curves in the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

  Risk: A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: The headlight control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge.

• 2026 Ford Explorer Windshield Recall (26V024) Repeat recall
  January 21, 2026 · 8 vehicles · Lighting and Visibility

  During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

  Risk: In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.

  Fix: Dealers will remove and replace the windshield, free charge.

• 2024 Ford Explorer Engine Block Heater Recall (26V012) Repeat recall
  January 15, 2026 · 2,403 vehicles · Engine

  The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

  Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

  Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied.

• 2026 Ford Explorer Engine Recall (25V828) Repeat recall
  December 1, 2025 · 6 vehicles · Engine

  The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.

  Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a fire. In addition, the loss of oil can result in engine seizure and loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly, free of charge.

• 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair Windshield Recall (25V730)
  October 24, 2025 · 56,841 vehicles · Lighting and Visibility

  The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 205, "Glazing Materials."

  Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge.

• 2021-2023 Ford Explorer Engine Block Heater Recall (25V685) Repeat recall
  October 10, 2025 · 59,006 vehicles · Engine

  The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

  Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

  Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied.

• 2024-2026 Ford Explorer Trailer Hitch Recall (25V687)
  October 10, 2025 · 1,412 vehicles · Other Equipment

  The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.

  Risk: While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge.

• 2025 Ford Explorer Taillight Recall (25V543)
  August 22, 2025 · 213,121 vehicles · Lighting and Visibility

  When towing a trailer, the tail lights on the trailer may fail to illuminate due to an improperly manufactured body control module. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

  Risk: Trailer tail lights that do not illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will replace the body control module C on vehicles with less than 9,000 miles.

• 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Fuel Pump Recall (25V455)
  July 7, 2025 · 850,318 vehicles · Fuel System

  The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.

  Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge.

• 2021-2023 Ford Transit Backup Camera Software Recall (25V442) Repeat recall
  June 27, 2025 · 200,237 vehicles · Rearview Camera

  A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

  Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge.

• 2025 Ford Transit Engine Recall (25V344) Repeat recall
  June 13, 2025 · 156 vehicles · Engine

  The connecting rod and rod bearing components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.

  Risk: A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will inspect the connecting rods and replace the engine long block assembly as necessary, free of charge.

• 2021-2025 Lincoln Aviator Rear Seat Recall (25V393)
  June 13, 2025 · 304,662 vehicles · Body, Doors and Seats

  The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.

  Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

  Fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge.

• 2025 Ford Explorer Brake Caliper Recall (25V371)
  June 3, 2025 · 3 vehicles · Brakes

  The bolts securing the front brake caliper may not be tightened properly, which can result in a loss of front brake function and possible wheel damage.

  Risk: Loss of brake function and wheel damage can increase the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary.

• 2025 Ford Explorer Frame Recall (25V316) Repeat recall
  May 9, 2025 · 206 vehicles · Body, Doors and Seats

  A mounting bolt for the front subframe may have been tightened improperly.

  Risk: A loose subframe bolt may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the subframe bolts as necessary, free of charge.

• 2025 Ford Explorer Drivetrain Software Recall (25V239)
  April 11, 2025 · 24,655 vehicles · Transmission

  The powertrain control module (PCM) may reset while driving, which can damage the park system or cause an engine stall.

  Risk: A damaged park system can result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. An engine stall while driving can result in a sudden loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge.

• 2021-2022 Ford Explorer Driveshaft Recall (25V166) Repeat recall
  March 14, 2025 · 4,247 vehicles · Transmission

  The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

  Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge.

• 2021-2023 Ford Explorer Backup Camera Software Recall (25V159) Repeat recall
  March 14, 2025 · 49,399 vehicles · Rearview Camera

  The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

  Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge.

• 2024-2025 Ford F-150 Transmission Valve Body Recall (25V164)
  March 14, 2025 · 269 vehicles · Transmission

  The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.

  Risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge.

• 2021 Ford Explorer Seat Belt Recall (25V093)
  February 14, 2025 · 240,510 vehicles · Seat Belts

  The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured. Additionally, vehicles may have an improperly secured seat belt retractor anchor bolt and/or seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped.

  Risk: A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  Fix: Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions.

• 2025 Ford Explorer Frame Recall (25V020)
  January 17, 2025 · 259 vehicles · Body, Doors and Seats

  The transmission may be improperly secured due to loose cross member bolts.

  Risk: An improperly secured transmission can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission cross member bolts as necessary, free of charge.

• 2021-2025 Ford Explorer Label Recall (24V852)
  November 8, 2024 · 27,678 vehicles · Other Equipment

  The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

  Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

  Fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge.

• 2025 Ford Explorer Backup Camera Software Recall (24V801) Repeat recall
  October 25, 2024 · 391 vehicles · Rearview Camera

  The rearview camera image may fail when the vehicle speed reaches 10 MPH or greater. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

  Risk: The loss of the rearview camera image while in reverse can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge.

