2023 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 110 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 23rd highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2023 reports, 7 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 9 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seats, mid/rear assemblyJul 14, 2026
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.
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 26V451000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsMar 17, 2026
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.
A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 26V159000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, softwareMar 3, 2026
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."
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 26V123000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterOct 10, 2025
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.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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 September 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.
Campaign 25V685000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpJul 7, 2025
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.
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 25V455000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, softwareJun 27, 2025
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 25V442000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, mid/rear assemblyJun 13, 2025
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.
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 25V393000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, softwareMar 14, 2025
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.
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 25V159000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsNov 8, 2024
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."
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.
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.
Campaign 24V852000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, macpherson strutFeb 8, 2024
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 24V091000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, display functionOct 13, 2023
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."
A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 23V686000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, gasoline, turbo/superchargerAug 25, 2023
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 23V597000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraMay 12, 2023
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.
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 23V342000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionFeb 10, 2023
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 inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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.
Campaign 23V070000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraJan 23, 2023
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.
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 23V022000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
12 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Suspension, Apr 3, 2026
My 2023 Ford Explorer (VIN: [XXX] ) has a persistent front suspension clunk/rattle/knock when driving over small bumps or uneven pavement at low speeds (8–20 mph). The noise is repeatable and has progressively worsened. It matches the condition described in Ford Special Service Message SSM 52405, which identifies a manufacturing defect involving a loose internal pressure tube inside the front strut assembly on 2023 Explorers built between December 1, 2022 and August 31, 2023. My vehicle falls inside this build range. This defect affects vehicle stability, steering control, and suspension performance over bumps and uneven surfaces. The internal looseness in the strut assembly creates unpredictable handling characteristics, which is a safety issue. Multiple owners have reported the same symptoms, and Ford has not issued a recall. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this defect and Ford’s handling of repairs, as owners are being asked to pay out‑of‑pocket for repairs related to a known manufacturing defect that affects safe vehicle operation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Lane departure, Mar 26, 2026
While driving the car, the steering locked up making the vehicle unable to turn. Thank got it happened in a parking lot where the truck blocked traffic for hours before getting towed. The dealer took 6 weeks of guessing the problem with Ford engineers. Replacing numerous parts in an attempt to guess what the issue was. After contacting Ford directly and expressing my concerns over the safety of the truck. They refused to communicate with me and forwarded all my information to their legal staff. Still no update from Ford regarding the repair was done properly or even confirming the safety of the car.
Steering, Sep 1, 2025
The system that warns the driver that you do not have both hands on the steering wheel. It turns on while I have both hands on the wheel and sometimes I can not get it to acknowledge that and the car begins to stop on the interstate, in traffic and in a dark tunnel wiht no shoulder. The dealer can not reproduce the proble,. I have had it to them now for the third time.It has been inspected by the dealer and they have only reinstalled the software and can not fix the problem nore can they disable the system.This has been occuring with this care since I purchased it and have had it into the dealer but no fix. During a recent trip it acted very dangerously and I began to slo in a dark tunnel and even after banging ther steering wheel in frustration it continued to activeae and slow the car from 70 MPH to 30 MPG. I tryed to take a video of the problem but that became to dangerous. I stopped during my trip and installed a zip tie on the steering wheel and that seemed to help a bit with but even with both hands on the steering wheel and the zip tie it still activated several times. This has occurred several times over the past two years.
Steering, Suspension, Jul 24, 2025
I noticed a loud squeak when driving over bumps at lower speeds. Almost sounds like a bad shock or spring. I am not sure.
