Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2023 Ford Explorer, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Unknown or other25
- Electrical system14
- Suspension14
- Power train12
- Steering12
- Structure10
- Engine10
- Lane departure7
- Back over prevention7
- Forward collision avoidance6
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 9 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 9 2023 Explorer vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 0 people died inside them. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2023 Ford Explorer failed the safety check 0.27% of the time — 60% less often than the average 2023 passenger car (0.69%). Median odometer at inspection: 11,654 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Real-world fuel consumption
728 Ford Explorer cars first registered in Europe in 2023 report their fuel use through the on-board meter.
| Fuel | Cars | On the road | WLTP | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plug-in hybrid | 728 | 10.0 | 3.1 | +221% |
Litres per 100 km from the cars' own fuel meters (OBFCM), collected in 2024; the year is the year of first registration. All years together · European Environment Agency · CC BY 4.0
In the Netherlands
126 first registered in 2023 are on Dutch roads; 43% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €88,270.
Most common APK defects
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In Finland
25 of these cars first registered in 2023 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 16,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 4 variants; 4 of 4 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | 15.1 % |
| 2023 Ford Explorer HEV SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | 14.7 % |
| 2023 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | 15.1 % |
| 2023 Ford Explorer SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | 14.7 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Standard & Optional
- Lane departure warning
- Standard
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 8 variants: combined 10.3–12.0 L/100 km (about 20–23 mpg US), CO₂ 241–282 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 11.6 | 8.7 | 10.3 |
| Explorer AWD (Without Stop-Start) · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 12.0 | 9.0 | 10.7 |
| Explorer Timberline AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 12.2 | 10.5 | 11.5 |
| Explorer AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 13.4 | 9.8 | 11.8 |
| Explorer AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 13.4 | 9.8 | 11.8 |
| Explorer Timberline AWD (Without Stop-Start) · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 12.5 | 11.0 | 11.8 |
| Explorer AWD (Without Stop-Start) · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 13.8 | 9.6 | 11.9 |
| Explorer AWD (Without Stop-Start) · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 13.9 | 9.7 | 12.0 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
11 Transport Canada recalls for the 2023 Ford Explorer.
| 2026339 14 Jul 2026 | Seats And Restraints Issue: On certain vehicles the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 25S67 (Transport Canada recall no. 2025-328) may not be effective. As a … |
| 2026100 5 Mar 2026 | Visual System Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display properly when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Ca… |
| 2026005 9 Jan 2026 | Electrical Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens, the block heater could short circuit when it's plugged in. Note: Th… |
| 2025554 10 Oct 2025 | Electrical This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2026-005. Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens,… |
| 2025360 27 Jun 2025 | Visual System Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian re… |
| 2025328 13 Jun 2025 | Seats And Restraints Issue: On certain vehicles, the trim for the seat fold switch on the second-row seats may not have been installed properly. As a result, the switch could becom… |
| 2025140 14 Mar 2025 | Visual System Issue: On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 23S23 (Transport Canada recall no. 2023-288) may not have been done co… |
| 2023557 16 Oct 2023 | Visual System Issue: On certain vehicles, a problem with the rearview camera wiring harness could cause the rearview camera image not to display. Canadian regulations requi… |
| 2023288 15 May 2023 | Visual System Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the SYNC display scree… |
| 2023057 13 Feb 2023 | Powertrain Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, there could be a loose bolt inside the transmission. As a result, the bolt could move and … |
| 2023018 24 Jan 2023 | Visual System This recall was replaced by Transport Canada Recall No. 2023-288. Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera, a software problem could c… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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.
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.
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."
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Ford told its dealers about the 2023 Ford Explorer: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010950 | Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs. Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs. |
| 11009445 | Some 2018-2024 F150/Edge, 2018 MKX, 2019-2023 Nautilus, 2020-2025 Explorer/Aviator, 2021-2024 Bronco, and 2024 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost or a 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an engine oil leak from the crankshaft rear seal with retaining plate. |
| 11009436 | Some 2023-2025 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an inoperative second row single seat easy entry seat fold switch. |
| 11008948 | While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. |
| 11007977 | Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator/Corsair, 2021-2024 F-150/Bronco, 2023-2024 F-Super Duty, and 2024-2025 Nautilus vehicles may experience the overhead console sunglass bin cannot be locked in a closed position. |
| 11007973 | Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting and/or a transmission fluid venting condition. |
| 11007963 | Some 2023-2025 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with the 3.0L EcoBoost engine and up to 15,000 miles (24,140 km) may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P219A (Bank 1 Air-Fuel Ratio Imbalance) and/or P219B (Bank 2 Air-Fuel Ratio Imbalance) stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) with no effect on vehicle operation. |
| 11006862 | Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a telematics control unit module (TCU) may exhibit the Location toggle button in the Connectivity setting menu grayed out with an inability to switch it off. |
| 11006770 | Some 2020-2023 Explorer/Aviator and 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 10R80 MHT transmission may exhibit harsh/delayed engagements and/or harsh/delayed shifts, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to the software in the powertrain control |
| 11006458 | Some 2020-2025 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may have a concern where the second row outboard manual/power seats do not fold, exhibit excess effort to fold, or do not slide forward/backward easily. Power or manual second row seats must be pushed forward manually during easy entry function since the assist spring will reduce but not eliminate manual effort. Refer to the Owner's Manua |
