The Lemon Index2010 Ford Explorer.
The 2010 Ford Explorer is better than average by owner complaints: 49 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 73, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about seats, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 15 to 17 mpg combined. The best Ford Explorer year is 2008.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 115 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Explorer year. 2010 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 6K to 85K miles on the car (95 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 60K–120K miles
Recalls 2
- equipment 2010
MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- seats 2010
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT MANUAL …
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 25 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- On some 2010 models there may be many symptoms such as an engine rattle, malfunction light, lack
- If there is an intermittent lack of power, surge, or hesitation while driving the brakes will…
- There may be a loss of power, hesitation, surge, or lack of throttle response while driving
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedFleet vehicle recall completion audit2010–2015
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★☆☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $3800–4300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
The headrest in my 2010 Ford Explorer forces your head and neck forward in a very uncomfortable postion. There is no adjustment for the position.
2010 Ford Explorer owner · NHTSA complaint 10334195
More owner reports
My 2010 Ford Explorer jump forward while sitting still with my foot on the brake. It had happen twice. May 15,2010 and may 17,2010.
NHTSA complaint 10330895
The headrests lean so far forward that I have to either lean the back of the seat way back or pull the headrest out as it is so uncomfortable I get a neck ache. I have never had this problem with any other vehicle I have owned.
NHTSA complaint 10378631
Quick answers
Is the 2010 Ford Explorer reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.4× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 73; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Explorer year by this measure since 2010 is 2024.
What are the most common 2010 Ford Explorer problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are seats (39%), speed control (22%) and brakes (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2010 Ford Explorer have?
2 safety recalls (latest: equipment). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Ford Explorer get?
15 to 17 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2010 Ford Explorer problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 6,900 and 85,000 miles. The middle report was at 40,700 miles, from 95 complaints.
Does the 2010 Ford Explorer have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2010 Ford Explorer cost in fuel a year?
About $3800 to $4300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2010 Ford Explorer have?
4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl.
What Ford Explorer year is better than the 2010?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2018 and 2010.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works