Ford Explorer Ford Explorer

We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

Ford Explorer repairs by problem area

Engine (25%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (16%)

Brakes and Traction Control (4%)

Suspension and Steering (19%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (22%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (9%)

Other (6%)

Select a problem area

Show all problems

Need advice about a specific Ford Explorer problem?

Chart based on 1662 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Ford Explorer.

Ford Explorer brake repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (13%)

$500 - $999 (18%)

$100 - $499 (35%)

< $100 (34%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 68 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2022 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

turbocharged 400hp 3.0L V6 10-speed shiftable automatic AWD

3720 mi Affected Explorers will be sent to dealerships for inspection and repair. Based on the Explorer model, dealers will either replace the bushing and axle cover or update the electronic parking brake software. 

Return to top

2018 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

60000 mi

US $700
Replace rotors and discs 

Return to top

2017 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

53365 mi

US $204
replace rear pads - they wanted to replace rotors - thats crazy with only 53k miles 

Return to top

2016 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

12710 mi parking brake lever failed, covered by warranty 
69000 mi

US $1100
Back breaks were completely worn out including rotors and the fronts are only 1/2 done? Seem odd to me. 
39000 mi

US $1000
Replace front and rear brakes were pulsing. 

Return to top

2015 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

65100 mi

C $1250
Complete front and rear brakes. 

Return to top

2015 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

53000 mi

US $300
New front rotors and pads 

Return to top

2014 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

59000 mi

US $250
Rear brake pads replaced. 
60456 mi

US $8
Rear calipers we’re sticking due to corrosion pinching pad slides. Replaced slides, cleaned rust. Front calipers have no signs of corrosion at all. 
44640 mi

C $800
Rear brake pads and rotors replaced 

Return to top

2013 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

2000 mi Traction Contrel System engaged while on dry pavement. I was unable to disengage TCS. Engine reving high as a result of TCR. Brought to dealer to see RCA. Results inconclusive. Dealer updated ECU and Antilock firware to latest rev. 

Return to top

2013 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

48000 mi

US $160
Replaced rear brake rotors and pads. 
57000 mi

US $350
Replaced front and rear brake rotors and pads. 
32240 mi Front and rear brakes serviced. Vehicle was making high pitched whining noise when releasing brakes. Pads determined to be sticking in 2 of 4 wheels. All brakes serviced and lubed under warranty. 

Return to top

2012 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

51000 mi

US $350
Drivers side rear brake caliper froze up causing it to smoke and make noise. 
86000 mi

US $50
Caliper stuck 
148800 mi

C $700
Rear caliper stuck 
76000 mi

US $725
Needed to replace both rear calipers 
194000 mi Routine brake service 

Return to top

2012 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

109740 mi

C $2300
rear brakes, pads, rotors etc. 
46000 mi

US $300
warped rotor 
22300 mi Warnings displayed regarding "service advancetrac." Nothing was done as dealer could not reproduce and said there was no sign of error stored in computer. 

Return to top

2011 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

119000 mi

US $219
Rear brakes.... Pin slide rusts and freezes.... One side worn down down....not a caliper issue and is a know explorer issue... Ford has replaced brake pad/slide design.... However refuse to accept responsibility 
6000 mi Brakes had been squealing off and on since purchase. Finally had an opportunity to take it in to have it looked at - not sure what they did; said there were no problems or issues with brakes. Still squeals... 
111000 mi

US $500
Replace pads and rotors 

Return to top

2011 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

ABS activated causing sudden slowdowns when taking 3-4 degree turn at 38-42 miles/hr. Replaced part BB5Z*3F818*A Sensor - Steering Rotation 
33000 mi

US $100
Left rear caliper seized--pads wearing quickly, rotor overheating. Caliper replaced. Right caliper inspected and was fine. Pads replaced on both rear wheels. Left rotor replaced, right machined. 
120800 mi

US $300
Rear calipers frozen. Replaced both rear calipers. 

Return to top

2010 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD

30 mi Rollover Stability Control activates and makes annoying noises announcing it needs immediate service. Dealer checked system and pinged the module and said they found no problem. this did not stop the RSC from continuing to go off. 

Return to top

2010 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

68500 mi

US $250
Leaking front left caliper. Part replaced and required brake fluid exchange. 

