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KLUNK
KLUNK

2007 Ford Explorer

The Verdict

53 Proceed with Caution

The 2007 Ford Explorer has 207 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (76 complaints) and transmission (51 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 53/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Ford Explorer, consider the 2024 model year which has 90% fewer complaints.

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The 2024 has 90% fewer complaints

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53

Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution

About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 1

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

07V181000 STEERING

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE TWO BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME MAY HAVE BEEN OVER-TIGHTENED. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH OF THE BOLTS FRACTURIN...

Risk

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE "CLUNKING" NOISE WHEN STEERING AS WELL AS DECREASED STEERING EFFECTIVENESS POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Reported Apr 10, 2026

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200059160179136137
200141451969597
200213561272863221518
200367748116137332
20046723986155450
2005279145312993
2006762826244261
20077610313951
2008496372728
2009201372
20104111152423
20118642112113154
2012572197311239
201315123115839791
201411142413930464
201511432615235157
2016149613176554156
201711161610032985
201846574813334
20191864193232
202037860154157406
202117216406995
20221019325051
202362611146
2024150211
202545119913

By Category

Body
76
Transmission
51
Engine
39
Electrical
31
Brakes
10

By Severity

1
94
2
97
4
14
5
2

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2007 Ford Explorer stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Electrical 2

I am writing to formally express my concerns regarding a persistent issue with the throttle body system in my Ford Explorer. I have addressed this problem multiple times, having repaired the throttle body system, replaced the sensor, and even substituted the entire assembly on two separate occasions. Despite these efforts, the same diagnostic code continues to appear. Through my research, I have discovered that the throttle body issues in this particular year and model are not uncommon. I find myself at a loss regarding the next steps to take, particularly since I am certainly not the only Ford Explorer owner experiencing this challenge. This ongoing issue poses a significant safety risk, as exemplified by a recent incident where my vehicle ceased accelerating in the middle of a busy street just two days ago, nearly resulting in a collision. The car has only been examined by my mechanic; no police or other authorities have inspected it. Each time the throttle body-related code activates, I observe the wrench icon and the check engine light illuminating on the dashboard. Despite having undertaken extensive replacement of components associated with the throttle position sensor system, the root of the problem remains elusive—not even the dealership has been able to provide a solution. I urge you to investigate this matter further, as I believe there are others experiencing similar issues.

23mo ago
Transmission 2

The contact owns a 2007 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of a failure with the transmission. The contact attempted to shift the gear shifter and the vehicle made a loud clanking sound and the vehicle was rattling. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 150,076.

25mo ago
Electrical 1

My check engine light came on and the car was making a loud acceleration noise when touching the gas. I took it to the dealer and they found that the wiring harness (Part# 7L2Z-12A581-CB) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The dealership told me they are trying to locate the part. This went on for 8 or 9 months when they informed me that the part was on a national backorder. No one had this part in the US or Canada. I also contacted suppliers and dealerships myself to help find the part. On multiple occasions I spoke with my Ford dealer, Ford Parts Department and Customer Resolution Center. They keep telling me that we have to just wait for the part. I explained that it's been 9 months and asked if they can tell me how long it will take. They said they have no ETA. I explained that my car needs to be inspected by the end of the month and it won't pass without this wiring harness because my check engine light is on. I can't get an answer as to whether or not the part is on backorder or discontinued, and if backordered, when the part will be available. In the meantime, besides the fact that my car won't pass inspection in a few weeks, I'm also concerned about my safety driving with this faulty part. Multiple things can happen as a result including the car catching on fire. I need the part to fix my car and pass my inspection. However, I'm being told it's not available and there are a lot of units ordered and waiting. Is it possible that many others are experiencing the same? And if so, is this a faulty part that should be recalled? Thank you.

