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2007 Ford Explorer Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 Ford Explorer has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Automatic transmission slipping, jerking, or failing.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2007 Ford Explorer.

Reported to NHTSA

Automatic transmission slipping, jerking, or failing

POWER TRAIN

42 NHTSA complaints · 2007-11 → 2024-06

“I AND MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH OUR V8 EXPLORERS. THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN CLUCKING, JERKING, AND SLIPPING WITHOUT REASON. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE AS TIME PROGRESSES. I AM VERY UPSET THAT FORD HAS NOT ANNOUNCED A RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10745637
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATES AND LUNGES FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR. THE FAILURE OCCURS DURING ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER SIX TIMES AND THEY PERFORMED TSB WORK AND RESET THE TCM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10221615
“I PURCHASED MY NEW 2007 EXPLORER V8 EDDIE BAUER ON 06-07-07. I TRADED IN A 2002 SAME THING. THE MINUTE I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT I KNEW THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WITH IT. IT WANTS TO SURGE BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR AND WHEN IT FINALLY GOES IN IT JUST SLAMS ITSELF IN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10214821

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Radiator or coolant system leaks causing overheating

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

10 NHTSA complaints · 2011-11 → 2016-04

“LEAKING RADIATOR AT 42,000 MILES. VERY COMMON WITH THIS MODEL EXPLORER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10437288
“WE HAVE A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. THE RADIATOR STARTED LEAKING AT JUST OVER 36,000 MILES. UPON RESEARCHING THE ISSUE, WE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE FORD EXPLORER AND FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10384624
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE LEVEL INCREASED ABNORMALLY AND A GREEN FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10860740

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire valve stem cracking causing air loss

TIRES

9 NHTSA complaints · 2008-09 → 2010-07

“TIRE VALVE STEMS LEAKING CAUSING CONSTANT LOW TIRE PRESSURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10246307
“TIRE VALVE FAILED CAUSING THE TIRE TO LOSE AIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10273500
“VALVE STEMS ON 2 TIRES LEAKING WITHOUT ANY NOTICE CAUSING TIRE TO GO FLAT. TWO TIMES WITHIN THE LAST 12 DAYS ON TWO DIFFERENT TIRES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10343944

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear liftgate or window glass shattering unexpectedly

VISIBILITY

7 NHTSA complaints · 2013-05 → 2016-01

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED AND CAUSED GLASS TO SHATTER THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10663535
“BACK WINDOW FLIPPED OPEN WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH IN A PARKING LOT. WENT TO CLOSE IT AND THE HINGE CRACKED SO THE WINDOW WAS HANGING BY ONE HINGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10531562
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE ADJACENT TO AN EXPLOSION SOUND OVERHEAD. THE CONTACT HAD THEN NOTICED THAT THE SUN ROOFS GLASS HAD COMPLETELY SHATTERED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10630728

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden loss of engine power or stalling while driving

ENGINE

18 NHTSA complaints · 2014-07 → 2024-08

“THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY STALLED IN TRAFFIC, HAD TO PULL OVER TO AVOID BEING HIT. HAPPENED ON 3 OCCASIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11097987
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE AND STALLED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE WRENCH AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10640112
“WE WERE DRIVING HOME AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. NO ENGINE, NO STEERING, ETC. MY HUSBAND WAS REDUCING SPEED (45 TO 35) USING THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE STEERING WHEEL. EVERY LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD LIT UP, ENGINE, WRENCH. OIL CAN. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11233749

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power driver's seat moving backward while driving

SEATS

18 NHTSA complaints · 2008-07 → 2021-03

“HIT A BUMP AND THE DRIVER SEAT RANDOMLY MOVED ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE POINT I COULD NO LONGER REACH THE PEDALS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11404434
“DRIVER'S SEAT MOVES BACKWARD WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN DRIVER'S INABILITY TO REACH GAS/BREAK PEDALS. OCCURS AT TIMES WHEN HIT BUMPS, WHILE TURNING, AND/OR UNKNOWN REASONS. DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE AND CAN RESULT IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS/FATALITIES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10895889
“MY 2007 EXPLORER DRIVER SEAT MOVE AT WILL, FORWARD OR BACKWARD EVEN WHILE DRIVING. I AM SHORT AND THE POWER SEAT MOVES BACK TO WHERE MY FEET NO LONGER REACH THE PEDALS. THIS HAPPENS CONSISTENTLY WHEN DRIVING OR JUST STATIONARY WHILE CHANGING GEARS AND HAS BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10789022

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags failing to deploy in a crash

AIR BAGS

9 NHTSA complaints · 2009-05 → 2023-11

“The contact's brother-in-law owned a 2007 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her brother-in-law was driving 60-62 MPH, her husband was sitting in the front passenger's side seat, the contact was sitting in the rear passenger's side seat and her sister was sitting in”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11557466
“VEHICLE INVOLVED IN DRIVER SIDE IMPACT AND DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY RESULTING IN HEAD INJURIES TO DRIVER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10595697
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE IDLING AT A RED LIGHT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10268764

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Wheel separation from sheared or loose lug nuts

WHEELS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2011-05 → 2016-04

“IN MAY OF 2015 WHILE I WAS DRIVING, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL FELL OFF. NOW ON APRIL 5, 2016 WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF. TWO WHEELS FALLING OFF IN A PERIOD OF LESS THAN ONE YEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10853983
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10503449
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING AND CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN WHEEL. THE CONTACT STOPPED ON THE EMERGENCY LANE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL FELL OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10470720

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

81 crashes 1990–2024

How the 81 occupant deaths break down

58

driver deaths

23

passenger deaths

81

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2007 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

11

complaints mentioning a crash

5

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2007 Ford Explorer reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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