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Explorer

Ford Explorer: official NHTSA recalls, fault code help and maintenance guides.

Ford ExplorerLicensed photo · Photo credit
MakeFord
ClassStandard SUV
Model years (US)2000–2027
New registrations (EU)2000–2026
Recall dataNHTSA (United States)
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Generations and technical specifications

Ford Explorer – Sixth generation2019–present
Ford Explorer – Sixth generation
SpecificationValue
Model codeU625
ProductionMay 6, 2019 – present
Model years2020–present
Body styles5-door SUV
LayoutFront engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
PlatformFord CD6 platform
EnginesGasoline
2.3 L EcoBoost turbo I4
2.3L CAF484WQMA turbo I4 (China)
3.0 L EcoBoost twin turbo V6
3.3 L Cyclone FFV V6 (Police Interceptor Utility/Explorer fleet model)
Gasoline hybrid
3.3 L Cyclone V6
Gasoline plug-in hybrid
3.0 L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6
Electric motor44 hp Modular electric-motor system
102 PS Permanent-magnet synchronous AC electric motor
TransmissionsFord 10R60 10-speed SelectShift automatic
DrivetrainFHEV (Explorer Hybrid)
EcoBoost PHEV (Explorer PHEV)
Battery14.4 kwh Lithium-ion (Li-ion)
Wheelbase3,025 mm
Length5,050 mm
Width2,004 mm
Height1,775 mm
Kerb weight1,971–2,144 kg
AssemblyUnited States: Chicago, Illinois (Chicago Assembly)
China: Hangzhou (Changan Ford)
Ford Explorer – Fifth generation2010–2019
Ford Explorer – Fifth generation
SpecificationValue
Model codeU502
ProductionDecember 1, 2010 – March 3, 2019
Model years2011–2019
Body styles5-door crossover
LayoutFront engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
PlatformFord D4 platform
EnginesGasoline
2.0 L EcoBoost turbocharged I4 (front-wheel drive only)
2.3 L EcoBoost turbocharged I4
3.5 L Duratec Ti-VCT V6
3.5 L EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 (all-wheel drive only)
3.7 L Cyclone Ti-VCT FFV V6 (Police Interceptor Utility, all-wheel drive only)
Transmissions6-speed Ford 6F automatic w/ overdrive (EcoBoost I4 model)
6-speed 6F SelectShift automatic (3.5L/3.7L)
6-speed 6F SelectShift automatic with paddle shifters (Sport model)
Wheelbase2,860 mm
Length5,006 mm
Width2,004 mm
Height1,788 mm
Kerb weight1,989–2,223 kg
AssemblyUnited States: Chicago, Illinois (Chicago Assembly)
Venezuela: Valencia, Carabobo (Valencia Assembly)
Russia: Yelabuga, Tatarstan
DesignerBrian Izard, George Bucher (2008)
Mike Arbaugh (facelift: 2013)
Ford Explorer – Fourth generation2005–2010
Ford Explorer – Fourth generation
SpecificationValue
Model codeU251
ProductionJuly 2005 – December 16, 2010
Model years2006–2010
Body styles4-door SUV
LayoutFront engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
EnginesGasoline
4.0 L Cologne SOHC V6
4.6 L Modular 24-valve V8
Transmissions5-speed 5R55S automatic
6-speed 6R automatic
Wheelbase2,888 mm
Length4,912 mm
Width1,872 mm
Height2006–07: 1,808 mm
2008: 1,849 mm
2009–10: 1,826 mm
AssemblyUnited States: Louisville, Kentucky (Louisville Assembly Plant); St. Louis, Missouri (St. Louis Assembly)
Venezuela: Valencia, Carabobo (Valencia Assembly)
DesignerJeff Nowak (2003)
Ford Explorer – Third generation2000–2005
Ford Explorer – Third generation
SpecificationValue
Model codeU152
ProductionNovember 2000 – June 2005
Model years2002–2005
Body styles4-door SUV
LayoutFront engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
EnginesGasoline
4.0 L Cologne V6
4.6 L 16-valve Modular V8
Transmissions5-speed M5OD-R4 manual
5-speed 5R55W automatic
5-speed 5R55S automatic
Wheelbase2002–03: 2,888 mm
2004–05: 2,891 mm
Length4,813 mm
Width1,831 mm
Height1,814 mm
AssemblyUnited States: Louisville, Kentucky (Louisville Assembly Plant); St. Louis, Missouri (St. Louis Assembly)
Venezuela: Valencia, Carabobo (Valencia Assembly)
DesignerEdward Golden (1997)
Ford Explorer – Second generation1994–2003
Ford Explorer – Second generation
SpecificationValue
Model codeUN105 / UN150
ProductionNovember 1994 – December 2000 (4-door)
November 1994 – July 2003 (3-door/Explorer Sport)
Model years1995–2001 (5-door)
1995–2003 (3-door)
Body styles3-door SUV (1995–2003)
5-door SUV (1995–2001)
LayoutFront engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
EnginesGasoline
4.0 L Cologne OHV V6 (1995–2000)
4.0 L Cologne SOHC V6 (1997–2003)
5.0 L small block OHV V8 (1996–2001)
Transmissions5-speed M5OD-R1 manual (4.0 L OHV)
5-speed M5OD-R1HD manual (2001–2003 Explorer Sport)
4-speed 4R55E automatic (4.0 L 1995–1996)
4-speed 4R70W automatic (V8 models)
5-speed 5R55E automatic (4.0 L 1997–2003)
Wheelbase1995–97 5-door: 2,832 mm
1998–2001 5-door: 2,835 mm
1995–99 3-door: 2,583 mm
2000–03 3-door: 2,586 mm
Length1995–2001 5-door: 4,844 mm
1995–97 3-door: 4,536 mm
1998–99 3-door: 4,592 mm
2000–03 3-door: 4,582 mm
Width1,783 mm
Height1,702–1,735 mm
AssemblyUnited States: Louisville, Kentucky (Louisville Assembly Plant); St. Louis, Missouri (St. Louis Assembly Plant)
Venezuela: Valencia, Carabobo (Valencia Assembly)
DesignerBob Aikins (1992)