Return to top

2008 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

115000 mi

US $1200
wheel hubs with sensors brakes pads and calipers 
63100 mi

US $180
Replace four rotors, all brakes, and two calipers. 
8000 mi TSB for rear brake rattle, dealer replaced rear brakes 

Return to top

2007 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

109300 mi

US $75
Drivers rear ABS Sensor electrical connector broke causing intermittent issues with ABS/Traction Control. Replaced Sensor. Likely broken with Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement, but cannot prove. 
115500 mi

US $2000
lower slide pins on both front calipers frozen. Was able to remove one, but the other was stuck and resulted in replacing drivers front caliper bracket. Also replaced pads and rotors at same time. 
194000 mi

US $240
Replaced worn out rotors and pads brakes, parts worn out 

Return to top

2006 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic RWD

178000 mi

US $2300
Front and Rear Brakes Replaced 

Return to top

2006 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

151000 mi

US $1362
New front pads. 
91000 mi

US $500
Traction Control and ABS failure lights kept illuminating. Fixed itself for now. Likely a sensor issue, seems to happen when slush on the ground and wheel wells get splashed. Drives me nuts that when you need it most and the entire system shuts down. 

Return to top

2006 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD

75000 mi brake squeaked when depressed. Fixed by lubing brake assembly (inside driver cabin). 

Return to top

2006 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

80000 mi

US $1000
Replaced brake master cylinder 
103000 mi

US $250
Replaced brake pads and rotors 
114000 mi

US $75
Stupid design, sliders seized, could not free pin, had to replace caliper and bracket 

Return to top

2005 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD

41000 mi

US $100
ABS module. 

Return to top

2005 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

84600 mi

US $55
ABS module needed to be reflashed to turn off Advance Track light 
78000 mi

US $123
rt wheel cylinder was dripping bad 

Return to top

2004 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic AWD

14000 mi ABS sensor 

Return to top

2004 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

58300 mi

US $200
abs warning light on abs sensor bad.... 
136300 mi

US $600
bearing with sensor built in replaced 
187000 mi Spring came loose in parking brake, causing squeak in brakes, removed it 
131200 mi Noise coming from left front brake when backing up and applying the brakes. Found caliper mounting bolts loose. 
151400 mi

US $200
RT front brake caliper siezed. Replaced both calipers, disks and pads 

Return to top

2004 Ford Explorer 4-door

6-cylinder automatic 2WD

82000 mi

US $870
Brake repair, specifics not known. 

Return to top

2003 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

181000 mi

US $90
Rear calipers... $90 and did them myself. They were frozen but still working. 
89000 mi

US $400
ABS - speed sensor bad. 

Return to top

2002 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

117500 mi The parking brake had seized. Took it to a mechanic who replaced the parking brake assembly and pads. Brake did not work until I replaced the rear discs. 
107000 mi

US $211
line from resevoir to brakes rudted thru (live by ocean - everything rusts) 
121825 mi

US $1402
Brake shoe replacement 

Return to top

2002 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD

91000 mi

US $400
Brake master cylinder out. Front driver brakes rattling/noise. 

Return to top

2002 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

114000 mi

US $400
Emergency brake broke damaging rotors. Replaced and repair. 
121300 mi

US $72
parking brake cable stuck. 
127000 mi

US $569
The rear rotors needed replacing and the emergency brake cable and mechanism needed replacing too. 
127000 mi

US $687
 

Return to top

2000 Ford Explorer

Engine not specified

93000 mi

US $24
Replaced steel cross brake line between rear wheels and bled system. Old clips were somewhat difficult to reach and they were also rusted so zip ties were used with insulation around lines as a substitute. 

Return to top

2000 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

215-horsepower 5.0L V8 4-speed automatic AWD

189000 mi

US $300
brake line replaced. Had hole in line. 

Return to top

1999 Ford Explorer 4-door

8-cylinder automatic 2WD

98000 mi

US $550
warning light on for brakes 

Return to top

1997 Ford Explorer 4-door

8-cylinder automatic AWD

67000 mi

US $600
Broken brake line to driver side rear. "Rotted away." Leak also took out brake pads, so they had to be replace even though not fully worn. 
67000 mi

US $125
broken brake line 

Return to top

1996 Ford Explorer 4-door

6-cylinder automatic 4WD

199000 mi

US $384
Master Cylinder failure - leaking 

Return to top

See TrueDelta's information for all SUVs
See TrueDelta's information for all Ford models.

Ford Explorer Brake Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently Ford Explorer problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.