2007 Ford Explorer Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2007 Ford Explorer, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)3914.9%
- Engine3714.1%
- Interior & seats2710.3%
- Electrical249.2%
- Tires & wheels218.0%
- Transmission197.3%
- Driver assistance135.0%
- Other / unspecified135.0%
- Airbags124.6%
- Brakes124.6%
- Body & structure114.2%
- Steering103.8%
- Visibility93.4%
- Suspension62.3%
- Fuel system41.5%
- Exterior lighting31.1%
- Seat belts20.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2007 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of a failure with the transmission. The contact attempted to shift the gear shifter and the vehicle made a loud clanking sound and the vehicle was rattling. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 150,076.
WHILE DRIVING ON THE THE HIGHWAY ON RAMP THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO ACCELERATE AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT MERGING ON THE HIGHWAY. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SCANNED 16 TRANSMISSION OBD CODES CAME UP. THE CAUSE OF THE CODES WAS A CORRODED CONNECTOR GOING TO THE TRANSMISSION. IT CORRODED FROM WATER INTRUSION FROM WATER LEAKING FROM THE A/C DRAIN ONTO THE TRANSMISSION ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO GET FIXED AND PAID BY FORD FOR POOR ENGINEERING.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE WERE DRIVING HOME AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. NO ENGINE, NO STEERING, ETC. MY HUSBAND WAS REDUCING SPEED (45 TO 35) USING THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE STEERING WHEEL. EVERY LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD LIT UP, ENGINE, WRENCH. OIL CAN. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. WE TOOK IT IN FOR DIAGNOSTICS TWICE (ONCE TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY AND ONCE TO A DEALERSHIP). BOTH SAID THEY DIDN'T FIND ANY ERROR CODES. THE ABS TONE RING WAS REPLACED AND A NEW BATTERY WAS INSTALLED. THESE REPAIRS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS DANGEROUS!!! SO FAR THIS HAS COST US $465.00. I WILL BE MAKING ANOTHER APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALERSHIP TODAY.
TL* THE CONTACT DRIVES A 2007 FORD EXPLORER OWNED BY THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR WAS DETACHED AND WAS RE-ATTACHED WITH A PIECE OF GLASS AND TAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURES WERE REPORTED TO THE SUPERVISOR AS WELL AS DOCUMENTED IN A VEHICLE REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SEVERAL OTHER FORD EXPLORERS IN THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT FLEET WERE UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS THEY EXHIBITED HESITATION AND STALLING. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
HIT A BUMP AND THE DRIVER SEAT RANDOMLY MOVED ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE POINT I COULD NO LONGER REACH THE PEDALS.
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE, MY DRIVER SIDE SEAT WILL MOVE BY ITSELF. IT'S HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND IS VERY SCARY KNOWING I CANT REACH THE GAS OR BRAKE PEDAL WHILE DRIVING WHEN IT HAPPENS. MY HEATED SEAT DOESNT WORK PROPERLY EITHER I DONT KNOW IF THIS IS ALL PART OF THE PROBLEM OR NOT. THE SIDE AIRBAG ON MY DRIVER SEAT ALSO IS BULGED OUT MORE THEN IT SHOULD BE I BELIEVE.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am writing to formally express my concerns regarding a persistent issue with the throttle body system in my Ford Explorer. I have addressed this problem multiple times, having repaired the throttle body system, replaced the sensor, and even substituted the entire assembly on two separate occasions. Despite these efforts, the same diagnostic code continues to appear. Through my research, I have discovered that the throttle body issues in this particular year and model are not uncommon. I find myself at a loss regarding the next steps to take, particularly since I am certainly not the only Ford Explorer owner experiencing this challenge. This ongoing issue poses a significant safety risk, as exemplified by a recent incident where my vehicle ceased accelerating in the middle of a busy street just two days ago, nearly resulting in a collision. The car has only been examined by my mechanic; no police or other authorities have inspected it. Each time the throttle body-related code activates, I observe the wrench icon and the check engine light illuminating on the dashboard. Despite having undertaken extensive replacement of components associated with the throttle position sensor system, the root of the problem remains elusive—not even the dealership has been able to provide a solution. I urge you to investigate this matter further, as I believe there are others experiencing similar issues.
