2010 Ford Explorer: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
1 recall campaign to confirm with a dealer.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2010 Ford Explorer
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2010 Ford Explorer recalls
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2010 Ford Explorer. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Seats
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATBACK AND HEAD RESTRAINT MAY MOVE REARWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Details 10V161000
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINERS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINT." THE RECLINER GEAR PLATE TEETH MAY BE OUT OF DIMENSION SPECIFICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN LIMITED PAWL TO GEAR PLATE TOOTH ENGAGEMENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL RECLINERS FOR BOTH POWER AND MANUAL SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
1 aftermarket-part notice (parts sold for this model, not the car)
AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY. 10E043000
2010 Ford Explorer safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
No warranty extensions listed.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2010 Ford Explorer safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
115 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, about average.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Ford Explorer years
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator