EQUIPMENT
2010 Ford Explorer
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 115 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 Ford Explorer, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), driver assistance and interior & seats categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 25 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2012 | 2 | 42 |
| Feb 2012 | 1 | 43 |
| Apr 2012 | 1 | 44 |
| Jul 2012 | 1 | 45 |
| Dec 2012 | 1 | 46 |
| Mar 2013 | 1 | 47 |
| Jun 2013 | 1 | 48 |
| Dec 2013 | 1 | 49 |
| Jan 2014 | 2 | 51 |
| Feb 2014 | 1 | 52 |
| Mar 2014 | 1 | 53 |
| Apr 2014 | 1 | 54 |
| Jun 2014 | 1 | 55 |
| Jul 2014 | 1 | 56 |
| Sep 2014 | 4 | 60 |
| Oct 2014 | 1 | 61 |
| Nov 2014 | 1 | 62 |
| Dec 2014 | 2 | 64 |
| Feb 2015 | 1 | 65 |
| Mar 2015 | 1 | 66 |
| Apr 2015 | 1 | 67 |
| Aug 2015 | 1 | 68 |
| Oct 2015 | 1 | 69 |
| Nov 2015 | 1 | 70 |
| Dec 2015 | 1 | 71 |
| Jan 2016 | 2 | 73 |
| Apr 2016 | 1 | 74 |
| Jun 2016 | 1 | 75 |
| Jul 2016 | 2 | 77 |
| Sep 2016 | 2 | 79 |
| Oct 2016 | 1 | 80 |
| Mar 2017 | 1 | 81 |
| May 2017 | 1 | 82 |
| Jun 2017 | 1 | 83 |
| Aug 2017 | 1 | 84 |
| Sep 2017 | 2 | 86 |
| Oct 2017 | 1 | 87 |
| Jan 2018 | 2 | 89 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 90 |
| Aug 2018 | 1 | 91 |
| Oct 2018 | 2 | 93 |
| Nov 2018 | 1 | 94 |
| Dec 2018 | 1 | 95 |
| Jan 2019 | 1 | 96 |
| Feb 2019 | 1 | 97 |
| Sep 2019 | 1 | 98 |
| Jun 2020 | 1 | 99 |
| Sep 2020 | 1 | 100 |
| Feb 2021 | 2 | 102 |
| Jul 2021 | 1 | 103 |
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 104 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 105 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 106 |
| Dec 2022 | 2 | 108 |
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 109 |
| Jul 2024 | 1 | 110 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | 111 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | 112 |
| Jan 2026 | 2 | 114 |
| Feb 2026 | 1 | 115 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Powertrain (other)2718.5%
- Driver assistance1711.6%
- Interior & seats1711.6%
- Engine1711.6%
- Brakes1510.3%
- Electrical128.2%
- Fuel system96.2%
- Airbags64.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
2 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govSEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 135,902. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, it was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 224,283. The information was from a Carfax Report.
- NHTSA ID
- 11719863
- Incident
- Feb 21, 2026
- Mileage
- 224,283 mi
Thing accelerate by itself while on highway od light blinking at high speeds and then when you come to a complete stop and try to takeoff it goes really slow with the RPMs high then it will kick into gear, unsafe on the road. Truck willjump in gear then out on takeoff.
- NHTSA ID
- 11713879
- Incident
- Jan 23, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was approximately 150,000. Most recently, the contact downloaded the Ford App, and when the maintenance history was checked, it was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was approximately 243,000. The contact stated that the date listed on the Ford App was June 2025.
- NHTSA ID
- 11712675
- Incident
- Nov 22, 2025
- Mileage
- 243,000 mi
3 times this has happened. I brake and it seems like I'm pressing the gas pedal and the brakes feel like they aren't stopping the vehicle. The third time put me in incoming traffic and the vehicle was totaled as it already had a rebuilt salvage title when we bought it.
