2026 Ford Explorer

38 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Sep 28, 2026Failure Sep 5, 2026Maryville, TNSeats

   I was sold and delivered a car with an active safety recall for 2nd row seat easy entry. At the time of sale I was told the recall had been done. 2 days later the dealer called and said the recall had not been done and that the car had a do not sell or demonstrate destination. They wanted me to bring the car back to hold on the lot until parts become available. I would have never bought the car if I knew the recall had not been done. It’s now over 3 weeks and still waiting on parts. I feel the dealer just wanted the sale. I don’t see how this “mistake” happened. The dealer is telling me I have to bring the back to their dealership for the recall. I don’t trust them and want the recall done at another dealership.

   NHTSA complaint 11767505
2. Filed Sep 26, 2026Failure Sep 26, 2026Florence, MAUnknown or other

   Vehicle would not accelerate, was shuddering and continued shuddering while stopped and parked.

   NHTSA complaint 11767080
3. Filed Sep 22, 2026Failure Aug 20, 2026Chattanooga, TNAir bagsCrash1 injured

   During a traffic accident the driver side seat airbag deployed. The airbag vent faces towards the driver when it deploys. The air escaping the vent burned through the shirt of the officer driving the vehicle and also caused a mixture of 2nd and 3rd degree burns to the hip and side abdomen region of their body.

   NHTSA complaint 11766049
4. Filed Sep 21, 2026Failure Sep 21, 2026Washington, ARBody

   The glass roof exploded while traveling down the road. No cause for failure present.

   NHTSA complaint 11765965
5. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Aug 1, 2026Jay, OKBody

   Sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving down the road.

   NHTSA complaint 11763243
6. Filed Sep 8, 2026Failure Sep 8, 2026Oceanside, CASeats

   Ford has issued a recall related to the driver seat recline memory feature. It is recall 26V470. The remedy (software-based) disables the driver seat recline memory feature altogether. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. Instead of correcting the issue with the recline memory feature, Ford has chosen to disable the feature completely. I did not purchase a new vehicle, just to have the manufacturer disable a standard feature than does not function properly. Ford must repair the standard feature and return the vehicle to it's normal operating function. The solution must not diminish the features and usability of the vehicle that was purchased.

   NHTSA complaint 11762884
7. Filed Sep 8, 2026Failure Sep 7, 2026Weymouth, MAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Unknown or other

   On several occasions when trying to drive from a stopped position I press the gas and the car will move slowly but not shift into gear and then after turning off it struggles to restart. The check engine light is solid but goes away by the next day. This has happened after sitting idling in a parking lot most often but recently it happened 2 times as I was turning left onto a street where I luckily was able to slow roll to the side and not get hit. I brought it in once for service and they struggled to find the issue for hours and eventually said pins in the fuel injector were lose and replaced but it is continuing to randomly happen.

   NHTSA complaint 11762692
8. Filed Sep 5, 2026Failure Aug 15, 2026Culver city, CAVisibility/wiper

   Seal around the panoramic sunroof is failing and has caused loud wind noises and lack of proper weather seal. Vehicle has 7000 miles and this has randomly started. Loud wind whistle noise occurs now 100% of the time when speed reaches 35mph and stays present at higher speeds.

   NHTSA complaint 11762361
9. Filed Sep 5, 2026Failure Sep 2, 2026Albuquerque, NMElectrical system, Service brakes, Unknown or other1 injured

   On XXX around 6:30pm: Car would not go into reverse. Upon pressing the gas a 2nd time, a loud pop was heard from the back of the car. The car was then able to drive forward, however, when pressing on the brakes, the rear end of the car would wobble, and the brakes were rubbing and making a loud noise. I contacted Rich Ford, explained that my car is brand new (2 months), with less than 4,000 miles, and this should not happen. I was told that “someone would call me the following morning around 7am”. I drove to work the next morning, XXX, avoiding the use of the brakes as much as possible. I called Rich Ford again, at around 07:45, and spoke to “Toby”. Explained to him what had happened, and asked that they pick up the vehicle to see what’s wrong. I was told that they couldn’t look at it until Monday XXX. I told Toby that I did not feel comfortable or safe driving my car anywhere, and asked that they pick up the car and provide a loaner. Toby then told me I could drop the car off on Friday, XXXat 08:00. Around 3:48pm, Wednesday, I called Rich Ford again and asked them to pick it up because I didn’t feel safe to drive it. They said “No, just drop it off on Friday”. At around 5:35pm, I got to my car, which was parked on the side street of [XXX]. I pressed the brakes, pressed the start engine button, and then went to step out of the car to talk to a co-worker. The car was in “park”. Once I stepped out with my left leg, the car began rolling forward, knocked me face down onto the road, and then ran over both of my legs. My coworker ran after the car and it stopped on the side of the road. I was rushed to a Level 1 trauma center, UNMH, with severe injuries to both of my legs. I was unable to take my car to the dealership on Friday, XXX, because of my injuries. Rich Ford had NOT REACHED OUT TO ASK WHY THE CAR WAS NOT TAKEN IN. I plan on contacting my insurance company on XXX.I have very serious injuries as a result. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11762297
10. Filed Aug 25, 2026Failure Aug 25, 2026Dyer, INWarnings, Electrical system, Power trainCrash

