2011 Ford Explorer Limited — Photo: IFCAR, public domain, cropped, Wikimedia Commons

Ford Explorer 2011–2019 Parts

5th generation (U502) · 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl and more · FWD / AWD

70 common parts
6 with factory part numbers
34 recall campaigns
12,984 NHTSA complaints

YearPrice links search Amazon for Ford Explorer 2015. Confirm fitment for your engine and drive.

Engine 7

Timing kit
Chain or belt depending on the engine. Check your engine size before ordering.
Not used on the selected year
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Valve cover gasket
Oil seeping around the top of the engine or a burning-oil smell.
Not used on the selected year
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Oil pan gasket
Oil drips under the engine. Some engines are sealed with RTV instead of a gasket.
Not used on the selected year
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Engine mount
Vibration at idle or a clunk when shifting into gear.
Not used on the selected year
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Transmission mount
Clunk on acceleration or when shifting between drive and reverse.
Not used on the selected year
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PCV valve
Rough idle, oil leaks or whistling from a stuck valve.
Not used on the selected year
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Turbocharger Turbo engines
Loss of boost, whistling or blue smoke. Turbo engines only.
Not used on the selected year
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Cooling 7

Water pump
Coolant leak at the front of the engine or overheating.
Not used on the selected year
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Radiator
Leaks, clogged fins or overheating in traffic.
Not used on the selected year
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Thermostat
Temperature gauge stays low or climbs high; weak heat.
Not used on the selected year
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Upper radiator hose
Soft, swollen or cracked hose; coolant smell.
Not used on the selected year
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Lower radiator hose
Check clamps and the hose for leaks at the radiator outlet.
Not used on the selected year
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Radiator cooling fan
Overheating at idle or with the A/C on.
Not used on the selected year
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Coolant reservoir
Cracked tank or a cap that no longer holds pressure.
Not used on the selected year
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Fuel 4

Fuel pump
Long cranking, stalling or loss of power under load.
Not used on the selected year
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Fuel injector
Misfire on one cylinder or a fuel smell.
Not used on the selected year
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Fuel filter
Some models use a filter built into the in-tank pump module.
Not used on the selected year
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Gas cap
A loose or worn cap can turn on the check-engine light (EVAP leak).
Not used on the selected year
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Ignition 4

Spark plugs
One plug per cylinder; the EPA lists 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines for this generation. Check your engine before ordering.
OEM ref: 3.3L, 3.5L V6: CYFS-12Y-T62.0L, 2.3L I4 EcoBoost, 2012–19: CYFS-12Y-PCTX
Not used on the selected year
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Ignition coil
Misfire codes, rough idle or a flashing check-engine light.
Not used on the selected year
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Camshaft position sensor
Check-engine light, hard starting or stalling.
Not used on the selected year
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Crankshaft position sensor
No-start or stalling when hot.
Not used on the selected year
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Brakes 10

Front brake rotors
Pulsing pedal or steering wheel shake when braking.
OEM ref: 2.0L, 2.3L I4, 3.5L V6: CB5Z-1125-A
Not used on the selected year
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Front brake pads
Squeal from the wear indicator or a grinding noise.
Not used on the selected year
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Front brake caliper
Car pulls to one side or a pad wears unevenly.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear brake rotors
For versions with rear disc brakes. Check which type your vehicle has.
OEM ref: 2.0L, 2.3L I4, 3.5L V6, 2013–19: EU2Z-2V026-B
Not used on the selected year
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Rear brake pads
For versions with rear disc brakes. Check which type your vehicle has.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear brake caliper
For versions with rear disc brakes. Check which type your vehicle has.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear brake drums If equipped
For versions with rear drum brakes. Check which type your vehicle has.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear brake shoes If equipped
For versions with rear drum brakes. Check which type your vehicle has.
Not used on the selected year
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ABS wheel speed sensor
ABS or traction-control light on; front and rear sensors differ.
Not used on the selected year
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Brake hose
Cracked or swollen rubber lines; a soft pedal.
Not used on the selected year
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Suspension 8

Front strut assembly
Bouncing, nose-dive when braking or leaking fluid.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear shock absorber
Bouncy rear end or uneven tire wear.
Not used on the selected year
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Front lower control arm
Clunk over bumps from worn bushings.
Not used on the selected year
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Ball joint
Clunk or wander; check for play with the wheel off the ground.
Not used on the selected year
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Sway bar link
Rattle or knock over small bumps.
Not used on the selected year
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Front wheel bearing
Humming noise that changes with speed.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear wheel hub and bearing
Humming or grinding from the rear that rises with speed.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear coil spring
Sagging rear or a broken coil.
Not used on the selected year
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Steering 3