My check engine light came on and the car was making a loud acceleration noise when touching the gas. I took it to the dealer and they found that the wiring harness (Part# 7L2Z-12A581-CB) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The dealership told me they are trying to locate the part. This went on for 8 or 9 months when they informed me that the part was on a national backorder. No one had this part in the US or Canada. I also contacted suppliers and dealerships myself to help find the part. On multiple occasions I spoke with my Ford dealer, Ford Parts Department and Customer Resolution Center. They keep telling me that we have to just wait for the part. I explained that it's been 9 months and asked if they can tell me how long it will take. They said they have no ETA. I explained that my car needs to be inspected by the end of the month and it won't pass without this wiring harness because my check engine light is on. I can't get an answer as to whether or not the part is on backorder or discontinued, and if backordered, when the part will be available. In the meantime, besides the fact that my car won't pass inspection in a few weeks, I'm also concerned about my safety driving with this faulty part. Multiple things can happen as a result including the car catching on fire. I need the part to fix my car and pass my inspection. However, I'm being told it's not available and there are a lot of units ordered and waiting. Is it possible that many others are experiencing the same? And if so, is this a faulty part that should be recalled? Thank you.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
FORD EXPLORER 2007 EB. TIRE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. HAD FORD DEALER CHECK. ADJUSTED AIR PRESSURE. CONTINUED TO OCCUR. DEALER WOULD TRY TO RETRAIN SENSORS. NEVER HELPED. SAID THEY THINK IT MIGHT HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH AN AFTERMARKET CHARGER FOR THE CELL PHONE AFFECTING THE COMPUTER. THEY SAID IT IS HAPPENING IN A LOT OF CARS. PROBLEM CONTINUED AFTER SENSOR RETRAINED EVEN IF PHONE HAD NOT BEEN PLUGGED IN. NEW TIRES INSTALLED NOV. 2012 AT SAM'S. THEY MADE A NOTATION ON THE INVOICE ABOUT SENSOR SHOWING FAULT. WENT SEVERAL TIMES TO DEALER AND THEY WOULD RETRAIN SENSORS. NEVER HELPED. WOULD START AGAIN. FINALLY IN OCT 2013 ASKED DEALER TO CHECK ALL FOUR SENSORS FOR CRACKS OR DAMAGE. THEY BROKE DOWN TIRES, INSPECTED TPMS AND NO CRACKS FOUND. RETRAINED SENSORS AGAIN. NOTHING THEY HAVE TRIED HAS STOPPED THE PROBLEM. SOMETIMES NOW IT WILL SAY TIRE SENSOR FAULT THEN CHANGE TO TIRE MONITOR FAULT. I JUST HIT THE RESET BUTTON UNTIL THE NEXT TIME IT DOES IT, WHICH IS USUALLY JUST A LITTLE FARTHER DOWN THE ROAD. LIGHT TURNS OFF WHEN ENGINE IS TURNED OFF, BUT DOES IT AGAIN THE NEXT TIME I'M ON THE ROAD. READY TO JUST HAVE THE SENSOR DISCONNECTED. FRUSTRATING. *TR
TIRE PRESSURE AND SENSOR WARNING KEEPS POPPING ON. WHEN CAR IS PUT IN REVERSE THERE IS A JOLT THAT HAPPENS FROM TIME TO TIME. ESPECIALLY WHEN PARKED. RPM'S RILE UP BUT CAR SEEMS NOT TO BE ABLE TO MOVE. TAKES ABOUT 3 TRIES. *TR
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE IT WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE PCM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE REPLACEMENT PCM ALSO FAILED. UPDATED 02/02/16.*JB
THIS VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 60,000 MILES ON IT AND THE TRANSMISSION IS OUT. THERE IS NO REASON FOR THIS. IT IS JERKING INTO GEAR HARD. WE TOOK IT AND HAD IT PUT ON A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND IT IS NOT ELECTRICAL WHICH MEANS IT IS INTERNAL. *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING VEHICLE ON FREEWAY AND IT LOST POWER, RODE ROUGH AND WOULD ONLY MOVE ABOUT 5MPH. WRENCH LIGHT APPEARS ON THE DASHBOARD CONSOLE. ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS WERE NORMAL. IT WOULD REVERSE BUT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FORWARD. HAD TO TOW TO DEALER. DEALER TURNED ON AND SAID IT WAS FUNCTIONING. WE HAD NO WARNING ABOUT AN ISSUE BEFORE THIS HAPPENED BEFORE. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT CAN STOP WITHOUT WARNING IN DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. WE FEEL IT IS THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY AS MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH THEIR FORD VEHICLES.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING, THE IGNITION KEY MOVED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
IN MAY OF 2015 WHILE I WAS DRIVING, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL FELL OFF. NOW ON APRIL 5, 2016 WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF. TWO WHEELS FALLING OFF IN A PERIOD OF LESS THAN ONE YEAR. IN MY MIND THIS IS NOT A COINCIDENCE. IT IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION.
