Research

2023 Ford Explorer HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid. Most complaints involve steering (1) and forward collision avoidance (1). NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
2
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

2 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2024 – Sep 2026
  1. Steering1
  2. Forward collision avoidance1
  3. Back over prevention1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Explorer Hybrid model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20204
20217
20221
20232
20248
20252
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Steering

1 report
“Twice the car has blown the main 80 amp fuse for the electric power steering after one of the front wheels hit something that caused the wheel to jerk slightly. I did not think either of these bumps should have caused the power steering to go out. one of them occurred at very low speed maybe two or three miles per hour. Neither of them were sufficient to cause any damage to any of the mechanical parts. But in both cases the power steering completely went out which makes the car very difficult and dangerous to drive. I suspect this is a common problem for two reasons. first the mechanic I took it to said that he sees this problem often and second when we checked with the Ford dealer they did not have that fuse in stock and said that it was on backorder and was actually being rationed. They said they found out at the end of every month how many they were going to be able to get, which tells me that a lot of people are needing the fuse and are having the same problem.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2026SteeringODI 11767893

Forward collision avoidance

1 report1 crash
“Vehicle was within 3 feet of curb in our parking space at home. Vehicle suddenly surged forward and crashed into our building. This happened October 20,2023. the Vehicle has been in the shop since October 21,2013. Statefarm Insurance paid for investigation in the the black box. Investigation yielded no conclusive results. Upon further investigation the vehicle surged for the investigator as well. Which led to the problem with the wire harness and the accelerator being identified.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 27, 2024Forward collision avoidance, Back over preventionCrash reportedODI 11574254

Back over prevention

1 report1 crash
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.1%
Overall
5 / 5
Ford Explorer HEV SUV RWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
14.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 17300Vehicle 17299
05 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
07 —FAQ

2023 Explorer Hybrid questions

How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 8, 2026.

What are the most common 2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid problems?

Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (1), forward collision avoidance (1), back over prevention (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

How safe is the 2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026