Engines and transmissions

Model yearsEngineTransmissionDriveFuel
2020–20272.3 L, 4 cyl10-speed automaticPart-time four-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
2020–20272.3 L, 4 cyl10-speed automaticRear-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
2020–20273.0 L, 6 cyl10-speed automaticPart-time four-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
2021–20273.0 L, 6 cyl10-speed automaticRear-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
2020–20243.3 L, 6 cyl10-speed automaticPart-time four-wheel drivePetrol or E85 (flex-fuel)
2020–20233.3 L, 6 cyl hybrid10-speed automaticPart-time four-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
2020–20233.3 L, 6 cyl hybrid10-speed automaticRear-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
2016–20192.3 L, 4 cyl6-speed automaticAll-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
2016–20192.3 L, 4 cyl6-speed automaticFront-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
2012–20193.5 L, 6 cyl6-speed automaticAll-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
2013–20193.5 L, 6 cyl6-speed automaticAll-wheel drivePetrol or E85 (flex-fuel)
2011–20193.5 L, 6 cyl6-speed automaticFront-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
+17 more configurations

Fuel economy (EPA)

Model yearsConfigurationCombinedCityHighway
2020–20272.3 L, 4 cyl · 10-speed automatic · Part-time four-wheel drive10.2–11.8 L/100 km11.8–13.1 L/100 km8.7–11.2 L/100 km
2020–20272.3 L, 4 cyl · 10-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive9.8–10.2 L/100 km11.2–11.8 L/100 km8.1–8.4 L/100 km
2020–20273.0 L, 6 cyl · 10-speed automatic · Part-time four-wheel drive11.2–12.4 L/100 km13.1–13.8 L/100 km9.4–10.7 L/100 km
2021–20273.0 L, 6 cyl · 10-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive11.2–11.8 L/100 km13.1–13.8 L/100 km9.0–9.4 L/100 km
2020–20243.3 L, 6 cyl · 10-speed automatic · Part-time four-wheel drive11.8–12.4 L/100 km13.8–14.7 L/100 km9.4–10.2 L/100 km
2020–20233.3 L, 6 cyl hybrid · 10-speed automatic · Part-time four-wheel drive9.4–10.2 L/100 km10.2 L/100 km9.0–9.8 L/100 km
2020–20233.3 L, 6 cyl hybrid · 10-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive8.4–9.0 L/100 km8.7–9.4 L/100 km8.1–9.0 L/100 km
2016–20192.3 L, 4 cyl · 6-speed automatic · All-wheel drive11.2 L/100 km13.1 L/100 km9.0–9.4 L/100 km
2016–20192.3 L, 4 cyl · 6-speed automatic · Front-wheel drive10.7 L/100 km12.4 L/100 km8.7 L/100 km
2012–20193.5 L, 6 cyl · 6-speed automatic · All-wheel drive12.4–13.1 L/100 km13.8–14.7 L/100 km10.2–10.7 L/100 km
2011–20193.5 L, 6 cyl · 6-speed automatic · Front-wheel drive11.8 L/100 km13.1–13.8 L/100 km9.4–9.8 L/100 km
2012–20152.0 L, 4 cyl · 6-speed automatic · Front-wheel drive10.2 L/100 km11.8 L/100 km8.4–8.7 L/100 km
+13 more configurations

