NHTSA Safety Recalls
Ford Explorer Recalls by Year
Every model year from 2000 to 2025, ranked by how many recalls it carries.
Across 26 model years (2000–2025) the Ford Explorer has 277 NHTSA recalls. The worst year is 2020 with 33; the cleanest is 2009 with 1.
- Model years
- 26
- Total recalls
- 277
- Worst year
- 2020
- Cleanest year
- 2009
2000–2025
33 recalls
1 recalls
Recalls by model year
What gets recalled most on the Ford Explorer
- SUSPENSION:REAR27
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE18
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING16
- SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY12
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA11
- STRUCTURE:BODY10
- EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER9
- SEAT BELTS9
- STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS9
- SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER8
Reading these numbers
A high recall count is not the same as an unreliable car. Recalls are safety defects the manufacturer reports and repairs free; a maker that files many of them is often being more diligent, not less. Older model years also accumulate recalls simply by existing longer.
What matters for a specific car is whether its own VIN is covered by an open campaign. Check it on NHTSA's lookup or call 1-888-327-4236.