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2010 Ford Explorer

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2010 Ford Explorer do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 609.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

95 reports with mileage · 20 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Seats. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports0 fire reports3 injury reports

Power Train complaints

28 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2026
Power Train

Thing accelerate by itself while on highway od light blinking at high speeds and then when you come to a complete stop and try to takeoff it goes really slow with the RPMs high then it will kick into gear, unsafe on the road. Truck willjump in gear then out on takeoff.

NHTSA ODI #11713879

Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

Driving 65 mph on I95 and it just shut off. The yellow wrench on dash came on. I somehow was able to Pull over to the shoulder without being killed. I cranked once then tried it again and it started. Drove all the way home and it’s running fine now. This is a common problem and Ford should be contacting me to warn me and fi…

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Driving 65 mph on I95 and it just shut off. The yellow wrench on dash came on. I somehow was able to Pull over to the shoulder without being killed. I cranked once then tried it again and it started. Drove all the way home and it’s running fine now. This is a common problem and Ford should be contacting me to warn me and fix it. By the way I had a baby in the car. Thanks Ford for the warning.

NHTSA ODI #11431861

Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2021
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

While driving on the highway, my Explorer did a sudden jolt and I had no control over the vehicle. It acted as though it was no in gear. I almost crashed going 60 mph on a 4 lane highway. It then did another large jolt and revved high into the red line. I took it to Firestone and they recommended that I take it to the dealership…

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While driving on the highway, my Explorer did a sudden jolt and I had no control over the vehicle. It acted as though it was no in gear. I almost crashed going 60 mph on a 4 lane highway. It then did another large jolt and revved high into the red line. I took it to Firestone and they recommended that I take it to the dealership to check the transmission. I called the dealership and they advised me to drive it over. They told me it was "probably the transmission as Explorers are notarious for transmission issues." The dealership inspected the Explorer and confirmed that it was a known transmission issue involving codes P0798 and P098. The dealership advised that there were MULTIPLE pressure code errors [that never did a warning] and that the transmission required replacement. I asked if it was covered under warranty and the dealership advised me that Ford had no issued a recall yet, even though it was a known and serious transmission issue. The dealership recommended that I call Ford Customer Care at 1-800-392-3673 and request that Ford cover the replacement. I called Ford Customer Care and spoke with Bruno who advised me that it was indeed a known issue and that I "was not the only one with this issue" and that "there will be a recall soon so [I] can get reimbursed." Bruno was to have a supervisor call me within 24 hours. It has been almost 2 weeks and there has been no response from Ford. This is a well known issue that Ford knows of. There has been recalls of other Explorers for the same problem but my VIN is not included for some reason. If you go online, there are thousands of complaints. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE SOMEONE DIES OR IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. I have the telephone recordings of Ford but I am unable to upload them here.

NHTSA ODI #11425615

Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2021
Electrical SystemPower TrainSuspension

SERVICE RSC LIGHT COMES ON WITH THE WRENCH LIGHT WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE. REPLACED THE TCM AND THE PROBLEM DID NOT GO AWAY. CODES U0101 AND U1900 ARE POPPING UP. VEHICLE GOES INTO LIMP MODE. REPLACED IGNITION COILS ON THE LEFT BANK AND IT DID NOT GO AWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11396431

145,000 miles · Sep 24, 2020
Power Train

MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN SUFFERING A RADEK TRANSMISSION AND POWER TRAIN ISSUES AND I AM I AM TOLD THAT I WILL NEED TO REPLACE IT. AS WELL WHEN I LOOKED UP THE RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE UNDER GENERAL YEAR AND MODEL IT DOES COME UP THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS UP FOR RECALL HOWEVER WHEN I TYPED THE PARTICULAR VAN AND AT STATED ON YOUR WEBSIT…

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MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN SUFFERING A RADEK TRANSMISSION AND POWER TRAIN ISSUES AND I AM I AM TOLD THAT I WILL NEED TO REPLACE IT. AS WELL WHEN I LOOKED UP THE RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE UNDER GENERAL YEAR AND MODEL IT DOES COME UP THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS UP FOR RECALL HOWEVER WHEN I TYPED THE PARTICULAR VAN AND AT STATED ON YOUR WEBSITE THERE ARE NO OUTSTANDING RECALLS AGAIN CONFLICTING WITH THE FACT THAT THE RECALLS ON TRANSMISSIONS HAVE BEEN NOTED AND NOTEWORTHY IN PREVIOUS C 2011 EXPLORERS SUCH AS MY OWN. PLEASE ADVISE AND LET ME KNOW IF IT IS COVERED BEFORE MY TRANSMISSION GIVES UP COMPLETELY THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR ATTENTION. MY VEHICLE BOTH HAS A TENDENCY TO JUMP YOURS AS WELL AS IDLE HIGH AND TRANSMISSION FLUID IS PROPER AND IN GOOD CONDITION PLEASE HELP ME.

