2007 Ford Explorer Problems and Recalls (193 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 2007 Ford Explorer is Transmission / driveline (25% of 193 owner reports). There are 3 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Transmission / driveline — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-09-07 193 complaints · 3 recalls

What problems show up on the 2007 Ford Explorer?

49 of 193 filings named Transmission / driveline (25% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Engine (28 reports).

There are 3 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Glass / wipers / cameras. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 2006 has 622 reports on file; this year has 193. A smaller lifetime total is not a clean bill of health. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 2007 Ford Explorer

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 3 campaigns on file below.
  2. Transmission / driveline. Have a shop drive it and check the transmission: hard or delayed shifts, burnt-smelling fluid, and 4WD engagement if equipped.
  3. Engine. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise.
  4. Electrical. Have a shop scan for stored codes and check battery, charging and any warning lights that stay on.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Transmission / driveline. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Transmission / driveline 49 complaints · 25.4% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 11
  • Fires 4
  • Injuries 9
  • Deaths 2
All Ford Explorer years →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) appears in 49 of 193 owner complaints (25.4%) in this vehicle snapshot. Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 49 complaints, 25.4% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 1 crash reports 49 · 25.4% Engine (ENGINE): 28 complaints, 14.5% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 3 fire reports 28 · 14.5% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 12 complaints, 6.2% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 1 fire reports 12 · 6.2% Body / frame (STRUCTURE): 10 complaints, 5.2% of reports Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 10 · 5.2% Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL): 10 complaints, 5.2% of reports Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 1 crash reports 10 · 5.2% Airbags (AIR BAGS): 9 complaints, 4.7% of reports Airbags (AIR BAGS) 4 crash reports 9 · 4.7% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 8 complaints, 4.2% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 8 · 4.2% Steering (STEERING): 8 complaints, 4.2% of reports Steering (STEERING) 2 crash reports 8 · 4.2% Wheels (WHEELS): 8 complaints, 4.2% of reports Wheels (WHEELS) 1 crash reports 8 · 4.2% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 74 complaints, 38.3% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 3 crash reports 74 · 38.3% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 49 25.4% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 28 14.5% 0 crashes · 3 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 12 6.2% 0 crashes · 1 fires
Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 10 5.2% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 10 5.2% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Airbags (AIR BAGS) 9 4.7% 4 crashes · 0 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 8 4.2% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Steering (STEERING) 8 4.2% 2 crashes · 0 fires
Wheels (WHEELS) 8 4.2% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 74 38.3% 3 crashes · 0 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Jan 2007; the first recall shown was reported in Apr 2007. 2007-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2007-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2007-Q4: 5 owner reports 5 2008-Q1: 6 owner reports 6 2008-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2008-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2008-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2009-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2009-Q2: 4 owner reports 4 2009-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2009-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2010-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2010-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2010-Q3: 6 owner reports 6 2010-Q4: 4 owner reports 4 2011-Q1: 7 owner reports 7 2011-Q2: 4 owner reports 4 2011-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2011-Q4: 5 owner reports 5 2012-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2012-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2012-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 2012-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2013-Q1: 6 owner reports 6 2013-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2013-Q3: 5 owner reports 5 2013-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2014-Q1: 5 owner reports 5 2014-Q2: 9 owner reports 9 2014-Q3: 11 owner reports 11 2014-Q4: 4 owner reports 4 2015-Q1: 6 owner reports 6 2015-Q2: 8 owner reports 8 2015-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 2015-Q4: 7 owner reports 7 2016-Q1: 6 owner reports 6 2016-Q2: 7 owner reports 7 2016-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 2016-Q4: 4 owner reports 4 2017-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2017-Q2: 4 owner reports 4 2017-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2017-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2018-Q2: 3 owner reports 3 2018-Q3: 5 owner reports 5 2018-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2019-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2019-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2019-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2020-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2021-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2023-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2024-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2024-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 Owner reports Jan 2007 Jul 2024 Recall campaign 07V181000 ◆ Recall campaign 07V181000 Recall campaign 07E104000 ◆ Recall campaign 07E104000 Recall campaign 10E043000 ◆ Recall campaign 10E043000 Investigation PE08060 ● Investigation PE08060
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2007-Q1 Owner reports 3
2007-Q2 Owner reports 1
2007-Q4 Owner reports 5
2008-Q1 Owner reports 6
2008-Q2 Owner reports 1
2008-Q3 Owner reports 1
2008-Q4 Owner reports 3
2009-Q1 Owner reports 1
2009-Q2 Owner reports 4
2009-Q3 Owner reports 2
2009-Q4 Owner reports 1
2010-Q1 Owner reports 3
2010-Q2 Owner reports 2
2010-Q3 Owner reports 6
2010-Q4 Owner reports 4
2011-Q1 Owner reports 7
2011-Q2 Owner reports 4
2011-Q3 Owner reports 2
2011-Q4 Owner reports 5
2012-Q1 Owner reports 2
2012-Q2 Owner reports 2
2012-Q3 Owner reports 4
2012-Q4 Owner reports 3
2013-Q1 Owner reports 6
2013-Q2 Owner reports 2
2013-Q3 Owner reports 5
2013-Q4 Owner reports 2
2014-Q1 Owner reports 5
2014-Q2 Owner reports 9
2014-Q3 Owner reports 11
2014-Q4 Owner reports 4
2015-Q1 Owner reports 6
2015-Q2 Owner reports 8
2015-Q3 Owner reports 4
2015-Q4 Owner reports 7
2016-Q1 Owner reports 6
2016-Q2 Owner reports 7
2016-Q3 Owner reports 4
2016-Q4 Owner reports 4
2017-Q1 Owner reports 2
2017-Q2 Owner reports 4
2017-Q3 Owner reports 1
2017-Q4 Owner reports 2
2018-Q2 Owner reports 3
2018-Q3 Owner reports 5
2018-Q4 Owner reports 3
2019-Q1 Owner reports 2
2019-Q2 Owner reports 2
2019-Q3 Owner reports 1
2020-Q3 Owner reports 1
2021-Q1 Owner reports 1
2023-Q4 Owner reports 1
2024-Q2 Owner reports 2
2024-Q3 Owner reports 1
Recall campaign 1 07V181000
Recall campaign 1 07E104000
Recall campaign 1 10E043000
Defect investigation 1 PE08060
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-09-06 Open source record