• 2024 Ford Explorer Hybrid System Recall (24V685)
  September 13, 2024 · 61 vehicles · EV and Hybrid Battery

  3L Hybrid engines. The 12-Volt battery cable may chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generat (BiSG) and short circuit.

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

  Fix: Dealers will install a tie strap between the battery cable and high voltage cable, free of charge.

• 2021-2022 Ford Bronco Engine Recall (24V635)
  August 23, 2024 · 90,736 vehicles · Engine

  7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.

  Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge.

• 2023 Lincoln Corsair Fuel Injectors Recall (24V634)
  August 23, 2024 · 24 vehicles · Fuel System

  The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can result in a fuel leak.

  Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

  Fix: Dealers will install new fuel injector O-rings and O-ring support discs, free of charge.

• 2021-2022 Ford Explorer Engine Recall (24V598) Repeat recall
  August 9, 2024 · 85,238 vehicles · Engine

  In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

  Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

  Fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment.

• 2023 Ford Explorer Macpherson Strut Recall (24V091)
  February 8, 2024 · 121 vehicles · Suspension, Wheels and Tires

  The right-front lower fastener connecting the steering knuckle and strut may be loose or missing.

  Risk: A loose or missing connection between the knuckle and strut can cause improper tire alignment, resulting in a steering pull or require increased steering effort. Additionally, the brake hose may contact the tire and become damaged, resulting in a brake fluid leak and a loss of braking ability. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will inspect the fasteners, and tighten or install them as necessary, free of charge.

• 2023 Ford Explorer Backup Camera Display Recall (23V686) Repeat recall
  October 13, 2023 · 2,866 vehicles · 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."

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

  Fix: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera wire harness and repair any loose splices, free of charge.

• 2021-2022 Ford Explorer Driveshaft Recall (23V675)
  October 6, 2023 · 238,364 vehicles · Transmission

  The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

  Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt.

• 2021-2022 Lincoln Aviator High-Voltage Battery Recall (23V626)
  September 8, 2023 · 2,954 vehicles · EV and Hybrid Battery

  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.

  Risk: 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.

  Fix: Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge.

• 2023 Ford Explorer Pipes, Hoses, and Fittings Recall (23V597)
  August 25, 2023 · 10 vehicles · Engine

  3L GTDI engines. The turbocharger oil supply line may be damaged, which can result in an oil leak inside the engine compartment.

  Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. In addition, the loss of oil can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as soon as possible if they see an oil pressure warning light or smoke coming from the engine compartment.

• 2021-2023 Ford Explorer Backup Camera Recall (23V342) Repeat recall
  May 12, 2023 · 442,973 vehicles · Rearview Camera

  The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

  Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge.

• 2021-2022 Ford Explorer Backup Camera Display Recall (23V305)
  April 28, 2023 · 523 vehicles · Rearview Camera

  1-inch Integrated Computer Screen (ICS). When the Display On/Off Button is used to turn the display to "Off" prior to placing the vehicle in reverse, the backup camera rearview image will not appear on the display.

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

  Fix: Dealers will update the ICS software, free of charge.

• 2021-2022 Ford Explorer Parking Brake Electrical Recall (23V199) Repeat recall
  March 24, 2023 · 674 vehicles · Brakes

  3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain. The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended.

  Risk: Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge.

• 2021-2022 Ford Explorer Transmission Control Module Recall (23V069)
  February 10, 2023 · 3,674 vehicles · Transmission

  3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.

  Risk: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.

  Fix: Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge.

• 2022-2023 Ford F-150 Transmission Recall (23V070)
  February 10, 2023 · 1,138 vehicles · Transmission

  The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to "PARK."

  Risk: The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

  Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge.

• 2021-2023 Ford Explorer Backup Camera Recall (23V022) Repeat recall
  January 23, 2023 · 382,759 vehicles · Rearview Camera

  The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

  Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge.

• 2022 Ford Explorer Fuel Line Recall (22V685)
  September 14, 2022 · 69 vehicles · Fuel System

  3L engines. The fuel line may be loose due to improper tightening of the fuel line connection.

  Risk: An improperly tightened fuel line connection may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of fire.

  Fix: Ford will inspect and replace the fuel line assembly, if needed, free of charge.

• 2022 Lincoln Aviator Engine Recall (22V454) Repeat recall
  June 24, 2022 · 776 vehicles · Engine

  The engine rails may have been improperly heat-treated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

  Risk: Improperly heat-treated engine rails may reduce the vehicle's structural protection in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. In addition, an engine rail may detach and contact the road while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will perform an engine rail strength test and replace the rails as necessary, free of charge.

• 2022 Ford Explorer Filler Pipe and Cap Recall (22V088)
  February 16, 2022 · 18,366 vehicles · Fuel System

  The fuel filler tube may detach during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

  Risk: A detached fuel filler tube can result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

  Fix: Dealers will install a fuel vapor line redundant locking clip, free of charge.