MY HUSBAND NOTICED A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING. IT GOT WORSE AFTER A ROAD TRIP AND WE ISOLATED THE NOISE AS COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. WE INVESTIGATED FURTHER AND DISCOVERED ONLY ONE LUG NUT WAS HOLDING THE TIRE ON, AND 2 OF THE PINS HAD SHEARED COMPLETELY OFF. WE IMMEDIATELY HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE MECHANIC. WE ENDED UP HAVING TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE AXLE. AFTER CHATTING ABOUT THE ISSUE AT WORK I DISCOVERED A COWORKER HAD THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPEN WITH HIS 2005 EXPLORER BUT HIS WHEEL ACTUALLY FELL OFF CAUSING $5,000 IN DAMAGE TO HIS VEHICLE (NO INJURIES OR ACCIDENT). IS IT POSSIBLE THERE IS SOME DEFECT?
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact's brother-in-law owned a 2007 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her brother-in-law was driving 60-62 MPH, her husband was sitting in the front passenger's side seat, the contact was sitting in the rear passenger's side seat and her sister was sitting in the rear driver's side seat. The contact stated that the front passenger's side end of the vehicle collapsed and hit the ground inadvertently. The driver lost control of the steering wheel, and the vehicle rolled over three times and landed on its wheels. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was knocked unconscious temporarily. The contact's sister and brother-in-law were able to exit the vehicle. The contact was able to exit the vehicle and stood in front of the passenger's side door attempting to assist her husband out of the vehicle. The emergency units cut the front passenger's side seat belt and assisted the contact's husband out of the vehicle. The contact's husband was air lifted to the hospital, where it was diagnosed that he had sustained a broken neck and was paralyzed from the neck down. The contact's husband received medical assistance in the hospital for 5 months until he passed away. The contact, her sister and brother-in-law were transported to the hospital. The contact sustained a broken sternum and received medical assistance. The contact's sister sustained a fractured neck. Both the contact's sister and brother-in-law had undergone back surgery. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to tow yard, where it was totaled. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V181000 (Steering). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE, MY DRIVER SIDE SEAT WILL MOVE BY ITSELF. IT'S HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND IS VERY SCARY KNOWING I CANT REACH THE GAS OR BRAKE PEDAL WHILE DRIVING WHEN IT HAPPENS. MY HEATED SEAT DOESNT WORK PROPERLY EITHER I DONT KNOW IF THIS IS ALL PART OF THE PROBLEM OR NOT. THE SIDE AIRBAG ON MY DRIVER SEAT ALSO IS BULGED OUT MORE THEN IT SHOULD BE I BELIEVE.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER FAILURE. DIAPHRAGM INSIDE THE BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED SUDDENLY CAUSING A HARD TIME TO STOP WHEN TRAVELING AT A HIGHWAY. NO CRASH INVOLVED BUT HAD TO USE THE SHOULDER FOR EXTRA STOPPING DISTANCE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
UPON PURCHASE, WE NOTICED THE HOOD PAINT WAS DULLED. AFTER ~1-2 YEARS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, THE HOOD PAINT BEGAN TO BUBBLE AND FLAKE OFF. NOW WE HAVE A DECENT VEHICLE WITH A HORRIBLE HOOD ON OUR VEHICLE WHICH HAS GREATLY DEPRECIATED THE CAR.