    I had my car in drive in a parking spot. I was ready to go, put the car in drive, DID NOT MOVE but needed to put it in park fast to assist to a child in the back seat. I put it in park pretty fast. Took my seatbelt off and assisted child. It must have not engaged. Car rolled into my office metal mailbox. I 100% put it in park. I took my seatbelt off after so I seen it. It was fast with the gear shift though. Should this have been an issue? I feel like if it was any other car you with a manual gear shifter , not electrical, it’s fine. I feel this was not my fault at all and was a malfunction of the car. The car did not automatically stop either. It hit the mailbox at like 3-4mph. I have never been in an accident of my fault in 10 years of driving. I’ve never made a crazy mistake like that. It should’ve never happened. I drive all types of cars/ and trucks. This is also a lease and I’m SO PISSED. Especially because my kids were in the car. Luckily no one was hurt and no property damage. Just the car.

    NHTSA complaint 11759587
11. Filed Aug 24, 2026Failure Aug 14, 2026Great Mills, MDElectrical system, Adaptive cruise control, Warning

    I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the upper steering column shroud and the driver-facing Driver Status Monitor Camera on my 2026 Ford Explorer equipped with BlueCruise. The upper steering column shroud became extremely loose and will not remain securely attached. The driver-facing camera is mounted in this area. Ford states that BlueCruise uses the driver-facing camera to monitor the driver’s eyes and head position during hands-free operation. I personally observed the shroud and camera assembly loose while BlueCruise remained active. I cannot determine whether monitoring accuracy was affected, but I am concerned that a driver-monitoring camera used during hands-free Level 2 driving can physically move or become unsecured without BlueCruise immediately becoming unavailable. The loose assembly could also detach or distract the driver while the vehicle is moving. Before the repair was completed, the original authorized Ford dealer advised me to temporarily tape the loose shroud assembly back together while waiting for parts. I am reporting that recommendation because the affected area contains the driver-monitoring camera used by BlueCruise. The dealer later documented “SWAP STEERING COLUMN SHROUD WITH STOCK UNIT” and returned the vehicle to me as repaired. The same loose condition remained. The next day, a second authorized Ford dealer inspected the vehicle and documented loose steering-column-shroud fitment, stated the upper and lower halves appeared mismatched in size or tolerance, and recommended replacement of both pieces. The vehicle has now been returned to the original Ford dealer for another repair attempt. Ford Motor Company also has an open customer case. I am asking NHTSA to evaluate whether this physical mounting or retention condition could affect the BlueCruise driver-monitoring function and whether similar conditions exist in other BlueCruise-equipped Explorers.

    NHTSA complaint 11759096
12. Filed Aug 24, 2026Failure Jul 2, 2026Camas, WASeats

    When entering the vehicle with a key fob that is programmed for a saved seat setting for the driver, the chair back begins to recline all the way. This could crush a passenger seated behind them.

    NHTSA complaint 11759080
13. Filed Aug 24, 2026Failure Aug 23, 2026Riverview, FLSeats

    When using memory seat function and switching between driver profiles, the seat reclines too far back with no regard for the preset position. The height and forward adjustment is correct, but the recline function is not working correctly and it just keep reclining.

    NHTSA complaint 11759026
14. Filed Aug 16, 2026Failure Aug 15, 2026Westminster, COUnknown or other

    We were driving our new 2026 Ford Explorer on the highway around 7:45 am on 8/15/26 when suddenly we heard what sounded like an explosion. Fortunately, my husband did not wreck, roll the car or stop on the highway like I would have given the pure terror I felt. He pulled over, and we looked around and confirmed the sunroof was completely shattered. Fortunately, the shade was closed, or our daughter and dog would have been covered in glass. No object impact, collision, extreme temperature, or weather event was observed before the sunroof shattered. Fortunately traffic was light, and we feel lucky to be unharmed/alive.

