Ford Explorer: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 7,424 Ford Explorer cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1994 and 2026.
In a sample of 390 cars, 38.7% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, less often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing (10% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 23 recalls for this model; 12.3% of registered cars still have an open recall.
0.9% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Ford Explorer
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing | 10% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 7.9% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 5.9% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 5.1% |
| Front fog light incorrectly aimed | 4.6% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 4.4% |
| Tyre pressure monitoring warning indicates a fault | 3.6% |
| Tyre damaged | 2.3% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 2.3% |
| Reflector defective | 1.3% |
Share of 390 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 7.7% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 1% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.8% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.5% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 7,424 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 12.3% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 0.9% |
| Used as a taxi | 0.3% |
| First registered | 1994 to 2026 |
All Ford Explorer passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-05-21 | electrical system | – | 58,775 |
| 2026-05-08 | windows and wipers | – | 248 |
| 2026-03-31 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 3 |
| 2026-01-15 | electrical system | serious | 1 |
| 2025-11-14 | suspension | – | 10 |
| 2025-11-13 | seats | – | 24 |
| 2025-10-10 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 64 |
| 2025-10-02 | other | – | 120 |
| 2025-09-05 | electrical system | – | 1 |
| 2025-08-19 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 227 |
| 2025-08-08 | electrical system | – | 2 |
| 2025-07-28 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 9 |
| 2025-05-15 | brakes | – | 1 |
| 2025-05-12 | other | – | 121 |
| 2024-11-28 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 5 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Ford Explorer fail the APK?
In a sample of 390 cars first registered 2012–2021, 38.7% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Ford Explorer?
The most common APK defects are: drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing (10%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (7.9%), tyre tread depth insufficient (5.9%).
Does the Ford Explorer have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 23 recalls. 12.3% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Ford models
Fiesta · Focus · Kuga · Ka · Puma · C-Max · Mondeo · Fusion · Ecosport · Mustang · B-Max · S-Max · Transit · Galaxy · Grand C-Max
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.