2023 Ford Explorer
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Driver Assistance & Speed Control
Driver Assistance & Speed Control is the largest identified problem area: 20 of 107 complaints (19%) mention it. 25 complaints mention a component NHTSA leaves uncategorised. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (4) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 263 in 2022 to 107 in 2023.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | vs. 2023 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,300–3,300 | 2,300–3,300 | 2,300–3,100 | 2,600–3,100 | 2,600–3,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–27 | 19–27 | 20–27 | 20–24 | 20–24 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 16–27 / 23–28 | 16–27 / 21–28 | 17–27 / 21–28 | 17–21 / 22–28 | 18–20 / 25–29 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 324–471 | 324–470 | 324–454 | 370–445 | 377–439 | |
| Complaints filed | 417 | 263 | 107 | 20 | 96 | |
| Recalls issued | 27 | 24 | 15 | 10 | 20 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 14 | 17 | 7 | 1 | 7 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 16 | 23 | 9 | 3 | 4 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 6 | 9 | 11 | 5 | 3 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Explorer have?
15 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Ford Explorer get?
EPA rates it 20–27 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2023 Ford Explorer?
EPA estimates $2,300–$3,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (17)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 10-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 21 mpg | 28 mpg (high) | 24 mpg | $2,600 | 370 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 10-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 18 mpg | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 428 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S10) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 18 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg (low) | $3,100 (high) | 438 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 10-spd | 6 | 3.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 25 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | $2,400 | 342 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 10-spd | 6 | 3.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 27 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | $2,300 (low) | 324 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 10-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 20 mpg | 28 mpg (high) | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 385 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 10-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 20 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 387 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 10-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 18 mpg | 24 mpg | 20 mpg (low) | $3,100 (high) | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic (S10) | 6 | 3.0L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 18 mpg | 24 mpg | 20 mpg (low) | $3,100 (high) | 445 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic 10-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 20 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | $2,850 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 11 | Automatic (S10) | 4 | 2.3L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 19 mpg | 21 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | $3,100 (high) | 445 g/mi |
| Configuration 15 | Automatic 10-spd | 6 | 3.3L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 17 mpg (low) | 25 mpg | 20 mpg (low) | $3,100 (high) | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 16 | Automatic 10-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 17 mpg (low) | 24 mpg | 20 mpg (low) | $3,100 (high) | 451 g/mi |
| Configuration 17 | Automatic (S10) | 6 | 3.0L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 17 mpg (low) | 24 mpg | 20 mpg (low) | $3,100 (high) | 454 g/mi (high) |
Show 3 more configurations
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 12 | Automatic 10-spd | 6 | 3.3L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 23 mpg | 24 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 379 g/mi |
| Configuration 13 | Automatic 10-spd | 6 | 3.3L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 23 mpg | 26 mpg | 25 mpg | $2,500 | 361 g/mi |
| Configuration 14 | Automatic (S10) | 4 | 2.3L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 19 mpg | 22 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 433 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 13 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 12 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 13 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 20 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 12 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 25 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (15)
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY · Campaign 26V451000 · Jul 15, 2026
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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 · Mar 18, 2026
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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 · Mar 4, 2026
Defect: 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."
Consequence: 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 · Oct 14, 2025
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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 · Jul 8, 2025
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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 · Jun 30, 2025
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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 · Jun 16, 2025
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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 · Mar 14, 2025
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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 · Nov 12, 2024
Defect: 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."
Consequence: 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.
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM; SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT · Campaign 24V091000 · Feb 9, 2024
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Show 5 earlier campaigns
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING; BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION · Campaign 23V686000 · Oct 13, 2023
Defect: 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."
Consequence: 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; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PIPES, HOSES, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 23V597000 · Aug 28, 2023
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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 · May 12, 2023
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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 · Feb 10, 2023
Defect: 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."
Consequence: 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 · Jan 24, 2023
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.