98 of the 3,122 complaints about the Ford Explorer (3.1%) concern Brakes, making it the model's #6 problem area. That share is 0.5× the Brakes share across all tracked vehicles.
98Complaints · Brakes
3.1%Share of complaints
0.52×vs. all vehicles
17Last 12 months
14.3%Share involving a crash or fire
1Related recalls
Analysis
By model year, Brakes complaints peak with the 2020 model (47, 4% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2019 model (4). 17 Brakes complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 18 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
Owners most often describe: “brake”, “reverse”, “pedal”, “park” and “abs”. 14 of these reports (14.3%) describe a crash or fire, with 11 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
1 recall campaign relates to this area, most recently campaign 25V371000 (2025-06-03, model years 2025).
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle crashed into the driver's side of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy.
Brakes · 2026-08-11 · ODI 11756160 · Crash
July 12, 2026 I returned home and parked about 10 ft from my garage. I put my car in park, turned off the motor, and went to get out, when my husband started yelling at me that the car was moving. I pumped the brake, and heard a clicking sound.
Brakes · 2026-07-21 · ODI 11751929 · Crash
On repeated occasions the vehicle’s braking system has malfunctioned without driver input, including uncommanded automatic brake engagement at highway speed and, most recently, a failure of the braking system to respond as commanded.
Brakes · 2026-08-04 · ODI 11754676
I experienced catastrophic brake failure on July 14 2026. Total loss of brakes that led me to narrowly miss several vehicles. The Ford Dealership in Manor TX stated it needed the brake booster replaced and program reset.
Brakes · 2026-07-30 · ODI 11753747
ABS and parking brake. Was confirmed by the dealer & tow truck driver. No warning when I parked it, only after putting it into reverse. There were flashing ABS & Parking Brake lights plus a beeping sound.
Brakes · 2026-06-16 · ODI 11744539
Brake system Fault - no power assist. While the Deputy was driving his vehicle every light on the dash lit up and it said all systems were not working. He stated that only brakes he had were the regenerative brakes for the electric motors.
Brakes · 2026-06-15 · ODI 11744180
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER Campaign 25V371000 · 2025-06-03 · Model years: 2025
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles. The bolts securing the front brake caliper may not be tightened properly, which can result in a loss of front brake function and possible wheel damage.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary. If bolts are missing, the brake caliper and pads will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S60.
How common are Brakes problems on the Ford Explorer?
98 of the 3,122 complaints about the Ford Explorer (3.1%) concern Brakes, making it the model's #6 problem area. That share is 0.5× the Brakes share across all tracked vehicles.
Which Ford Explorer model years have the most Brakes complaints?
By model year, Brakes complaints peak with the 2020 model (47, 4% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2019 model (4).
Is there a recall for Ford Explorer Brakes problems?
1 recall campaign relates to this area, most recently campaign 25V371000 (2025-06-03, model years 2025).