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE ADJACENT TO AN EXPLOSION SOUND OVERHEAD. THE CONTACT HAD THEN NOTICED THAT THE SUN ROOFS GLASS HAD COMPLETELY SHATTERED. THE SUN ROOF WAS SLIGHTLY OPENED AND WHEN THE THEY BEGAN TO HEAR THE GLASS CRACKING,THEY SHUT THE VISOR,THEREFORE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER HAD NOT SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NOT ANY VEHICLES NEAR THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS NO RAINY,HAILING OR DRASTIC TEMPERATURE CHANGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BODY MECHANIC AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RARE AND THE SUN ROOF NEEDED TO BE EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE AND REFERRED THE INFORMATION TO THEIR ENGINEERS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.KGB
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact's brother-in-law owned a 2007 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her brother-in-law was driving 60-62 MPH, her husband was sitting in the front passenger's side seat, the contact was sitting in the rear passenger's side seat and her sister was sitting in the rear driver's side seat. The contact stated that the front passenger's side end of the vehicle collapsed and hit the ground inadvertently. The driver lost control of the steering wheel, and the vehicle rolled over three times and landed on its wheels. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was knocked unconscious temporarily. The contact's sister and brother-in-law were able to exit the vehicle. The contact was able to exit the vehicle and stood in front of the passenger's side door attempting to assist her husband out of the vehicle. The emergency units cut the front passenger's side seat belt and assisted the contact's husband out of the vehicle. The contact's husband was air lifted to the hospital, where it was diagnosed that he had sustained a broken neck and was paralyzed from the neck down. The contact's husband received medical assistance in the hospital for 5 months until he passed away. The contact, her sister and brother-in-law were transported to the hospital. The contact sustained a broken sternum and received medical assistance. The contact's sister sustained a fractured neck. Both the contact's sister and brother-in-law had undergone back surgery. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to tow yard, where it was totaled. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V181000 (Steering). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
AFTER STARTING VEHICLE, AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON (NOT EVERY TIME) AND SEAT MOVES TO THE IGNITION OFF POSITION. TURN ENGINE OFF AND RESTART AND AIR BAG LIGHT AND SEAT POSITION MAY OPERATE CORRECTLY BUT NOT ALWAYS. IF IT OCCURS AGAIN, ONLY AFTER TURNING VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTING A NUMBER OF TIMES WILL THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND SEAT POSITION REMAIN IN THE CORRECT POSITIONS.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT DRIVES A 2007 FORD EXPLORER OWNED BY THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR WAS DETACHED AND WAS RE-ATTACHED WITH A PIECE OF GLASS AND TAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURES WERE REPORTED TO THE SUPERVISOR AS WELL AS DOCUMENTED IN A VEHICLE REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SEVERAL OTHER FORD EXPLORERS IN THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT FLEET WERE UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS THEY EXHIBITED HESITATION AND STALLING. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY/PARKED, BACK LIFT GATE GLASS EXPLODED. THIS HAPPENED ON DECEMBER 26, 2015. AFTER HAVING IT PROFESSIONALLY REPLACED, IT AGAIN EXPLODED WHILE PARKED ON JANUARY 29, 2016.