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Recalls are issued for a make, model and model year. Whether the repair has already been done on one specific car is known only to its manufacturer and dealers. Check your vehicle's official status at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer.
US recalls (1)
Seats: front assembly, recliner
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATBACK AND HEAD RESTRAINT MAY MOVE REARWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy: 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.
Canadian recalls (1)
Show 1 Canadian recall
Seats and restraints
2010-04-19 · campaign 2010-122
On certain vehicles, the manual recliner mechanisms may have a gear plate teeth out of dimensional specifications, which could result in limited pawl to gear plate tooth engagement and create additional movement to the seat back. Correction: Dealers will replace the front seat manual recliner mechanism(s).
Owner complaints (115)
Owners filed 115 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Ford Explorer (8 crashes, 13 injuries, 50 deaths reported). Among 44 model years of this model, it ranks #31 for the most complaints (median 630).
| Most-reported problem | Complaints | |
|---|
| Power train | 28 | |
| Seats | 20 | |
| Vehicle speed control | 14 | |
| Engine | 14 | |
| Electrical system | 12 | |
| Service brakes | 9 | |
| Unknown or other | 8 | |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | |
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Ford Explorer.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|
| 2010 Ford Explorer 4-DR. w/SAB | – | – | – | 3★ |
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for each 2010 Ford Explorer version.
| Version | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined | Yearly fuel cost |
|---|
| Explorer 2WD 4.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Explorer 2WD 4.6 L Automatic 6-spd | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Explorer 4WD 4.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Explorer 4WD 4.6 L Automatic 6-spd | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.6 L Automatic 6-spd | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Explorer Sport Trac 4WD 4.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Explorer Sport Trac 4WD 4.6 L Automatic 6-spd | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
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Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings, US EPA fuel economy and Transport
Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database (contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada).
Recalls updated 2026-10-30.