Ford Explorer Service Brakes Problems
Owners have filed 406 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes problems on the Ford Explorer across 30 model years. The 2020 model year has the most (81). The words owners use most often: “parking brake” (6% of reports).
- 406service brakes complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 57mention a crash
- 27mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 27%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.
- Parking brake: mentioned in 26 of 406 complaints (6%)
- Rear brakes: mentioned in 22 of 406 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do service brakes problems happen?
Based on 226 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 406 complaints, 57 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 27 an injury.
Ford Explorer service brakes complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2025 Explorer | 17 | 16% | 15,977 |
| 2023 Explorer | 5 | 5% | — |
| 2022 Explorer | 9 | 3% | 57,934 |
| 2021 Explorer | 19 | 4% | 37,000 |
| 2020 Explorer | 81 | 7% | 6,680 |
| 2019 Explorer | 2 | 1% | 2,500 |
| 2018 Explorer | 9 | 1% | 749 |
| 2017 Explorer | 21 | 1% | 29,175 |
| 2016 Explorer | 17 | 1% | 28,750 |
| 2015 Explorer | 27 | 1% | 36,560 |
| 2014 Explorer | 25 | 1% | 46,000 |
| 2013 Explorer | 31 | 1% | 42,000 |
| 2012 Explorer | 19 | 2% | 51,000 |
| 2011 Explorer | 21 | 2% | 65,000 |
| 2010 Explorer | 9 | 8% | 92,600 |
| 2009 Explorer | 2 | 6% | 92,372 |
| 2008 Explorer | 5 | 3% | 98,240 |
| 2007 Explorer | 4 | 2% | 47,500 |
| 2006 Explorer | 14 | 2% | 107,000 |
| 2005 Explorer | 8 | 2% | 110,000 |
| 2004 Explorer | 18 | 1% | 114,000 |
| 2003 Explorer | 10 | 1% | 150,000 |
| 2002 Explorer | 16 | 0% | 130,000 |
| 2001 Explorer | 2 | 1% | 133,609 |
| 2000 Explorer | 6 | 1% | 173,500 |
| 1999 Explorer | 1 | 0% | — |
| 1998 Explorer | 2 | 0% | 191,000 |
| 1997 Explorer | 2 | 0% | 147,000 |
| 1996 Explorer | 2 | 0% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper
Model years: 2025
Problem: 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.
Risk: Loss of brake function and wheel damage can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 1999
Problem: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The right front brake line to the hydraulic control unit (hcu) connection could separate causing the line to leak when the brake pedal is applied.
Risk: This could result in a loss of brake pressure to the front wheels, increasing the stopping distance.
Fix: Dealers will replace the flare nut on the brake line.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 1995
Problem: In some of the vehicles, brake tubes were misrouted between the master cylinder and the hydraulic control unit and results in exceeding the allowable stopping distances as required by fmvss no. 105, "hydraulic brake systems." in addition, seals within the master cylinder could be abraded by this condition over time resulting in an internal leak and a further reduction in brake performance.
Risk: Consequence of non-compliance: stopping distances could be longer than intended resulting in increased potential for a vehicle accident.
Fix: Dealers will reroute the brake tubes.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I was driving at approximately 5mph when my car suddenly slammed on breaks. The pre collision warning popped up. There was no obstical in site. Happened approximately 30 mins ago. Had immediate pain in my shoulder, neck and head.
Power steering doesnot work , steering was hard also antilock brake failure
ABS module failed. Contacted ford and was told the only thing I could do was purchase the same failed ABS module, even though there is a stop sale on it. The failure is anytime I put the vehicle out of park.
The contact owned a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was making a right turn into a resident carport, the vehicle surged forward and crashed into the house at approximately 10-15 MPH. The brake pedal was depressed during the failure. The contact was following his wife at…
The rear toe arms came unhinged or disconnected from their placement and sank down to continuously rub a groove in the inner rim. The suspension was affected, the steering was effecting especially when turning, it made the brakes stick, and made loud crunching and rolling noises. It is quite…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford Explorers have service brakes problems?
No. NHTSA has 406 owner complaints about service brakes 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 service brakes?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list service brakes. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about service brakes problems on the Ford Explorer?
The most frequent phrase is “parking brake”, in 26 of 406 complaints, followed by “rear brakes” (22).
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.