25mo ago
Electrical 5

The contact's brother-in-law owned a 2007 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her brother-in-law was driving 60-62 MPH, her husband was sitting in the front passenger's side seat, the contact was sitting in the rear passenger's side seat and her sister was sitting in the rear driver's side seat. The contact stated that the front passenger's side end of the vehicle collapsed and hit the ground inadvertently. The driver lost control of the steering wheel, and the vehicle rolled over three times and landed on its wheels. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was knocked unconscious temporarily. The contact's sister and brother-in-law were able to exit the vehicle. The contact was able to exit the vehicle and stood in front of the passenger's side door attempting to assist her husband out of the vehicle. The emergency units cut the front passenger's side seat belt and assisted the contact's husband out of the vehicle. The contact's husband was air lifted to the hospital, where it was diagnosed that he had sustained a broken neck and was paralyzed from the neck down. The contact's husband received medical assistance in the hospital for 5 months until he passed away. The contact, her sister and brother-in-law were transported to the hospital. The contact sustained a broken sternum and received medical assistance. The contact's sister sustained a fractured neck. Both the contact's sister and brother-in-law had undergone back surgery. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to tow yard, where it was totaled. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V181000 (Steering). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

32mo ago
Body 1

HIT A BUMP AND THE DRIVER SEAT RANDOMLY MOVED ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE POINT I COULD NO LONGER REACH THE PEDALS.

64mo ago
Transmission 2

WHILE DRIVING ON THE THE HIGHWAY ON RAMP THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO ACCELERATE AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT MERGING ON THE HIGHWAY. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SCANNED 16 TRANSMISSION OBD CODES CAME UP. THE CAUSE OF THE CODES WAS A CORRODED CONNECTOR GOING TO THE TRANSMISSION. IT CORRODED FROM WATER INTRUSION FROM WATER LEAKING FROM THE A/C DRAIN ONTO THE TRANSMISSION ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO GET FIXED AND PAID BY FORD FOR POOR ENGINEERING.

73mo ago
Engine 2

WE WERE DRIVING HOME AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. NO ENGINE, NO STEERING, ETC. MY HUSBAND WAS REDUCING SPEED (45 TO 35) USING THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE STEERING WHEEL. EVERY LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD LIT UP, ENGINE, WRENCH. OIL CAN. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. WE TOOK IT IN FOR DIAGNOSTICS TWICE (ONCE TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY AND ONCE TO A DEALERSHIP). BOTH SAID THEY DIDN'T FIND ANY ERROR CODES. THE ABS TONE RING WAS REPLACED AND A NEW BATTERY WAS INSTALLED. THESE REPAIRS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS DANGEROUS!!! SO FAR THIS HAS COST US $465.00. I WILL BE MAKING ANOTHER APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALERSHIP TODAY.

85mo ago
Transmission 2

OUT TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. WE UNDERSTAND THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED MANY TIMES AND THAT FORD IS AWARE OF IT. IT IS A MALFUNCTION IN THE TRANSMISSION AND NOT A MAINTENANCE PROBLEM. WE WERE DRIVING ON 25 HEADED EAST OUT OF BAY CITY GOING STRAIGHT AT 55 MILES AN HOUR.

86mo ago
Body 1

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR JUST CUT OFF. NO WARNING .

88mo ago
Brakes 1

POWER BRAKE BOOSTER FAILURE. DIAPHRAGM INSIDE THE BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED SUDDENLY CAUSING A HARD TIME TO STOP WHEN TRAVELING AT A HIGHWAY. NO CRASH INVOLVED BUT HAD TO USE THE SHOULDER FOR EXTRA STOPPING DISTANCE.

90mo ago
Engine 2

CAR HESITATES AT FIRST START UP IN THE MORNING. AND SOMETIMES WHEN TURN OFF AND THEN TURN ON.

91mo ago
Engine 2

TL* THE CONTACT DRIVES A 2007 FORD EXPLORER OWNED BY THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR WAS DETACHED AND WAS RE-ATTACHED WITH A PIECE OF GLASS AND TAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURES WERE REPORTED TO THE SUPERVISOR AS WELL AS DOCUMENTED IN A VEHICLE REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SEVERAL OTHER FORD EXPLORERS IN THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT FLEET WERE UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS THEY EXHIBITED HESITATION AND STALLING. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

92mo ago
Electrical 2

WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE, MY DRIVER SIDE SEAT WILL MOVE BY ITSELF. IT'S HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND IS VERY SCARY KNOWING I CANT REACH THE GAS OR BRAKE PEDAL WHILE DRIVING WHEN IT HAPPENS. MY HEATED SEAT DOESNT WORK PROPERLY EITHER I DONT KNOW IF THIS IS ALL PART OF THE PROBLEM OR NOT. THE SIDE AIRBAG ON MY DRIVER SEAT ALSO IS BULGED OUT MORE THEN IT SHOULD BE I BELIEVE.

