# Ford Explorer aBS warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 33 - **Most complaints:** 2020 (11) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 33 owner complaints about the aBS warning light on the Ford Explorer (2015-2026 models), most for the **2020** model year (11). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Drive to a shop this week: If only the ABS light is on and the brakes feel normal, you can drive carefully to a shop, leaving more stopping room. ## Ford Explorer aBS warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the abs light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 9 | 1814 | 0% | | 2016 | 4 | 2464 | 0% | | 2017 | 2 | 1713 | 0% | | 2018 | 2 | 733 | 0% | | 2020 | 11 | 1248 | 1% | | 2021 | 2 | 452 | 0% | | 2025 | 3 | 107 | 3% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Is there a recall for the Ford Explorer aBS warning light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Ford Explorer has 92 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Ford Explorer page](/vehicles/ford-explorer) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Ford Explorer owners report - "Multiple warnings appeared, including Anti-Lock Brake System Fault, Electronic Parking Brake, Pre-Collision Assist Not Available, and Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power. The dashboard also displayed "Park Brake Not Applied," although I had not activated the parking brake. FordPass reported that the ABS control..." -- owner of a 2025 Ford Explorer, complaint filed 2026 - "The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the master warning, brake, battery, ABS, and brake system warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the message "STOP Safely Now" was displayed. The vehicle then went into LIMP Mode each time, but the vehicle failed to respond while the..." -- owner of a 2021 Ford Explorer, complaint filed 2026 - "TPMS fails cause 4WD fault, ABS turn off and a lot of warning symbol turn on like pre-collision...etc. Dealer can't fix and claim for client need to paid for 4WD program." -- owner of a 2020 Ford Explorer, complaint filed 2025 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the aBS warning light means The ABS light means the anti-lock brake system has found a fault and turned itself off. Your regular brakes should still work, but the wheels can lock up in a hard stop, especially on wet or icy roads. The most common cause is a failed wheel speed sensor. If the red brake warning light is also on, the problem may affect normal braking and you should stop driving. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Failed wheel speed sensor** (most common) 2. **Damaged sensor wiring or tone ring** (common) 3. **Low brake fluid** (less common) 4. **ABS module or pump failure** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [ABS warning light](/warning-lights/abs). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Ford Explorer abs light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. A repair is usually at the owner's cost unless the car is under warranty. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since new recalls are added often. ### Which Ford Explorer years have the most abs light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2020 Explorer model years have the most complaints mentioning the aBS warning light, with 11 for 2020. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Ford Explorer with the abs light on? Drive to a shop this week. If only the ABS light is on and the brakes feel normal, you can drive carefully to a shop, leaving more stopping room. Stop driving and have it towed if the red brake light is on too, the pedal is soft or sinks, or the car pulls hard when braking. ### How do I check if my Ford Explorer has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Ford dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Ford Explorer warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/ford-explorer): 205 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/ford-explorer): 15 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ford-explorer): 62 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-explorer): 314 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-explorer): 222 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/ford-explorer): 11 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/ford-explorer): 23 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-explorer): 81 complaints ## ABS warning light on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/ram-1500): 280 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/jeep-wrangler): 180 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/chevrolet-silverado): 89 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/honda-accord): 72 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/jeep-grand-cherokee): 58 complaints - [Chevrolet Traverse](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/chevrolet-traverse): 53 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/hyundai-santa-fe): 45 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/hyundai-sonata): 42 complaints - [Toyota Prius](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/toyota-prius): 40 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/gmc-sierra): 37 complaints ## Ford Explorer - [Ford Explorer specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-explorer) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/ford-explorer Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.