Ford Explorer recalls by year & common problems

THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINT." THE RECLINER GEAR PLATE TEETH MAY BE OUT OF DIMENSION SPECIFICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN LIMITED PAWL TO GEAR PLATE TOOTH ENGAGEMENT.

The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

These vehicles may be equipped with a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part that could seize, and result in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.

The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.

The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist.

THESE SEATS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS."

The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

These vehicles may be equipped with a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part that could seize, and result in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.

The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.

The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist.

The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

These vehicles may be equipped with a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part that could seize, and result in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.

Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.

The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.

The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.

In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.

The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist.

In the affected vehicles, with sufficient door openings and closings, the child safety locks may change from an activated position to a deactivated position without notice.

In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.

In the affected vehicles, the fuel tanks may have a marginally sealed seam in the side of the tank. As a result, the fuel tanks may not provide the expected strength in the event of an impact. The tanks may also leak.

The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.

The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.

The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.

The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links that may fracture.

The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.

The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.

The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.

The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links that may fracture.

The affected vehicles have a parking brake that may not fully engage when applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

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

The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.

The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.

The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.

The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.

The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.

The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

Loose power seat adjuster pivot bolts may cause the front seat cushions to detach and not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash.

The seat back frame may have insufficient welds which may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters. These engine block heaters have elements that may overheat while plugged in.

During vehicle production, the fuel tank attachment bolts may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the fuel tank straps may fracture and the fuel tank could separate from the vehicle.

The affected vehicles have a parking brake that may not fully engage when applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

The rear suspension toe links may fracture.

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

The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.

The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.

The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.

The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.

The seat frames may have sharp edges.

The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

The steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach.

In the event of a crash, the seat back frame may not restrain the occupant due to having inadequate welds.

Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.

The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

The rear suspension toe links may fracture.

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

The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.

Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms.

Due to an assembly error, the fuel pressure sensor may leak fuel.

The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

The rear suspension toe links may fracture.

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

The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.

Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms.

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

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

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

The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured.

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."

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.

Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

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

A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

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

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.

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.

An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.

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

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

The rear lower control arm (RLCA) bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the wheel knuckles may not have been heat-treated, which could cause them to break.

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

The fuel tank inlet check valve may not be fully welded to the fuel tank shell.

The drive shaft may fracture along the weld seam.

Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

The affected vehicles are equipped with second row center seat belt buckles that may not be properly secured to the seat.

The side air bag and/or seat back module attachments may not have been properly tightened in the front seat backs.

Over time, the protective sleeve on the vapor fuel line may chafe through the plastic liquid fuel line and cause a fuel leak.

The wiring harness may not have been properly secured and may contact the air conditioner compressor (A/C) pulley, potentially damaging the harness or the A/C belt.

Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms.

The Manual Park Release (MPR) cover may not be installed. In addition, the vehicles may be in Factory Mode, which disables warning alerts and does not display the transmission gear selected.

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

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

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

The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured.

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."

The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.

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.

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

A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

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

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.

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.

An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.

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

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

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

The side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during the deployment of the side air bag, resulting in an improper deployment.

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

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

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

The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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."

The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.

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.

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

A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

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

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.

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.

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."

An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.

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

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

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."

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."

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

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

The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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."

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

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.

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

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

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."

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

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

An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.

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

The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

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

The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.

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.

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.

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."

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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."

The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.

When towing a trailer, the tail lights on the trailer may fail to illuminate due to an improperly manufactured body control module.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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."

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."

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