- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- The 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 1-866-436-7332. 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.
Vehicle safety record
2023 Ford Explorer Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 2023 Ford Explorer have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 15 recalls, the latest in July 2026 for the mid / rear assembly.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Explorer year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 15
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
2023 Ford Explorer recalls 15
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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."
- The risk
- An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- The 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 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 October 15, 2025.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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."
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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."
- The risk
- A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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."
- The risk
- The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 2023 Ford Explorer yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Ford Explorer: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 2 | C |
| 2026 | 0 | 15 | F |
| 2025 | 112 | 20 | F |
| 2024 | 21 | 10 | F |
| 2023 | 0 | 15 | D |
| 2022 | 0 | 24 | F |
| 2021 | 0 | 26 | F |
| 2020 | 1,257 | 33 | F |
| 2019 | 303 | 6 | F |
2023 Ford Explorer vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Ford Explorer | 0 | 15 | D | |
| 2023 Hyundai Palisade | 412 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 410 | 21 | C | Compare |
| 2023 Hyundai Santa FE | 217 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 2023 Volkswagen Atlas | 146 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 2023 Kia Sorento | 128 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 2023 Nissan Pathfinder | 108 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2023 Subaru Outback | 89 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2023 GMC Acadia | 50 | 4 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2023 Ford Explorer
Does the 2023 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2023 Ford Explorer: mid / rear assembly (July 2026); seat belts (March 2026); software (March 2026); engine block heater (October 2025) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 2023 Ford Explorer had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 2023 Ford Explorer a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 28 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Ford Explorer year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Ford Explorer years have the most complaints?
2002 (3,613), 2016 (2,466), 2015 (1,822). See every Ford Explorer year compared.
What should I do if my 2023 Ford Explorer has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data