2024 Ford Explorer Problems: 5 Known Issues
2024 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2024 Ford Explorer has 5 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Trailer hitch bolts may be under-torqued — recall 25V687, Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451 and Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 5 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls53 recalls
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 205, "Glazing Materials."
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction when driving through curves in the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
TRAILER HITCHES
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
ENGINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair, and 2025 Maverick vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Ford Explorer problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2024 Ford Explorer has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Trailer hitch bolts may be under-torqued — recall 25V687, Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451, Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Explorer reliable?
The 2024 Ford Explorer has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Trailer hitch bolts may be under-torqued — recall 25V687 and Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451 and Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What is the 2024-2026 Ford Explorer Trailer hitch bolts may be under-torqued — recall 25V687?
Bolts attaching the trailer tow hitch may be below specified torque because the line operator did not complete the bolt secure. Towing handling can suffer and, in the worst case, the hitch can detach while towing; a rattle from the rear may be the warning. Applies to: 1,237 speci… Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2026 Ford Explorer Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451?
The bezel around the second-row outboard easy-entry (tip-and-slide) switch can become misaligned or unseated, letting the switch bind or stick down. The seat can then tip or slide unexpectedly, possibly while driving, increasing injury risk in a crash. With the button stuck down,… Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2026 Ford Explorer Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159?
On a small number of Explorers, the left and/or right second-row seat-belt lower anchor may not be secured to the body because of an incomplete repair at the assembly plant. A loose anchor may not restrain an occupant properly in a crash; a rattle may be the only warning. Applies… Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2024 Ford Explorer Center screen and rear camera image can appear flipped — recall 26V123?
On Explorers with a specific 10.1-inch center display, the SYNC screen image can appear flipped or inverted right after an ignition cycle, including the rearview camera image in reverse. A rear camera image that is not displayed correctly increases crash risk; Ford lists no warni… Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2024 Ford Explorer Water in the spare-tire well or rear liftgate area — bulletin 24-2044?
Some Explorers collect water in the rear liftgate area or spare-tire well, and some lose audio, often noticed after a car wash or rain. Wet cargo areas can damage stored items and nearby components. Applies to: 2020–2024 Ford Explorer with water in the rear liftgate area or spare… Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.