2026 Ford Explorer

The SecuriCode keypad is an external numeric pad mounted on the door for keyless entry and unlocking. Owners report it was standard on prior Explorers but removed from 2025 models, now an extra-cost o...

FordPass app flags vehicle maintenance issues but hides details from owners, marking them 'classified for dealers' eyes only.' Owners cannot access what the problem is without a dealer visit.

The digital instrument cluster previously featured animations and display styles to indicate the selected driving mode. 2025 models removed these, leaving the display plain and uninspiring.

Earlier Explorers displayed power distribution to the 4WD system on the instrument cluster. This informative graphic is missing in 2025 models.

2025 Explorers lack many features standard in earlier models, which owners miss after upgrading.

Ford provides multiple privacy policies across its services that are time-consuming to review and not easy to understand. Buyers struggle to grasp full data practices before purchase.

Vehicle privacy documentation states data collection categories like biometrics or cameras depend on connectivity settings and software, with no specifics provided. It directs buyers to the owner's ma...

Core vehicle privacy docs reference separate external policies like the Ford app Privacy Policy and Corporate Privacy Policy without including details. Buyers can't get complete info in one place befo...

The vehicle's infotainment system displays a recurring 'Heyyyy! This Is Sirius XM' subscription prompt every time the driver enters the car, even if never subscribed. Dealership claims it will stop af...

The Ford Pass app on computers or phones persistently displays 'Action is required for maintenance' alert for weeks, even though the vehicle has no issues or diagnostic codes.

The dashboard displays a message that active braking is not available, even when cruise control is off and the system later functions normally.

The auto start-stop feature, which shuts off the engine at stops to save fuel, cannot be permanently disabled and requires manual deactivation every time the vehicle starts.

Auto start-stop causes driver anxiety when preparing left turns from stops, due to fear of delayed or failed engine restart in critical moments.

The 2025 Ford Explorer's drive mode selector (e.g., Eco, Sport) resets to default every time the vehicle starts, forcing owners to manually select their preferred mode at the beginning of each drive.

The 2026 Ford Explorer lacks physical buttons or knobs for air conditioning controls, requiring drivers to access them solely through the touchscreen infotainment system.

The infotainment system's volume knob on the 2026 Ford Explorer is small and disliked by users who prefer a larger, more substantial knob for easier adjustment.

The 360-degree camera view in the 2026 Ford Explorer displays a low-resolution image of the vehicle with black borders around it, reducing clarity.

The digital instrument cluster's map overlay in the 2025 Ford Explorer does not support split-screen functionality, preventing simultaneous use of apps like Google Maps and Waze.

The drive mode selector on the 2025 Ford Explorer has a redesigned layout with less firm action and undefined clicks, requiring drivers to look at it to confirm selection.

The center display in certain Ford models, including Explorers, can flip or invert the rearview camera image during use, confusing drivers and increasing the risk of collisions while reversing.

The Ford Explorer's Connected Services, which include features like over-the-air updates and telematics, can be changed, modified, suspended, or discontinued by Ford at its sole discretion. Owners wor...

Ford collects a wide range of personal details from owners, including name, email, phone, age, gender, ethnicity, driver's license, purchase history, and mobile network provider. This data is used to ...

The vehicle continuously records operational and driving data such as tire pressure, odometer, fuel level, precise GPS location, speed, seat belt usage, braking patterns, steering inputs, and passenge...

Ford captures voice commands and other utterances when the in-car voice recognition is in active listening mode, plus media preferences like radio presets, volume, and artists. This always-on micropho...

Ford sells collected personal information, including identifiers, protected class characteristics like race/ethnicity, geolocation, and sensitive details to third parties for advertising and marketing...

Collected personal and vehicle data is shared with affiliates, dealers, social media platforms, advertising companies, SIRIUS XM, insurance firms, law enforcement, and government agencies. This extens...

Ford can collect precise vehicle location data even if location settings are disabled, in cases like payment delinquency for repossession, legal processes, or emergencies. This override capability ala...

Full vehicle features require signing into a Google account, sparking privacy fears over enhanced tracking of user activity and location. Owners note using burner accounts still enables vehicle-specif...

Ford's data deletion policies are unclear and limited, primarily specified only for California residents, leaving most US owners without confirmed ways to erase their collected data. This hinders user...

The FordPass app provides remote capabilities like locking, unlocking, starting the vehicle, and checking status such as fuel level or tire pressure. Owners risk Ford terminating or suspending access ...

The infotainment system's audio stops working unexpectedly. Owners report failed soft resets, factory resets, and basic troubleshooting steps like restarting the vehicle.

The vehicle's internet connectivity for apps like Pandora repeatedly fails and won't reconnect. Restarting the car or app doesn't resolve it, and privacy mode errors prevent use of presets.

Adaptive cruise control fails to engage, leading to unexpected vehicle shutdowns at stops. This triggers dash warnings, auto emergency brake, and locks the shifter out of drive.

The rearview camera occasionally fails to display an image while reversing, reducing visibility and increasing crash risk.

The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) can overheat and shut down, making the entire touchscreen inoperable and the rearview camera unavailable.

The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) resets unexpectedly, causing the rearview camera image to disappear and disabling safety features like pre-collision assist and blind-spot monitoring.

The Body Control Module fails from poor soldering, causing multiple systems to stop: power windows/mirrors, HVAC (blows warm air), USB charger, glove box light, trailer lights, and horn.

A software defect in the dynamic bending headlight system causes the passenger-side headlight to aim incorrectly through curves, creating glare for other drivers and reducing visibility.

Ford's Connected Services, including navigation and Wi-Fi, are part of the Connectivity Package. Owners must create an account and accept third-party terms and conditions to use these features, creati...