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact's brother-in-law owned a 2007 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her brother-in-law was driving 60-62 MPH, her husband was sitting in the front passenger's side seat, the contact was sitting in the rear passenger's side seat and her sister was sitting in the rear driver's side seat. The contact stated that the front passenger's side end of the vehicle collapsed and hit the ground inadvertently. The driver lost control of the steering wheel, and the vehicle rolled over three times and landed on its wheels. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was knocked unconscious temporarily. The contact's sister and brother-in-law were able to exit the vehicle. The contact was able to exit the vehicle and stood in front of the passenger's side door attempting to assist her husband out of the vehicle. The emergency units cut the front passenger's side seat belt and assisted the contact's husband out of the vehicle. The contact's husband was air lifted to the hospital, where it was diagnosed that he had sustained a broken neck and was paralyzed from the neck down. The contact's husband received medical assistance in the hospital for 5 months until he passed away. The contact, her sister and brother-in-law were transported to the hospital. The contact sustained a broken sternum and received medical assistance. The contact's sister sustained a fractured neck. Both the contact's sister and brother-in-law had undergone back surgery. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to tow yard, where it was totaled. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V181000 (Steering). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
MULTIPLE PROBLEMS ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON WITH DIFFERENT ISSUES ALL WITHIN THE LAST 6 MONTHS. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING UNIT REPLACED BECAUSE IT CRACKED, THE TRANSMISSION SERVICED AND RE CALIBRATED, REPLACED THE SHIFT SOLENOID PACK BECAUSE TRUCK WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND SHIFTED HARD. FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL OUT. THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE SWITCH REPLACED DUE TO POWER STEERING LEAK AND THE SWAY BAR LINK REPAIRED BECAUSE IT CAME LOOSE. FUEL FILTER REPLACED DUE TO ENGINE LIGHT CODE INDICATED ISSUES. TRUCK ONLY HAS 81000 MILES AND NOW GETTING READY TO TAKE IT IN AGAIN BECAUSE IT IS MAKING A LOUD "CLUNKING" NOISE WHEN MAKING ONLY LEFT TURNS. ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON EVEN AFTER THEY RESET IT WITH EVERY REPAIR THAT HAS BEEN DONE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR HESITATES AT FIRST START UP IN THE MORNING. AND SOMETIMES WHEN TURN OFF AND THEN TURN ON.
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO FILL THE FUEL TANK IT TAKES FUEL VERY SLOWLY AND MOST OF THE TIME FUEL WILL COME BACK OUT OF THE FILL TUBE GETTING ON ANYONE FILLING THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES DUE TO THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE AND FUEL COULD CAUSE SKIN IRRITATION. THIS IS ALSO AN ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD DUE TO FUEL ALSO GETS ON THE GROUND THE VEHICLE AND ANYTHING ELSE WITHIN 2 FEET OF THE FILLER DOOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FUEL TANK IS NOT VENTING PROBABLY TO LET THE FUEL ENTER AND AIR TO ESCAPE WHICH MAKES THE FUEL BACK UP INTO THE FILL TUBE AND WHEN THE AIR COMES BACK OUT IT SENDS THE FUEL OUT WITH IT. THIS HAPPENS AT EVERY FILL UP AND IT CAN TAKE UP TO 30 MINUTES TO FILL THE VEHICLE AND NOT GET SOAKED IN GAS HEAVEN FORBID SOMEONE WOULD LIGHT A MATCH BY YOU AFTER FILLING THE VEHICLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