Outer tie rod end
Loose steering or uneven front tire wear.
Not used on the selected year
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Inner tie rod
Clunk when turning; replace in pairs and align.
Not used on the selected year
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Steering rack
Leaks, play in the wheel or a knock when turning.
Not used on the selected year
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Electrical 6

Battery
Slow cranking or electrical warnings. Check group size before ordering.
Not used on the selected year
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Alternator
Battery light on, dim lights or a dead battery.
Not used on the selected year
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Starter
Click or slow crank when you turn the key.
Not used on the selected year
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Blower motor
Weak or no air from the vents on some fan speeds.
Not used on the selected year
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A/C compressor
Warm air from the vents or a noisy clutch.
Not used on the selected year
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Tire pressure sensor
TPMS warning stays on after setting tire pressures.
Not used on the selected year
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Exhaust 5

Upstream oxygen sensor
Check-engine light and higher fuel use.
Not used on the selected year
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Downstream oxygen sensor
Monitors the catalytic converter; often codes P0420/P0430.
Not used on the selected year
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Catalytic converter
Rattle, sulfur smell or catalyst efficiency codes.
Not used on the selected year
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Muffler
Louder exhaust, rust holes or rattles underneath.
Not used on the selected year
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Exhaust manifold gasket
Ticking noise on cold start or exhaust smell.
Not used on the selected year
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Drivetrain 6

Front CV axle
Clicking when turning or a torn boot.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear CV axle AWD only
Clicking or vibration from the rear axle shafts.
Not used on the selected year
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Power transfer unit AWD only
Front unit that sends power to the rear driveshaft.
Not used on the selected year
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Driveshaft AWD only
Vibration at speed or a clunk when taking off.
Not used on the selected year
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Rear differential AWD only
Whine or howl that changes with speed; check fluid.
Not used on the selected year
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Transmission fluid
EPA lists: 6-speed automatic. Use the fluid type in your owner's manual.
Not used on the selected year
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Body & Lighting 5

Headlight assembly
Hazy or yellowed lenses. Housings vary by year and trim; confirm fitment.
Not used on the selected year
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Headlight bulb
Check the bulb number on your old bulb or in the owner's manual. LED units have no bulb.
Not used on the selected year
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Tail light assembly
Cracked lens or moisture inside the housing.
Not used on the selected year
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Side mirror
Choose the side and features (heated, power fold, signal).
Not used on the selected year
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Wiper blades
Replace every 6–12 months; driver and passenger lengths differ.
Not used on the selected year
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Filters & Maintenance 5

Oil filter
Change with every oil service.
OEM ref: 3.3L, 3.5L V6: AA5Z-6714-A2.0L, 2.3L I4, 2012–19: BE8Z-6731-AB
Not used on the selected year
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Engine air filter
Check every oil change; replace when dirty.
OEM ref: 2.0L, 2.3L I4, 3.0L, 3.5L V6: 7T4Z-9601-A
Not used on the selected year
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Cabin air filter
Weak airflow or musty smell from the vents.
OEM ref: 2.0L, 2.3L I4, 3.5L V6: AE9Z-19N619-A
Not used on the selected year
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Serpentine belt
Squeal or cracks across the ribs. Some engines, including many hybrids, have no accessory belt; check yours.
Not used on the selected year
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Belt tensioner
Replace with the belt if the arm shakes or the pulley is noisy (belt-driven engines).
Not used on the selected year
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Icons are generic illustrations made for this site and do not show the exact part. Parts that depend on engine, drive or powertrain are marked using EPA data for this generation; confirm fitment with your VIN before ordering. Factory part numbers are shown as a reference when available; confirm the number with your old part or VIN before ordering. Price links search by part name and vehicle.

About the 2011–2019 Explorer

Overview

The 5th generation (U502) Ford Explorer covers the 2011–2019 model years in the US. The EPA lists 4 powertrains for this generation: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo (2012–2015), 2.3L 4-cyl turbo (2016–2019), 3.5L 6-cyl (2011–2019) and 3.5L 6-cyl turbo (2013–2019). Drive types: FWD / AWD. Transmissions: 6-speed automatic.

The parts list above covers items commonly replaced on these vehicles, grouped by system.

Engines & specs

Engine	Years	Drive	Transmission	EPA MPG
2.0L 4-cyl turbo	2012–2015	FWD	6-speed automatic	FWD: 20 city / 27–28 hwy / 23 comb.
2.3L 4-cyl turbo	2016–2019	FWD / AWD	6-speed automatic	FWD: 19 city / 27 hwy / 22 comb. AWD: 18 city / 25–26 hwy / 21 comb.
3.5L 6-cyl	2011–2019	FWD / AWD	6-speed automatic	FWD: 17–18 city / 24–25 hwy / 20 comb. AWD: 16–17 city / 22–23 hwy / 18–19 comb.
3.5L 6-cyl turbo	2013–2019	AWD	6-speed automatic	AWD: 16 city / 22 hwy / 18 comb.

