What Owners Report NHTSA ODI · 2,175,102 complaints · MY1998–2026

2023 Ford Explorer

Typical pattern

14.2% of complaints about the 2023 Ford Explorer came in the first year, which is unremarkable for a 2023 vehicle — around the middle of the 177 model-years on record. The median complaint arrives at 2.2 yr in service. The most-reported system is other (24 complaints), typically at 3.0 yr.

Complaints
155
Median age at failure
2.2 yr
Median mileage
10,000 n=31
Crash / fire / tow
13.5% of reports
Safety recalls
10

When each system is reported — middle 50% of complaints

System
0y2y4y6y8y10y12y14y
Other
24 reports
3.0 yr
4.2%

Safety recalls — NHTSA campaigns

26V451000 2026-07-14
Seats:mid/rear assembly

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

26V159000 2026-03-17
Seat belts

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.

A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

26V123000 2026-03-03
Back over prevention:software

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

25V685000 2025-10-10
Equipment:electrical:engine block heater

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

25V455000 2025-07-07
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

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.

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

25V442000 2025-06-27
Back over prevention:software

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

25V393000 2025-06-13
Seats:mid/rear assembly

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

25V159000 2025-03-14
Back over prevention:software

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

24V852000 2024-11-08
Equipment:other:labels

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

24V091000 2024-02-08
Suspension:front:macpherson strut

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles. The right-front lower fastener connecting the steering knuckle and strut may be loose or missing.

A loose or missing connection between the knuckle and strut can cause improper tire alignment, resulting in a steering pull or require increased steering effort. Additionally, the brake hose may contact the tire and become damaged, resulting in a brake fluid leak and a loss of braking ability. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

In owners’ own words

Other mileage not reported 8 mo in service
I purchased a new 2023 Ford Explorer and during the finance process I found out it had a rear back up camera recall . I wasn’t able to take possession of my vehicle . It’s been sitting on the car dealership lot where I bought it . I bought it May 26th and the repair still hasn’t been resolved !! I want my vehicle !! I’m making a substantial payment on a vehicle I can’t have !!!! Please resolve this ASAP !!!!
Other mileage not reported 11 mo in service
While on interstate at 70mph, the front sunroof exploded. Sounding like a gun going off.. was no vehicles in front of me to cause debris.. after pulling over to see what happened I could tell the glass was pushed up away from vehicle. Not only was this safety concern for me. But also the vehicles behind me that had to suddenly stop and avoid the flying glass..
Other mileage not reported 1.1 yr in service
Loose carpet under front seat. Could cause carpet on driver side to buckle up causing gas peddle issues. Had ford dealer look at it but refused to remedy issue. This could cause issues like Lexus had years ago with gas peddle sticking.

Other Explorer model years

20252023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020082007200620052004200320022001200019991998

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