2007 Ford Explorer
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 4 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1991 | 609 |
| 1992 | 633 |
| 1993 | 939 |
| 1994 | 1207 |
| 1995 | 843 |
| 1996 | 1450 |
| 1997 | 1731 |
| 1998 | 1959 |
| 1999 | 1348 |
| 2000 | 952 |
| 2001 | 375 |
| 2002 | 3293 |
| 2003 | 1131 |
| 2004 | 1304 |
| 2005 | 497 |
| 2006 | 630 |
| 2007 | 208 |
| 2008 | 147 |
| 2009 | 33 |
| 2010 | 115 |
| 2011 | 1192 |
| 2012 | 820 |
| 2013 | 2222 |
| 2014 | 1669 |
| 2015 | 1748 |
| 2016 | 2424 |
| 2017 | 1656 |
| 2018 | 706 |
| 2019 | 281 |
| 2020 | 1155 |
| 2021 | 393 |
| 2022 | 242 |
| 2023 | 99 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2025 | 87 |
| 2026 | 16 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
19% of complaints: power train — 39 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLODER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD CRACKED. THE CONTACT CALLED FORMULA FORD LOCATED AT 4318 MIDDLE RUTLAND VT 05701 800-906-6065. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171211
13% of complaints: engine — 28 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD AND FLUID LEAKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180726
12% of complaints: seats — 24 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEN I WOULD TURN MY VEHICLE SEAT WILL ADJUST AND, NOW WHEN I AM DRIVING THE SEAT MOVES BACK BY ITSELF. AND I HAVE TROUBLE REACHING FOR THE BRAKES. IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE KEY IGNITION SWITCH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171109
11% of complaints: electrical system — 22 distinct reports on file.
FIRE8% of complaints: power train — 17 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE TWO BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME MAY HAVE BEEN OVER-TIGHTENED. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH OF THE BOLTS FRACTURING,
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.
Campaign 07V181000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN
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 REIM
Campaign 07E104000 — check if this car was fixed
TIRE VALVE CRACKING
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 VE
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.
Campaign 10E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2007 Ford Explorer — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (39 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07V181000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E104000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10E043000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2007 Ford Explorer reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2007 Ford Explorer is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Ford Explorer?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2007 Ford Explorer have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.