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2010 Ford Explorer recalls and problems

The 2010 Ford Explorer has 1 safety recall and 115 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
115
Crashes / fires
8 / 0
Injuries / deaths
13 / 50

Recalls may cover only some 2010 Ford Explorer vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2010 Ford Explorer recalls

Recall 10V-161: Seats

Reported Apr 20, 2010 · 33,256 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Risk: In the event of a crash, the seatback and head restraint may move rearward, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

2010 Ford Explorer problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train29
Seats20
Vehicle Speed Control14
Engine14
Electrical System12
Service Brakes9
Unknown or Other8
Fuel/Propulsion System8
Air Bags7
Service Brakes, Hydraulic6
Wheels5
Steering4

Most reported parts

  • Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint — 3
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2
  • Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 2
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
  • Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 40,707 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2010 Ford Explorer complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 224,283 miles · reported Feb 23, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 135,902. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, it was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 224,283. The information was from a Carfax Report.
Power Train · reported Jan 28, 2026
Thing accelerate by itself while on highway od light blinking at high speeds and then when you come to a complete stop and try to takeoff it goes really slow with the RPMs high then it will kick into gear, unsafe on the road. Truck willjump in gear then out on takeoff.
Electrical System · at 243,000 miles · reported Jan 22, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was approximately 150,000. Most recently, the contact downloaded the Ford App, and when the maintenance history was checked, it was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was approximately 243,000. The contact stated that the date listed on the Ford App was June 2025.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Sep 26, 2025
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.
Electrical System · at 48,000 miles · reported Aug 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the anti-theft, roll stability, and fuel filler messages were displayed with an audible alarm before the vehicle suddenly shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence. However, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the PCM and ECM had short circuited and failed. The contact was informed that the short circuit was caused by water drainage from the moonroof onto the PCM and ECM computers. The contact stated…

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2010 Ford Explorer: 10V-161 (seats). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2010 Ford Explorer?

Owners report power train problems most often (29 reports), followed by seats (20). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 40,707 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.