Ford Explorer Electronic Stability Control (esc) Problems
Owners have filed 185 complaints with NHTSA about electronic stability control (esc) problems on the Ford Explorer across 21 model years. The 2013 model year has the most (45). The words owners use most often: “traction control” (15% of reports).
- 185electronic stability control (esc) complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 5mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- 39%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Traction control: mentioned in 27 of 185 complaints (15%)
- Lost power steering: mentioned in 25 of 185 complaints (14%)
- Assist fault: mentioned in 13 of 185 complaints (7%)
- Terrain management: mentioned in 12 of 185 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do electronic stability control (esc) problems happen?
Based on 169 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 185 complaints, 5 mention a crash, 2 an injury.
Ford Explorer electronic stability control (esc) complaints by model year
| Model year | Electronic Stability Control (esc) complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Explorer | 5 | 0% | 4,700 |
| 2018 Explorer | 1 | 0% | 12,000 |
| 2017 Explorer | 4 | 0% | 28,000 |
| 2016 Explorer | 18 | 1% | 41,381 |
| 2015 Explorer | 17 | 1% | 50,000 |
| 2014 Explorer | 14 | 1% | 73,000 |
| 2013 Explorer | 45 | 2% | 81,500 |
| 2012 Explorer | 19 | 2% | 63,500 |
| 2011 Explorer | 28 | 2% | 38,000 |
| 2010 Explorer | 3 | 3% | 98,000 |
| 2009 Explorer | 2 | 6% | 50,125 |
| 2008 Explorer | 3 | 2% | 77,000 |
| 2007 Explorer | 2 | 1% | 48,500 |
| 2006 Explorer | 10 | 2% | 66,085 |
| 2005 Explorer | 1 | 0% | 113,641 |
| 2004 Explorer | 3 | 0% | 172,472 |
| 2003 Explorer | 3 | 0% | 72,450 |
| 2002 Explorer | 3 | 0% | 76,345 |
| 1999 Explorer | 1 | 0% | 97,000 |
| 1998 Explorer | 1 | 0% | — |
| 1997 Explorer | 2 | 0% | 147,500 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists electronic stability control (esc) for the Ford Explorer. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle suddenly lost power steering functionality. The traction control and the electronic stability control warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an…
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the "Service Steering Assist" and the traction stability warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact pulled over to the side of the…
The vechile abs brake system is not working. My new car has been increasing speed on its own. The agency has not been able to provide a resolution and warning sensor goes off that the brake system is not working. This happened from one day to the next, the truck is left in clean garage and…
While driving the traction control and abs lights come on. System has stability control warning. While driving this causes brakes to lock up. My wife almost crashed due to the brakes locking. Once you turn off the car it will reset and everything appears normal until it happens again. Unfortunately…
Driving the car and warnings appeared on the dashboard showing power steering and stability control failed. I could barely turn the steering wheel. Thank god i was on a side street near home. If this happened on a highway or expressway i would likely have lost control of the vehicle. It was due to…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford Explorers have electronic stability control (esc) problems?
No. NHTSA has 185 owner complaints about electronic stability control (esc) for the Ford Explorer. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Ford Explorer electronic stability control (esc)?
No recall currently lists electronic stability control (esc) for this vehicle.
What do owners say about electronic stability control (esc) problems on the Ford Explorer?
The most frequent phrase is “traction control”, in 27 of 185 complaints, followed by “lost power steering” (25).
Other Ford Explorer problems
- Power Train problems (5,091)
- Structure problems (4,912)
- Steering problems (4,059)
- Tires problems (2,965)
- Engine problems (2,057)
- Electrical System problems (2,036)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (1,752)
- Suspension problems (1,690)
See all Ford Explorer problems.