- NHTSA ID
- 11689973
- Incident
- Aug 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the anti-theft, roll stability, and fuel filler messages were displayed with an audible alarm before the vehicle suddenly shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence. However, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the PCM and ECM had short circuited and failed. The contact was informed that the short circuit was caused by water drainage from the moonroof onto the PCM and ECM computers. The contact stated that the moonroof had previously failed and failed to properly close. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the ECM and PCM computers were no longer available. The failure mileage was 48,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11683569
- Incident
- Aug 11, 2025
- Mileage
- 48,000 mi
Transmission , Wheel Hub
- NHTSA ID
- 11600447
- Incident
- Jul 9, 2024
Runs for about 25 minutes then just dies while driving. Starts back after sits for about an hr and does same thing.
- NHTSA ID
- 11515481
- Incident
- Apr 7, 2020
Oil leak in both valve gasket covers oil on the crossmember it started slow then it was traced by Ford to the gaskets(fire hazard) 120 k on odometer
- NHTSA ID
- 11499554
- Incident
- Dec 27, 2022
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
EQUIPMENT
All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.
VISIBILITY; VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the glass and cause visual distortion and/or discoloration on the outer surface which cannot be removed by further cleaning. If this type of distortion is found, inspect the area of the glass that is covered by the cowl and/or molding. The portion of glass that is covered by the cowl or molding will not be affected by the acid. Hydrofluoric acid damage is not a defect in material or workmanship and is not a warrantable condition.
POWER TRAIN
On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Missing dowels may cause a misalignment issue also resulting in a premature failure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01.
EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE
Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
STRUCTURE
Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2026 | 24 | 11 | 0 | 55.9 |
| 2025 | 92 | 19 | 0 | 60.8 |
| 2024 | 19 | 10 | 0 | 60.0 |
| 2023 | 103 | 15 | 0 | 61.6 |
| 2022 | 255 | 24 | 2 | 69.1 |
| 2021 | 409 | 26 | 2 | 66.8 |
| 2020 | 1,187 | 33 | 3 | 67.6 |
| 2019 | 289 | 6 | 1 | 61.2 |
| 2018 | 717 | 7 | 2 | 66.0 |
| 2017 | 1,672 | 14 | 2 | 65.6 |
| 2016 | 2,439 | 15 | 2 | 61.3 |
| 2015 | 1,768 | 9 | 5 | 67.2 |
| 2014 | 1,672 | 7 | 4 | 62.5 |
| 2013 | 2,228 | 12 | 6 | 64.3 |
| 2012 | 822 | 7 | 4 | 61.5 |
| 2011 | 1,195 | 8 | 4 | 63.1 |
| 2010Viewing | 115 | 2 | 1 | 55.3 |
| 2009 | 33 | 1 | 0 | 45.6 |
| 2008 | 148 | 3 | 1 | 52.2 |
| 2007 | 208 | 3 | 1 | 52.1 |
| 2006 | 630 | 4 | 0 | 47.1 |
| 2005 | 497 | 3 | 2 | 54.7 |
| 2004 | 1,304 | 4 | 4 | 59.5 |
| 2003 | 1,131 | 7 | 3 | 60.0 |
| 2002 | 3,294 | 10 | 7 | 62.5 |
| 2001 | 375 | 12 | 2 | 65.6 |
| 2000 | 952 | 15 | 4 | 66.1 |
| 1999 | 1,348 | 15 | 6 | 65.4 |
| 1998 | 1,959 | 14 | 8 | 67.4 |
| 1997 | 1,731 | 12 | 6 | 66.6 |
| 1996 | 1,450 | 11 | 3 | 66.9 |
| 1995 | 843 | 12 | 6 | 66.2 |
| 1994 | 1,207 | 7 | 13 | 68.2 |
| 1993 | 939 | 9 | 14 | 68.0 |
| 1992 | 633 | 7 | 14 | 67.7 |
| 1991 | 609 | 11 | 17 | 68.5 |
| 1990 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 47.9 |
| 1989 | 1 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1988 | 4 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1987 | 3 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1986 | 3 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1985 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1984 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1977 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.