Safety Recalls (3)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Glass / wipers / cameras.

  1. Recall campaign 07E104000

    Glass / wipers / cameras

    Report date
    Component:
    Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY)
    Consequence:
    IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
    Remedy:
    SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 07V181000

    Safety recall 07V181000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE "CLUNKING" NOISE WHEN STEERING AS WELL AS DECREASED STEERING EFFECTIVENESS POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Recall campaign 10E043000

    Safety recall 10E043000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-09-07
Safety incident filters
Showing 3 of 193 complaints · page 1 of 8
2024-08-06Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11606826
CrashFireInjuryDeath
I am writing to formally express my concerns regarding a persistent issue with the throttle body system in my Ford Explorer. I have addressed this problem multiple times, having repaired the throttle body system, replaced the sensor, and even substituted the entire assembly on two separate occasions. Despite these efforts, the same diagnostic code continues to appear. Through my research, I have discovered that the throttle body issues in this particular year and model are not uncommon. I find myself at a loss regarding the next steps to take, particularly since I am certainly not the only Ford Explorer owner experiencing this challenge. This ongoing issue poses a significant safety risk, as exemplified by a recent incident where my vehicle ceased accelerating in the middle of a busy street just two days ago, nearly resulting in a collision. The car has only been examined by my mechanic; no police or other authorities have inspected it. Each time the throttle body-related code activates, I observe the wrench icon and the check engine light illuminating on the dashboard. Despite having undertaken extensive replacement of components associated with the throttle position sensor system, the root of the problem remains elusive—not even the dealership has been able to provide a solution. I urge you to investigate this matter further, as I believe there are others experiencing similar issues.
2024-06-17Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
NHTSA ODI 11594800
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2007 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of a failure with the transmission. The contact attempted to shift the gear shifter and the vehicle made a loud clanking sound and the vehicle was rattling. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 150,076.
2024-06-07Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11592963
CrashFireInjuryDeath
My check engine light came on and the car was making a loud acceleration noise when touching the gas. I took it to the dealer and they found that the wiring harness (Part# 7L2Z-12A581-CB) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The dealership told me they are trying to locate the part. This went on for 8 or 9 months when they informed me that the part was on a national backorder. No one had this part in the US or Canada. I also contacted suppliers and dealerships myself to help find the part. On multiple occasions I spoke with my Ford dealer, Ford Parts Department and Customer Resolution Center. They keep telling me that we have to just wait for the part. I explained that it's been 9 months and asked if they can tell me how long it will take. They said they have no ETA. I explained that my car needs to be inspected by the end of the month and it won't pass without this wiring harness because my check engine light is on. I can't get an answer as to whether or not the part is on backorder or discontinued, and if backordered, when the part will be available. In the meantime, besides the fact that my car won't pass inspection in a few weeks, I'm also concerned about my safety driving with this faulty part. Multiple things can happen as a result including the car catching on fire. I need the part to fix my car and pass my inspection. However, I'm being told it's not available and there are a lot of units ordered and waiting. Is it possible that many others are experiencing the same? And if so, is this a faulty part that should be recalled? Thank you.

Ford Explorer Complaints by Year

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2007 Ford Explorer?

Owners named Transmission / driveline most often — 49 of 193 reports (25%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 2007 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Glass / wipers / cameras. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 2007 Ford Explorer?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Have a shop drive it and check the transmission: hard or delayed shifts, burnt-smelling fluid, and 4WD engagement if equipped. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-09-07. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources