Body complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2025 | 7 | 7% | 2,000 miles |
| 2023 | 10 | 9% | 10,000 miles |
| 2022 | 11 | 4% | 39,000 miles |
| 2021 | 25 | 6% | 65,000 miles |
| 2020 | 45 | 4% | 40,000 miles |
| 2019 | 150 | 50% | 63,000 miles |
| 2018 | 288 | 39% | 61,000 miles |
| 2017 | 659 | 39% | 76,000 miles |
| 2016 | 591 | 24% | 83,000 miles |
| 2015 | 410 | 23% | 90,000 miles |
| 2014 | 276 | 16% | 93,000 miles |
| 2013 | 439 | 20% | 70,000 miles |
| 2012 | 144 | 17% | 97,000 miles |
| 2011 | 110 | 9% | 101,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% | 7,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% | 105,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% | 7,000 miles |
| 2007 | 11 | 5% | 82,000 miles |
| 2006 | 11 | 2% | 20,000 miles |
| 2005 | 151 | 30% | 77,000 miles |
| 2004 | 426 | 33% | 72,000 miles |
| 2003 | 354 | 31% | 70,000 miles |
| 2002 | 486 | 15% | 66,000 miles |
| 2001 | 29 | 8% | 100,000 miles |
| 2000 | 29 | 3% | 93,000 miles |
| 1999 | 47 | 3% | 100,000 miles |
| 1998 | 48 | 2% | 114,000 miles |
| 1997 | 50 | 3% | 84,000 miles |
| 1996 | 63 | 4% | 127,000 miles |
| 1995 | 39 | 5% | 161,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormal windy sound coming from the driver's side-view mirror. The vehicle was taken to two different dealers, where it was determined that the turbulence was caused by the mirror. The contact was informed that the molding was different from the passenger's side-view mirror molding. The dealer determined that driver's side-view mirror needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in a parking lot, while attempting to exit the vehicle, the front driver's side door panel separated from the door frame. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was inspected. The contact was advised to wait for several days before a solution could be provided. The vehicle was temporarily repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,600.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the wheel well inner liner fell onto the tire. The wheel well liner was rubbing on the tire. The tires were rubbing with ice, mud, and snow in the wheel well. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the bracket and bolts for the wheel well liner were missing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no repair coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The failure mileage was 4,000.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal rattling and popping sound coming from the passenger's side. The contact also stated that the steering wheel would veer to the left or right directions independently while driving. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's strut needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hood independently unlatched and opened. The contact stated that the front windshield was fractured into pieces because of the failure. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that there was no evidence of what caused the failure. The contact was informed that the hood needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were on back order. In addition, the contact stated that the failure caused emotional distress in the contact and the contact's son, who was also an occupant of the vehicle when the failure occurred. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was purchased in June 2024. …
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the backup camera was slow to respond. The screen displayed an image of the vehicle. Additionally, there was an extreme amount of air entering the vehicle from the door seals. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 5,100.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a 15x3/4-inch strip on the B-pillar trim of the driver's side rear door that was detaching from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who attempted to use adhesive to secure the trim piece; however, the temporary repair failed to fix the vehicle. The dealer determined that the entire B-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact became aware that the B-pillar trim on the passenger's side rear door had started to detach. The contact informed the manufacturer of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure). The manufacturer advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact observed that the driver's side A-pillar trim had detached. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and trim taped down. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the A-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not prepared. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Related recalls (11)
Structure › Body
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge.
Structure › Body
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2025.
Structure › Frame and members
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. A mounting bolt for the front subframe may have been tightened improperly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the subframe bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2025.
Structure › Frame and members
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The transmission may be improperly secured due to loose cross member bolts.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission cross member bolts as necessary, free of charge. If the cross member bolts are missing, dealers will replace the cross member and install new bolts, free of charge.
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years.
Show 6 more recalls
Structure › Body
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021.
Structure › Body › Door
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2015.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments
On certain sport utility vehicles, the liftgate glass strut May become disengaged or the hinge May fracture allowing the glass to fall and possibly break.
Remedy: Dealers will have the liftgate glass strut brackets and glass hinges replaced. For the vehicles built from August 1, 2000 through March 3, 2002, the dealers will replace the hinges and liftgate strut bracket.
Structure
Certain pickup truck, van, and Mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by American technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began March 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut
Vehicle description: on certain sport utility vehicles, the hydraulic lift cylinder bracket welds could fracture.
Remedy: Dealers will install liftgate reinforcement brackets. Depending upon the condition of the liftgate sheet metal in the area of the bracket, dealers May also install a larger reinforcement.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles. The liftgate assist gas cylinder bracket on the right hand bodyside outer panel was incorrectly welded.
Remedy: Dealers will reinforce the bracket attachment with two pop rivets.
NHTSA investigations
Liftgate support bracket failure
Summary:on August 22, 1995, Ford conducted safety recall, 95v-164, on 1992 and 1993 model year explorer due to liftgate failures.the rear liftgate hydraulic cylinder bracket can become unattached allowing the liftgate to suddenly drop.the recall remedy was to install reinforcements on the brackets.Ford also initiated a safety improvement campaign in October 1995, for 1991-1995 model year explorer vehicles which were…
Rear liftgate glass assembly
Complaints report failure of the rear liftgate glass support while the operator is opening or closing the glass.the falling glass can strike the operator or bystander.the injuries reported are bruises to the head, neck or back, cuts to the face, arm or hand.on September 9, 2004, Ford notified the agency that it will recall approximately 955,732 my 2002 and 2003 Ford explorer and Mercury mountaineer vehicles to…
Rear liftgate glass hatch failure
This investigation was opened on June 23, 2008, based on 34 complaints involving eight injuries in which the rear liftgate glass hatch on model year 2004 Ford explorers or Mercury mountaineers broke off and fell, usually while individuals were operating the glass hatch or loading or unloading items from the rear of the vehicle.Ford conducted recall 04v-442 in 2004 to address similar problems on model year 2002 and…
Windshield trim molding Item detachment
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries.
Underbody shields detachment
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on August 22, 2025, requesting a defect investigation into an alleged defect of the "underbody shields" on model year (MY) 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles. The petition alleges premature degradation and detachment of the plastic underbody shields, potentially leading to road debris. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11682326.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Explorer years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (659), 2016 (591), 2002 (486), 2013 (439) and 2004 (426) model years. Body complaints make up 39% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Ford Explorer body problems?
Yes — 11 recalls, including 26V-448 (body, Jul 14, 2026); 25V-347 (body, May 23, 2025); 25V-316 (frame and members, May 9, 2025). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Explorer body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles; 25% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (1,854 mentions), followed by the body › hatchback/liftgate (295).
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.