• 2021 Ford Explorer Rear Suspension Recall (21V870)
  November 10, 2021 · 20 vehicles · Suspension, Wheels and Tires

  Incorrect rear suspension module components may have been installed due to a labeling error.

  Risk: A rear suspension module with incorrect components may affect vehicle handling, ride height, and braking characteristics, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear suspension module, and replace any incorrect parts, as necessary, free of charge.

• 2021 Ford Explorer Backup Camera Software Recall (21V735)
  September 22, 2021 · 228,297 vehicles · Rearview Camera

  The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

  Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge.

• 2021 Ford Explorer Curtain Air Bag Recall (21V652)
  August 23, 2021 · 592 vehicles · Air Bags

  The side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during the deployment of the side air bag, resulting in an improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214, "Side Impact Protection".

  Risk: Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge.

• 2021 Ford Explorer Engine Recall (20V788)
  December 17, 2020 · 1,405 vehicles · Engine

  The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.

  Risk: With a loose motor mount, motor vibration may cause the axle to disconnect from the engine and could result in loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge.

Which Explorer parts are recalled most?

Which Explorer model years have the most recalls?

How do I check my Explorer for open recalls?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup. The lookup lists every open safety recall on that specific vehicle, so you will see which of the 59 Ford Explorer campaigns above apply to you. You can also ask any authorized Ford dealer to run the VIN. The VIN is on your registration card, your insurance card, and a plate at the lower driver-side corner of the windshield. Brand-new recalls can take a few days to show up, so check again if you received a letter.

What are Explorer owners reporting?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA since 2020, by model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports, but the components that come up most often show where owners are having trouble.

Excerpts from owner complaints (unverified):

When driving or on neutral the vehicle shakes between 1000rpm-1500rpm. During driving or stationary you can feel the vehicle vibrating when in that rpm range. Under load the car does feel a bit hesitant and tampers acceleration. They're is a TSB 22-2377 which may be related to this issue as well.

2021 FORD Explorer owner, Power Train, NHTSA complaint 11633774

Fuel Sloshing When vehicle accelerates, brakes, or turns, the fuel moves within the tank, creating waves and sloshing. This can be heard as well when you come to a stop and road noise is less. You can also feel the sloshing on your foot under the driver's side.

2021 FORD Explorer owner, Unknown Or Other, NHTSA complaint 11637891

The transmission performance is poor, sometimes bordering and dangerous. In reverse you sometimes supply the gas in the car just sits there and doesn’t move and then it will quickly move backwards dangerously. There’s also a hesitation on acceleration and harsh shifting.

2022 FORD Explorer owner, Power Train, NHTSA complaint 11633578

Can a recall make your Explorer a lemon in California?

A recall alone does not make a Ford Explorer a lemon. California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act looks at whether a warranty defect substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value or safety and was not fixed within a reasonable number of repair attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).

25 of the 59 recalls listed here follow an earlier campaign on the same component, which can mean a first fix did not work. 24 involve the engine, transmission or high-voltage battery, the kinds of repairs that often take several visits or weeks of downtime.

Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, California presumes the manufacturer had enough chances if the same defect was repaired two or more times when it is likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for any covered defect, or the vehicle was out of service more than 30 days in total (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Written notice to the manufacturer is required in some cases, and owners outside that window can still have a claim. An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

What to keep: every repair order, the recall owner letters, your purchase or lease contract, and a log of dates, mileage and symptoms. Make sure every visit is written up, even when the dealer says it found nothing.

More Ford Explorer lemon law pages

All Ford recalls · 2021 Ford Explorer lemon law · 2022 Ford Explorer lemon law · 2023 Ford Explorer lemon law · 2024 Ford Explorer lemon law · 2025 Ford Explorer lemon law · 2026 Ford Explorer lemon law

Other Ford models with recalls

• Bronco: 50 recalls
• Bronco Sport: 32 recalls
• E-150: 1 recall
• E-250: 1 recall
• E-Transit: 3 recalls
• Ecosport: 3 recalls
• Edge: 9 recalls
• Escape: 34 recalls
• Escape Hybrid: 1 recall
• Escape PHEV: 2 recalls
• Expedition: 25 recalls
• Explorer: 59 recalls
• Explorer Hybrid: 3 recalls
• Explorer Intercept Hybrid: 1 recall
• Explorer PHEV: 1 recall
• Explorer Police Intercept: 1 recall
• F-150: 59 recalls
• F-150 Hybrid: 2 recalls
• F-150 Lightning Bev: 15 recalls
• F-250 SD: 39 recalls
• F-350 SD: 40 recalls
• F-450 SD: 31 recalls
• Maverick: 45 recalls
• Maverick Hybrid: 1 recall
• Mustang: 28 recalls
• Mustang Gtd: 1 recall
• Mustang Mach E: 22 recalls
• Ranger: 32 recalls
• Transit: 29 recalls
• Transit Connect: 4 recalls

Frequently asked questions about Ford Explorer recalls