Is there a class action lawsuit against Ford Explorer?

Yes. There have been multiple class-action lawsuits filed against Ford related to Ford Explorer vehicles over the years, but there is no single nationwide class action that covers all Explorers. The cases span different model years and defects, and outcomes vary by docket, jurisdiction, and settlement terms.

Here is where the landscape stands: lawsuits have addressed a range of issues tied to Explorer models, from transmission problems to recall handling and other safety-related concerns. The status of each case can change as courts rule on motions, settlements are reached, or cases are dismissed. The following sections outline the current status, how to check if your vehicle might be affected, and practical steps for owners seeking information or remedies.

Current status of Ford Explorer–related class actions

The legal landscape surrounding Ford Explorer class actions is fragmented. There is no single nationwide action covering all owners; instead, individual cases have been filed by plaintiffs in federal and state courts, with varying outcomes including settlements, dismissals, or ongoing litigation. Because recalls, defect theories, and class-certification standards differ by year and jurisdiction, status updates should be checked on a case-by-case basis.

Notable patterns in the case landscape include allegations about defective components (such as drivetrain or safety-related systems) and claims that Ford failed to disclose defects or properly remedy issues under recalls. Some matters have advanced to settlement or been resolved through pretrial rulings, while others remain active in court. For anyone owning a Ford Explorer, verifying whether a specific case covers your model year or whether a settlement applies to you requires checking the docket or consulting with counsel.

• Allegations addressing defective transmissions or drivetrain performance in certain Explorer model years have appeared in class-action filings, with plaintiffs seeking compensation or remediation.


• Claims that Ford did not adequately disclose defects or failed to properly implement recalls have appeared in other Explorer-related actions, sometimes alleging consumer-deception or warranty-related harms.


• Safety-oriented claims, including those tied to recall remediation theories or alleged design defects affecting safety features, have also figured into some Explorer cases.


• Various cases have progressed to settlements, are subject to settlement negotiations, or remain pending in courts, depending on the docket and certification rulings.

Because class actions are highly docket-specific and subject to ongoing developments, owners should treat this landscape as a snapshot rather than a fixed catalog. Always verify the current status of any case cited above by checking court records or consulting with a consumer-law attorney.

How to check if your Ford Explorer may be affected

If you’re trying to determine whether you could be part of a class action, or if you might be eligible for remedies tied to a settlement, use these steps as a guide.

1. Identify your vehicle’s model year and VIN, and verify any open recalls or recall history on the NHTSA recall lookup tool or Ford’s official recall page.


2. Search for active or recently filed class actions related to Ford Explorer by year and defect category in court databases (federal and state). Reputable aggregators such as ClassAction.org or CourtListener can help locate dockets, but verify directly in the court records.


3. Consult a consumer-law attorney who specializes in class actions to interpret whether a case covers your vehicle and whether you might be eligible for a claim—especially if you’ve experienced the defect or have received recall notices.


4. Review any notice letters or settlement claim forms you may have received from Ford or the plaintiffs’ lawyers, and note any deadlines for filing claims.


5. If you rely on a dealership service visit for an unresolved issue, keep thorough maintenance and service records, photos of the defect, and copies of any communications with Ford or dealers.


6. Stay informed about new recalls or settlement updates related to Explorer models, as eligibility can hinge on specific model years and defect theories.

Checklists like these can help determine whether you’re within a potential class-action scope, but eligibility is fact-specific. Always confirm with a qualified attorney or official court documents before taking action.

Summary

There have been Ford Explorer–related class actions in the United States, but no single nationwide action covers all Explorers. Outcomes vary by case, year, and jurisdiction. To assess your position, verify recalls with NHTSA/Ford, search court dockets for Explorer-related suits, and consult a consumer-law attorney who can interpret eligibility and deadlines. Staying up to date with official case records is essential, as settlements and rulings can change the landscape rapidly for owners of Explorer vehicles.

What year to stay away from Ford Explorer?

You should generally stay away from 2002–2006 Ford Explorers due to widespread transmission failures and other issues like engine and suspension problems. Other years with significant problems include 2016, with a large recall involving faulty fuel tanks and suspension components, and 2020, which had many recalls and customer complaints.
 
2002–2006 models 

• These models are widely considered the least reliable, with a major reputation for transmission failures that can be very expensive to fix. 
• Owners also reported engine problems (like timing chain and head gasket issues), suspension wear, and electrical malfunctions. 

Other years to approach with caution

• 2016: This year had a recall involving faulty suspension components and a fuel tank. 
• 2020: This model year had a high number of recalls and complaints, including issues with the transmission, power loss, and a potential rollaway defect. 
• 2008: This model year is also listed by some sources as a year to avoid due to low owner satisfaction scores and recalls. 

