Buy Ford Explorer Grilles

Ford Explorer grilles-also called front grills, radiator grilles, or mesh inserts-do more than give the SUV its face. They channel cool air to the radiator, shield the engine bay from rocks, cut wind drag, and help show which trim you drive. Over the years Ford has offered chrome bars, black mesh, honeycomb, and even light-up badges, so owners have many style and function choices.

Overview

Overview

The grille sits between the headlights and is one of the first things people notice. Its main job is to let fresh air reach the radiator while keeping large debris out (Wikipedia). Because it is part of the "front fascia," swapping it can refresh the whole look of a 2011-2025 Explorer with only basic tools (YouTube).

Fitment

Fitment

• 2011-2019 (5th gen): Shared bumper shape lets most aftermarket upper grilles fit XLT, Limited, Sport, and Platinum trims, though lower valance pieces differ. Face-lifts in 2016 added a new honeycomb pattern on Sport and Platinum models (Wikipedia).
• 2020-2024 (6th gen pre-refresh): ST uses a black honeycomb grill while other trims use satin or chrome bars. Grille and bumper are one assembly, so removal starts with bumper clips (Explorer ST Forum).
• 2025 refresh: All four trims (Active, ST-Line, ST, Platinum) get a wider grille with unique textures-wing bars on Active, gloss black mesh on ST-Line, large open mesh on ST, and bright satin bars on Platinum (Ford Motor Company, Car and Driver).
  Tip: Always match the VIN year before ordering because bumper and hood lines change with each generation.

Purpose

Purpose

• Cooling: The grill's slots guide air to the radiator and intercoolers to stop overheating on hot days or steep climbs (Wikipedia).
• Aerodynamics: Modern Explorers use active grille shutters that close at highway speed to cut drag and raise fuel economy by about 2-3 % (Edmunds, TYJ Vehicle Parts).
• Protection: The mesh blocks stones that could damage the condenser or fan blades (Craig Dunn Chevy Buick GMC Ltd).
• Identity: The ST's black honeycomb or Platinum's bright bars help shoppers spot the trim at a glance (Car and Driver).

Materials

Materials

Most Explorer grilles are molded from ABS plastic. ABS is light, resists rocks, and keeps its shape in heat up to about 105 °C / 221 °F (Protolabs, TYJ Vehicle Parts). Some versions add glass fiber or nylon to boost strength for police or off-road use . Painted chrome caps or metallic films give a shiny look without the weight of steel.

Styles

Styles

• Bar grille: Horizontal or "wing" bars finished in satin or chrome (Active, Platinum).
• Honeycomb mesh: Small hex holes for sporty airflow (ST-Line, ST) (confidenceford.com).
• Lighted oval emblem: LED-backed Ford badge swaps into the center opening and plugs into the marker-lamp circuit (Ford Motor Company).
• Aftermarket raptor-style: Bold block letters and amber marker lights; owners choose matte black for a rugged look (ensure DOT-legal lighting).
• Brush guard add-ons: Bolt-on steel frames protect the grille on trails; many require trimming plastic tabs during install (canadawheels.s3.amazonaws.com).

Installation

Installation

1. Unclip top radiator cover. Remove push-pins along the hood latch panel.
2. Loosen bumper screws. T-25 Torx and 7 mm bolts line the wheel wells and skid lip.
3. Pull bumper forward. A helper steadies the corners. Then reach behind and unbolt the two 10 mm nuts holding the grille tabs (Explorer ST Forum).
4. Transfer emblem and shutter motor. Swap to the new grill to avoid fault codes.
5. Re-fit bumper and test shutters. Cycle the ignition; shutters should sweep once and park.

Care

Care

Wash the grille with pH-neutral car soap; harsh degreasers fade chrome film. Use a soft brush to clear bugs from the mesh. If the paint chips, light sand the spot, apply adhesion promoter, then plastic primer and color coat.

Efficiency

Efficiency

Closed shutters let the SUV slice air like a solid nose, dropping drag coefficient and saving roughly 0.02 gallons per mile at highway speed (Edmunds, TYJ Vehicle Parts). When coolant hits about 195 °F the shutters open to add airflow. Ford's recall 22V-484 updated shutter logic and added extra drain holes on some models to cut fire risk (NHTSA Static).

Issues

Issues

• Loose A-pillar trim: Not a grille defect but located beside it; nearly 1.9 million 2011-2019 Explorers were recalled because the small pillar cover could fly off and distract drivers (Ford Motor Company, AP News).
• Shutter motor faults: Salt and grit can jam the louvers and set a check-engine light (code P059F).
• Stone damage: Highway gravel can crack thin ABS ribs; mesh screens help.
• Community reports: Owners note hidden bumper clips make 2020-2024 grille swaps tricky but doable with trim tools (Reddit).

Safety

Safety

A secure grille keeps headlights, sensors, and the front camera properly aligned. If active shutters fail closed, coolant temps may rise quickly in hot traffic. Always road-test after any front-end repair and check for ADAS radar blocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will a 2024 ST-Line grille fit my 2022 XLT?
A: Yes, all 2020-2024 Explorers share the same bumper shell, so the grille bolts right on. You must reuse your shutter assembly. (Explorer ST Forum)

Q: What tools do I need to replace the front grill?
A: A panel popper, 7 mm and 10 mm sockets, a T-25 Torx bit, and a friend to hold the bumper. Most swaps take under two hours. (YouTube)

Q: Do active grille shutters really save fuel?
A: Yes. Closing the opening cuts drag and can raise highway mpg by 2-3 %. Ford and other makers added them to meet economy rules. (Edmunds, TYJ Vehicle Parts)

Q: Can I paint my chrome grille black?
A: You can if you use plastic-safe primer and UV-stable paint. Sanding to scuff the chrome film helps adhesion.

Q: Does a mesh insert hurt cooling?
A: No, airflow stays strong as long as the mesh holes equal or exceed the factory open area. Active shutters open when extra flow is needed.

Q: How do I clean bugs out of the honeycomb?
A: Spray warm water, let it soak, then use a soft detailing brush. Avoid stiff wire brushes that can scratch the ABS surface.

Q: Why did Ford recall some grille parts?
A: The 22V-484 recall changed shutter hardware to reduce under-hood fire risk, and another recall secured A-pillar trim so pieces would not detach. (NHTSA Static, AP News)

Q: Will aftermarket guard bars block my parking sensors?
A: Many push sensors forward on small brackets. Choose guards labeled "sensor compatible" and test the system after install.

Q: What material is my 2018 Explorer grille?
A: It is injection-molded ABS plastic-lightweight, impact-resistant, and heat-stable up to about 105 °C. (Protolabs)

Q: Does changing the grille void my warranty?
A: No, but damage caused by improper installation is not covered. Keep the original part in case you need to revert.

This detailed guide covers design, fitment, materials, care, efficiency, and safety so readers get the full picture of Ford Explorer grilles.