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2010 Ford Explorer Limited AWD

The 2010 Ford Explorer Limited AWD is a 210-hp 4.0-liter V6 with a 5-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. It starts at $38,200 MSRP and is rated at 15 mpg combined.

It makes 210 horsepower at 5,100 rpm and 254 lb-ft of torque at 3700 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway (15 mpg combined).

The Explorer measures 193.4 inches long on a 113.7-inch wheelbase.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$38,200 ($56,923 *)
MSRP with Destination$39,015 ($58,138 *)
Destination Charge$815
Engine
Engine Type4.0L SOHC V6
Displacement4 L
Horsepower210 hp @ 5,100 rpm
Torque254 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
ValvetrainSOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Injection TypeMultiport Fuel Injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFull-time all-wheel drive
Transmission
Transmission5-speed automatic
Fuel Economy
City13 MPG
Highway19 MPG
Combined15 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular Gasoline
Tank Capacity22.5 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionShort/long-arm independent front suspension
Rear SuspensionIndependent rear suspension
Dimensions & Weight
Length193.4 in
Width73.7 in
Height72.8 in
Wheelbase113.7 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover ★★★★★ (22.8 % risk)
Tested variant: 2010 Ford Explorer 4-DR. w/SAB

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2010 Ford EXPLORER. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Sep 3, 2010 · EQUIPMENT

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. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Consequence: AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

Remedy: MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.

NHTSA campaign 10E043000

Apr 20, 2010 · SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

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 RECLINERS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINT." THE RECLINER GEAR PLATE TEETH MAY BE OUT OF DIMENSION SPECIFICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN LIMITED PAWL TO GEAR PLATE TOOTH ENGAGEMENT.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATBACK AND HEAD RESTRAINT MAY MOVE REARWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL RECLINERS FOR BOTH POWER AND MANUAL SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

NHTSA campaign 10V161000

115 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2010 Ford EXPLORER

Owner Complaints

115 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Ford EXPLORER (8 mention a crash, 3 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Power Train28
Seats20
Service Brakes15
Engine14
Vehicle Speed Control14
Electrical System12
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Feb 23, 2026 · Electrical System
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was…”
Jan 28, 2026 · Power Train
“Thing accelerate by itself while on highway od light blinking at high speeds and then when you come to a complete stop and try to takeoff it goes really slow with the RPMs high then it will kick into…”
Jan 22, 2026 · Electrical System
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the…”
Sep 26, 2025 · Service Brakes, Fuel/Propulsion System Crash
“3 times this has happened. I brake and it seems like I'm pressing the gas pedal and the brakes feel like they aren't stopping the vehicle. The third time put me in incoming traffic and the vehicle was…”
Aug 28, 2025 · Electrical System, Visibility
“The contact owns a 2010 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the anti-theft, roll stability, and fuel filler messages were displayed with an audible alarm before…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2010 FORD EXPLORER. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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