NHTSA ODI #11361009

189,000 miles · Jun 19, 2020
Power Train

WHEN I DRIVE THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON, THE BREAK SYSTEM LIGHT, ENGINE LIGHT, AND AIR BAG LIGHT ALL CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME AND THE RADIO WILL SHUT OFF ALONG WITH ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS. WHEN I DRIVE SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL STOP CATCHING GEAR AND STOP ACCELERATING RANDOMLY. THE VEHICLE FAILS TO ACCELERATE AT ALL SPEEDS. THE TR…

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WHEN I DRIVE THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON, THE BREAK SYSTEM LIGHT, ENGINE LIGHT, AND AIR BAG LIGHT ALL CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME AND THE RADIO WILL SHUT OFF ALONG WITH ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS. WHEN I DRIVE SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL STOP CATCHING GEAR AND STOP ACCELERATING RANDOMLY. THE VEHICLE FAILS TO ACCELERATE AT ALL SPEEDS. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED AND WE WERE TOLD THE PCM WAS BURNT OUT AND UNREPAIRABLE AND FORD HAS THE PRODUCT ON BACK ORDER AND DOESN'T KNOW WHEN IT WILL BE AVAILABLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11329688

127,000 miles · Sep 3, 2019
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ENGAGED IN PARK, THE KEY BECAME STUCK INSIDE THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE MANUALLY PUSHED A PIN IN THE SHIFTER TO REMOVE THE KEY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE GEAR WAS ABLE TO BE REMOVED OUT OF PARK WITHOUT THE KEY BEING IN THE IGNITION. THE VE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ENGAGED IN PARK, THE KEY BECAME STUCK INSIDE THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE MANUALLY PUSHED A PIN IN THE SHIFTER TO REMOVE THE KEY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE GEAR WAS ABLE TO BE REMOVED OUT OF PARK WITHOUT THE KEY BEING IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHULTS FORD LINCOLN (10401 PERRY HWY, WEXFORD, PA 15090, (724) 934-2388) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SHIFTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

NHTSA ODI #11252871

38,200 miles · Feb 4, 2019
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING AN OIL CHANGE AT CHUCK COLVIN AUTO CENTER (1925 OR-99W, MCMINNVILLE, OR 97128, (800) 223-5099), THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT THE SAME DEALER AWAITING REPAIRS. THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING AN OIL CHANGE AT CHUCK COLVIN AUTO CENTER (1925 OR-99W, MCMINNVILLE, OR 97128, (800) 223-5099), THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT THE SAME DEALER AWAITING REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,200.

NHTSA ODI #11174256

120,000 miles · Jan 25, 2019
EnginePower TrainService BrakesCrash

AUGUST 16, 2018 I HAD AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF MY 2010 FORD EXPLORER ACCELERATING WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. I WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY STOPPED AND OUT OF NO WHERE MY VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD SO FAST. THE SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE WAS EXTREMELY LOUD. MY DAUGHTER HAD UNBUCKLED HER SEAT BELT SINCE WE WERE ALL BUT STOPPED AND …

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AUGUST 16, 2018 I HAD AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF MY 2010 FORD EXPLORER ACCELERATING WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. I WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY STOPPED AND OUT OF NO WHERE MY VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD SO FAST. THE SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE WAS EXTREMELY LOUD. MY DAUGHTER HAD UNBUCKLED HER SEAT BELT SINCE WE WERE ALL BUT STOPPED AND HIT HER HEAD ON IMPACT. MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED VERY FAST AND HIT THE REAR END OF A LARGE YUKON TRUCK WHICH WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF ME. THE YUKON THEN WAS PUSHED FORWARD AND BROAD SIDED AN OLDER TRUCK WHICH WAS PARKED AT A GAS PUMP. THIS WAS ALL A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK ON THE SIDE PARKING LOT OF A STORE. MY VEHICLE WAS ALMOST STOPPED, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. I HAD TO ALMOST STAND ON THE BRAKES WITH BRAKES NOT RESPONDING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11172172

118,839 miles · Dec 20, 2018
Power Train

TRUCK RECENTLY START HAVING PROBLEMS, HAS CORRECT AMOUNT OF TRANSMISSION FLUID, EVERYTHING. TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON CAR STALLED, RESTARTED THE CAR TGE CAR DROVE BUT ACTED LIKE IT WAS SLIPPING, LIGHT STILL ON, TOOK IT TO MECHANIC... THE LIGHT DID NOT GIVE ANY CODES OF ANY SORT ON ANY OF THEIR SCAN TOOLS CAR DRIVES FINE TODAY K…

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TRUCK RECENTLY START HAVING PROBLEMS, HAS CORRECT AMOUNT OF TRANSMISSION FLUID, EVERYTHING. TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON CAR STALLED, RESTARTED THE CAR TGE CAR DROVE BUT ACTED LIKE IT WAS SLIPPING, LIGHT STILL ON, TOOK IT TO MECHANIC... THE LIGHT DID NOT GIVE ANY CODES OF ANY SORT ON ANY OF THEIR SCAN TOOLS CAR DRIVES FINE TODAY KIND OF, IT "FALLS" OUT OF GEAR WHEN I COME TO A STOP AND KINDA STUTTERS WHEN I BEGIN TO DRIVE. AGAIN THERE SHOULD BE NO REASON FOR THIS UNLESS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT IS THE CAUSE. CORRECT FLUID LEVELS, CLEAN FLUID, REGULARLY CHANGED AS SCHEDULED IN THE MANUAL. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 119,XXX MILES. RIDICULOUS. NOTE THE LIGHT DOES NOT EVEN COME ON ANYMORE.

NHTSA ODI #11162771

Official recalls

1

10V161000 · Seats:front Assembly:recliner

Apr 20, 2010

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINERS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINT." THE RECLINER GEAR PLATE TEETH MAY BE OUT OF DIMENSION SPECIFICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN LIMITED PAWL TO GEAR PLATE TOOTH ENGAGEMENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATBACK AND HEAD RESTRAINT MAY MOVE REARWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL RECLINERS FOR BOTH POWER AND MANUAL SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

AQ10001 · Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit

Opened Nov 18, 2010 · Closed Dec 28, 2015

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other

On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.

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