Skip to content
Trimslate
SavedHelp

2010 Ford

Explorer 2WD

Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L

Ford Explorer: best and worst years
2010 Ford Explorer 2WD

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2010.

PhotoRichard SmithCC BY 2.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic 6-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

Cyl
8EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
21 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
15 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
17 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$3,650EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
6/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
194 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
74 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
72 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
114 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
4,630 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Recalls
2
Owner complaints
115
Reported injuries
13

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • POWER TRAIN18%
  • SEATS13%
  • ENGINE9%
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL9%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8%
  • SERVICE BRAKES6%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 153 total.

Ford Explorer: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • AQ10001opened Nov 18, 2010UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

22 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Feb 24, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSSM 54601

    Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applica

  • Apr 24, 2024EQUIPMENTSSM 52476

    All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer

  • Aug 9, 2019VISIBILITYSSM 48130

    Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the glass and cause visual distortion and/or discoloration on the outer surface which cannot be removed by further cleaning. If this type of distortion is found, inspect the area of the glass that is covered by the cowl and/or molding. The portion o

  • May 10, 2019POWER TRAINSSM 47976

    On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Mis

  • Feb 7, 2019EQUIPMENTTSB 19-2026

    Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition

  • Oct 2, 2018STEERINGDOR-S3J9G-11

    This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort.

  • Jun 1, 2018ENGINESSM 47331

    Various vehicles equipped with a 4.6L, 5.4L, 6.8L modular 3 valve engine built on or before 8-Jan-2016 may exhibit symptoms that may include upper end engine noise, rough running, misfire and/or engine damage. If diagnosis leads to only camshaft/camshaft roller follower(s) requiring replacement, replace all of the camshaft roller followers on both banks/cylinder heads with part number 3L3Z-6564-A, not just the faulty roller follower(s). When replacing the camshaft roller followers, refer to Work

  • Mar 30, 2018EQUIPMENTSSM 47201

    Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. Only approved Genuine Ford accessories or originally installed systems are supported and certified to function correctly with other vehicle systems. If you suspect a system has been modified, the following resources can be used to verify original e

  • and 14 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.