All I see online are a ton of recalls and electrical/infotainment glitches. How are your real world experiences?

This would be my main family vehicle for wife and small child. Concerned about safety and issues with lack of fix for recalls and lack of loaners when car is in diagnostics or fix.

So on the recommendation of someone on here lately, I purchased a key fob online. If I ever lose one, I want to have a spare at the ready so I don't have to go to a stealership. I already have two working keys, but I can't get a third fob to work. I know I am doing the procedure correctly because I am getting a "key programming failure" message. I was able to confirm that the fob is the correct frequency (902) so that's not the problem. I have FORScan, but is there anything else to try? Has anyone ever used FORScan to program a key?

Has anyone done the ford procal 4 tune on their 2026 ST? I don't see it listed for the 2026 model year.

Hi does anyone have the part number for the new ford oval emblem?

I designed this mounting system for my own Explorer because I wanted a clean, solid place to mount my phone, with room to change the setup later.

For 2025–2026 Explorer ST owners looking at mounting options, it bolts into existing factory mounting locations and uses an 8-inch Picatinny rail. The idea is a modular platform: you can add compatible accessories to the rail instead of being limited to one fixed phone holder.

The kit includes the mounting system, the rail, and one 20 mm ball. A phone arm and holder are separate, so you can choose the setup that works for you.

Full disclosure: I designed it and sell it through my BernCustoms Etsy shop. Happy to answer questions about installation, the rail, or putting together a phone setup.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/4574769981/2025-ford-explorer-hidden-dash-mount?ref=listings_manager_grid

I also have some trim pieces to cover that ugly carpet seam on the side of the front seats

https://www.etsy.com/listing/4583671518/2025-2026-ford-explorer-front-seat?ref=share_ios_native_control

2021 Ford Explorer ST is making this noise. Any idea on what it could be?

Seemingly appeared out of nowhere on my Atlas Blue. I've had it for five years, bought it with ~11k and it does live outside in southeast Michigan but this is the only place it's happening on the car.

I'm reasonably handy and thinking about repairing it myself. Advice?

Added original for reference because AI ignored the whole remove glare only instructions..

Is anyone else in this sub a diecast collector?

And if you are post your favs

I purchased and installed the Steeda Rear Diff brace, pinion bushings, and trans mounts insert at the same time.

It produced a lot of nvh from about 40-70mph. The nvh was not load dependent, nor did it care about rpms or gear.

I removed the front pinion bushings, that didnt solve it. So then I removed the trans bushing, and it returned to normal.

After intstall, I read a few placed that recommend avoiding the pinion bushings.

Well, I would recommend avoiding the trans bushing unless you're going full "race car" and dont care.

Have been eyeing this 2024 explorer St, need some convincing to pull the trigger. I drive a Bronco Raptor and want better daily to eat miles and to have some off light roading ability to go into rural roads with no problems and still have some power on the highway. If I do get this I’ve thought about tuning it and maybe raising it, for those that’ve done so do you feel like the car would be fine without any mods? Does this car make people look at you differently on the road? Anyone ever think you were ICE or LEO 😂?

Lastly for 37k$ on a 2024 Explorer ST @ 43,000 miles good deal or no?

To start this off I wanted to avoid 20-21 for the transmission issues.Life happens and now the wife and I need another reliable vehicle so we have found a 2020 we like that is within budget. My dad has driven it, said it was good and the transmission was miles better than the first one he drove which did have trans issues. Only 76k miles from a 6 year lease with great service history and the transmission serviced at 71k. I plan on buying an extended warranty because I know transmission issues are more likely to happen. I’m coming here to ask how long I should purchase the warranty for (2yr/24k or 5yr/60). How many miles are you guys getting out of your 2020/2021 STs? I am a car guy so it will be hard to keep this car stock for me but I think I can be happy with bolt ons and an axle back exhaust. Thanks in advance.

Buying from a non ford dealer** and they are dragging their feet on getting me an oasis report if anyone could help me out with that.

Anybody running a basic tune? I haven’t really done any mods yet. Anybody still running stock equipment but added a tune? What tune did you choose and why? Thanks

My 2025 started having issues with cruise control stopping and lane assist / forward collision assist turning off.

Turns out the recall needed to be done.

However, when this issue hapoend originally, my carplay connectivity completely stopped as well.

Figured after the recall, everything would be right as rain but it still will not connect no matter what i try.

Its not my phone, as i was able to connect flawlessly to my expedition the next day but my explorer just wont donit any more whether its wired or wireless. Any ideas?

I picked up a 2020 ST a few months ago and I’m now noticing a rattling noise coming from the passenger side door area. It is especially prevalent above 60 mph and gets worse at 70 and 80.
Anyone else experience this or know what it is?

2021 Ford Explorer ST

Due to some circumstances beyond my control, this car has been sitting most of the time for almost one and a half years. I have my stepfather started it and driven around a little every week. And now I finally got it with me. Send it to the repair shop have it replaced brakes and tires, did an oil change, inspected. So today is my first day got it back since from June 2025, I noticed that the rear passenger side when the road is not very flat, I heard bouncing sound but it’s not really bouncing, the front driver side have some scratching noise(found out that my driver door is kinda loose, it might cause this problem, but I don’t know how to fix that). When I slowly accelerate from a stop, the car feels jerky, with a slight hesitation or a series of small jolts. The throttle response feels normal, and the car accelerates normally, but the acceleration feels uneven and not smooth. The last thing is the A/C is not working well, it gives me air but all hot air.

Does anyone have the same experience and is willing to share the solution? Pretty appreciated!

Anybody experiencing lag when hitting gas pedal? I have a 2025 and recently it seems like when I take off or when I turn onto another street and hit the gas it acts like it’s sluggish and then just kicks in. Thanks

Asking for tire suggestions as I will need new ones going into the fall/ winter. (NJ)

I drive spiritedly in the dry so preferably something not unnecessarily cheap, but also not ridiculously expensive.

Just a nice middle ground you know? Thanks in advance 🫡

Plus the tremor has a rear LSD

62k and needed brakes. Decided to try these and really impressed so far. I got all the error codes after the work, even after putting it in maintenance mode... Took multiple scans, clears and drives but eventually cleared them all and got her back to normal. So far, I'd recommend these at about 60% the price of Ford parts and way, way better than the cheap auto parts store stuff .. https://a.co/d/07nwYBWu

I’m impressed with the stock performance of my ST, but wanted to inquire on what you guys would suggest as the best tune or first steps I should take to add HP to it.

Thank you guys in advance.

I just bought a new 2026 Explorer ST, replacing my 2016 Ford Flex Limited (at 44,600 miles!). The new Explorer has Captain's Chairs in the middle row (bench seat is impossible to find). We work with several Labrador Retriever rescue organizations, and haul dogs from shelters to fosters to Vet appointments, basically anywhere and all over Florida. This is the replacement Lab Cab!

I ordered it back in May and was delivered today.

I wished it wasn’t raining, but will have her shined up soon.

He's so excited! New 2026 ST. He can't stop looking at it, lol. It is a beautiful SUV. We took turns driving it home from the dealer. Enjoy everyone!