How do I join the Ford class action lawsuit?

To join a Ford class action lawsuit, first verify your eligibility by checking the specific criteria for that case, such as your vehicle's model year and the defect it has. Then, contact the law firm representing the class or the settlement administrator directly to receive instructions on how to file a claim, which will likely involve providing documentation like repair records and proof of purchase. 
Steps to join a Ford class action lawsuit

• Determine if you're eligible: Review the specific class action's criteria to ensure your vehicle and situation qualify. This often involves the specific vehicle model, model year, and a documented problem. 
• Find the right firm: Identify the law firm that represents the class for the specific lawsuit you are interested in. Many law firms specializing in class action or automotive litigation advertise these cases online or are listed on settlement websites. 
• Contact the firm or settlement administrator: Reach out to the law firm or the settlement administrator as directed in the lawsuit notice. They will be able to provide specific instructions on how to formally join. 
• Gather and submit documents: Collect and be prepared to submit evidence to prove your eligibility and claim. This can include repair orders, receipts, and other relevant paperwork. 
• File the claim: Follow the instructions to file a claim. For some cases, this can be done online or through a downloadable form on the official settlement website. Be sure to do this before the deadline, as class actions have specific opt-in periods. 

This video explains how to join a Ford class action lawsuit: 1mCounty Office LawYouTube · Jul 22, 2024

How much will I get from a class action lawsuit?

Class action settlement payouts vary widely, with typical individual amounts often ranging from $20 to $500, but sometimes reaching $1,000 or more depending on the case. The final amount depends on the total settlement fund, the number of claimants, the severity of individual harm, and deductions for legal and administrative fees. To receive a payout, you generally need to submit a claim form by the deadline, as outlined in the settlement's plan of allocation. 
How payouts are determined

• Plan of allocation: A court-approved plan outlines how the total settlement fund will be divided. 
• Factors that influence your share:
  • Severity of harm: Claimants with more significant or documented losses may receive a larger share. 
  • Number of claimants: If the number of claimants is high, the individual payout may be smaller. 
  • Time period of the claim: Some settlements base payouts on how long you were affected by the issue, such as a specific time window of account activity. 
• Deductions: Before any money is distributed to claimants, legal and administrative costs are subtracted from the total settlement amount. 
• Non-monetary compensation: Some settlements may offer non-monetary rewards, such as coupons or vouchers. 

How to get your payout

• File a claim: You must submit a claim form with accurate details to be eligible for a share of the settlement. 
• Meet the deadline: Be sure to meet the specific deadline for filing your claim; missing it means forfeiting your share. 
• Stay informed: Check the official settlement website for specific instructions and deadlines. You can often find information on class action settlement websites. 

What Ford Explorer is being recalled?

Recent Ford Explorer recalls include issues with windshields, a forward collision avoidance warning, trailer hitches, tail lights, engine hard parts, seat assembly, hydraulic disc calipers, a frame, and a power train control module. Other recalls address problems like A-pillar trim detachment (2011-2019), a rear axle mounting bolt fracture (2020-2022), a faulty rear camera display (2023), and an engine block heater leak (2016-2023). The most effective way to check if a specific vehicle is affected is to use its VIN on the Ford owner's website or the NHTSA website. 
Recent recalls

• 2025: Windshield issues, forward collision avoidance warnings, trailer hitches, tail lights, engine hard parts, seat assembly, hydraulic disc calipers, frame, and power train control module software. 
• 2024-2025: Certain models have a recall for a transmission issue where a valve body may cause reverse gear failure or unexpected movement. 
• 2023: A recall addresses a manufacturing error in the wire harness for the standard rearview camera, which can cause it to display a blue image. Another recall is for a loose fastener connecting the steering knuckle and strut on the right front of the vehicle. 
• 2022: Recalls include a powertrain control module (PCM) update issue, where the automatic electronic parking brake feature was not included, and a rear axle horizontal mounting bolt that may fracture. 
• 2021: Recalls have been issued for faulty airbag fasteners and rear suspension issues, including a defective rear axle horizontal mounting bolt. 
• 2017: Recalls cover issues like faulty A-pillar trim retention clips which could detach and become a road hazard. 
• 2016-2023: A recall for the engine block heater covers this range of model years, as the heater may crack, leak coolant, and cause a short circuit when plugged in. 
• 2011-2019: A recall addresses the A-pillar trim detaching from the vehicle. 

How to check for recalls

• Use your VIN: The best way to check if your specific vehicle is affected is to enter its 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the Ford owner's website, RepairPal Safety Recall Checker, or the NHTSA website.
• Contact a dealership: After checking your VIN, you can schedule a repair with a Ford dealership to fix any open recalls.