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Electrical system

Ford Explorer Electrical problems by year

1,139 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Ford Explorer's electrical system. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.

Electrical complaints by model year

YearElectrical complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
202526100
20242000
2020187341
201920000
201857320
201794300
2016129140
201593100
2014100100
201195210
201012000
20092000
200462100
200381320
2002179500
20000001
19990001
19980001

Electrical recalls

Latest Explorer electrical complaints

2016 Ford ExplorerElectrical systemBody, doors & structure

The B pillar, that has a recall for it for almost 2yrs while waiting for the part to be available, fell off while driving on the freeway. The piece was barely holding on when we pulled over on the freeway. With that piece falling off it has tripped the electrical with the rear lift door now not working and forever now have the warning light on the dash that shows the door not closed and to lock the vehicle is difficult and the lights won't shut off for over 20min which is now affecting the vehicle battery. Ford has...

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been called and still will not fix the issue which has progressed to affecting other parts of the vehicle unless we pay out of pocket with quotes over $2,000!! There is a recall and it's close to 2yrs waiting for the "part" but now the part has actually fallen off it's causing more electrical and costly issues. Ford needs to pay for these repairs now with no more excuses. I need help please.

Filed Incident Electrical system · StructureNHTSA 11776742
2025 Ford ExplorerElectrical systemBrakes

Our first occurrence happened right after we pulled out of a parking space, then proceeded to drive; only to be alerted with numerous warnings, 1. Anti-lock brake fault. 2. Hill start assist warning. 3. Anti-lock brake system fault. 4. Electronic parking brake warning. 5. Pre-collision assist not available. It particularly was a bit scary at first, because we weren't going more than 10mph starting out, and the vehicle abruptly stopped on us, as was the steering became difficult. Luckily, there were not...

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vehicles in front or behind us. The vehicle began to jerk forward and stop hard, if we proceeded, which we could do, limping the SUV, on back streets, only 1/2 mile from dealership. Once at dealership at Ford in Seaside, California, they ran diagnostics, and re-calibrated the faulty module(s), that may have caused this. Fast forward to [redacted], while at stop sign in [[redacted]], we proceeded at slow speed, maybe 10mph or so, and SUV abruptly braked on us and came to complete stop, with warning on instrument display. We pulled over, shutoff vehicle for a minute or so, turned back on and were able to drive again normally. We took a chance, and a few days later, drove vehicle up to the dealership (The Ford Store, Morgan Hill, California) to diagnose. They had it for a few days, and determined the Electronic Brake Booster module needed replaced and whatever they did additionally, like re-calibrations, etc. We're crossing our fingers we don't encounter problem(s). SUV is under warrantly, still, and we did purchase an extended warranty when we purchased it, new, back in XX . We're just praying this doesn't happen if we're driving at a high speed. Never had problems with our three previous Ford Explorers. Of course, these 2025s and newer ones have extensive electronics. Needless to say, my wife is scared this issue might happen again. We can't be the only Ford Explorer or Ford vehicle that might have encountered these issues? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · Service brakesNHTSA 11776393
2025 Ford ExplorerElectrical systemEngine & cooling

I was driving on a highway route on October 24, 2026 with my toddler and mother in the car. I stopped at a red light. While stopped my car lost complete power and could not be restarted (no buttons worked, lock/unlock, start button/ hazard lights etc). The police had to be contacted as even my hazard lights would not activate. The police officer and the tow truck driver attempted to start my car and failed, the car could also not be put in neutral to be towed. The car was then towed the closest ford dealer which...

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kept my car for one full week. I was told the problem could not be duplicated and the car was returned to me with no repairs. Prior to this occurring there had been no warning lights on the dash board or otherwise. I find this unacceptable as this incident could have ended catastrophically and can happen again at any time.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11775568
2020 Ford ExplorerElectrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system1 injury

When I was driving on the highway, the car braked really hard like brake checked. It seemed like it was part of the safety system because a light was flashing on the dash like I was gonna hit something but no car was there. Now my car keeps jolting and breaking fast even when I accelerate it will brake for half a second when I am driving. in my car keeps overheating. The mechanics tell me it's related to something pinching off oil lines and the transmission possibly and that the recalls are possibly related to this...

