Comprehensive guide to Ford Explorer lemon law claims, common defects, NHTSA recalls, and your legal rights as an owner.
Model years covered: 2016-2024
The Ford Explorer is one of America's most popular midsize SUVs, but models produced between 2016 and 2024 have been plagued by a series of persistent and dangerous defects. From catastrophic transmission failures and sudden engine stalling to a widely publicized defect allowing toxic carbon monoxide exhaust fumes into the passenger cabin, many owners have found themselves making repeated, frustrating trips to the dealership. These recurring issues not only compromise the safety and reliability of the vehicle but also significantly diminish its value, leading many frustrated consumers to seek legal recourse.
If you own or lease a 2016-2024 Ford Explorer that has spent excessive time in the repair shop or has undergone multiple unsuccessful repair attempts for the same issue under warranty, your vehicle may qualify as a lemon. State lemon laws are designed to protect consumers from defective vehicles, offering remedies such as a full vehicle repurchase (buyback), a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement. Understanding your rights and the common defects associated with the Ford Explorer is the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve and getting out of a dangerous or unreliable vehicle.
Total recalls: 16
The 2016-2024 Ford Explorer has been subject to numerous significant recalls. Major campaigns include recalls for rear suspension toe links that can fracture due to corrosion or stress, leading to a loss of steering control (affecting 2013-2017 models). Another major recall involves engine block heaters that can overheat and cause fires (2016 models).
More recently, Ford issued recalls for roof rail covers that can detach while driving (2016-2019 models) and a massive recall affecting over 2 million vehicles, including 2020-2024 Explorers, for defective rearview cameras that fail to display an image. There have also been recalls for loose power seat adjuster bolts and failing front drive axle halfshaft brackets.
View all Ford recalls and NHTSA safety alerts
Ford has issued numerous Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the Explorer to address common issues that do not rise to the level of a safety recall. Notable TSBs address the persistent exhaust odor in the cabin, providing dealership technicians with procedures to seal gaps and reprogram the climate control system.
Other significant TSBs cover transmission harsh shifting and delayed engagement, often recommending software updates for the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or replacement of the transmission valve body. TSBs have also been issued for infotainment system glitches, requiring SYNC software updates, and for various suspension noises and clunks.
The Ford Explorer has been the subject of several major class action lawsuits. The most prominent litigation involves the 2016-2019 models regarding a defect that allows dangerous exhaust gases, including carbon monoxide, to enter the passenger cabin. A nationwide settlement was reached, requiring Ford to cover post-warranty repair costs for the exhaust odor issue.
Additionally, Ford is facing class action lawsuits regarding defective 10R80 transmissions in various models, including the Explorer, alleging that the transmissions cause harsh shifting, jerking, and sudden acceleration. Another certified class action alleges that a dangerous water pump defect in certain Ford engines can cause catastrophic engine failure. Ford has also faced litigation over defective 360-degree camera systems in 2020-2023 Explorers.
Your Ford Explorer may qualify for the lemon law if it has a substantial defect that impairs its use, value, or safety, and the dealership has been unable to fix it after a reasonable number of repair attempts (usually 2-4, depending on your state) while under the manufacturer's warranty.
Many 2016-2019 Ford Explorers have a defect where exhaust fumes, including carbon monoxide, can enter the passenger cabin, often smelling like rotten eggs or sulfur. This is a serious safety issue that has been the subject of recalls and class action lawsuits.
Compensation varies by state and the specifics of your case, but successful lemon law claims typically result in a vehicle repurchase (buyback), a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement. Buybacks usually refund your down payment, monthly payments, and registration fees, minus a deduction for the miles driven before the first repair attempt.
Yes, transmission issues are among the most common complaints for the 2016-2024 Ford Explorer. Owners frequently report rough shifting, hesitation, slipping gears, and complete transmission failure, which often require significant repairs or replacement.
In most states, including California, the lemon law requires the manufacturer (Ford) to pay your attorney's fees and costs if you win your case. This means you can hire an experienced lemon law attorney with no out-of-pocket expenses.