Flex-fuel (E85) versions are listed by the EPA for 2013–2019. Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov vehicle data.

Common problems reported to NHTSA

Mention in complaint	2011–13	2014–16	2017–19
Steering problems	1,944 / 4,268	1,395 / 5,971	118 / 2,745
Stalling or loss of power	359 / 4,268	278 / 5,971	69 / 2,745
Coolant leaks or overheating	123 / 4,268	286 / 5,971	216 / 2,745
Air conditioning or heater	174 / 4,268	331 / 5,971	102 / 2,745
Airbag warning or airbags	96 / 4,268	286 / 5,971	52 / 2,745
Electrical or battery problems	133 / 4,268	141 / 5,971	110 / 2,745
Suspension noise or failure	97 / 4,268	215 / 5,971	70 / 2,745

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA (12,984 for 2011–2019), counted by words in the complaint text. One complaint can mention several issues; the second number is all complaints for those years.

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Top components in complaints
2011	8	1,198	Steering, Unknown Or Other, Electrical System
2012	7	831	Steering, Unknown Or Other, Structure
2013	12	2,239	Steering, Unknown Or Other, Engine
2014	7	1,684	Steering, Unknown Or Other, Engine
2015	9	1,820	Unknown Or Other, Steering, Structure
2016	15	2,467	Steering, Unknown Or Other, Engine
2017	14	1,706	Structure, Unknown Or Other, Structure:Body
2018	7	736	Structure, Unknown Or Other, Structure:Body
2019	6	303	Structure, Unknown Or Other, Structure:Body

Source: NHTSA (U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) recalls and complaints data, retrieved November 2026.

Recalls (34 campaigns)

Seats (2011, NHTSA 11V063000)
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 EXPLORER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 15, 2010, THROUGH DECEMBER 13, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SECOND ROW 60% SEATS WITH MANUAL RECLINER MECHANISMS THAT MAY HAVE…
Steering (2011–2012, NHTSA 14E001000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain replacement steering gears installed on model year 2011-2012 Explorers as service parts in September 2013 and January 2014.
Steering: Electric Power Assist System (2011–2013, NHTSA 14V286000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012.
Structure: Body, Door (2011–2013, NHTSA 15V171000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles.
Wheels: Hub (2011–2017, NHTSA 17E048000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles.
Suspension: Rear (2011–2017, NHTSA 19V435000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles.
Suspension: Rear (2011–2013, NHTSA 21V746000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentuck…
Structure: Body, Roof And Pillars (2011–2019, NHTSA 24V031000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage, Tank Assembly (2013, NHTSA 13V109000)
Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and model year 2013 Explorer vehicles manufactured July 19, 2011, through March 15, 2012.
Fuel System, Gasoline (2013, NHTSA 13V227000)
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles;
Latches / Locks / Linkages (2013, NHTSA 13V270000)
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline (2013, NHTSA 15V812000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles.
Suspension: Rear (2013–2017, NHTSA 20V675000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentuck…
Suspension: Rear (2013–2017, NHTSA 21V537000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachuse…
Suspension: Rear (2014–2015, NHTSA 16V245000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured January 17, 2014 to May 31, 2014.
Power Train: Axle Assembly, Axle Shaft (2014–2016, NHTSA 20V692000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive.
Parking Brake (2015–2016, NHTSA 15V464000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015, Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015…
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System, Camera (2015, NHTSA 25V695000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage, Tank Assembly (2016, NHTSA 15V605000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured on July 24, 2015.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine (2016, NHTSA 16V183000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured November 25, 2013, to January 25, 2016, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured October 20, 2…
Seats: Front Assembly, Recliner (2016, NHTSA 16V475000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Explorer and F-150 vehicles equipped with a manual recline driver's seat.
Seats (2016, NHTSA 17V767000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 F-150 and Explorer vehicles.
Structure: Body (2016–2019, NHTSA 21V316000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles.
Structure: Body (2016–2017, NHTSA 25V347000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles.
Equipment: Electrical, Engine Block Heater (2016–2018, NHTSA 25V685000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 202…
Structure: Body (2016–2019, NHTSA 26V448000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine, Gasoline (2017, NHTSA 16V925000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines.
Seats: Front Assembly, Recliner (2017, NHTSA 17V332000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism.
Steering (2017, NHTSA 17V530000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles.
Seats (2017, NHTSA 19V651000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with power front seats.
Suspension: Rear (2017–2019, NHTSA 26V101000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles.
Fuel System, Gasoline (2018, NHTSA 18V807000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engine.
Seats: Front Assembly, Recliner (2018–2019, NHTSA 19V633000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape…
Equipment: Electrical, Engine Block Heater (2019, NHTSA 26V012000)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles.

Source: NHTSA. Check open recalls for your vehicle with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.