2024 Ford Explorer Problems: 5 Known Issues
2024 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 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 outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159 and Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 5 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls54 recalls
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.3L Hybrid engines. The 12-Volt battery cable may chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generat (BiSG) and short circuit.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
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.
+ 49 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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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. Documented issues include: Trailer hitch bolts may be under-torqued — recall 25V687, Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159, Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451. 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 outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159 and Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451. 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 finish securing them. Towing handling can suffer and, in the worst case, the hitch can detach while towing; a rattle from the rear may be the warning. The recall affects 1,237 sp… 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. It affe… 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 2020-2024 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. It affects 2020–2024 Ford Explorers 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.