Complaints by model year
* Complaints compared with the median Explorer Hybrid year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford Explorer Hybrid problems
Latest Ford Explorer Hybrid recalls
Back over prevention › Warnings › External/pedestrian alert
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025-2027 Explorer Hybrid vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from making the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.
Remedy: Note: This is an expansion of Recall 25V691. Any vehicles previously repaired under 25V691 must have the new remedy completed.
Forward collision avoidance › Warnings › External/pedestrian alert
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025 Explorer hybrid police vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from emitting the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.
Remedy: The audio control module and digital signal processing module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 5, 2025.
Power train › Axle assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV, and 3.0L ST GAS vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Remedy: Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover, or update the electronic parking brake software. Repairs will be performed free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford Explorer Hybrid should you avoid?
None of the Ford Explorer Hybrid years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What are the most common Ford Explorer Hybrid problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (2), body & structure (1) and steering (1). Transmission complaints peak in the 2021 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford Explorer Hybrid had?
3 recalls across 2021–2025. The model year with the most is 2025. See all Ford Explorer Hybrid recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.