2010 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 115 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 22nd highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2010 reports, 8 involved a crash. 13 people were injured and 50 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EquipmentSep 3, 2010
MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.
Campaign 10E043000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerApr 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.
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATBACK AND HEAD RESTRAINT MAY MOVE REARWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
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.
Campaign 10V161000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: fuel/propulsion system
8 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 26, 2025, crash
3 times this has happened. I brake and it seems like I'm pressing the gas pedal and the brakes feel like they aren't stopping the vehicle. The third time put me in incoming traffic and the vehicle was totaled as it already had a rebuilt salvage title when we bought it.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 6, 2021
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 24, 2018
KEEP GETTING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DIE TO CAPLESS GAS SYSTEM
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 4, 2017
FUEL GAUGE IS SWEEPING BACK AND FORTH BEFORE RESTING ON EMPTY WHEN THE CAR WAS STARTED. WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM BUT NOW THE GAUGE REMAINS ON EMPTY WITH THE LOW FUEL LIGHT ON AND THE MILES TO EMPTY READING AS "---" AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DEALER TOLD ME ALMOST ONE YEAR AGO THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS THE REASON FOR THE GAUGE ACTING LIKE THIS.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 9, 2016
EXHAUST FUMES LEAK INSIDE CAR WHILE DRIVING
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 7, 2016
VEHICLE FLOAT SENSOR HAS WENT BAD AT 143,000 AND NOW THE EGR IS FAULTY AT 146,000
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 19, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND REPLACED THE FUEL FUME NECK AND RUBBER HOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 9, 2014
CAPLESS FUEL FILLER ADAPTER BROKEN OFF WHEN GAS PUMP NOZZLE INSERTED DUE TO POOR FORD DESIGN WHICH CAUSES IT TO BREAK OFF VERY EASILY . THERE WAS A PSEUDO RECALL THAT REQUIRES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BE ON WHICH IS NOT THE CASE WITH MY CAR . MANY FORD OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE . FORD SHOULD PROVIDE COMPLETE REPLACEMENT AS THIS CAPLESS FUEL FILL ASSEMBLY/SYSTEM WAS NOT DESIGNED AND BUILT PROPERLY. THIS CONDITION MAKES MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TO INSERT PUMP NOZZLE INTO CAR. NOT SURE IF THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THANK YOU *TR