# Ford Explorer traction control light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 81 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (29) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 81 owner complaints about the traction control light on the Ford Explorer (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (29). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. ## Ford Explorer traction control light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the traction control light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 20 | 1814 | 1% | | 2016 | 29 | 2464 | 1% | | 2017 | 3 | 1713 | 0% | | 2018 | 1 | 733 | 0% | | 2019 | 1 | 302 | 0% | | 2020 | 20 | 1248 | 2% | | 2021 | 4 | 452 | 1% | | 2022 | 1 | 271 | 0% | | 2023 | 1 | 113 | 1% | | 2025 | 1 | 107 | 1% | 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. ## Ford Explorer recalls related to the traction control light **[23V626000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V626000)** (2020-2022 models, reported 2023-09-09): Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Ford Explorer owners report - "Brake System Failure: At 70 km/h, The vehicle presented a multi-system failure of sensors, audible alarm and illumination of warning lights (ABS, Traction Control, Pre-collision Assistant, hill start assist not available, check brake system, BRAKE, ESC check, driving modes not available). the vehicle experienced a..." -- owner of a 2025 Ford Explorer, complaint filed 2026 - "Vehicle wouldn't start using push button start, several modules/components reported errors: traction control, parking break, steering, shifting. The vehicle drove fine less than 24 hours prior to 3/3/2024. Following a week at the dealership, Ford Motor Company and the Ford dealership determined the main wiring..." -- owner of a 2023 Ford Explorer, complaint filed 2024 - "The traction control and Hill Assist warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the rear differential axle bolt had fractured and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 23V675000 (Power..." -- owner of a 2022 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 traction control light means A flashing traction control light is normal: it means the system is cutting power or braking a wheel to stop it from spinning on a slippery surface. A light that stays on means traction or stability control is turned off or has a fault, often a wheel speed sensor that also triggers the ABS light. The car drives normally, but it is easier to skid. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **System switched off** (common) 2. **Failed wheel speed sensor** (common) 3. **Engine fault disabling the system** (common) 4. **Steering angle sensor needs calibration** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Traction control light](/warning-lights/traction-control). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Ford Explorer traction control light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (23V626000) covering 2020-2022 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Ford Explorer years have the most traction control light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2020 Explorer model years have the most complaints mentioning the traction control light, with 29 for 2016. 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 traction control light on? Drive to a shop this week. Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. Slow down in rain, snow or ice, and get it checked soon if the ABS or red brake light is also on. ### 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 - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/ford-explorer): 33 complaints - [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 on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ram-1500): 372 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-silverado): 337 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-wrangler): 247 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/gmc-sierra): 180 complaints - [Chevrolet Traverse](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-traverse): 133 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-grand-cherokee): 132 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-colorado): 128 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-malibu): 110 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-cherokee): 92 complaints - [Chevrolet Tahoe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-tahoe): 80 complaints ## Ford Explorer - [Ford Explorer specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-explorer) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-explorer Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.