VehicleVerdict

2010 Ford Explorer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2010 Ford Explorer sits mid-pack among Explorer years: 155 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 775, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 50 deaths and 14 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (29), seats (20), and engine (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

155

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

14

Injuries

50

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Explorer years?

Explorer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted4,096 complaints1977: 2 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 1 complaints1986: 3 complaints1987: 3 complaints1988: 7 complaints1989: 1 complaints1990: 12 complaints1991: 764 complaints1992: 848 complaints1993: 1,151 complaints1994: 1,531 complaints1995: 1,048 complaints1996: 1,818 complaints1997: 2,150 complaints1998: 2,374 complaints1999: 1,737 complaints2000: 1,203 complaints2001: 503 complaints2002: 4,096 complaints2003: 1,369 complaints2004: 1,647 complaints2005: 604 complaints2006: 788 complaints2007: 271 complaints2008: 216 complaints2009: 49 complaints2010: 155 complaints2011: 1,494 complaints2012: 1,027 complaints2013: 2,781 complaints2014: 2,038 complaints2015: 2,187 complaints2016: 3,004 complaints2017: 2,010 complaints2018: 859 complaints2019: 327 complaints2020: 1,617 complaints2021: 525 complaints2022: 339 complaints2023: 143 complaints2024: 26 complaints2025: 132 complaints2026: 25 complaints
Explorer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Explorer years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Ford Explorer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2919%
Seats2013%
Engine1711%
Electrical System1610%
Brakes1510%
Speed Control149%
Fuel System96%
Other85%
Airbags75%
Tires & Wheels53%
Steering43%
Suspension43%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Lighting21%
Seat Belts11%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 2010 Ford Explorer have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10E043000OtherSeptember 3, 2010 · 294 units

Defect

MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Consequence

AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

Remedy

MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.

10V161000SeatsApril 20, 2010 · 33,256 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINERS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINT." THE RECLINER GEAR PLATE TEETH MAY BE OUT OF DIMENSION SPECIFICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN LIMITED PAWL TO GEAR PLATE TOOTH ENGAGEMENT.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATBACK AND HEAD RESTRAINT MAY MOVE REARWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL RECLINERS FOR BOTH POWER AND MANUAL SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE CONTINUED JUMPED IN THE VEHICLE, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE WALL OF THE HOUSE AND AN IRON GATE. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 28, 2015 · crash

“IF FORD EVER DECIDES TO RECALL THESE FORWARD LEANING HEADRESTS PLEASE PUT ME AT THE TOP OF THE LIST WITH ALL OF THESE OTHER COMPLAINTS. FOR MY SAFETY??? THEY HURT! THEY ARE SO UNCOMFORTABLE NO MATTER HOW I ADJUST THE BACK OF MY SEAT. PLEASE FORD SEND OUT MORE COMFORTABLE HEADRESTS OR AT LEAST MAKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · July 8, 2011

“AUGUST 16, 2018 I HAD AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF MY 2010 FORD EXPLORER ACCELERATING WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. I WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY STOPPED AND OUT OF NO WHERE MY VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD SO FAST. THE SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE WAS EXTREMELY LOUD. MY DAUGHTER HAD UNBUCKLED HER SEAT BELT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 16, 2018 · crash

“THE CRUISE CONTROL INTERMITTENTLY ENGAGES WHEN IT IS TURNED OFF AND THE CAR SPEEDS UP, WHEN THE BRAKE IS PRESSED IT SHUTS OFF MOMENTARILY THEN RE-ENGAGES ITSELF. IT HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED AND THERE IS NO RHYME OR REASON FOR WHY IT HAPPENS. FORD HAS BEEN UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE ON 4 DIFFERENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 13, 2013

“3 times this has happened. I brake and it seems like I'm pressing the gas pedal and the brakes feel like they aren't stopping the vehicle. The third time put me in incoming traffic and the vehicle was totaled as it already had a rebuilt salvage title when we bought it. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 29, 2025 · crash

2010 Ford Explorer — common questions

Is the 2010 Ford Explorer reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 155 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Explorer year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2010 Explorer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (29 complaints), seats (20 complaints), engine (17 complaints).

Does the 2010 Ford Explorer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 Ford Explorer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2010 Ford Explorer under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Explorer years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Explorer years to avoid are 2002, 2016, 2013, 1998, 2015, 1997, 2014, 2017, 1996, 1999, 2004, 2020, 1994, 2011, 2003, 2000, 1993, 1995, 2018, 1992, 1991. The cleanest record among Explorer years belongs to 1989.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.