The Explorer is a long-lived sport utility that’s been marketed by Ford for decades. The current generation, which was introduced in 2020, is the sixth generation of the SUV. The Explorer has some known issues and recalls, of course, but has enjoyed a long production life thanks to its popularity with consumers.
Major Recalls for the Ford Explorer
This sixth generation of the Ford Explorer has been subject to several safety recalls. If you are concerned that your Explorer may be subject to one or more of these recalls, use the How To Check For Recalls section at the bottom of this article for information on how to find out.
Windshield Detachment (26V-024): The windshield on early production 2026 models may not have been properly bonded during manufacturing, potentially detaching in a crash. Dealers will remove and replace the windshield.
Driveshaft and Rear Axle (26V-117, 23V-675): Some models (2020-2022) have been recalled because the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture, causing the driveshaft to disconnect and potentially result in unintended movement while parked (even with the parking brake engaged). Dealers will replace the rear axle bolt and update software. A subsequent recall campaign was launched to re-inspect and replace incorrectly performed initial repairs.
Rearview Camera Display and Wiring (26V-123, 25V-695, 20V-436): Various 2020-2024 model year Explorers have suffered from rearview camera issues, including blue screens, inoperative displays, or inverted/flipped images. Ford dealers will inspect the wiring harness, repair loose splices, or update the SYNC software.
Seat Belt Anchor Issues (26V-159): Affecting all 2020-2026 Explorer models, the seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured, failing to restrain occupants during a crash. Dealers will inspect the bolts and repair or replace them as needed.
Transmission Valve Body Mis-Machining (NHTSA Campaign 25V-164): Affects 2025 Ford Explorers. The transmission main control valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can lead to reverse gear failure or sudden loss of drive power.
Trailer Hitch Bolts (25V-687): Certain trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose on 2024-2026 models, increasing the risk of detachment while towing. Dealers will inspect and tighten or replace the bolts.
Engine Intake Valve Fracture (24V-635): Affected 2021-2022 Ford Explorers with the 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves are prone to breaking while driving, potentially causing severe internal mechanical failure and stalling. Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and completely replace the engine if necessary.
Rear Axle Bolt Fracture (22V-255): On many 2020-2022 model year Explorers, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt can break. If this happens, the axle housing can move, disconnecting the driveshaft. This causes a loss of drive power and, because transmission torque is required to hold the car in park, causes the vehicle to roll away if the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) is not manually applied. Replacement of the bolt is undertaken by the dealership along with associated inspections.
Ford Explorer Technical Service Bulletins
Technical service bulletins (TSBs) are issued by the manufacturer to address common problems associated with warranty repairs or recalls. A TSB is a guideline for dealerships and technicians for repair procedures or accompanying information.
Front Suspension Clunk or Pop (TSB 25-2121 / 25-2213): Addresses a distinct clicking or popping noise when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. This is caused by movement in the upper strut mount washer. The fix requires replacement of the front upper strut mount.
Transmission Issues (SSM 49002 / TSB 20-2086): Models built on or before January 2020 with the 2.3L EcoBoost may exhibit various shifting concerns requiring transmission repair or replacement, along with replacing the transmission oil cooler.
Rear Axle Bolt Fracture (associated with NHTSA Recall 22V-255): While an official recall, this TSB covers surrounding checks and procedures during the recall repair.
Explorer Commonly Known Issues
The following are the most-mentioned common issues and problems with the 6th-generation Explorer. These are taken from owner forums, social media, and technician commentary.
Transmission Troubles: Owners frequently complain about the 10-speed automatic transmission shifting roughly, experiencing hesitation, or hard shifting.
General Electronics: System freezes, blacked-out screens, and Apple CarPlay disconnections are common complaints.
Interior & Trim: Owners on forums highlight poor quality control, specifically misaligned panel gaps on the hood and back hatch, as well as faulty or detached door trim.
Leaks & Noises: Leaking panoramic sunroofs that cause electrical short circuits, alongside excessive wind noises, have been consistently reported.
Fuel Sloshing: A known forum complaint is a distinct “thump” or sloshing sound heard from the rear floorboard when braking, caused by gasoline moving around in an unbaffled fuel tank.
How To Check For Recalls On Your Ford
The easiest way to check for current recalls that may affect your Explorer is to visit the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) Recalls page and enter your license plate or 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) to run a search. You can also do this at the Ford Owner Support page.
