2023 FORD EXPLORER — Owner-Reported Problems

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-08-22 104 complaints · 15 recalls
Most-reported system: STRUCTURE (9 complaints · 8.7%)
Safety signals:
  • Crashes 8
  • Fires 2
  • Injuries 9
  • Deaths 0
Compare with 2022 →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Component Problem Distribution

Share of owner complaints filed for each vehicle system (unaffected by sales volume)

Component Problem Distribution STRUCTURE appears in 9 of 104 owner complaints (8.7%) in this vehicle snapshot. STRUCTURE: 9 complaints, 8.7% of reports STRUCTURE 9 · 8.7% SUSPENSION: 9 complaints, 8.7% of reports SUSPENSION 9 · 8.7% · 1 crash reports VISIBILITY: 9 complaints, 8.7% of reports VISIBILITY 9 · 8.7% POWER TRAIN: 8 complaints, 7.7% of reports POWER TRAIN 8 · 7.7% BACK OVER PREVENTION: 7 complaints, 6.7% of reports BACK OVER PREVENTION 7 · 6.7% · 1 crash reports ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 7 complaints, 6.7% of reports ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7 · 6.7% · 1 fire reports LANE DEPARTURE: 6 complaints, 5.8% of reports LANE DEPARTURE 6 · 5.8% · 2 crash reports ENGINE: 5 complaints, 4.8% of reports ENGINE 5 · 4.8% FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: 5 complaints, 4.8% of reports FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 5 · 4.8% UNKNOWN OR OTHER: 44 complaints, 42.3% of reports UNKNOWN OR OTHER 44 · 42.3% · 3 crash reports 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER is an NHTSA classification artifact and is always listed last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
STRUCTURE 9 8.7% 0 crashes · 0 fires
SUSPENSION 9 8.7% 1 crashes · 0 fires
VISIBILITY 9 8.7% 0 crashes · 0 fires
POWER TRAIN 8 7.7% 0 crashes · 0 fires
BACK OVER PREVENTION 7 6.7% 1 crashes · 0 fires
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7 6.7% 0 crashes · 1 fires
LANE DEPARTURE 6 5.8% 2 crashes · 0 fires
ENGINE 5 4.8% 0 crashes · 0 fires
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 5 4.8% 0 crashes · 0 fires
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 44 42.3% 3 crashes · 0 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-08-22 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Problem & Recall Timeline

Observed complaint volume and manufacturer recall actions over time

Problem & Recall Timeline Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Jan 2023; the first recall shown was reported in Jan 2023. 2023-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2023-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2023-Q3: 9 owner reports 9 2023-Q4: 7 owner reports 7 2024-Q1: 6 owner reports 6 2024-Q2: 10 owner reports 10 2024-Q3: 8 owner reports 8 2024-Q4: 5 owner reports 5 2025-Q1: 6 owner reports 6 2025-Q2: 6 owner reports 6 2025-Q3: 12 owner reports 12 2025-Q4: 6 owner reports 6 2026-Q1: 9 owner reports 9 2026-Q2: 13 owner reports 13 2026-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 Owner reports Jan 2023 Jul 2026 Recall campaign 23V022000 ◆ Recall campaign 23V022000 Recall campaign 23V070000 ◆ Recall campaign 23V070000 Recall campaign 23V342000 ◆ Recall campaign 23V342000 Recall campaign 23V597000 ◆ Recall campaign 23V597000 Recall campaign 23V686000 ◆ Recall campaign 23V686000 Recall campaign 24V091000 ◆ Recall campaign 24V091000 Recall campaign 24V852000 ◆ Recall campaign 24V852000 Recall campaign 25V159000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V159000 Recall campaign 25V393000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V393000 Recall campaign 25V442000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V442000 Recall campaign 25V455000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V455000 Recall campaign 25V685000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V685000 Recall campaign 26V123000 ◆ Recall campaign 26V123000 Recall campaign 26V159000 ◆ Recall campaign 26V159000 Recall campaign 26V451000 ◆ Recall campaign 26V451000
  • Campaign 23V686000 was reported 64 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 24V091000 was reported 31 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 24V852000 was reported 572 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V159000 was reported 582 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V393000 was reported 789 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V442000 was reported 687 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V455000 was reported 152 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V685000 was reported 908 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 26V123000 was reported 936 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 26V451000 was reported 1,185 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2023-Q1 Owner reports 1
2023-Q2 Owner reports 2
2023-Q3 Owner reports 9
2023-Q4 Owner reports 7
2024-Q1 Owner reports 6
2024-Q2 Owner reports 10
2024-Q3 Owner reports 8
2024-Q4 Owner reports 5
2025-Q1 Owner reports 6
2025-Q2 Owner reports 6
2025-Q3 Owner reports 12
2025-Q4 Owner reports 6
2026-Q1 Owner reports 9
2026-Q2 Owner reports 13
2026-Q3 Owner reports 4
Recall campaign 1 23V022000
Recall campaign 1 23V070000
Recall campaign 1 23V342000
Recall campaign 1 23V597000
Recall campaign 1 23V686000
Recall campaign 1 24V091000
Recall campaign 1 24V852000
Recall campaign 1 25V159000
Recall campaign 1 25V393000
Recall campaign 1 25V442000
Recall campaign 1 25V455000
Recall campaign 1 25V685000
Recall campaign 1 26V123000
Recall campaign 1 26V159000
Recall campaign 1 26V451000
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-08-22 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Safety Recalls (15)

Official safety recall campaigns filed with NHTSA

  1. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 23V022000

    Report date
    Component:
    BACK OVER PREVENTION
    Consequence:
    Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 23V070000

    Report date
    Component:
    POWER TRAIN
    Consequence:
    The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 23V342000

    Report date
    Component:
    BACK OVER PREVENTION
    Consequence:
    Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 23V597000

    Report date
    Component:
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  5. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 23V686000

    Report date
    Component:
    BACK OVER PREVENTION
    Consequence:
    A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  6. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 24V091000

    Report date
    Component:
    STEERING
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  7. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 24V852000

    Report date
    Component:
    EQUIPMENT
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  8. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 25V159000

    Report date
    Component:
    BACK OVER PREVENTION
    Consequence:
    Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  9. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 25V393000

    Report date
    Component:
    SEATS
    Consequence:
    A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  10. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 25V442000

    Report date
    Component:
    BACK OVER PREVENTION
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  11. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 25V455000

    Report date
    Component:
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Consequence:
    An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  12. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 25V685000

    Report date
    Component:
    EQUIPMENT
    Consequence:
    An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  13. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 26V123000

    Report date
    Component:
    BACK OVER PREVENTION
    Consequence:
    An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  14. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 26V159000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  15. Manufacturer action

    Recall campaign 26V451000

    Report date
    Component:
    SEATS
    Consequence:
    A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. 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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Complaint Narrative Explorer

Verbatim owner-reported defect narratives from NHTSA public records

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-08-21
Safety incident filters
Showing 0 of 104 complaints · page 1 of 5

No complaints match the current filters.
EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Data sourced from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Snapshot date: 2026-08-21.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources