KnownCarProblems2023 Ford Explorer Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 111 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Ford Explorer, most often about the other or unspecified (23% of complaints). It is 23rd of 27 Explorer model years by number of complaints and has 15 recalls.
Most common 2023 Ford Explorer problems
Other or unspecified
25 complaints · 23%Electrical
14 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 33,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife had parked and remained in the vehicle, and while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the…
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the wiring harness located on the…
Suspension
14 complaints · 13%The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated there was an unknown part loosened at the front of the vehicle. While driving at unknown speeds, there was an abnormal rattling noise detected from the strut that had become louder over time. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to…
The contact's wife owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the front struts had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…
Transmission
12 complaints · 11%The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the transmission slipped and unexpectedly downshifted to first gear, causing the vehicle to jerk. The contact pulled to the side of the road and parked the vehicle. The contact revved the engine, shifted the transmission to drive(d), and…
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60-70 MPH, the rear subframe bolt detached, and destroyed the axle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 23v675000 (power train). The vehicle was towed to the local…
Steering
12 complaints · 11%The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated there was an unknown part loosened at the front of the vehicle. While driving at unknown speeds, there was an abnormal rattling noise detected from the strut that had become louder over time. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to…
The contact's wife owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the front struts had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…
Driver assistance
12 complaints · 11%Parts named most often: assist, adaptive cruise control, warnings, warning.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH on the expressway in the center lane, the forward collision avoidance system engaged, and the vehicle came to an abrupt stop and failed to restart. After several minutes the vehicle restarted, and the contact was able to continue driving.…
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving from pennsylvania to ohio through the pennsylvania turnpike, the adaptive cruise control system was not functioning. The "adaptive cruise control is not available" warning message was displayed on the instrument panel. No warning lights…
Engine
11 complaints · 10%The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH on the expressway in the center lane, the forward collision avoidance system engaged, and the vehicle came to an abrupt stop and failed to restart. After several minutes the vehicle restarted, and the contact was able to continue driving.…
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. While the contactâs son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and shook violently. The driver noticed a strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The hood was raised, and the fuel odor was much stronger. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contactâs…
Visibility and wipers
11 complaints · 10%Parts named most often: sun/moon roof assembly, windshield, power window devices and controls.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, she heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was able to park on the side of the road and noticed that the sunroof had shattered independently. The contact took the vehicle to the…
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, road debris was kicked up by the vehicle ahead and cracked the windshield. The contact stated that the windshield was replaced by a glass repair shop. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving on the highway…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2023 Ford Explorer recalls
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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 identificati
Full defect 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.
Seat belts
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Backup camera: software
Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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."
Equipment: engine block heater
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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
Full defect 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.
Fuel system: fuel pump
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Backup camera: software
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Backup camera: software
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Equipment: labels
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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."
Suspension: macpherson strut
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Backup camera: display function
Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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."
Engine: pipes, hoses, and fittings
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Backup camera: camera
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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."
Backup camera: camera
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2023 Ford Explorer
- What are the most common problems with the 2023 Ford Explorer?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: other or unspecified (25 complaints); electrical (14 complaints, typically around 33,000 miles); suspension (14 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Explorer have?
- 15 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from July 14, 2026 (seats). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2023 a bad year for the Ford Explorer?
- It is 23rd of 27 Explorer model years by number of complaints, with 111 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.