YearToAvoid

2007 Ford Explorer Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

15/100

#18 most-complained of 21 Explorer years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2007 Ford Explorer has 208 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 15 out of 100 — #18 highest of 21 Explorer model years (verdict: Best). The most reported problem area is transmission & powertrain (57 complaints, 27% of the total). Complaints report 11 crashes, 5 fires, 9 injuries, and 2 deaths.

Complaints
208
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
11 / 5
Injuries / deaths
9 / 2
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
15.5
13 city / 19 hwy

Top 2007 Ford Explorer problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Transmission & Powertrain57 (27%)
  2. Engine47 (23%)
  3. Structure & Body35 (17%)
  4. Suspension, Wheels & Tires31 (15%)
  5. Electrical System27 (13%)
  6. Brakes13 (6%)
  7. Airbags12 (6%)
  8. Steering10 (5%)
  9. Other8 (4%)
  10. Visibility & Wipers8 (4%)
2007 Ford Explorer complaints: complaints filed per quarter142007 Q12008 Q42010 Q32012 Q22014 Q12015 Q42017 Q32019 Q3
254 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2007 Q1 to 2024 Q3; peak 2014 Q3 (14).

2007 Ford Explorer recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 07V181000Apr 25, 2007Steering11 vehicles

    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 fracturing, causing the steering gear to become loose.

    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.

2007 Ford Explorer fuel economy and fuel cost

City
13 MPG
Highway
19 MPG
Combined
15.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$4,175
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2007 compared with other Explorer years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2005Best20497015
2006Good35630115
2007Best15208115.5
2008Best10148115.5
2009Best033016

All Ford Explorer years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2007 Ford Explorer a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2007 Ford Explorer ranks #18 of 21 among Explorer model years (Complaint Index 15/100, verdict: Best). It has 208 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Ford Explorer?
The most reported problem areas are transmission & powertrain (57 complaints), engine (47 complaints), and structure & body (35 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 67,250 miles.
Does the 2007 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2007 Ford Explorer, most recently reported 2007, covering steering.
What is the fuel economy of the 2007 Ford Explorer?
EPA rates the 2007 Ford Explorer at 15.5 MPG combined (13 city / 19 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,175. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.