2010 Ford Explorer Problems
What owners have reported about the 2010 Ford Explorer, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2010 Ford Explorer a good year?
It's one of the better years for the Explorer. Owners have filed 115 complaints with NHTSA, the 14th most of 18 Explorer model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, seats and engine.
115 complaints 2 recalls, 1 injury risk 14th worst of 18 Explorer years
Top 2010 Ford Explorer problems
Transmission problems
28 complaints (24%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and column shift.
Seat problems
20 complaints (17%) name the seats, most often the head restraint.
Engine problems
17 complaints (15%) name the engine, most often the engine.
Brake problems
15 complaints (13%) name the brakes.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (91 of 115). The amber line is the middle value, about 48,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2010 Ford Explorer recalls
Seat covers may block side airbag deployment
Injury riskThe seat covers use heavier thread and are not compatible with seats that have side airbags. The heavier cover could interfere with the airbag fully deploying in a crash, which could cause serious injury.
Fix: The dealer will replace the seat cover free of charge, and Marathon will notify owners of record.
Recall 10E043000 · Sep 2010Recliner
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. In the event of a crash, the seatback and head restraint may move rearward, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Recall 10V161000 · Apr 2010Get an email when your 2010 Ford Explorer gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2010 Ford Explorer, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Explorer years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
Common questions
Is the 2010 Ford Explorer a reliable year?
It's one of the better years for the Explorer. Owners have filed 115 complaints with NHTSA, the 14th most of 18 Explorer model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, seats and engine.
What are the most common 2010 Ford Explorer problems?
Owners most often report problems with the transmission, seats, engine and brakes. 28 complaints (24%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and column shift.
At what mileage do 2010 Ford Explorer transmission problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 61,000–120,000 miles, with a middle value near 81,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2010 Ford Explorer have?
2. Seat covers may block side airbag deployment (10E043000); Recliner (10V161000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2010 Ford Explorer?
Ask for service records covering the transmission, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2009, 2026 and 2025 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.