Complaint volume
10 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2026 Ford Explorer Complaints
10 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2026 Ford Explorer, grouped by component category.
10 Total complaints
0 Crash reports
0 Fire reports
0 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are unknown or other, electrical system, engine. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity context
The enriched records we matched do not show crash, fire, injury, or fatality flags. Still check complaint summaries for repeated drivability, braking, electrical, or visibility symptoms.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 1 complaint, with an average reported failure mileage of 10,000 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to unknown or other, electrical system, engine?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2026 Ford Explorer?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2026 Ford Explorer
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2026 Ford Explorer complaints?
0 Crash
0 Fire
0 Injury
0 Fatality
0 Towed
0 Medical attention
What are the most common 2026 Ford Explorer complaint categories?
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 1
ENGINE 1
LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 1
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 1
STEERING,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE 1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 1
VISIBILITY 1
10 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | STEERING,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | Purchased new 26 Ford Explorer on [XXX] from Franklin Ford in TN. During test drive noted the BlueCruise hands free was canceling but was advised by dealer that it might need to download an update or sync my profile. Next day I confirmed the BlueCruise and adaptive cruise was not working. The hands free BlueCruise and adaptive system will cancel randomly with no warning even while in turn. This almost caused me to slam into the vehicle next to me several times but was able to catch the wheel just in time. This is an extreme danger and hazard. The issue seems to revolve around the lane centering feature but Ford has not confirmed this for me. I dropped the vehicle off with Ford of Franklin on 3/24 who kept the vehicle for 4 days. At the end I was advised Ford engendering was working to push out an update to correct this issue. As of today (5/27), I have confirmed with Ford of Franklin that there is currently no fix for this. I have had to disable Ford BlueCruise and have as of today requested a buyback from Ford. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Hello, I am contacting Ford regarding a serious concern with my newly purchased 2026 Ford Explorer ST. Within days of purchase, we discovered water leaking from the moonroof area into the interior of the vehicle, including water coming through the seatbelt pillar area , wetting the roof as well, during rain and vehicle washes. In addition to the leak, there is noticeable wind and air noise coming from the moonroof area even when the roof is fully closed, (we notified them the day we got the vehicle about this) which raises concerns that the seal is not properly seating or sealing against the vehicle. After noticing these issues, we inspected several similar vehicles on the dealership lot and observed that multiple vehicles appeared to have uneven or improperly fitted moonroof seals as well. This has increased our concern that this may be a manufacturing or assembly defect rather than normal wear or an isolated issue. Because this vehicle is brand new and the issue was reported almost immediately after purchase, we are requesting that Ford review this matter seriously and assist in ensuring the vehicle is properly repaired or otherwise resolved. We are concerned about long-term damage to the interior, electronics, airbags, mold or mildew risks, and the overall value and reliability of the vehicle. We have documented the leak and seal concerns with photos/videos and are currently working with the dealership for inspection. Thank you for your time and assistance. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | During driving all safety systems shutdown and give warning of fault Has happened multiple times at different speeds. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | At approximately 1,700 miles, my brand-new 2026 Ford Explorer ST (3.0L EcoBoost) suffered a sudden, catastrophic engine failure while driving, causing an immediate and dangerous loss of motive power. Prior to the failure, the engine experienced severe misfires. Following manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) guidance regarding EcoBoost engine misfires, a step-colder spark plug heat range (NGK LTR7IX-11) was utilized to remedy pre-ignition. Ford Motor Company has denied warranty coverage for this catastrophic powertrain failure, falsely claiming the TSB-compliant heat-range plugs caused the destruction. The sudden loss of engine power poses an immediate safety hazard on public roads. I request an investigation into 2025-2026 Ford 3.0L EcoBoost spark plug issues, pre-ignition failures, and unfair warranty denials leaving dangerous vehicles unresolved." | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2026 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof glass panel made an abnormally loud sound and shattered without impact. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 10,000 |
| Apr 2026 | ENGINE | While driving my new Ford explorer, with 638 miles on it, on the highway I heard a loud pop, and lost power steering. I was barely able to pull the vehicle over to the shoulder to get off the highway. If I would have been on an interstate or a busier highway it could have been very dangerous. I believe that this has put me in danger having to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the highway and sit there while waiting for a tow truck. The Vehicle was towed to the dealership where we bought it. the service manager told us that the engine had blown, it was a catastrophic failure. There were holes in the oil pan as well as through the top part of the engine from it exploding. I believe that we are lucky that the engine wasn't hot enough to start a fire, as we were only a few miles from the start of our drive. there were no warning lamps or messages prior to the engine exploding. The vehicle is currently at our dealership in Monroe Wisconsin, Alphorn Ford is the dealership. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | While operating the vehicle with the cruise control enabled and engaged, the vehicle resets the “set” speed 5 to 15 MPH higher than initially set with no driver input or adjustment and begins accelerating. My spouse related this has happened several times to her at various speed settings. Today, I was on the highway with it set at 60 MPH, the vehicle began accelerating and I noticed the set speed had changed to 75 MPH. I disengaged the cruise control and turned it off. We plan to notify Ford and take it to the dealership for evaluation. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | While driving, Sirius XM pushes advertisements to my infotainment display. These notifications are distracting to driving and they WILL cause an accident. This practice should be banned outright and a monetary fine placed on Sirius XM for impairing driving. Completely unacceptable placement of advertisements and it is going to get someone seriously injured or worse. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I was driving home from work on the interstate. It was not overly crowded and not many vehicles around me. I was going the speed limit. All the sudden I heard a loud pop and a very loud sound. I wasn’t sure exactly what happened. I thought maybe I blew a tire so I pulled over to the side of the road. I then figured out that my sunroof had shattered/exploded in my brand new 2026 ford explorer. I just purchased it new on 1/30/26 and it has approx 3k mileage. Luckily I had the shade on my sunroof closed otherwise glass would have been everywhere in my car and all of me while I was driving. I was now on the side of the interstate cleaning glass off the top of my car into a bag so I could continuing driving home and it wouldn’t blow off onto the highway into traffic. Needless to say it took a long time. I have no idea what could have caused this to happen other than a manufacture defect in the glass. It is very scary for that to happen while traveling at a higher speed on an interstate. In addition if the sunshade would have been open. I have not spoken to the dealership or insurance company yet, but will call them tomorrow. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Bought the vehicle brand new on March 13, 2026, and the battery light came on in less than 200 miles driven. The vehicle is currently in Ford's possession. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |