NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls and 21 owner complaints for the 2024 Ford Explorer. Most complaints involve forward collision avoidance (3) and visibility/wiper (3). The EPA rates it 20–24 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 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.
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.
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 |
“have been getting a warning coming up saying pre-collision sensor not available sensor blocked over 100 times brought it to the dealership and they said that the bracket for the sensor is broken due to road debris, impact or snow and ice buildup with no evidence of any damage”
“Rear windshield wiper doesn't work. Earlier model years have been recalled for wiper motor issues.”
“Purchased new from dealer. At 3500 miles, noticed rattling and clunking noise under front end, more noticeable at speeds less than 35. Took to dealer who diagnosed as worn struts, saying shocks and struts need to be replaced, but they need to order parts. When asked if safe to drive, was told "yes", but "avoid potholes". Now waiting to hear from dealer when parts come in. They stated it would take 4 to 5 hours to repair/replace.”
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 RWD Auto 10-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,700 | 370 |
| Explorer AWD Auto 10-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 387 |
| Explorer RWD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,050 | 426 |
| Explorer Timberline AWD Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 22 | 21 | $3,050 | 433 |
| Explorer AWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 445 |
| Explorer AWD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Explorer FFV AWD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Explorer RWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,200 | 437 |
| 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 |
10 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 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are forward collision avoidance (3), visibility/wiper (3), suspension (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2024 Ford Explorer at 20–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2024 Ford Explorer 5 out of 5 stars overall.