Car Record Book

2027 Ford Explorer recalls & problems

The 2027 Ford Explorer has 1 safety recall and 0 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.

Recalls1safety recalls
Complaints0filed by owners
Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints
2027 Ford Explorer in an NHTSA crash test
2027 Ford Explorer in an NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust

NHTSA recall 26V470000 · Jul 21, 2026 · 76,748 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.

Risk: Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S53.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2027 Ford Explorer NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2027 Ford Explorer NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

2027 FORD EXPLORER SUV HEV 4WD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk15.1%

2027 FORD EXPLORER SUV HEV RWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk14.7%

2027 FORD EXPLORER SUV ICE RWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk14.7%

2027 FORD EXPLORER SUV ICE 4WD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk15.1%

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Explorer RWD

23mpg combined
City / highway20 / 28 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Explorer AWD

23mpg combined
City / highway20 / 27 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Explorer RWD

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Explorer RWD

20mpg combined
City / highway17 / 25 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S10) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Explorer AWD

20mpg combined
City / highway17 / 24 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Explorer AWD

20mpg combined
City / highway17 / 24 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S10) · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Explorer Tremor AWD

20mpg combined
City / highway18 / 22 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Explorer Tremor AWD

19mpg combined
City / highway17 / 22 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.