Problems · NHTSA complaints

2024 Ford Explorer problems

Owners filed 21 complaints about the 2024 Ford Explorer with NHTSA between Apr 2024 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is forward collision avoidance (3).

Complaints
21
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Forward collision avoidance3
  2. Visibility/wiper3
  3. Suspension3
  4. Air bags2
  5. Electrical system2
  6. Seats2
  7. Steering2
  8. Seat belts1
  9. Engine1
  10. Power train1
  11. Lane departure1
  12. Back over prevention1
  13. Latches/locks/linkages1
  14. Other / unknown4

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20247
20256
20268

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Forward collision avoidance

3 reports
“have been getting a warning coming up saying pre-collision sensor not available sensor blocked over 100 times brought it to the dealership and they said that the bracket for the sensor is broken due to road debris, impact or snow and ice buildup with no evidence of any damage”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 23, 2026Forward collision avoidanceODI 11746055

Visibility/wiper

3 reports
“Rear windshield wiper doesn't work. Earlier model years have been recalled for wiper motor issues.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 11, 2026Visibility/wiperODI 11730556

Suspension

3 reports
“Purchased new from dealer. At 3500 miles, noticed rattling and clunking noise under front end, more noticeable at speeds less than 35. Took to dealer who diagnosed as worn struts, saying shocks and struts need to be replaced, but they need to order parts. When asked if safe to drive, was told "yes", but "avoid potholes". Now waiting to hear from dealer when parts come in. They stated it would take 4 to 5 hours to repair/replace.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 12, 2025Steering, SuspensionODI 11635531

Air bags

2 reports1 crash
“Officer was involved in a crash where the vehicles airbags were deployed. When the driver side seat airbag deployed it vented its gas towards the driver. When this happened the heat from the deployed air melted components on his police utility belt. If not for the police belt there is a high probability that the driver would have suffered burns similar to one of our other officers. We would like to know the reasoning behind the airbag vent being directed towards occupants.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2026Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11766053

Electrical system

2 reports
“The center display went blank and a/c controls under it would not work. Stopped vehicle and pushed ignition button to off and waited 1 minute and pushed ignition back to on on and display was still blank. Got to destination and pushed ignition to off. The next day when I got into vehicle and pushed ignition button to on the display worked.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 24, 2026Electrical systemODI 11746112

Seats

2 reports2 related recalls
“• Driver seat not setting its memory for the driver , and will move on its own and go all the way to dash while setting in it or all the way back . Has happened multiple times and also twice while driving. • Safety at risk could have made me wreck my vehicle if I hadn’t pulled over and the seat stopped what it was doing front and back. • yes , been checked by dealership (4) times in service department. •yes, every code on the dash has appeared and lasted a total 20 minutes and car went into limp mode. Couldn’t turn car on or off. First happen in Dec 2025. There has been multiple issues with this vehicle since I bought it from the first month.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 19, 2026Electrical system, Seats, EngineODI 11711981
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.