Ford Explorer Latches/locks/linkages Problems
Owners have filed 355 complaints with NHTSA about latches/locks/linkages problems on the Ford Explorer across 27 model years. The 1998 model year has the most (65). The words owners use most often: “side door” (17% of reports).
- 355latches/locks/linkages complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 13mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- $600typical repair cost reported by owners
- 47%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.
- Side door: mentioned in 62 of 355 complaints (17%)
- Open inside: mentioned in 29 of 355 complaints (8%)
- Rear doors: mentioned in 20 of 355 complaints (6%)
- Hood latch: mentioned in 19 of 355 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical latches/locks/linkages repair on the Ford Explorer at $600, and half of them between $330 and $830.
Based on 15 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2001–2009), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do latches/locks/linkages problems happen?
Based on 185 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 355 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 13 an injury.
Ford Explorer latches/locks/linkages complaints by model year
| Model year | Latches/locks/linkages complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 1 | 2% | 1,623 |
| 2025 Explorer | 1 | 1% | 1,200 |
| 2024 Explorer | 1 | 5% | — |
| 2023 Explorer | 1 | 1% | 6,700 |
| 2022 Explorer | 2 | 1% | 31,500 |
| 2021 Explorer | 1 | 0% | 55,401 |
| 2020 Explorer | 7 | 1% | 46,500 |
| 2019 Explorer | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2018 Explorer | 2 | 0% | 70,000 |
| 2017 Explorer | 5 | 0% | 80,000 |
| 2016 Explorer | 5 | 0% | 130,000 |
| 2015 Explorer | 1 | 0% | 122,000 |
| 2014 Explorer | 3 | 0% | 94,000 |
| 2013 Explorer | 16 | 1% | 36,825 |
| 2011 Explorer | 1 | 0% | 28,472 |
| 2007 Explorer | 1 | 0% | 123,000 |
| 2005 Explorer | 10 | 2% | 25,962 |
| 2004 Explorer | 23 | 2% | 72,500 |
| 2003 Explorer | 17 | 2% | 87,500 |
| 2002 Explorer | 50 | 2% | 70,500 |
| 2001 Explorer | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2000 Explorer | 29 | 3% | 92,100 |
| 1999 Explorer | 33 | 2% | 109,000 |
| 1998 Explorer | 65 | 3% | 94,000 |
| 1997 Explorer | 32 | 2% | 85,000 |
| 1996 Explorer | 34 | 2% | 99,500 |
| 1995 Explorer | 11 | 1% | 100,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Latches/locks/linkages
Model years: 2013
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Ford Explorer, Taurus, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured November 29, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, with sufficient door openings and closings, the child safety locks may change from an activated position to a deactivated position without notice.
Risk: If the child lock is deactivated, the door could be unlocked and opened from the inside which could lead to personal injury to an unrestrained child.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the safety locks. If necessary, the locks will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Ford's recall number is 13S07. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
Model years: 1998, 1999
Problem: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot and stick in the open position.
Risk: If this occurs and the primary hood latch is either not engaged or is released, a hood fly-up could occur.
Fix: Dealers will install a secondary hood latch with components that are coated prior to assembly for improved latch pivot corrosion protection.
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
Model years: 1996
Problem: When in the secondary latched position, the driver door latches may open when subjected to transverse loads less than that specified in fmvss no. 206, "door locks and door retention components."
Risk: The driver's door, when closed only to the secondary latched position, may not sustain a 1,000 pound transverse load.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver door latch.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2026 Ford Explorer. While the contact's wife was driving 45 MPH, an unknown warning light illuminated, and the hood latch independently released. The contact stated that the hood opened independently and fractured the front windshield. The contact stated that the front windshield…
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the message "Right Rear Door Ajar" was displayed. The contact moved the rear passengerâs side door latch several times and was able to fix the failure. However, the failure recurred. The contact was…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH the drivers side B- piller had detached. The contact indicated that the B-piller trim stayed connected to the vehicle by a wire. After the failure the contact discovered that the rear hatch door would…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, while attempting to open the driverâs side door with the door handle, the door failed to respond as needed. However, when the button was pushed to unlock the vehicle, the door responded as…
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the system then resumed normal functionality. The vehicle was…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford Explorers have latches/locks/linkages problems?
No. NHTSA has 355 owner complaints about latches/locks/linkages 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 latches/locks/linkages?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list latches/locks/linkages. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix latches/locks/linkages problems on the Ford Explorer?
Owners report a typical cost of $600 (half paid between $330 and $830), from 15 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about latches/locks/linkages problems on the Ford Explorer?
The most frequent phrase is “side door”, in 62 of 355 complaints, followed by “open inside” (29).
Other Ford Explorer problems
- Power Train problems (5,093)
- Structure problems (4,914)
- Steering problems (4,061)
- Tires problems (2,965)
- Engine problems (2,059)
- Electrical System problems (2,039)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (1,752)
- Suspension problems (1,691)
See all Ford Explorer problems.