2024 Ford Explorer
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Driver Assistance & Speed Control
Driver Assistance & Speed Control leads by volume: 4 of 20 complaints (20%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (3) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 107 in 2023 to 20 in 2024.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | vs. 2024 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,300–3,300 | 2,300–3,100 | 2,600–3,100 | 2,600–3,100 | 2,600–3,300 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–27 | 20–27 | 20–24 | 20–24 | 19–24 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 16–27 / 21–28 | 17–27 / 21–28 | 17–21 / 22–28 | 18–20 / 25–29 | 17–20 / 22–29 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 324–470 | 324–454 | 370–445 | 377–439 | 377–467 | |
| Complaints filed | 263 | 107 | 20 | 96 | 34 | |
| Recalls issued | 24 | 15 | 10 | 20 | 13 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 17 | 7 | 1 | 7 | 2 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 23 | 9 | 3 | 4 | 2 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 9 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 4 |
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 2024 Ford Explorer have?
10 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2024 Ford Explorer?
Driver Assistance & Speed Control: 4 of 20 NHTSA complaints (20%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2024 Ford Explorer get?
EPA rates it 20–24 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2024 Ford Explorer?
EPA estimates $2,600–$3,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (8)
| 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 (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 24 mpg (high) | $2,600 (low) | 370 g/mi (low) |
| 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 | 426 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) | 437 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | 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 5 | 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 6 | 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 (high) |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic (S10) | 4 | 2.3L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 19 mpg | 22 mpg (low) | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 433 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 10-spd | 6 | 3.3L | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 17 mpg (low) | 24 mpg | 20 mpg (low) | $3,100 (high) | 444 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 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 (10)
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · Campaign 26V371000 · Jun 9, 2026
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.
Consequence: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for park system damage and replace the park system components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S39. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 12, 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 26V012000 · Jan 20, 2026
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer 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 February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 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 January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.
TRAILER HITCHES · Campaign 25V687000 · Oct 14, 2025
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
Consequence: While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
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.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES; HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM · Campaign 24V685000 · Sep 16, 2024
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.3L Hybrid engines. The 12-Volt battery cable may chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generat (BiSG) and short circuit.
Consequence: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a tie strap between the battery cable and high voltage cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S61.