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The 2024 Ford Explorer Has Some Issues. Here’s What the Data Shows
Problem analysis of the 2024 Ford Explorer found issues including transmission jerking, front suspension failures, lane keep assist malfunctions, and driver seat memory failures.
⚠️This vehicle is part of an active investigation. See if you qualify for the Ford Explorer Transmission class action investigation.⚠️
Key Points
- Our team analyzed real consumer complaints, NHTSA complaints, internal data, and owner feedback to identify commonly reported problems with the 2024 Ford Explorer.
- Owners most often report transmission jerking and hard shifting, front suspension and steering failures, lane keep assist malfunctions, windshield visibility defects, and driver seat memory issues.
- Owners with repeated or unresolved defects may have rights under state lemon laws, including possible refund, replacement, or compensation.
People joke about the Explorer being called the “Exploder.” Sure, it’s funny, but the Explorer isn’t a bad vehicle. Like any high-selling, mass-produced car, there tends to be a pattern of certain recurring issues among a small percentage of owners.
For this model year, the transmission stands out. But overall, the majority of Explorer owners are happy with their vehicles. This is part of our ongoing content series where we break down the top issues that are causing actual vehicle breakdowns. I reviewed NHTSA complaints, our own internal data, and owner feedback to put this together.
My name is Sergei Lemberg, and I’m a lemon law attorney with over twenty years of experience representing consumers in vehicle defect cases. Let’s dive in.
Most Common Problems
Here’s what my research found for the top issues with the 2024 Explorer:
- Transmission Jerking and Hard Shifting: Owners describe sudden jerks or clunks while driving or passing, sometimes leading dealers to suspect the transmission or related parts.
- Front Suspension and Steering Failures: Premature wear of front struts and shocks causing clunking noises, vibrations, and safety concerns that often require part replacements delayed by backorders.
- Lane Keep Assist Malfunctions: Reports of the vehicle veering out of lanes unexpectedly at highway speeds with limited warning or corrective action from dealerships.
- Windshield Defects and Visibility Problems: Owners report distortion or “orange peel” effects in the windshield glass, impairing visibility and causing migraines.
- Driver Seat Memory Failures: The driver’s seat can move unexpectedly, sometimes while driving, posing a safety hazard.
Other less frequent defects include intermittent heating system failures, clicking noises near the steering column, and malfunctioning 360 camera systems.
2024 Ford Explorer Complaint Summary
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Suspension | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Visibility/wiper | |
| Seats | |
| Steering | |
| Air Bags | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | |
| Electrical System | |
| Engine | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking |
Top Problem #1: Transmission Jerking and Hard Shifting
I found multiple reports indicating jerking or clunking sensations in the drive. This problem often occurs during acceleration, passing, or slowing down, which reduces driving confidence and safety.
- Jerking or shuddering when accelerating or passing
- Transmission hesitation or delayed shifting
- Limp mode activation or warning lights appearing on the dash
- Dealer diagnosis often inconclusive, sometimes ordering parts or suggesting transmission replacement
Owner quotes from NHTSA complaints include
“My 2024 Explorer starts jerking hard whenever I try to pass another vehicle, making driving stressful and unsafe. The dealer says they’re ordering parts but no fix yet.”
“Transmission shifting feels rough and unpredictable at low speeds in normal driving mode. I’m worried about the long-term reliability.”
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Top Problem #2: Front Suspension and Steering Failures
Front suspension components such as struts and shocks are reportedly failing prematurely. Owners describe clunking noises, vibrations, and steering stiffness, sometimes within a few thousand miles of use.
- Clunking or rattling noises near front wheels
- Warning from mechanics to avoid driving due to worn struts
- Long wait times for replacement parts due to backorders
- Steering difficulties or stiffness, especially in cold weather
Direct owner experiences include
“My dealer told me both front struts needed replacement at just over 3,000 miles. I was also advised not to drive the vehicle until the repairs could be made.”
“Steering became extremely stiff, especially turning from a stop, with no warning lights. Several service visits have not resolved this.”
Top Problem #3: Lane Keep Assist Malfunctions
The 2024 Explorer’s lane keep assist system has been reported to malfunction, occasionally veering the vehicle out of its lane unexpectedly, posing a serious safety risk.
- Vehicle veering out of lane without driver input
- No timely warnings or corrective action from the vehicle
- Side-swiping barriers at highway speeds with no airbag deployment
- Dealerships unable to diagnose or fix the problem
Owner reports describe
“While driving 40 MPH, the Explorer suddenly veered out of its lane and struck a barrier wall. No warning lights came on and no airbags deployed.”
“The lane keep assist malfunctions multiple times per week. Dealer says they cannot find the cause.”
Top Problem #4: Windshield Defects and Visibility Problems
Some owners, however, report distortions in the windshield glass, described as an “orange peel” texture, causing blurred vision and migraines.
- Distorted glass sight lines affecting driver visibility
- Headlight glare impaired in the distorted areas
- Manufacturer response minimal, no effective remedy offered
- Complaints filed but unresolved for months
Owner feedback includes
“The right side of my windshield distorts light so badly at night that I have trouble seeing cars. The dealership refuses to replace it, claiming it is normal ‘orange peel’.”
What Should You Do If Your 2024 Ford Explorer Is a Lemon?
A vehicle may be considered a lemon under state laws if it has a substantial defect that impairs its use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer or dealer cannot fix the problem after a reasonable number of attempts.
To protect your rights, I recommend the following steps:
- Document every issue carefully, including dates, symptoms, repairs, and dealer correspondence
- File formal complaints with the manufacturer and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Keep copies of all maintenance and repair records in one place
- Consult with a qualified lemon law attorney to review your case
At Lemberg Law, we offer free lemon law consultations to help you assess whether your 2024 Ford Explorer qualifies for legal relief. We handle cases on a no-cost basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Time is critical, so I urge you to contact us today before statutory deadlines expire. Protect your investment and get the compensation you deserve.
Click 877-795-3666 now to call us.
Or go ahead and fill out our Contact Form. Our services are absolutely free to you.
About the Author:
Sergei Lemberg is an attorney focusing on consumer law, class actions related to automotive issues, and personal injury litigation. With nearly two decades of experience, his areas of practice include Lemon Law (vehicle defects), Debt Collection Harassment, TCPA (illegal robocalls and texts), Fair Credit Reporting Act, Overtime claims, Personal Injury cases, and Class Actions. He has consistently been recognized as the nation's "most active consumer attorney." In 2020, Mr. Lemberg represented Noah Duguid before the United States Supreme Court in the landmark case Duguid v. Facebook. He is also the author of "Defanging Debt Collectors," a guide that empowers consumers to fight back against debt collectors and prevail, as well as "Lemon Law 101: The Laws That Lemon Dealers Don't Want You to Know."
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