| 11006452 | Some 2020-2024 Escape/Explorer, 2021-2024 F-150, 2022-2024 Maverick and 2024 Nautilus vehicles equipped with a full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) powertrain may exhibit a cable connection error screen from the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger. The xRC-3363 will prompt the technician to verify the low voltage connections when no actual fault is present. This may be due to the software level of the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger. |
| 11006445 | 2023-2024 F-150/Escape/Explorer/Maverick and 2024 Nautilus vehicles equipped with a full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) powertrain may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0A7D and/or P0DE6 and the vehicle identification number (VIN) is not recognized by the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger. This may be due to the software level of the Midtronics xRC-3363 High Voltage Battery Rescue Charger. |
| 11006036 | Certain 2018 - 2024 Model Year Various Vehicles Update SYNC Software In all the affected vehicles, due to an error in the SYNC software, you may experience SYNC system instability concerns and/or a failure to preserve certain settings across ignition cycles. This may result in a black infotainment screen that does not affect rear view camera, incorrect language setting, erased or unsaved radio presets, and potential inability to perform software updates. |
| 11005746 | Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various FordPass/LincolnWay connectivity concerns including but not limited to: missing activation prompt (pop-up) on the vehicle's center display screen when attempting to activate vehicle through FordPass/LincolnWay, incorrect location/global positioning system (GPS) reported through FordPass/LincolnWay, problems with remote commands being performed through FordPass/LincolnWay, incorrect data/information reported on FordPass/LincolnWay. These symptoms will be accompanied by diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B156D:89 in t |
| 11005710 | Some 2019-2024 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a programming Error - "INSTL_ERR12" while programming APIM using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) or experience a frozen screen which says "updating system software" or no progress/response from module using the universal USB updater. This may be due to low memory in the APIM commonly occurring on software level NU5T-14G381-AB/BB. The current software level can be verified in the SYNC tab of Professional Technician System (PTS) or using the vehicle's center display screen, Settings > General > About. To correct the conditio |
| 11003146 | Some 2019-2024 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a programming Error - "INSTL_ERR12" while programming APIM using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System, or experience a frozen screen which says "updating system software" or no progress/response from module using the universal USB updater. This may be due to low memory in the APIM commonly occurring on software level |
| 11001646 | This article supersedes TSB 23-2307 to update the Service Procedure and vehicle model years affected. Some 2019-2020 Edge/F-150/Fusion/Continental/MKZ/Nautilus, 2019-2021 Transit Connect, 2019-2023 Mustang, 2019-2023 Ranger, 2020-2021 Expedition/Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair/Super Duty/EcoSport, 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator/Transit, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. This may be due to the SYNC Software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update theaccesory protocol interface modul |
| 11001180 | This article supersedes TSBs 24-2100 and 24-2070 to add 2023 F-150 vehicles, update the TSB Issue statement and the TSB Service Procedure. Some 2021-2023 F-150, 2022-2023 Expedition/Navigator/Mustang and 2020-2023 Transit/Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with a 10R80/10R80MHT transmission may exhibit a harsh/delayed engagement and/or harsh/delayed shift, an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P07 |
| 11000297 | Various vehicles equiped with 10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100/10R140 transmissions may require replacement of the seal kits (7153) when internal repairs are being performed. These kits come with 4 wheel drive (4WD) seals and will no longer include the 2WD seals. When working on a 2WD vehicle, any 2WD seals must be ordered separately. Refer to the parts catalog for the proper 2WD seals required. |
| 11000295 | Some 2021-2024 F-150-3.5L FHEV, 2020-2024 Explorer 3.3L FHEV, 2020-2024 Escape 2.5L FHEV, and 2022-2024 Maverick 2.5L FHEV vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P237F and/or P2C23 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) and no affect on drivability. This may be due to seal damage, corrosion and/or water intrusion in the exhaust coolant temperature (ECT) sensors 3 and/or 4 connector. Visual inspection should be completed on ECT3 and ECT4 sensors and mating connections for seal damage, water intrusion, and corrosion. If seal damage, water intrusion or corrosion is present, repai |
| 11000182 | Some 2023-2024 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with the 3.0L EcoBoost engine and up to 15,000 miles (24,140 km) may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P219A (Bank 1 Air-Fuel Ratio Imbalance) and/or P219B (Bank 2 Air-Fuel Ratio Imbalance) stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) with no effect on vehicle operation. To correct this condition, replace the fuel injector assemblies (service part L1MZ-9F593-B) for only the respective bank setting the DTC. Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 303-04B. For claiming, use causal part 9F593 and |
| 10254141 | Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0627, P025A, P025B, P00C6, P008A and/or U0109 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Diagnosis should include checking the fuel pump monitor (VE518) and/or a fuel pump control (VE225) circuits, connector pin push-outs, damaged pins/terminals, and/or loose/corroded grounds. Inspect FPCM connector C433/C4033, ground G407, and inline connections C1147 and C3136 for being fully seated and damage free prior to performing guided diagnostics or replacing any components. |
| 10254138 | All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership managemen |
| 10253684 | Some 2020-2023 Explorer vehicles may exhibit various issues with the roof rack side. If there is an issue with the roof rack side that requires replacement, a lower level service part is now available separately (7855114 and 7855115). It is no longer necessary to replace the entire roof rack assembly. |
| 10253551 | Some 2023 Explorer vehicles built on 01-Dec-2022 and through 31-Aug-2023 may exhibit a rattle/clunk/knock/pop/thump noise from the front suspension at low speeds between 8-20 mph (13-32 km/h) over bumpy or uneven pavement. This may be due a loose pressure tube within the strut assembly. Diagnose and replace the 18124 front strut or struts as needed by which side(s) the noise is isolated to. If noise persists, follow the Workshop Manual (WSM) > Section 204-00 > Diagnosis and Testing > Suspension System > Stop/Steer/Ride > Noise > Front > Over Bump. For claiming, use causal part 18124 and applic |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)