Steering, Suspension, Jun 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn into the intended direction. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle failed to remain in the intended lane while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the shocks and struts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an alternate dealer where it was diagnosed with strut mount failures. The contact was informed that the strut mounts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
Steering, Lane departure, Apr 14, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The steering system failed completely while the vehicle was in motion. It is currently at the Ford service center in Cocoa, Florida, and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My wife and our two children (ages [XXX] and [XXX] ) were nearly killed due to this catastrophic steering failure. While traveling at approximately 70 MPH on [XXX] near West Melbourne, Florida (between exits XXX and XXX) in the far right lane, the vehicle suddenly and without warning jerked aggressively to the left, crossing into the center lane, nearly causing a high-speed collision with a semi-truck. The truck driver was able to swerve just in time to avoid an accident. At that point, the vehicle became extremely difficult to steer. It continued to pull to the left, and it required all of my wife's strength to get it off the highway and safely stopped on the shoulder. The safety of multiple drivers on the interstate was compromised due to this failure. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? We are currently awaiting confirmation. The vehicle is in the possession of the Ford service center in Cocoa, Florida, and they are attempting to diagnose the issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle is currently with Ford. We were told they are trying to recreate the issue by driving it in a field behind the dealership, but as of now, they have not taken the vehicle back out on the road or highway for testing. The Florida Highway Patrol was called at the time of the incident, but they did not dispatch a trooper since there was no crash or contact with another vehicle. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. There were no INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Suspension, Oct 18, 2024
The contact's wife owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the front struts had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred several times. The dealer replaced the front struts three times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V091000(Suspension, Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
Steering, Lane departure, Apr 1, 2024, crash
The lane assist system put the vehicle into a skid on snowy road with no markings on roadway. The vehicle is available to inspect but insurance company is pushing to pickup vehicle as it was totaled. The system put vehicle into a skid that resulted into going into the ditch and hitting a power pole. As far as we know nobody has looked into system failure we did report it to sheriff and insurance company. This is the first time the lane departure turned on a snow covered road
Steering, Suspension, Mar 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated there was an unknown part loosened at the front of the vehicle. While driving at unknown speeds, there was an abnormal rattling noise detected from the strut that had become louder over time. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the front-end bolts were tightened. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V091000 (Suspension, Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 3,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Jan 8, 2024
There seems to be two issues of concern; 1. Braking system .. when you are in your car, you can hear constant clicking from the engine and the brake light keeps turning and on and off. The light keeps indicating that the brake is on. This happens continuously every day. 2. Steering… when you are switching lanes, it’s not a smooth transition. It feels like a jerk each time and feels like if you were to put the brake, the car will flip over. Very concerning. Happens all the time.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2023
I leased a brand new 2023 Ford Explorer. The day I was driving it home I noticed a distinct cracking/popping sound when I turned the steering wheel to the left while lifting my foot off the brake. It is not a series of pops. It’s just one pop when the wheel is turned. When I got home I took out the paper mat that was on the floor to make sure there were no other sounds in the car. The sound happens each time I am in my vehicle & it only happens when the wheel is turned to the left going less than 1 mph. I took it to a Ford dealership. The service advisor heard the sound when I drove a few feet & turned the wheel to the left in the parking lot. The service technician was able to reproduce the sound without driving at all. He turned the wheel, while in the park position, and reproduced it. There are no warning lamps. As of now, I have not been told what it is but it’s concerning knowing cracking sounds could be rack, steering, tie rod, ball joint or any number of steering or suspension problems. I’m now worried driving my new SUV.
Steering, Lane departure, Apr 16, 2023, crash
I rented a 2023 Ford Explorer. I had many issues with the added safety features while renting it, ultimately resulting in an accident. Firstly, the lane keeping assist did not function properly. In construction zones, back roads, and during rainy weather, the vehicle would jerk very hard to one side of the other. Even after trying to shut off the lane keeping assist feature, it it would automatically turn back on. Luckily, most of those incidents would happen in low traffic areas. Until the final time it happened, resulting in a head on collision with another vehicle. Additionally, the screen that displayed the lane assist activity would go blank randomly while driving. Also. There was a constant issue with the a pop up screen saying to keep holding the steering wheel. Even when I would have both hands on the steering wheel, it would pop up, and sometimes, if it wouldn’t disappear in time, the vehicle would start to automatically brake and slow down the vehicles, even if I was going 70+ miles per hour. The last 12 hours of the vehicle rental drive time, the “keep hold of steering wheel” pop up would pop up more and more frequently. To the point where I would have to constantly let go of the steering wheel and re grab it over and over until it eventually disappear.