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issues. it's not safe and it's messing up my transmission and my car keeps stopping and starting in the middle of traffic. I have a family I LOVE my vehicle but it's not safe and I can't afford to fix it.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11775126
2020 Ford ExplorerElectrical systemDriver assistance

My 2020 Ford Explorer previously received a safety recall repair under Ford Recall 23S23 for the 360-degree/rearview camera system. Unfortunately, the camera system is malfunctioning again following that repair. The 360-degree display intermittently shows solid blue/teal or black areas instead of properly displaying the vehicle's surroundings. The camera images also become washed out, distorted, or unusually dark, reducing visibility when reversing. Additionally, my instrument cluster displays the warning...

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"Reverse Brake Assist Not Available - See Manual." These problems raise serious safety concerns because the vehicle's camera visibility is compromised while another safety system reports that it is unavailable. This creates potential risks when backing near children, pedestrians, other vehicles, or obstacles. I have photographs documenting the camera malfunctions and dashboard warning. Ford subsequently issued Recall 25S27 after discovering that certain vehicles previously repaired under Recall 23S23 may not have received the correct remedy, even though the repairs were recorded as completed. I have not yet received confirmation whether Recall 25S27 applies to my specific vehicle. On October 8, 2026, I visited Mullinax Ford of Olympia regarding the recurring safety problems. The dealership advised that I would have to pay out of pocket for a diagnosis. I subsequently submitted a written request asking for the recurring defect and applicable recall coverage to be reviewed, but received no response. I escalated the matter to the dealership's General Manager on October 19, 2026. The underlying cause has not been determined. I am concerned that the original camera safety defect may not have been adequately corrected and that the vehicle continues to experience a related safety risk. I request that NHTSA review these recurring malfunctions and the adequacy of the previous recall remedy.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11772252
2016 Ford ExplorerElectrical system

2016 Ford Explorer, Falling pedal to the floor. acceleration of high speed. No physical obstuction. Noted that 2016 Ford Exployers have been highly documented for widw spread issue, which involves a defective EIB. Noted that automobile will be sent to dealership.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11771979
2020 Ford ExplorerTransmission & drivetrainElectrical system

When I am driving, every now and then there is a grinding/electrocution noise that my vehicle makes. When that happens, I lose all acceleration power until the episode stops then it seems like it kicks back into gear.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical systemNHTSA 11771148
2017 Ford ExplorerElectrical systemBody, doors & structure

B-Pillar trim on drivers side detached/broke in half and flew off in traffic. Since then, electrical panel on the driver door messed with the locks. locks no longer work, back tailgate ajar warning is on (even though the tailgate is closed) unable to open to open the tailgate (stuck in lock)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Structure · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11771073
2016 Ford ExplorerTransmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

On approximately 09/02, I took my 2016 Ford Explorer to an authorized Ford dealership for recall-related PCM service. After the recall service was completed, I experienced additional problems with the vehicle and returned on 09/4 and I also called the same dealership that same day because I believed something was wrong following the repair. The dealership replaced the battery but did not perform additional diagnostics unless I paid out of pocket. I was unable to immediately afford those diagnostic charges, so I...

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later sought additional diagnosis. The vehicle continued to experience drivability/electrical problems, including misfire symptoms and eventually a no-start condition. After further testing, another authorized Ford dealership diagnosed the PCM as faulty. I contacted Ford Motor Company because I am concerned that the recall service, programming, or work performed during the recall may have contributed to the PCM failure. Ford closed my case because the recall was marked completed and stated that my vehicle is outside its warranty period. I returned the vehicle two days after servicing dealership as the recall repair to report problems. I am requesting that this be reviewed as a possible recall-repair-related safety issue. The PCM failure and associated engine/electrical problems could affect drivability and the vehicle's ability to operate safely. The vehicle and related repair records are available for inspection.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11769014
2020 Ford ExplorerElectrical systemLights

"CHECK HEADLAMP SYSTEM SEE MANUAL" appears intermittently on the dash with headlights going out. As hundreds of others have reported here and on internet forums, we too are dealing with intermittent headlights. This is a major SAFETY issue while driving at night and your headlights go out suddenly. After bringing our vehicle to a Ford Dealership (who regularly service our vehicle) and paying a diagnostic fee, they could not properly diagnose the issue and said the only fix THEY THINK MIGHT correct the issue is...