Values are the official EPA label figures for each model year, shown as the lowest and highest value for the configuration. Electric models show energy use per 100 km. Real-world consumption depends on driving style, weather and load. Luggage and passenger volumes follow the EPA measuring method and can differ from the VDA figures used in Europe.

EU type-approval data

YearsPowertrainEnginePowerMassCO₂Electric range
2024–2025Electric–70 kW (95 PS)1908–2080 kg–378–544 km · 161–173 Wh/km
2024–2025Electric–88 kW (120 PS)2090–2209 kg–532–602 km · 139–166 Wh/km
2024–2025Electric–89 kW (121 PS)2090–2209 kg–528–602 km · 139–170 Wh/km
2025Electric–125 kW (170 PS)1908–1950 kg–357–378 km · 163–173 Wh/km
2024–2025Electric–150 kW (204 PS)2080 kg–520–544 km · 161–169 Wh/km
2024–2025Electric–210 kW (286 PS)2090–2132 kg–566–602 km · 139–154 Wh/km
2024–2025Electric–250 kW (340 PS)2167–2209 kg–516–563 km · 158–173 Wh/km
2020–2024Petrol plug-in hybrid2956 cm³267 kW (363 PS)2541 kg71 g/km (WLTP)42–48 km · 215–220 Wh/km
2020–2022Petrol2956 cm³267 kW (363 PS)2541–2639 kg71 g/km (WLTP)–

Years are registration years. Each range runs from the 10th to the 90th percentile of the values reported for new registrations; it is not an average. Mass is the mass in running order. For electric cars the power is the type-approval net power, which can be lower than the peak power in brochures.

Key specifications

Key specifications
SpecificationValue
EPA size classStandard SUV, SUV
Model years in EPA data2000–2027
PowertrainsPetrol, Flex-fuel, Hybrid
Engine displacement2.0–5.0 L
Cylinders4, 6, 8
Transmission typesAutomatic, Manual
DriveRear-wheel drive, Part-time four-wheel drive, Front-wheel drive, All-wheel drive, Four-wheel drive, Four-wheel or all-wheel drive
FuelPetrol (regular), Petrol or E85 (flex-fuel)
Configurations listed190
Forced inductionTurbocharged (on some versions)
Start-stop systemOn some versions
Powertrains (EU)Petrol plug-in hybrid, Electric
Engine displacement (EU)2,956 cm³
Power (EU)89–267 kW (121–363 PS)
Mass in running order (EU)2,080–2,541 kg
Wheelbase (EU)3,025 mm

Years and markets

Years and markets
SpecificationValue
Model years (US)2000–2027
New registrations (EU)2000–2026

Owner complaints (NHTSA)

ComponentComplaintsMost reported model years
Body and structure48512002, 2016, 2017
Transmission and drivetrain47302002, 2004, 2020
Steering38592011, 2013, 2016
Engine and cooling32552013, 2016, 2017
Electrical system17622002, 2013, 2020
Suspension13322001, 2002, 2014
Visibility and wipers10652002, 2003, 2004
Fuel and propulsion10262013, 2015, 2016
Speed control and cruise9192000, 2002, 2004
Airbags8582002, 2015, 2016

Source: complaints filed by owners with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2000–2025: 25082 complaints, 915 with a crash and 331 with a fire. Complaints are owner reports that NHTSA has not verified, and one complaint can name more than one component. More complaints can also mean more cars sold.

Recalls

Ford Explorer recall: Air Bags:frontalAir Bags:frontal · 2026-09-09Ford Explorer recall: Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanicalEngine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical · 2026-08-13Ford Explorer recall: Visibility:windshieldVisibility:windshield · 2026-01-21Ford Explorer recall: Exterior Lighting:headlightsExterior Lighting:headlights · 2026-03-03Ford Explorer recall: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliperService Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper · 2025-06-04Ford Explorer recall: Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module:softwarePower Train:automatic Transmission:control Module:software · 2025-04-11

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