93mo ago
Engine 2

HARMONIC BALANCER IS BAD ON A LOT OF FORD EXPLORERS. MY GIRLFRIEND AND I JUST PURCHASED A 2007 FORD EXPLORER AND DIDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL. A COUPLE WEEKS AGO WE NOTICE A LOUD SQUEALING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FIRST THOUGHT IT WAS A FAN BELT NEEDING REPLACED. REPLACED THAT ITS GOT WORSE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND OUT A LOT OF FORD CUSTOMERS ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS ISSUE. ALL THE VIDEOS AND FORUM SEARCHES LEADS TO THE HARMONIC BALANCER. THESE THINGS GO BAD AND CAUSES MORE PROBLEMS WITHIN THE PULLEY BELT SYSTEM, EVEN ENGINE FAILURE. I'M ONLY MAKING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE FORD HASN'T MADE ANY ADJUSTMENTS OR ATTEMPT TO PUT OUT A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AND ITS THE PURPOSE OF ENGINE FAILURE IN A LOT OF FORD EXPLORERS, EXPEDITIONS, ETC. THE SQUEAL OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION. IT STOPS PERIODICALLY, BUT STARTS UP AGAIN AT TAKE OFF FROM STOPS AND ITS CONSTANT WHEN DRIVING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE A FEEL OF LOST OF POWER. ALOT OF THE CUSTOMERS ARE DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE THEMSELVES. SOME DOESN'T MAKE IT TO GETTING IT FIXED BECAUSE SHOPS SAYING ITS A BELT AND NEVER GET THE REAL PROBLEM FIXED. FORD NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR A MECHANICAL PART THAT BASICALLY RUNS THE VEHICLE. BAD HARMONIC BALANCER OR DAMAGE BALANCER EQUALS WORN BELTS, BAD BELT TENSIONER, AND DAMAGE TO ENGINE LIFE ITSELF AND NEED TO RESOLVED.

94mo ago
Electrical 1

AFTER STARTING VEHICLE, AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON (NOT EVERY TIME) AND SEAT MOVES TO THE IGNITION OFF POSITION. TURN ENGINE OFF AND RESTART AND AIR BAG LIGHT AND SEAT POSITION MAY OPERATE CORRECTLY BUT NOT ALWAYS. IF IT OCCURS AGAIN, ONLY AFTER TURNING VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTING A NUMBER OF TIMES WILL THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND SEAT POSITION REMAIN IN THE CORRECT POSITIONS.

95mo ago
Body 2

REAR LIFT GATE GLASS SHATTER DURING THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENT MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY, ON A COUNTY ROAD FOR 12 DAYS. ALL WINDOWS WERE ROLLED UP THE FULL DURATION OF THAT TIME. THE TEMPURATERS RANGED FROM THE MID 70S TO MID 90S. WHILE PARKED IT WAS DETECTED THAT THE REAR LIFT GAT GATE GLASS HAD SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO OBJECTS FOUND IN OR AROUND THE VEHICLE THAT COULD HAVE EITHER BEEN THROWN, HIS AGAINST OR FALLEN INTO THE WINDOW CAUSING THIS DAMAGE. THERE APPEARED TO BE APPROXIMATELY THE SAME AMOUNT OF GLASS OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AS WAS INSIDE. A REPORT HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE LOCAL SHERIFF DEPARTMENT AND IS ON FILE.

95mo ago
Engine 2

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 213,000.

96mo ago
Body 1

DRIVER SEAT MOVES BACKWARDS WHILE DRIVING ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THIS HAS STARTED HAPPENING OCTOBER 2017. SINCE THEN IT HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT AND WILL HAPPEN AT RANDOM SO THE CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. SPEEDS CAN RANGE FROM 40 MPH TO 70 MPH. WHICH RESULTS IN NOT BEING ABLE TO REACH THE BREAK OR GAS PEDAL. THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS IN AN EMERGENCY BREAKING SITUATION.

97mo ago
Engine 4

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD AND FLUID LEAKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 158,000.

97mo ago
Body 2

I WENT TO PULL OUT FROM THE STORE BUT MY STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T TURN. WHEN WE OPENED THE HOOD, WE SAW THE POWER STEERING BELT HANGING OFF. HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE SHOP AND WHEN THE MECHANIC TOOK A LOOK HE SAW THAT THE WHOLE POWER STEERING UNIT WAS HANGING DOWN AND THE BOLT WAS BROKEN.

99mo ago

207 total

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