Check a VIN

Ford Explorer fuel pump problems

139 of the 34,647 owner complaints about the Ford Explorer describe fuel pump failure, most of them for the 2002 model year.

owner complaints
139
worst model year
2002
typical repair cost reported
$1,000
typical mileage
60,000
Is there a fix? There are 15 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Fuel system · 78,209 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut off. The vehicle was pulled over safely and turned off; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with low-pressure fuel pump failure. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,209.

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · KS

While driving with the cruise on at 74 mph the vehicle jerked as if the brakes had been tapped. I shut off the cruise and tried to accelerate but nothing happened. At this point I signaled to change lanes and pulled to the right shoulder. There were no dash lights or warning alarms prior to the engine stalling. Clearly an engine stalling at this rate of speed could have ended bad for all 5 passengers and surrounding vehicles. Vehicle is being towed to Augusta, KS Ford dealer this morning 9/21/26. Vehicle was scanned and is showing a hard code for low pressure to fuel pump. This vehicle is not currently included in the NHSTA Campaign 25V455000.

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Transmission, Visibility · 64,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 26V117000 (Visibility) and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts to perform the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. While driving at various speeds, the transmission shifted into park, the vehicle entered LIMP mode, the engine revved abnormally, and there was a smoke odor inside the vehicle. The contact coasted to the side of the road, shifted into park, and waited before shifting back into drive. While refueling the vehicle with the engine turned off and the nozzle inside the fuel filler neck, the vehicle suddenly rolled forward, pulling the fuel pump away from the station. The contact stated that the vehicle continued to roll unless the parking brake was engaged. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were unavailable for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the issues and stated that parts were expected in the second quarter of 2027. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Fuel system · 66,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 10 MPH with children inside the vehicle, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and loss power. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond. A dealer was contacted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a representative would return the phone call. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.

Filed Sep 5, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

I have a loss of fuel pressure and flow from the fuel tank due to fuel pump failure. Sometimes my engine stalls while driving, and when I go to fill my tank with gas, the engine will not start. I have to engage it for about 15 minutes before it will start. My check engine light comes on, and I will get the low fuel indicator light. But more importantly I cannot pass inspection. I need my car, I am a health care professional I have contacted my dealership, a Ford Motor company representative, and the only response and action I get in return is that they are still waiting on the part to come in. It has been over a year. I need this recall to be completed as indicated by Ford Motor corporation and its dealerships, please. My contact information is [XXX], [XXX], my email is [XXX]. My vehicle is the 2022 FORDÂ EXPLORER, VIN:Â [XXX], my Cell number is [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 18, 2026 · Fuel system · KY

I parked my car and when I returned to it the car would not start. Diagnosed as a faulty fuel pump. Had this problem occurred while I was driving it could have caused serious injury or death. There is an active recall on fuel pumps for the 2021 Ford Explorer that does not apply to my VIN number so Ford will do nothing to remedy the situation and parts are impossible to find as dealers scramble to fix the vehicles included in the recall.

Filed Jul 12, 2026 · Fuel system · WI

I was traveling on an 8 hour drive after just getting a new battery and fresh oil change, I also had a full diagnostic ran the week before travel and no issues were found in my vehicle. When we arrived at our destination we stopped 1 final time and attempted to start our vehicle to go to dinner and the car would not turn over. There were not any warning lamps or messages that appeared. We used roadside assistance to tow it to the [XXX] dealership and they ran another full diagnostic that showed "replace fuel pump and fuel pump driver". When I called my local dealer back home, Evansville Ford ([XXX]) they pulled the previous week diagnostic and confirmed nothing showed up regarding the fuel pump at that time. 1 week later is when we had it in [XXX], and the fuel pump failed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 10, 2026 · Fuel system · OH

Fuel pump and module failure. Driving on the highway at 70 miles an hour and the fuel pump failed. Causing me to have zero acceleration. Thus losing speed rapidly in the center lane. No warning lights were present before or after. One previous symptom of a crank no start. Dealership was able to replicate the crank no start situation. Resulting in the problem being a fuel pump failure and module needing replaced, at 83,000 miles on the vehicle. Though I know normal wear and tear can and does happen, there was no warning. And losing engine power at high speeds on a highway is unsafe.

Filed Jun 29, 2026 · Fuel system · VA · 1 injury

On [XXX], at approximately [XXX] PM, my 2022 Ford Explorer suddenly lost power while driving in the left lane of [XXX] in Emporia, VA, at 70 MPH (the posted speed limit), with my [XXX] daughter. My vehicle shuddered and started to decrease in speed. I was able to maneuver safely to the shoulder, and my Explorer became inoperable requiring roadside assistance. My daughter and I remained on [XXX] for several hours due to delayed tow service availability. My Explorer has been at Battlefield Ford in Culpeper, VA since June 19, 2026, and is available for inspection upon request. Battlefield has confirmed the low-pressure fuel pump failure, confirmed this is subject to Safety Recall 25S75 (the federal safety agency Recall 25V455), and there is no remedy available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · MN

First the fuel pump control module went out and now for the 3rd time the electrical to the fuel pump control module has faulted

Related recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported July 7, 2025 · 850,318 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

Recall number 25V455000 · Recall details

Hybrid propulsion systemReported September 13, 2024 · 61 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.3L Hybrid engines. The 12-Volt battery cable may chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generat (BiSG) and short circuit.
Risk
A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a tie strap between the battery cable and high voltage cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S61.

Recall number 24V685000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectorsReported August 23, 2024 · 24 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles. The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can result in a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install new fuel injector O-rings and O-ring support discs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S54.

Recall number 24V634000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported September 14, 2022 · 69 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Explorer and Ranger vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines. The fuel line may be loose due to improper tightening of the fuel line connection.
Risk
An improperly tightened fuel line connection may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of fire.
Remedy
Ford will inspect and replace the fuel line assembly, if needed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S60.

Recall number 22V685000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and capReported February 16, 2022 · 18,366 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The fuel filler tube may detach during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Risk
A detached fuel filler tube can result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a fuel vapor line redundant locking clip, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C02.

Recall number 22V088000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storageReported November 24, 2020 · 17 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines and 19 gallon fuel tanks. The fuel tank inlet check valve may not be fully welded to the fuel tank shell.
Risk
An incomplete weld securing the inlet check valve to the fuel tank shell could result in a substantial fuel leak during a crash, increasing the risk of fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank shell, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S68.

Recall number 20V730000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported December 4, 2019 · 3,857 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Over time, the protective sleeve on the vapor fuel line may chafe through the plastic liquid fuel line and cause a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a longer protective sleeve on the liquid fuel line, as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners and interim notification on January 29, 2020. Recall began March 23, 2020. A second notice will be sent once parts are available, expected to be late in the first quarter of 2020. A renotification letter was sent on July 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S49.

Recall number 19V859000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasolineReported November 14, 2018 · 144 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engine. Due to an assembly error, the fuel pressure sensor may leak fuel.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 7, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S35.

Recall number 18V807000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasolineReported December 2, 2015 · 868 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13S04-S1.

Recall number 15V812000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mountingReported September 28, 2015 · 203 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured on July 24, 2015. During vehicle production, the fuel tank attachment bolts may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the fuel tank straps may fracture and the fuel tank could separate from the vehicle.
Risk
If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S26.

Recall number 15V605000 · Recall details

Questions about the Ford Explorer fuel pump

Which Ford Explorer years have fuel pump failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2002 (14 complaints), 2013 (11 complaints) and 1994 (8 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix fuel pump failure on the Ford Explorer?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 11 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Ford Explorer?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history