2023 Ford Explorer problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Suspension (13) · Power Train (10) · Visibility/Wiper (6)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Ford Explorer model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
25 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (15)
Seats:mid/Rear Assembly 2026-07-14 · campaign 26V451000 · 387,911 vehicles
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.
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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 1-866-436-7
Seat Belts 2026-03-17 · campaign 26V159000 · 561 vehicles
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.
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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 2026-03-03 · campaign 26V123000 · 889,950 vehicles
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."
Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 2025-10-10 · campaign 25V685000 · 59,006 vehicles
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.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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 December 2026. Owners may contact Ford
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump 2025-07-07 · campaign 25V455000 · 850,318 vehicles
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.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 2025-06-27 · campaign 25V442000 · 200,237 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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 2025-06-13 · campaign 25V393000 · 304,662 vehicles
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.
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: 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 2025-03-14 · campaign 25V159000 · 49,399 vehicles
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.
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 2024-11-08 · campaign 24V852000 · 27,678 vehicles
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."
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Suspension:front:macpherson Strut 2024-02-08 · campaign 24V091000 · 121 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Back Over Prevention:display Function 2023-10-13 · campaign 23V686000 · 2,866 vehicles
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."
Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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:oil/Lubrication:pipes, Hoses, And Fittings 2023-08-25 · campaign 23V597000 · 10 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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 2023-05-12 · campaign 23V342000 · 442,973 vehicles
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.
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 2023-02-10 · campaign 23V070000 · 1,138 vehicles
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."
Risk: The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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 2023-01-23 · campaign 23V022000 · 382,759 vehicles
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.
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (164)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2026-10-22 · TSB 26-2408 v2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin supersedes 26-2309. reason for update: update the model section to remove aviator 10r80, update theparts list to add 3.3l to w520514-s440, and add l1mz-7z490-g valve body separator plate for aviator
Unknown Or Other 2026-10-08 · SSM 55228 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some 2020-2026 aviator/explorer/f-150/bronco/ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7l or 3.0l (non-diesel) engine may need the front engine cover removed and reinstalled for various reasons. the workshop manual (wsm), section 303-01 engine > removal and installation > engine front cover service procedur
Unknown Or Other 2026-10-06 · SSM 55217 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some 2020-2024 explorer/aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0l ecoboost/hybrid engine may exhibit blue or black exhaust smoke on startup for the first 5 minutes after an overnight cold soak with no illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (mil) or powertrain diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) present. this
Power Train 2026-09-22 · TSB 26-2408 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin supersedes 26-2309. reason for update: update the model section to remove aviator 10r80, update the parts list to add 3.3l to w520514-s440, and add l1mz-7z490-g valve body separator plate for aviator. some of the vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit at least one of
Unknown Or Other 2026-08-26 · TSB 26-2395 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this article supersedes 26-2287. reason for update: update the labor operation numbers to add mt to operations c, f, g, h, j, k, l and m, and correct the part number limz-4a015-b to l1mz-4a015-b. some of the vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following condi
Unknown Or Other 2026-08-22 · SSM 55100 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
for various ford and lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion cover j-clips, lower-level service parts are now available. use service part w709919-s901 if the j-clip is completely detached from the seat cover and w715386-s424 if the clip is still partially a
Showing the 6 most recent of 164 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-10-27 · Unknown Or Other“as i was driving out of my garage with the car engine forward. suddenly, as the vehicle was in drive and moving forward, the rear lift gate opened. i did not observe this open, nor was there any warning lights or alarms. bas my vehicle moved forward the lift gate caught the top of the inside of the open garage door. causing the rear windshield wip…”
2026-10-26 · Unknown Or Other“panaramic roof shade sagging causing no visbilty issue and common problem with 2020-2026 explorers …”
2026-10-14 · Visibility/Wiper“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 (re…”
2026-09-28 · Suspension“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. …”
2026-09-18 · Unknown Or Other“i was driving on the highway at approximately 70mph in my 2023 ford explorer platinum which has 30,000 miles on it. we heard a loud noise which sounded like a gun went off inside the car. my sunroof exploded outward with no warning or messages and no impact. edges of the remaining glass were angled upward indicating that the glass burst outward. th…”
2026-09-16 · Power Train“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 …”
2026-09-06 · Unknown Or Other“purchased new june 2023, took delivery october 2023 due to camera recall. drive to work 5 miles a day, less than 10000 miles on it yet my driver side dash is now ingles and rolling up. i see this is a common issue. i paid extra for the king ranch edition. seems this should be a dealer covered repair. i would like this looked into. …”
2026-08-28 · Unknown Or Other“the exhaust pipe that connects a catalytic converter to the muffler broke and was dragging on the highway. it was during rish hour and was no safe place for me to pull over and within just a few miles, the other side of it broke off and the whole pipe between the catalytic converter and muffler fell into traffic behind me. apparently this has been …”
2026-08-27 · Visibility/Wiper“the panoramic sunshade on our 2023 ford explorer bunches up and dips down into the rear passenger compartment when being retracted, obstructing rear visibility when using the rear view mirror or looking over your shoulder.…”
2026-08-20 · Structure:body“the paint is starting to bubble and flake off from inside the vehichle doors by the seam where corrosion under the paint has started. i have looked at multiple complaints from other explorer owners and this is a common issue that ford does not want to fix. there sheet metal is contaminated with “white oxidized rust underneath the paint causing the …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.