NHTSA lists 15 safety recalls and 113 owner complaints for the 2023 Ford Explorer. Most complaints involve electrical system (14) and suspension (14). The EPA rates it 20–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Explorer model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1,468 |
| 1997 | 1,789 |
| 1998 | 2,099 |
| 1999 | 1,465 |
| 2000 | 1,078 |
| 2001 | 730 |
| 2002 | 3,613 |
| 2003 | 1,313 |
| 2004 | 1,408 |
| 2005 | 568 |
| 2006 | 635 |
| 2007 | 208 |
| 2008 | 148 |
| 2009 | 33 |
| 2010 | 115 |
| 2011 | 1,197 |
| 2012 | 830 |
| 2013 | 2,237 |
| 2014 | 1,684 |
| 2015 | 1,814 |
| 2016 | 2,464 |
| 2017 | 1,713 |
| 2018 | 733 |
| 2019 | 302 |
| 2020 | 1,247 |
| 2021 | 452 |
| 2022 | 271 |
| 2023 | 113 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 107 |
| 2026 | 44 |
“I am filing this complaint because the federal recall remedy performed on my 2023 Ford Explorer failed, and the Ford dealership that performed it refused to correct the failure. About a year after I purchased my 2023 Ford Explorer (used, from an independent dealer), I received Ford's federal recall notice for the rearview camera software defect (recall 23S02, NHTSA campaign 23V-022). My vehicle had no problems at that time, but I took it to the authorized Ford dealership in [XXX], and had the recall software update installed as instructed. About seven months later, my vehicle developed the exact defect the recall was supposed to prevent: the backup camera stopped functioning and the infotainment screens went completely black, disabling multiple vehicle functions. This created a safety hazard because the vehicle no longer provided any rearview image while backing up. I returned the vehicle to the same dealership and asked them to correct the failed recall repair. Instead, the dealership claimed the problem was not recall-related, diagnosed a failed APIM module, and quoted about $1,600 for replacement plus a $300 diagnostic fee. The dealership then refused to…”
“I am submitting this complaint involving suspension on 2023 Ford Explorer. Dealership has replaced the right front stunt mount two times. The problem is still not corrected.”
“While driving, vehicle made a grinding sound, and all systems related to cruise, 4wd, decent control all illuminated on dash. Vehicle was taken to dealer, metro ford. Metro ford stated the transfer case has failed internally, and being replaced under powertrain. A week later, I received a callback, and the service writer stated after replacing and a test drive- it is still an issue, and the vehicle has an issue- which they feel is the AWD module, AWD module failed causing clutch in transfer case to lock up when it shouldn’t be resulting in limited power and grinding and depletion of safety systems on vehicle. Dealer states ford is aware of the issue but offered me a discounted repair of 270 dollars vs the 7-800 that it costs to complete the repair. Vehicle is still in shop weeks later with warning lights on.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer HEV RWD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 27 | 28 | 27 | $2,400 | 324 |
| Explorer Platinum HEV RWD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 | 26 | 26 | $2,450 | 342 |
| Explorer HEV AWD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 23 | 26 | 25 | $2,550 | 361 |
| Explorer AWD Auto 10-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, SIDI; Stop-Start · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 387 |
| Explorer Platinum HEV AWD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 23 | 24 | 23 | $2,800 | 379 |
| Explorer AWD Auto 10-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, SIDI · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Explorer AWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, SIDI · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 445 |
| Explorer AWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; without Stop-Start · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 454 |
| Explorer AWD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, SIDI · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Explorer AWD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; without Stop-Start · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 451 |
| Explorer FFV AWD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Explorer RWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, SIDI · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,200 | 438 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
15 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 113 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (14), suspension (14), power train (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2023 Ford Explorer at 20–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Ford Explorer 5 out of 5 stars overall.