2024 Ford EXPLORER: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
19 owner complaints analyzed
10 distinct recall campaigns
8,832 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2024 model year. Data snapshot: . 4 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Suspension is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 19 complaints (15.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 5.3% |
| Braking behavior | 1 | 5.3% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 5.3% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 5.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Suspension | 3 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 2 |
| Seats | 2 |
| Steering | 2 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
Suspension: 3; Unknown Or Other: 3; Visibility/Wiper: 3; Electrical System: 2; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 2; Seats: 2; Steering: 2; Air Bags: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 3 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 15 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 6 |
2024: 7; 2025: 6; 2026: 6
Pattern summary
Suspension leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11581954 · 2024-04-09 (April 9, 2024)
The contact rented a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15-20 MPH, the hood became ajar, raised up, and struck the windshield. The windshield shattered and sprayed shards of glass onto the occupants inside the vehicle. There were no reported injuries. The Police were called to the scene and filed a Police report. The vehicle was towed to the rental facility. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11581954 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11595059 · 2024-06-18 (June 18, 2024)
This vehicle has a 360 camera system that was not included, despite is being included in the component package that is standard for this vehicle. I contacted the dealer directly, informed them that there are cameras installed on the vehicle, but only the rear camera is operational. Further investigation into the matter revealed that Ford apparently "recalled" the camera systems on the Explorer for the 2023 models, but has not distributed any information to its dealers. Now I have a forward facing camera that is not operational, but the vehic…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11595059 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11614410 · 2024-09-13 (September 13, 2024)
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH on two occasions, the Lane Keep Assist malfunctioned and the vehicle veered out of the intended lane. The contact was able to recover control of the vehicle to remain in the intended lane. Additionally, while driving 40-45 MPH, the Lane Keep Assist veered the vehicle out of the intended lane and the vehicle side swiped the barrier wall. There were unknown warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries. There was no air bag deployment. The contact stat…
Owner-reported narrative. 6,560 miles reported. Look up ODI 11614410 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11619992 · 2024-10-15 (October 15, 2024)
Hello, I bought 2024 ford explore in Aug 2024 with a few hundred miles on it!! Now two months down the road with 5500miles on it, it is jerking real hard when driving or passing vehicles and slowing down!! The drive mode is in normal at all times. I took it back to where I bought it in Booneville does place and they sent me to ford place in Paris ark where they are ordering a part to see if it fix it or if I need a new transmission. Is this a lemon or what
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11619992 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11623413 · 2024-11-04 (November 4, 2024)
There is a distortion in the front windshield affecting my ability to see the front right corner of my vehicle. I was leaving a restaurant in the dark and the distortion affected the headlights to the point it didn’t appear there were any on the right side of the vehicle. In daylight, that area of the windshield is so distorted I’ve missed vehicles coming from the right and developed it migraines while driving. The defect was reported to the dealership and they reported it to the manufacturer in August, they have been going back and forth since…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11623413 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11629159 · 2024-12-06 (December 6, 2024)
Inner fender liners are getting rubbed through by the tires creating large holes and exposing wiring harnesses and other components to the tire/wheel well area. We have seen this on about 5-6 of these same vehicles now.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11629159 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11633176 · 2024-12-30 (December 30, 2024)
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-40 MPH in cold weather, the vehicle started making an abnormal clunking and rattling sound near the wheels. The contact was unable to determine the source of the noise. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V091000 (SUSPENSION, STEERING). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front struts were worn and needed to be replaced. The dealer recomm…
Owner-reported narrative. 3,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 11633176 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11635284 · 2025-01-10 (January 10, 2025)
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while parked upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed the driver's side and passenger side struts failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that both front struts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 11,103.
Owner-reported narrative. 11,103 miles reported. Look up ODI 11635284 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
10 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
24V685000 · Hybrid Propulsion System | Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables
Reported: 2024-09-13 (September 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: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V852000 · Equipment:Other:Labels
Reported: 2024-11-08 (November 8, 2024)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. 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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V393000 · Seats:Mid/Rear Assembly
Reported: 2025-06-13 (June 13, 2025)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. 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.
Consequence: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V442000 · Back Over Prevention:Software
Reported: 2025-06-27 (June 27, 2025)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V687000 · Trailer Hitches
Reported: 2025-10-10 (October 10, 2025)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V012000 · Equipment:Electrical:Engine Block Heater
Reported: 2026-01-15 (January 15, 2026)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer 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: 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 February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 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 January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V123000 · Back Over Prevention:Software
Reported: 2026-03-03 (March 3, 2026)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. 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."
Consequence: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V159000 · Seat Belts
Reported: 2026-03-17 (March 17, 2026)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Consequence: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V371000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Reported: 2026-06-09 (June 9, 2026)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L 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.
Consequence: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for park system damage and replace the park system components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S39. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 12, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V451000 · Seats:Mid/Rear Assembly
Reported: 2026-07-14 (July 14, 2026)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Consequence: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