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to replace the entire headlamp assembly at an over a $3500 cost. The problem is Ford does not know that this will correct the issue. If it truly was a headlamp issue wouldn't our headlamps go out completely after approximately a year of experiencing the headlights going out intermittingly, especially when they are supposed to last the life of the vehicle. The dealership printed out the detailed list of codes on our vehicle going back to January and it confirms the headlights intermittently going out. Besides the dealership, we have spoken to Ford corporate multiple times and they are unwilling to help us in any way nor do they want to address this dangerous issue. An investigation needs to be opened into this matter before a serious accident occurs and Ford needs to answer why this issue is happening to so many vehicle owners and create a recall. NHTSA has helped me before with a problem/recall I had on my Dodge Durango many years ago and I am hopeful that we will be helped on this issue as well.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 11768546
2019 Ford ExplorerElectrical system

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the radio displayed the rear-view camera image or rebooted. The dealer was notified of the failure by phone and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11768475
2015 Ford ExplorerSteeringElectrical system

Intermittent locking of steering wheel while driving for about 8 months. Now it has complete loss of power steering. [[redacted]] says service advance trac and complete steering loss pull over safely. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical systemNHTSA 11767702
2016 Ford ExplorerSteeringElectrical systemBody, doors & structure

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The exterior B-pillar trim on the side of the vehicle became detached while the vehicle was being driven. After the trim became loose and was temporarily secured by a Ford dealership, the vehicle's security system malfunctioned, the tailgate would not open, and the vehicle would not shut off normally. The trim piece is currently taped in place. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The trim...

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detached while I was driving and was flapping against the vehicle. There was a risk that the part could have completely separated from the vehicle and struck another vehicle, pedestrian, or object in the roadway. I was also distracted while attempting to manage the situation and find a safe place to stop. Operating a vehicle with components coming apart created an unsafe condition for me and other motorists. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. A Ford dealership observed the detached trim and temporarily secured it with tape. The trim was later repaired; however, the same component has detached again, demonstrating that the problem has recurred. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The component was inspected by a Ford dealership, which temporarily secured the trim and later repaired it. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives, to my knowledge. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps or messages before the B-pillar trim detached. After the trim became loose and was temporarily secured, the vehicle began exhibiting additional symptoms, including a malfunctioning security system, inability to open the tailgate, and failure to shut off completely.

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · StructureNHTSA 11767630
2025 Ford ExplorerElectrical systemVisibility & wipers

A recent over-the-air (OTA) software update deployed by Ford Motor Company to my 2025 Ford Explorer ST introduced a primary safety hazard and severe system latency. PASSENGER MIRROR FAILURE: Approximately 10% of the time upon vehicle startup, the passenger-side power-folding exterior mirror fails to unfold. This leaves the driver with no right-side mirror visibility, creating an immediate blind-spot hazard and violating FMVSS 111 visibility standards. APIM / NAVIGATION LATENCY: The software update severely...

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degraded processing in the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM). Navigation display systems lag behind the actual vehicle location by approximately 0.1 miles, causing delayed routing information and significant driver distraction. System resets (soft reboots and full master resets) fail to fix the issues. Upon contacting Ford In-Vehicle Technology support, representatives acknowledged the issue but refused to log or escalate the side-mirror failure as a safety defect.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11765202
2025 Ford ExplorerElectrical system

the rear passenger door flew open while I was driving on a public road, with absolutely no warning or dashboard alert to indicate it was unlatched

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11764979

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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