    NHTSA complaint 11757224
15. Filed Aug 11, 2026Failure Aug 7, 2026Toano, VAUnknown or other

    Moonroof had a seal leak. Ford replaced entire moonroof assembly. 3 weeks later the moonroof spontaneously shattered while driving down 40 MPH road, no trees, no rocks, etc. Fortunately, the inner cloth canopy was closed or shattered glass would have fallen down and hit driver and passengers.

    NHTSA complaint 11756149
16. Filed Aug 7, 2026Failure Aug 7, 2026Charlottesville, VASeats

    The driver's memory seat has a serious malfunction. Whenever I enter the vehicle or switch between memory presets, the driver's seat unexpectedly reclines completely backward. This also crushes anyone sitting in the rear driver's-side seat, making it essentially unusable until we can return the driver's seat to its upright position. Even more concerning, the seat can begin reclining while I am driving, creating an obvious safety hazard. I recently learned that Ford has issued a recall for this exact issue. However, my vehicle was somehow excluded from the recall despite exhibiting the very same defect. My local dealership acknowledged that my car does show the problem listed on the recall and attempted to repair it by replacing the seat back and seat motor. Unfortunately, the replacement parts Ford supplied had the exact same malfunction. The dealership now must order another set of parts and hope they function properly. What concerns me most is the safety aspect. I am continuing to drive a brand-new vehicle with a known defect that may cause the driver's seat to unexpectedly recline while the vehicle is in motion. That is not simply an inconvenience—it is a legitimate safety concern for me, my family, and others on the road.

    NHTSA complaint 11755498
17. Filed Aug 5, 2026Failure Aug 4, 2026Kapolei, HIUnknown or otherCrash1 injured

    Put vehicle in drive to pull out of driveway started moving when all of a sudden the explorer started rolling in reverse and the the D on the transmission knob blinked green the E brake did not work I ended up in my garage door and in the back of an ambulance for neck pain and whiplash.

    NHTSA complaint 11754880
18. Filed Jul 26, 2026Failure Jul 24, 2026Bath, PAVisibility/wiper

    While driving my 2026 Ford Explorer on the highway, the panoramic roof glass made an abnormally loud noise and completely shattered without any impact from an object or other vehicle. No other cars were nearby. The protective shade remained in place and no glass entered the cabin. This appears to be a spontaneous failure of the tempered glass. I have already located a nearly identical NHTSA complaint on another 2026 Ford Explorer (Campaign 11734759). The vehicle is currently undrivable in normal conditions and is being repaired through insurance. I am concerned this is a known defect with the panoramic roof glass on 2026 Explorers.

    NHTSA complaint 11752943
19. Filed Jul 23, 2026Failure Jul 14, 2026Hobe Sound, FLSeat belts

    NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint Narrative I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety incident involving the rear seat belt of a Ford rental vehicle obtained from Budget Rent A Car. My [XXX] grandson was properly restrained in a weight-appropriate booster seat and secured with the vehicle’s rear lap and shoulder seat belt in accordance with child passenger safety recommendations. There had been no collision, sudden stop, or other event that would normally activate the seat belt locking mechanism. While seated in the vehicle, the seat belt became tightly wrapped around my grandson’s waist and locked in a manner that prevented it from being loosened or released. Multiple adults attempted to free him by following the normal procedures for releasing and loosening the seat belt, but all attempts were unsuccessful. An off-duty Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) stopped to assist. After repeated unsuccessful attempts to release the seat belt, the EMT determined that the only safe way to free my grandson was to cut the seat belt. The child could not be removed from the vehicle until the seat belt was cut. This incident caused significant concern because a properly functioning seat belt should not trap an occupant in a manner that prevents emergency release. My grandson had been properly restrained in a weight-appropriate booster seat and was using the seat belt as intended. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether this incident represents a defect in the seat belt restraint system and determine whether similar incidents have been reported involving this vehicle or seat belt design. If appropriate, I request that this information be shared with the manufacturer so that corrective action can be taken if a safety defect exists. My goal in submitting this complaint is to help prevent another child or other vehicle occupant from becoming trapped in a seat belt and requiring emergency intervention for release. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(

    NHTSA complaint 11752314
20. Filed Jul 20, 2026Failure Jul 11, 20261,000 milesMerrick, NYInstrument cluster/panel

    The contact owns a 2026 Ford Explorer. While the contact's wife was driving 60 MPH, the instrument cluster independently turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a software malfunction. The contact was informed that the unknown software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. In addition, the contact stated that only the fuel gauge and the speed odometer operated as needed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with an unknown software malfunction. The contact was informed that the software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed that the software update was completed, and the system was rebooted. The contact was not satisfied with the repair. The contact researched and inquired about the APIM board being replaced to prevent the failure from reoccurring. The contact was informed that the manufacturer did not approve of the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11751585