Most common 2007 Ford Explorer problems
Share of the 208 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Explorer complaints by model year
Best Explorer years: 2024, 2023, 2019. Years to avoid: 2016, 2017, 2020, 2013, 2015. Compare all years →
2007 Ford Explorer recalls (1)
Steering
On certain sport utility vehicles, the two bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the frame May have been over-tightened. This condition could result in one or both of the bolts fracturing, causing the steering gear to become loose.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both the steering gear assembly mounting bolts and nuts free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2007. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2007 Ford Explorer:
Tire valve cracking
On October 14, 2008, odi opened pe08-060 to investigate allegations of cracked and leaking snap-in tire valves in model year (my) 2007 vehicles manufactured by Ford motor company.the valves were supplied to Ford by topseal auto-parts, a subsidiary of the shanghai baolong automotive corporation in china.valves made by topseal for aftermarket sale were the subject of two recent safety recalls by tech international…
What 2007 Ford Explorer owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 57 →
The contact owns a 2007 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of a failure with the transmission. The contact attempted to shift the gear shifter and the vehicle made a loud clanking sound and the vehicle was rattling. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 150,076.
Transmission failed. Took it in to be rebuilt and it never shifted right so I took it back again and they replaced an electrical strap; still not shifting right. Took it back again to be looked at. Got it back today and when I left the shop it was OK, later in the day I ran an errand and when I got in to come home I didn't have any gears, nothing and putting it in park was very difficult. Finally got reverse after a few minutes of shifting up and down; put it in park again; after many many attempts I finally got drive but in the 2 position on the shifter. I had noticed that the shifter was really loose when I first got in but thought perhaps it was that way before but I just hadn't noticed. Got home and had to force it in to park and then tried to go in reverse or drive again and had nothing.
Engine & cooling all 37 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Ford Explorer. While driving 60 MPH, smoke appeared under the hood and fluid leaked underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
Harmonic balancer is bad on a lot of Ford explorers. My girlfriend and I just purchased a 2007 Ford Explorer and didn't have any problems at all. A couple weeks ago we notice a loud squealing noise coming from the engine compartment. First thought it was a fan belt needing replaced. Replaced that its got worse. After doing some research I found out a lot of Ford customers are having problems with this issue. All the videos and forum searches leads to the harmonic balancer. These things go bad and causes more problems within the pulley belt system, even engine failure. I'm only making this complaint because Ford hasn't made any adjustments or attempt to put out a recall on this issue and its the purpose of engine failure in a lot of Ford explorers, expeditions, etc. The squeal occurs when the vehicle is stationary and in motion. …
Wheels & tires all 28 →
In May of 2015 while I was driving, the left rear wheel fell off. Now on April 5, 2016 while my wife was driving, the right front wheel fell off. Two wheels falling off in a period of less than one year. In my mind this is not a coincidence. It is a dangerous situation.
My husband noticed a squeaking noise when driving. It got worse after a road trip and we isolated the noise as coming from the rear passenger side. We investigated further and discovered only one lug nut was holding the tire on, and 2 of the pins had sheared completely off. We immediately had the vehicle towed to the mechanic. We ended up having to replace the entire axle. After chatting about the issue at work I discovered a coworker had the exact same thing happen with his 2005 Explorer but his wheel actually fell off causing $5,000 in damage to his vehicle (no injuries or accident). Is it possible there is some defect?
2007 Ford Explorer engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 20 / 16 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2007 Ford Explorer a good car?
Based on 208 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2007 Explorer rates better than average: 83% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Explorer at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2007 Ford Explorer?
The transmission & drivetrain — 57 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (37) and wheels & tires (28).
How many recalls does the 2007 Ford Explorer have?
There is 1 recall for the 2007 Ford Explorer, the most recent from April 25, 2007 (steering). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Explorer?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2024, 2023 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2016, 2017, 2020, 2013 and 2015. See the full Ford Explorer years comparison.
At what mileage do 2007 Ford Explorer problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 68,000 miles; 31% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.