Ford Explorer Recalls by Year [2026]: Exhaust Fumes, NHTSA Recalls & 10R80 Issues

Quick Summary

Most attention focuses on three storylines: the 2011-2017 exhaust manifold/door seal exhaust intrusion issue that prompted multiple TSBs and Police Interceptor-specific service actions; the rear suspension toe-link separation recalls (19V-019 / 20V-082); and the 10R80 10-speed transmission shudder shared with the F-150.

Major Ford Explorer Recalls by Year

Year(s)	NHTSA #	Defect Summary	Vehicles	Severity
2011-2017	TSB 17-0080 / multiple	Exhaust fume intrusion into cabin, especially on Police Interceptor Utility and SUV variants.	~1.3M field action	High
2011-2015	17V-209	Steering wheel can detach due to corrosion of steering column bolt.	~547,000	High
2013-2017	19V-019	Rear suspension toe-link can fracture, causing loss of vehicle control.	~1.2M	Critical
2016-2019	19V-481	Engine block heater cable insulation can fail and cause fire.	~1.2M	High
2020	20V-313	Rear-axle assembly missing manufacturer-applied bolts.	~13,500	High
2020-2021	21V-216	Wheel-end fasteners may not be torqued to spec; wheel separation risk.	~661,000	High
2020-2022	22V-100	Trailer brake controller software can disable trailer brakes.	~85,000	High
2020-2024	TSB 21-2174	10R80 10-speed shudder, harsh shifts, torque converter judder.	Field campaign	High

Data sourced from NHTSA recall database (nhtsa.gov/recalls). Always verify with your VIN before purchase or repair.

How to Check Your VIN for Open Recalls

Recalls are tied to specific VINs, not just model years. Run yours through these free tools before you buy, sell, or schedule a repair:

NHTSA VIN Lookup - nhtsa.gov/recalls. Enter your 17-character VIN; shows every open federal safety recall.
Manufacturer site - Honda, Toyota, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Kia, Stellantis, and Nissan all run their own recall portals. These sometimes list service campaigns and TSBs that NHTSA does not.
Dealer service department - Open recall work is free for the life of the vehicle. No appointment fee, no parts fee.

Use our free VIN decoder to pull build info, or run a free AI diagnosis if you already have symptoms.

Class Actions & Legal References

Explorer-specific class actions:

In re Ford Explorer Exhaust Class Action - consolidated multi-state action over carbon monoxide intrusion (2011-2017 SUV and Police Interceptor Utility); resolved with extended warranty and free repairs.
10R80 Transmission Litigation - shared with F-150 / Ranger / Mustang; addressed via TSB 21-2174 plus warranty extensions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Was the Ford Explorer exhaust fume issue ever fully fixed?

Ford addressed it through multiple TSBs and an extended customer satisfaction program rather than a single recall. Affected owners can have repairs done free under the CSP.

Are Explorer toe-link recalls still being repaired?

Yes. 19V-019 remains open at Ford dealers and the repair is free, regardless of mileage or current owner.

Is the 10R80 in the Explorer the same as the F-150?

Yes, same architecture. The same 21-2174 software flash and valve body fix apply, free at any Ford dealer if your VIN is within the campaign.

Does the 6th-gen (2020+) Explorer have major recalls?

Yes: rear axle, wheel-end fastener, trailer brake software, and 10R80 issues. Most are addressed, but always check the VIN.

How do I check Explorer recalls by VIN?

Enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or owner.ford.com. Ford also lists CSPs that are not always in the NHTSA database.

Should I buy a used Police Interceptor Utility?

Only after a thorough inspection. Exhaust intrusion, hard-use suspension wear, and software flash status all need confirmation.

Ford Explorer Recalls by Year: Complete NHTSA & Service Campaign History