Explorer recalls and safety
4 recalls since 1971 · 12 owner complaints since 1996
4
vehicle recalls since 1971
4
vehicle recalls since 1971
Explorer has had 4 vehicle recalls since 1971, covering 23,507 vehicles as reported. There were no Explorer recalls in 2025. The Explorer Explorer has the most recalls (2).
Updated Oct 11, 2026 · recalls to Oct 6, 2026
Recalls in 2025
0
2026 so far
0
All recalls
4
Since 1971
Units affected
24K
All recalls, as reported
Do-not-drive
0
None in the data
Complaints, 12 mo
0
To Sep 2026
Recalls per year
Explorer vehicle recalls each year since 1971, and the vehicles they covered
Explorer models
5 models with recalls, complaints or star ratings. Models with enough data have their own page.
| Model | Recalls | Units | Complaints | Rated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer | 2 | 381 | 11 | - |
| Astro | 1 | 1,089 | 0 | - |
| Safari | 1 | 1,089 | 0 | - |
| Van | 1 | 22K | 0 | - |
| S265 | 0 | 0 | 1 | - |
What can go wrong
Explorer recalls by the stated risk
Parts recalled most
Explorer recalls by component
- Seat belts2 · 23K units
- Equipment1 · 131 units
- Latches/locks/linkages1 · 250 units
Latest Explorer recalls
The newest of 4. Open one for what is wrong, the risk, the fix and the models covered.
| Date | Recall | Hazard | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 12, 1993 | Explorer Astro, Safari (1993): Seat beltsNo. 93V168000 | Crash risk | 1,089 |
| May 2, 1991 | Explorer VAN (1987-1990): Seat beltsNo. 91V072000 | Crash risk | 22,037 |
| Sep 8, 1977 | Explorer Explorer (1976): EquipmentNo. 77V137000 | Injury | 131 |
| May 13, 1971 | Explorer Explorer (1970): Latches/locks/linkagesNo. 71V078000 | Other or not stated | 250 |
Related pages
Questions and answers
Which Explorer models have the most recalls?
The Explorer (2), the Astro (1) and the Safari (1) have the most recalls since 1971. Models sold for many years and in large numbers have more.
What is the most common Explorer recall problem?
Seat belts: 2 of the 4 Explorer recalls, followed by equipment (1).
What do Explorer owners complain about most?
Engine and engine cooling, named in 3 of the 12 safety complaints Explorer owners filed since 1996, then tires (2). One complaint can name several components.
Are there do-not-drive recalls for Explorer?
No Explorer recall in the data tells owners not to drive the vehicle until it is repaired.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data, updated daily. Makes and models are written as published.