EZ Swap LLC services the Ford Explorer in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2005 to 2027. If your Explorer has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help Explorer owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 16,933 owner complaints on file for the Explorer and 103 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are steering (3,545), structure (3,365), power train (2,080).
Most-Reported Ford Explorer Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Explorer (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 3,545 | 20% | |
| Structure | 3,365 | 19% | |
| Power Train | 2,080 | 12% | |
| Engine | 1,917 | 11% | |
| Electrical System | 1,298 | 7% | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 711 | 4% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 649 | 3% | |
| Suspension | 595 | 3% |
Steering
3,545 of the 16,933 complaints (20%) mention steering. Steering complaints deserve prompt attention. We inspect steering components and alignment so the car tracks straight and responds predictably. See our suspension & alignment page.
Structure
3,365 of the 16,933 complaints (19%) mention body, doors and latches. Latch and body complaints affect security and safety. We inspect and repair door, hood and trunk hardware. See our auto repair page.
Power Train
2,080 of the 16,933 complaints (12%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Ford Explorer Complaints by Model Year
The Explorer model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2016, 2013, 2015. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 568 | |
| 2006 | 635 | |
| 2007 | 208 | |
| 2008 | 148 | |
| 2009 | 33 | |
| 2010 | 115 | |
| 2011 | 1,196 | |
| 2012 | 829 | |
| 2013 | 2,237 | |
| 2014 | 1,684 | |
| 2015 | 1,811 | |
| 2016 | 2,462 | |
| 2017 | 1,712 | |
| 2018 | 733 | |
| 2019 | 299 | |
| 2020 | 1,244 | |
| 2021 | 454 | |
| 2022 | 272 | |
| 2023 | 113 | |
| 2024 | 29 | |
| 2025 | 109 | |
| 2026 | 42 |
Most Common Ford Explorer Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Explorer. The most-cited is U3000 (manufacturer-specific network code), mentioned in 25 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| U3000 | Manufacturer-specific network code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 25 |
| B141B | Manufacturer-specific body code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 23 |
| B141C | Manufacturer-specific body code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 17 |
| P2111 | Throttle actuator control stuck open Dirty or failing electronic throttle body; can cause stalling or reduced power. | 13 |
| C0631 | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 11 |
| C200D | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 8 |
| C1B00 | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 7 |
| P2112 | Throttle actuator control stuck closed Dirty or failing electronic throttle body; can cause stalling or reduced power. | 6 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Ford Explorer Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 103 recall campaigns for the Explorer in these model years, most often involving power train, back over prevention, fuel system, gasoline. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2026 recall, Structure (campaign 26V448000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
- 2026 recall, Suspension (campaign 26V101000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
- 2026 recall, Equipment (campaign 26V012000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
- 2026 recall, Visibility (campaign 26V117000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
- 2026 recall, Back Over Prevention (campaign 26V123000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles.
- 2026 recall, Seat Belts (campaign 26V159000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Explorer, 406 involved a crash, 103 involved a fire, 521 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Ford Explorer Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Ford will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Explorer that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Explorer owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Ford Explorer, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Ford Explorer Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Ford Explorer repair service, or choose a service below.
Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Pre-Purchase Inspection
Know the car before you buy it.
Details →Ford Explorer FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Ford Explorer?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Ford Explorer are steering (3,545), structure (3,365), power train (2,080). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Explorer model years have the most complaints?
The Explorer model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2016, 2013, 2015. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Ford Explorer?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Ford Explorer, the codes cited most often are U3000 (manufacturer-specific network code), B141B (manufacturer-specific body code), B141C (manufacturer-specific body code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Ford Explorer have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 103 recall campaigns for the Ford Explorer across model years 2005 to 2027. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Ford Explorer in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Ford vehicles including the Explorer, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Ford Explorer?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Ford Explorer in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Ford Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.