InsightArise CarsU.S. Owner Complaint Index
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2023 Ford Explorer problems, complaints & recalls

Fewer Steady

NHTSA has received 107 owner complaints about the 2023 Ford Explorer, or 29.1 per year on the road — fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.69, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 92 model-year 2023 vehicles we track, it ranks #55 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Ford models its rate is 47% lower; against other Midsize SUVs it is 45% lower.

Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count

Complaints filed between 2023-03-25 and 2026-08-28. Median delay from incident to filing: 31 days.

107Complaints
29.1Complaints per year on the road
0.69Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
15Recalls
9.3%Share involving a crash or fire
36Last 12 months

Analysis

The previous model year (2022) drew 55.6 complaints per year, more than this one. The following model year (2024) drew 7.1 per year, fewer than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2023 model collected 48 complaints, 42% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.

The most common problem area is Body & structure (18.7% of complaints), followed by Interior & equipment (15.0%) and Electrical (14.0%). Body & structure complaints are 2.0 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Body & structure reports, owners most often mention “sunroof”, “rear view”, “cracked”, “visibility” and “discovered”. 10 reports (9.3%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 9 injuries and 0 deaths.

Half of the reported incidents happened within 23 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was the second year (30% of incidents). In the last 12 months 36 new complaints were filed, versus 32 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.

NHTSA lists 15 safety recalls for this model year. 62% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.

Complaint index

  • vs. all tracked vehicles0.69
  • vs. other Ford models0.53
  • vs. other 2023 models0.69
  • vs. other Midsize SUVs0.55
  • Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (48)0.58
  • #55 of 92 · 2023Rankings ›

1.00 means the same rate as the comparison group. 2.00 means twice as many complaints per year on the road.

Other model years

  • 201883.7 per year1.99
  • 201937.9 per year0.9
  • 2020180.2 per year4.28
  • 202174.0 per year1.76
  • 202255.6 per year1.32
  • 202329.1 per year0.69
  • 20247.1 per year0.17
  • 202557.4 per year1.36

Ford Explorer problems, complaints & recalls by model year ›

What owners complain about

  • Body & structure20 · 18.7% · 2.04×
  • Interior & equipment16 · 15.0% · 1.67×
  • Electrical15 · 14.0% · 0.89×
  • Engine11 · 10.3% · 0.46×
  • Steering11 · 10.3% · 1.59×
  • Airbags & seat belts7 · 6.5% · 1.7×
  • Transmission / powertrain6 · 5.6% · 0.48×
  • Brakes6 · 5.6% · 0.92×

vs. all vehicles: 1.00 = All-vehicle average

Body & structure · Common terms in reports

  • sunroof5
  • rear view3
  • cracked4
  • visibility3
  • discovered3
  • side6

Interior & equipment · Common terms in reports

  • thank3
  • read3
  • needs4
  • safety hazard3
  • remedy3
  • regarding3

Electrical · Common terms in reports

  • prevention recall4
  • notification prevention4
  • recall available5
  • determined5
  • amount recall5
  • exceeded reasonable5

Problem areas: Transmission / powertrain · Body & structure · Electrical · Interior & equipment · Engine · Brakes · Wheels, tires & suspension · Fuel system · Steering · Airbags & seat belts · Lighting · Driver-assist systems

When complaints were filed

2023: 19 19 2023 2024: 29 29 2024 2025: 30 30 2025 2026: 29 29 2026
  • Crashes reported: 8
  • Fires reported: 2
  • Injuries: 9
  • Deaths: 0

Vehicle age at incident

  • <1 yr23.4%
  • 1–2 yrs29.9%
  • 2–3 yrs27.1%
  • 3–5 yrs19.6%
  • 5+ yrs0.0%

Median age at incident: 23 months

What owners report

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.

Segment peers · 2023 · Midsize SUVs

ModelsComplaintsComplaints per year on the roadComplaint index
2023 Ford Edge226.00.14
2023 Dodge Durango359.50.23
2023 Honda Passport3710.10.24
2023 Chevrolet Traverse8623.40.56
2023 Subaru Outback8924.20.58
2023 Nissan Pathfinder10328.00.67
2023 Ford Explorer10729.10.69
2023 Honda Pilot13737.30.89
2023 Kia Sorento15642.51.01
2023 Toyota Highlander18550.41.2
2023 Kia Telluride20455.51.32
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe28276.81.83
2023 Hyundai Palisade396107.82.56
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee562153.03.64

Safety recalls (15)

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY Campaign 26V451000 · 2026-07-14

Summary: 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.

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

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.

SEAT BELTS Campaign 26V159000 · 2026-03-17

Summary: 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.

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

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE Campaign 26V123000 · 2026-03-03

Summary: 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."

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

Remedy: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER Campaign 25V685000 · 2025-10-10

Summary: 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.

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

Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Campaign 25V455000 · 2025-07-07

Summary: 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.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE Campaign 25V442000 · 2025-06-27

Summary: 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.

Risk: 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.

Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY Campaign 25V393000 · 2025-06-13

Summary: 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.

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

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE Campaign 25V159000 · 2025-03-14

Summary: 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.

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

Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S27.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS Campaign 24V852000 · 2024-11-08

Summary: 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."

Risk: 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.

Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT Campaign 24V091000 · 2024-02-08

Summary: 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.

Risk: 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.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fasteners, and tighten or install them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 08, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S04.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION Campaign 23V686000 · 2023-10-13

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a standard rearview camera. Due to a manufacturing error in the wire harness, the rearview camera may display a blue image on the SYNC screen 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."

Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera wire harness and repair any loose splices, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C31.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER Campaign 23V597000 · 2023-08-25

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines. The turbocharger oil supply line may be damaged, which can result in an oil leak inside the engine compartment.

Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. In addition, the loss of oil can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as soon as possible if they see an oil pressure warning light or smoke coming from the engine compartment. Dealers will replace the turbo oil supply line assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S50.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA Campaign 23V342000 · 2023-05-12

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

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

Remedy: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23V-022. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-022 will need to have the new remedy performed.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Campaign 23V070000 · 2023-02-10

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to "PARK."

Risk: The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S06.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA Campaign 23V022000 · 2023-01-23

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

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

Remedy: Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S02. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-735 will need to have the new remedy performed.

How to check whether your car has an open recall ›

Investigations

No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.

Frequently asked questions

How many complaints were filed for the 2023 Ford Explorer?

107 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Ford Explorer, or about 29.1 per year on the road.

What is the most common problem reported for the 2023 Ford Explorer?

The most common category is Body & structure, accounting for 18.7% of complaints.

Does the 2023 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

NHTSA lists 15 safety recall(s) for this model year.

Is the 2023 Ford Explorer still generating complaints?

In the last 12 months 36 new complaints were filed, versus 32 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.

How does the 2023 Ford Explorer compare with similar vehicles?

NHTSA has received 107 owner complaints about the 2023 Ford Explorer, or 29.1 per year on the road — fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.69, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 92 model-year 2023 vehicles we track, it ranks #55 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Ford models its rate is 47% lower; against other Midsize SUVs it is 45% lower.