Ford Explorer RWD
Ford · Cars · 2026
Ford Explorer RWD
92
8 complaints
status.verdict
status.certified
status.certified_sub
product.specifications
specs.g_fuel_economy
specs.city_mpg20
specs.highway_mpg29
specs.combined_mpg24
specs.annual_fuel_cost$2800
specs.ghg_score5 / 10
specs.g_engine_drivetrain
specs.engine_size2.3 L
specs.cylinders4
specs.fuel_typeRegular
specs.transmissionAutomatic 10-spd
specs.drivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
CO₂377 g/mi
specs.g_classification
specs.vehicle_classStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 2×2

specs.data_sourced_from FuelEconomy.gov (specs.energy_dept)

product.complaints_section8 total
FORD EXPLORER 2026 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
high
At approximately 1,700 miles, my brand-new 2026 Ford Explorer ST (3.0L EcoBoost) suffered a sudden, catastrophic engine failure while driving, causing an immediate and dangerous loss of motive power. Prior to the failure, the engine experienced severe misfires. Following manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) guidance regarding EcoBoost engine misfires, a step-colder spark plug heat range (NGK LTR7IX-11) was utilized to remedy pre-ignition. Ford Motor Company has denied warranty coverage for this catastrophic powertrain failure, falsely claiming the TSB-compliant heat-range plugs caused the destruction. The sudden loss of engine power poses an immediate safety hazard on public roads. I request an investigation into 2025-2026 Ford 3.0L EcoBoost spark plug issues, pre-ignition failures, and unfair warranty denials leaving dangerous vehicles unresolved."
NHTSAUSApr 2026Source →
FORD EXPLORER 2026 ENGINE
high
While driving my new Ford explorer, with 638 miles on it, on the highway I heard a loud pop, and lost power steering. I was barely able to pull the vehicle over to the shoulder to get off the highway. If I would have been on an interstate or a busier highway it could have been very dangerous. I believe that this has put me in danger having to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the highway and sit there while waiting for a tow truck. The Vehicle was towed to the dealership where we bought it. the service manager told us that the engine had blown, it was a catastrophic failure. There were holes in the oil pan as well as through the top part of the engine from it exploding. I believe that we are lucky that the engine wasn't hot enough to start a fire, as we were only a few miles from the start of our drive. there were no warning lamps or messages prior to the engine exploding. The vehicle is currently at our dealership in Monroe Wisconsin, Alphorn Ford is the dealership.
NHTSAUSApr 2026Source →
FORD EXPLORER 2026 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
low
While operating the vehicle with the cruise control enabled and engaged, the vehicle resets the “set” speed 5 to 15 MPH higher than initially set with no driver input or adjustment and begins accelerating. My spouse related this has happened several times to her at various speed settings. Today, I was on the highway with it set at 60 MPH, the vehicle began accelerating and I noticed the set speed had changed to 75 MPH. I disengaged the cruise control and turned it off. We plan to notify Ford and take it to the dealership for evaluation.
NHTSAUSApr 2026Source →
FORD EXPLORER 2026 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
high
While driving, Sirius XM pushes advertisements to my infotainment display. These notifications are distracting to driving and they WILL cause an accident. This practice should be banned outright and a monetary fine placed on Sirius XM for impairing driving. Completely unacceptable placement of advertisements and it is going to get someone seriously injured or worse.
NHTSAUSApr 2026Source →
FORD EXPLORER 2026 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
high
I was driving home from work on the interstate. It was not overly crowded and not many vehicles around me. I was going the speed limit. All the sudden I heard a loud pop and a very loud sound. I wasn’t sure exactly what happened. I thought maybe I blew a tire so I pulled over to the side of the road. I then figured out that my sunroof had shattered/exploded in my brand new 2026 ford explorer. I just purchased it new on 1/30/26 and it has approx 3k mileage. Luckily I had the shade on my sunroof closed otherwise glass would have been everywhere in my car and all of me while I was driving. I was now on the side of the interstate cleaning glass off the top of my car into a bag so I could continuing driving home and it wouldn’t blow off onto the highway into traffic. Needless to say it took a long time. I have no idea what could have caused this to happen other than a manufacture defect in the glass. It is very scary for that to happen while traveling at a higher speed on an interstate. In addition if the sunshade would have been open. I have not spoken to the dealership or insurance company yet, but will call them tomorrow.
NHTSAUSApr 2026Source →
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status.uncertainstatus.certified31 May 2026
Lemon Score: 92. 8 data points. v3 scoring.
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