AC & Heater complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2020 | 2 | 0% | — |
| 2017 | 4 | 0% | 69,000 miles |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% | 120,000 miles |
| 2015 | 2 | 0% | 90,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 0% | 84,000 miles |
| 2013 | 3 | 0% | 15,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% | 36,000 miles |
| 2011 | 5 | 0% | 29,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% | 35,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% | 77,000 miles |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% | 56,000 miles |
| 2005 | 5 | 1% | 67,000 miles |
| 2004 | 10 | 1% | 56,000 miles |
| 2003 | 17 | 2% | 58,000 miles |
| 2002 | 21 | 1% | 40,000 miles |
| 2001 | 10 | 3% | 93,000 miles |
| 2000 | 12 | 1% | 77,000 miles |
| 1999 | 14 | 1% | 99,000 miles |
| 1998 | 27 | 1% | 80,000 miles |
| 1997 | 67 | 4% | 77,000 miles |
| 1996 | 19 | 1% | 78,000 miles |
| 1995 | 5 | 1% | 100,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact's wife owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 25 MPH, the defroster was engaged but failed to respond and the windshield became foggy. The contact's wife pulled to the side of the road and wiped the windshield. The contact stated that his wife then disengaged and reengaged the defroster however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that his wife continued to drive the vehicle and almost was involved in an accident. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while the defroster was engaged and the blower motor would blow air through the vents. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the air conditioner system blew out hot air when activated. As a result, the children in the vehicle felt overwhelmed by the impact of the heat while driving in hot weather conditions. The contact mentioned living in a hot climate state. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the A/C condenser needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after noticing that the seat heaters were inoperable, he saw that the heated seat module connector had melted. The contact also stated that the front passenger's side seat controls were inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the A/C unit became inoperable. The vehicle was driven to a dealer and an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a leak in the A/C unit. The contact was informed that the A/C unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that exhaust fumes entered the vehicle through the air conditioning system when the vehicle accelerated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the air vents were sucking the excess exhaust fumes through the air conditioning vents. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 15,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the contact noticed smoke seeping through the air vents inside the vehicle. The dealer stated that a rock fractured the air conditioner condenser. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 19,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) had become defective which caused the front and rear defrosters to not operate as needed. The contact also stated that the APIM failure had caused the rear backup camera to not function. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer and was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the air conditioner/heating unit failed causing the windows and the windshield to be unable to defrost. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (autonation Ford north canton, 5900 whipple ave nw, north canton, oh 44720, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that 1 of the 4 motor blenders failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired at a discounted rate but approximately one year later the failure reoccurred where another 1 of the 4 motor blenders failed. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where the second motor blender was replaced. The vehicle was repaired and covered under an extended warranty program purchased by the contact. The vehicle was repaired however the contact was concerned that the other 2 motor blenders in the vehicle would also fail. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …
Related recalls (3)
Visibility › Defroster/defogger/HVAC system › Fan/motor
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and secure the instrument panel joints as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Equipment › Electrical › Engine block heater
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge.
Equipment › Electrical › Engine block heater
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Explorer years have ac & heater problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (67), 1998 (27), 2002 (21), 1996 (19) and 2003 (17) model years. AC & Heater complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Ford Explorer ac & heater problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 26V-202 (fan/motor, Mar 31, 2026); 26V-012 (engine block heater, Jan 15, 2026); 25V-685 (engine block heater, Oct 10, 2025). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Explorer ac & heater problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles; 35% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the defroster/defogger/hvac system (102 mentions), followed by the appliance › air conditioner (79).
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.