2010 Ford Explorer
Common Problems
Ranked from 72 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
11 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Headrest design causing discomfort and neck strain
18complaintsSafety riskOtherThe headrests tilt excessively forward, causing discomfort and neck strain for occupants.
- 2
Dashboard warning lights and RSC/ABS system malfunctions
10complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe RSC (Roll Stability Control) and ABS lights illuminate, often accompanied by audible alarms and the vehicle entering limp mode.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Brake failure or reduced braking effectiveness
9complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe brakes either fail to respond adequately or the pedal sinks to the floorboard, causing loss of control and potential collisions.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Transmission slipping and sudden jolts during gear shifts
8complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission intermittently slips out of gear or fails to engage properly, causing sudden jolts and high engine revving, especially during acceleration or at highway speeds.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Engine stalling or shutting off while driving
7complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine stalls or shuts off unexpectedly while driving, often accompanied by dashboard warning lights such as the yellow wrench or engine light.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Unintended acceleration and engine surging while braking or at idle
7complaintsSafety riskOtherThe vehicle accelerates unexpectedly while braking or at idle, causing the RPMs to surge and increasing accident risk.
- 7
Key stuck in ignition or unable to shift out of park
6complaintsMedium severityOtherThe key becomes stuck in the ignition or the vehicle cannot shift out of park, often due to a faulty interlock mechanism.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Fuel system issues including gauge malfunction and leaks
4complaintsMedium severityFuel systemFuel gauge behaves erratically or remains on empty despite fuel being present, and fuel leaks have been reported.
- 9
Front wheel bearing/hub assembly failure
2complaintsMedium severityOtherFront wheel bearings or hub assemblies fail prematurely, requiring replacement after warranty expiration.
$250–$700est. wheel bearing/hub replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Odometer fraud or mileage discrepancy
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe vehicle's odometer was rolled back or showed a discrepancy between the displayed mileage and the title or maintenance records.
- 11
Steering difficulty during turns
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel locks or becomes difficult to turn during low-speed maneuvers, requiring excessive force.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.