FORD EXPLORER 2007 EB. TIRE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. HAD FORD DEALER CHECK. ADJUSTED AIR PRESSURE. CONTINUED TO OCCUR. DEALER WOULD TRY TO RETRAIN SENSORS. NEVER HELPED. SAID THEY THINK IT MIGHT HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH AN AFTERMARKET CHARGER FOR THE CELL PHONE AFFECTING THE COMPUTER. THEY SAID IT IS HAPPENING IN A LOT OF CARS. PROBLEM CONTINUED AFTER SENSOR RETRAINED EVEN IF PHONE HAD NOT BEEN PLUGGED IN. NEW TIRES INSTALLED NOV. 2012 AT SAM'S. THEY MADE A NOTATION ON THE INVOICE ABOUT SENSOR SHOWING FAULT. WENT SEVERAL TIMES TO DEALER AND THEY WOULD RETRAIN SENSORS. NEVER HELPED. WOULD START AGAIN. FINALLY IN OCT 2013 ASKED DEALER TO CHECK ALL FOUR SENSORS FOR CRACKS OR DAMAGE. THEY BROKE DOWN TIRES, INSPECTED TPMS AND NO CRACKS FOUND. RETRAINED SENSORS AGAIN. NOTHING THEY HAVE TRIED HAS STOPPED THE PROBLEM. SOMETIMES NOW IT WILL SAY TIRE SENSOR FAULT THEN CHANGE TO TIRE MONITOR FAULT. I JUST HIT THE RESET BUTTON UNTIL THE NEXT TIME IT DOES IT, WHICH IS USUALLY JUST A LITTLE FARTHER DOWN THE ROAD. LIGHT TURNS OFF WHEN ENGINE IS TURNED OFF, BUT DOES IT AGAIN THE NEXT TIME I'M ON THE ROAD. READY TO JUST HAVE THE SENSOR DISCONNECTED. FRUSTRATING. *TR
NOTICED WATER WHILE RAINING WAS COMING FROM THE LIGHTING/HEATING PANEL AT TOP-ROOF PANEL THAT CONTROLS HEATING, AIR AND LIGHTS AFTER ENTERING THE VEHICLE. WATER CONTINUED TO LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE RAIN STOPPED, THEN LIGHTS INSIDE THE TRUCK CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT WHICH CAUSED DRIVER TO SWERVE FROM LIGHTS COMING ON WITHOUT WARNING. AS OF THIS DATE, TRUCK IS IN BODY SHOP FOR REPAIRS OF WATER LEAK THROUGH THE LIGHTING/HEATING CONTROL SWITCHES. LIGHT SWITCH HAD TO BE SET TO OFF UNTIL CAN BE FIXED OR LIGHTS NOW CONTINUE TO COME ON RANDOMLY WHEN DRIVING AND CONTINUES TO LEAK WHENEVER IT RAINS. ALSO, NOTE THIS STARTED AFTER THE HEAVY RAINS OF HURRICANE SANDY. HAVE OWNED OTHER SUVS BY OTHER MAKERS AND NEVER HAD ANYTHING LIKE THIS TO HAPPEN! *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
2007 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT IS LOCKED UP AND WILL NOT COME OUT OF ITS POSITION. *SMD
CARSEAT WAS INSTALLED REARFACING, IN BOTH OUTBOARD POSITIONS, WITH LATCH, NO TOP TETHER, IN A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. (2ND ROW) CARSEAT WAS INSTALLED PROPERLY BY MYSELF, A CPST, ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WITH LITTLE TO NO MOVEMENT AT THE REAR FACING BELTPATH. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME, RANGING FROM A FEW HOURS TO DAYS, THE SEAT WILL LOOSEN BEYOND THE ALLOWABLE 1 INCH OF MOVEMENT AT THE BELTPATH. MANY TIMES WHEN CHILD HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE SEAT. THERE IS NO IDENTIFIABLE REASON FOR THE BELT TO LOOSEN OTHER THAN THE BELT SLIPPING THROUGH THE TIGHTENER. THE TIGHTENER SLIDES EXTREMELY EASILY ON THE BELT IN BOTH DIRECTIONS AND IT TAKES MINIMAL, IF ANY FORCE TO RELEASE THE SILVER TAB AND LOOSEN THE LATCH BELT. I HAVE SEEN THIS SEAT LOOSEN ABOUT 5 TIMES IN MY VEHICLE. I DO NOT LET MY CHILD RIDE IN IT WHILE INSTALLED WITH LATCH FOR THIS REASON AND I CANNOT USE THE SEAT TO ITS FULL CAPACITY IF THE LATCH BELT IS DEFECTIVE. I CONTACTED SUNSHINE KIDS AND INFORMED THEM OF THE PROBLEM AND AM WORKING WITH THEIR COST TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AGAIN. THEY HAVE OFFERED TO REPLACE MY CURRENT LATCH BELT WITH ANOTHER, HOWEVER THIS PROBLEM IS NOT LIMITED TO MY LATCH BELT ALONE. THEY WILL BE REPLACING WITH THE SAME PRODUCT. FOR THE TIME BEING I HAVE DECLINED THE NEW LATCH BELT SO THAT I CAN WAIT TO SEE IF IT IS REPAIRABLE, OR RECALLED. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2007, MAKE=FORD, MODEL=EXPLORER). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .