MYRModel Year Report

2010 Ford Explorer

▲ Better than typical
2010 Ford Explorer
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:12:24.199Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Explorer Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2010 highlighted. 1984: 1 complaints 1984 1985: 1 complaints 1986: 3 complaints 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 4 complaints 1989: 1 complaints 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 609 complaints 1992: 633 complaints 1993: 939 complaints 1994: 1207 complaints 1995: 843 complaints 1996: 1450 complaints 1996 1997: 1731 complaints 1998: 1959 complaints 1999: 1348 complaints 2000: 952 complaints 2001: 375 complaints 2002: 3293 complaints 2002 2003: 1131 complaints 2004: 1304 complaints 2005: 497 complaints 2006: 630 complaints 2007: 208 complaints 2008: 147 complaints 2008 2009: 33 complaints 2010: 115 complaints 2010 2011: 1192 complaints 2012: 820 complaints 2013: 2222 complaints 2014: 1669 complaints 2014 2015: 1748 complaints 2016: 2424 complaints 2017: 1656 complaints 2018: 706 complaints 2019: 281 complaints 2020: 1155 complaints 2020 2021: 393 complaints 2022: 242 complaints 2023: 99 complaints 2024: 19 complaints 2025: 87 complaints 2026: 16 complaints 2026
2010: 115 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19851
19863
19873
19884
19891
199012
1991609
1992633
1993939
19941207
1995843
19961450
19971731
19981959
19991348
2000952
2001375
20023293
20031131
20041304
2005497
2006630
2007208
2008147
200933
2010115
20111192
2012820
20132222
20141669
20151748
20162424
20171656
2018706
2019281
20201155
2021393
2022242
202399
202419
202587
202616

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

POWER TRAIN 23%

23% of complaints: power train — 26 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE ALL OF A SUDDEN SURGED FORWARD. I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP IT WITH THE BRAKES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20181022

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150319

SEATS 15%

15% of complaints: seats — 17 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

THE HEAD REST ON MY 2010 FORD EXPLORER LEANS SO FAR FORWARD THAT IT FORCES MY HEAD DOWN AND FORWARD. THE DEALER CANNOT ADJUST IT SO THAT YOU CAN SIT NORMALLY. THE ONLY RECOURSE IS TO REMOVE THE HEAD REST.

NHTSA ODI report, 20091215

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 12%

12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 14 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

BOUGHT CAR FROM BATES FORD IN LEBANON, TN NEW. WITHIN THE FIRST 1500 MILE I EXPERIENCED AT LEAST ONE INCIDENT WHERE I TRIED TO STOP BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140629

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT LESS THAN 5 MPH THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES. YET, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BUILDING CAUSING FRONT END DAMAGE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20100830

ENGINE 12%

12% of complaints: engine — 14 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20100503 — seats

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 WIT

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 1-866-436-733

Campaign 10V161000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20100914 — equipment

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

I 20101118 — AQ (closed 20151228)

Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2010 Ford Explorer — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (26 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seats issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 10V161000 (seats) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 10E043000 (equipment) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2009 ▲ 2025 ▲ 2023

WORST YEARS

■ 2002 ■ 2016 ■ 2013

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2010 Ford Explorer reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 Ford Explorer is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Ford Explorer?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2010 Ford Explorer have?

2 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.