Door Lock & Latch complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 2% | 2,000 miles |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% | 1,000 miles |
| 2024 | 1 | 5% | — |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% | 7,000 miles |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% | 45,000 miles |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% | 55,000 miles |
| 2020 | 7 | 1% | 53,000 miles |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2018 | 2 | 0% | 70,000 miles |
| 2017 | 5 | 0% | 80,000 miles |
| 2016 | 5 | 0% | 141,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% | 122,000 miles |
| 2014 | 3 | 0% | 94,000 miles |
| 2013 | 16 | 1% | 38,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% | 28,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% | 123,000 miles |
| 2005 | 10 | 2% | 41,000 miles |
| 2004 | 23 | 2% | 74,000 miles |
| 2003 | 17 | 2% | 98,000 miles |
| 2002 | 50 | 2% | 71,000 miles |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2000 | 29 | 3% | 97,000 miles |
| 1999 | 33 | 2% | 109,000 miles |
| 1998 | 65 | 3% | 98,000 miles |
| 1997 | 32 | 2% | 85,000 miles |
| 1996 | 34 | 2% | 120,000 miles |
| 1995 | 11 | 1% | 100,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (door latches, locks, hood and tailgate latches).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the system then resumed normal functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that an unknown sensor had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact stated that recently the liftgate failed to function as intended. The contact used the key fob to open the liftgate, and the liftgate failed to function as intended. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited to restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact was able to open the liftgate after fifteen minutes. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. …
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the driver's side door opened while the contact was making a left turn. The contact stated that the "Door Ajar" chime sounded. The contact was wearing his seat belt and managed to shut the door but had to hold on to the door handle to keep the door closed. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer; however, the mechanic could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Ford Customer Satisfaction Program: 19N09 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 80 MPH, the contact heard a loud bang, and the "Door Ajar" message was displayed. The contact pulled over and noticed that the front driver's side keyless entry keypad had detached, exposing the wires from the door. The contact drove to her destination, but the rear liftgate failed to open as needed and the interior lights failed to turn off. The contact purchased and replaced the 10-amp fuse under the steering wheel, which resolved the failure with the rear liftgate and the interior lights; however, the front driver's side keyless entry keypad was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. …
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the front passenger's side door failed to open as intended. The contact stated that after several attempts using the key fob to unlock the door, the door failed to open. In addition, the code to unlock the door failed to work as intended. The contact's daughter manually locked and unlocked the door. The contact stated that when the door was opened manually, the panic alarm activated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the rear driver's side door failed to open as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, the door locks failed to open. The contact stated that the rear driver's and passenger's side doors failed to unlock as needed. The contact used the key fob remote to attempt to unlock the doors, but the doors failed to unlock. Additionally, the contact stated that she attempted to manually unlock the doors, but the doors failed to unlock from the inside or the outside. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the door lock mechanism had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the front driver's side door failed to unlock, and the lock was stuck in the locked position. The contact attempted to manually unlock the front driver's side door, but the door failed to unlock. …
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the driver's side front door panel became loosened due to failed adhesive exposing wiring in the door. The front door lights remained illuminated while the door was closed. The contact stated that the rear door failed to open however, the door ajar light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and tape was placed on the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the Keyless entry door panel and actuary for the rear door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 195,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front driver side door failed to lock properly. The dealer diagnosed that the door latch needed to be replaced. The contact informed the manufacturer who requested that the vehicle receive a second diagnostic, which rendered the same results. The vehicle was not repaired. While attempting to leave an auto shop, the power steering failed. The contact was unable to reactivate the power steering and had the vehicle towed to her home. The contact informed the dealer of the failure, but could not drive to the dealer due to the power steering failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and opened case number: 12284176. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's side front door failed to latch securely when closed. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to lock the door securely. The contact stated that the door ajar and transmission not in park warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was shifted into park and the door slammed shut to start and drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to earnhardt Ford (7300 w. Orchid ln, chandler, az 85226, [phone]) and the contact was informed that the door latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 98,500.
Related recalls (3)
Latches/locks/linkages
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Ford Explorer, Taurus, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured November 29, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, with sufficient door openings and closings, the child safety locks may change from an activated position to a deactivated position…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the safety locks. If necessary, the locks will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Ford's recall number is 13S07.
Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The secondary hood latch May corrode at the latch pivot and stick in the open position.
Remedy: Dealers will install a secondary hood latch with components that are coated prior to assembly for improved latch pivot corrosion protection.
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
When in the secondary latched position, the driver door latches May open when subjected to transverse loads less than that specified in FMVSS no. 206, "door locks and door retention components."
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver door latch.
NHTSA investigations
Hertz/Vehicles Rented with Open Recalls
NHTSA is opening this audit query to investigate whether The Hertz Corporation (Hertz) has complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act). The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a rental company shall not rent a vehicle subject to a safety recall unless the recall remedy has been performed. 49 U.S.C.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Explorer years have door lock & latch problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (65), 2002 (50), 1996 (34), 1999 (33) and 1997 (32) model years. Door Lock & Latch complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Ford Explorer door lock & latch problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 13V-270 (latches/locks/linkages, Jun 26, 2013); 99V-164 (latch, Jun 29, 1999); 96V-070 (latch, Apr 22, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Explorer door lock & latch problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles; 23% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the doors › latch (151 mentions), followed by the hood › latch (49).
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.