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Your vehicleHome›Ford›Explorer› 2023
Ford · Large SUV

2023 Ford Explorer

Hybrid Gas
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
17 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
36 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls3 critical 15
Complaints8 crash · 2 fire · 9 injured reported 113
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 27 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2023 Ford Explorer is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large SUV with 17 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Explorer HEV RWD, is EPA-rated at 27 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for this model year, 3 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 113 complaints, most often about the electrical system. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Ford Explorer — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Ford Explorer · Photo: Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Explorer HEV RWDHybridRWD3.3L 6-cyl + 280V Li-Ion272827$2,500
Explorer Platinum HEV RWDHybridRWD3.3L 6-cyl + 280V Li-Ion252626$2,600
Explorer HEV AWDHybrid4WD (part-time)3.3L 6-cyl + 280V Li-Ion232625$2,700
Explorer Platinum HEV AWDHybrid4WD (part-time)3.3L 6-cyl + 280V Li-Ion232423$2,900
Explorer RWDGasRWD2.3L 4-cyl turbo212824$2,800
Explorer AWDGas4WD (part-time)2.3L 4-cyl turbo202723$2,900
Explorer RWDGasRWD2.3L 4-cyl turbo202823$2,900
Explorer AWDGas4WD (part-time)2.3L 4-cyl turbo202622$3,050
Explorer RWDGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo182621$3,200
Explorer Timberline AWDGas4WD (part-time)2.3L 4-cyl turbo192221$3,200
Explorer AWDGas4WD (part-time)3.0L 6-cyl turbo182420$3,350
Explorer AWDGas4WD (part-time)3.0L 6-cyl turbo182420$3,350
Explorer AWDGas4WD (part-time)3.0L 6-cyl turbo172420$3,350
Explorer AWDGas4WD (part-time)3.0L 6-cyl turbo172420$3,350
Explorer FFV AWDGas4WD (part-time)3.3L 6-cyl172520$3,350
Explorer RWDGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo182520$3,350
Explorer Timberline AWDGas4WD (part-time)2.3L 4-cyl turbo192120$3,350

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 46404, 46403, 46419, 46418, 46399, 46409, 46405, 46416, 46400, 46420.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
Explorer AWD, Explorer HEV RWD, Explorer Platinum HEV AWD, Explorer Platinum HEV RWD, Explorer RWD6 / 10Federal Tier 3 Bin 50 / California LEV-III ULEV50All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
Explorer AWD, Explorer FFV AWD, Explorer HEV AWD, Explorer Timberline AWD6 / 10California LEV-III ULEV50 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 50All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
Explorer AWD, Explorer RWD5 / 10California LEV-III ULEV70 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 70All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
Explorer AWD5 / 10Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 / California LEV-III ULEV70All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body styleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors4
GVWR classClass 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders4
Displacement3.3 L
Engine configurationV-Shaped

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Seating

Seat rows3
Seating capacity6 seats

Transmission

Drivetrain4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission speeds10

Driver assistance

Standard: Adaptive cruise control, Anti-lock brakes, Automatic emergency braking, Backup camera, Blind-spot monitoring, Electronic stability control, Forward collision warning, Lane departure warning, Lane keeping assist, Parking assist, Pedestrian automatic emergency braking, Rear cross-traffic alert

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: Limited, Platinum, ST, XLT). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length198.8 in
Width (body, without mirrors)78.7 in
Height70.1 in
Wheelbase119.3 in
Track, front66.9 in
Track, rear66.9 in
Curb weight4,458–4,969 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear50/50 to 52/48

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 2 configurations: 4-door SUV, 4-door SUV Hybrid. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2023 Explorer
Other years The 2027 Explorer Recalls Ford recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2023 Ford Explorer is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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Recalls (15)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Seats

26S52
387,911 vehicles 3% reported repaired
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. 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
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V451000 reported Jul 14, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

26C18
561 vehicles 32% reported repaired
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. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V159000 reported Mar 17, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

26C11
889,950 vehicles 12% reported repaired
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." 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V123000 reported Mar 3, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Equipment

25SA4
59,006 vehicles
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. 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
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V685000 reported Oct 10, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

25S75
850,318 vehicles 19% reported repaired
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. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V455000 reported Jul 7, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

25S72
200,237 vehicles 59% reported repaired
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. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V442000 reported Jun 27, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

25S67
304,662 vehicles 65% reported repaired
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. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V393000 reported Jun 13, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

25S27
49,399 vehicles 73% reported repaired
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. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V159000 reported Mar 14, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Equipment

24C39
27,678 vehicles 66% reported repaired built Apr 26, 2019 – Aug 27, 2024
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." 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V852000 reported Nov 8, 2024 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Steering

24S04
121 vehicles 87% reported repaired built Dec 19, 2023 – Dec 19, 2023
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. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V091000 reported Feb 8, 2024 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Electrical System

23C31
2,866 vehicles 96% reported repaired
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." 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V686000 reported Oct 13, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Engine And Engine Cooling

23S50
10 vehicles 90% reported repaired
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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V597000 reported Aug 25, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

23S23
442,973 vehicles 84% reported repaired
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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V342000 reported May 12, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Power Train

23S06
1,138 vehicles 89% reported repaired
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." 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V070000 reported Feb 10, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

23S02
382,759 vehicles 100% reported repaired
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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V022000 reported Jan 23, 2023 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

Whether any of this applies to one specific Explorer

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2023 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Ford publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Ford’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2023 Ford Explorer, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2023 Ford Explorer

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this Explorer →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
113complaints filed

8 involved a crash · 2 a fire · 9 injuries · 0 deaths reported

5.2 per 10,000 built · Ford reported 215,316 Explorer built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2023: 19 · 2024: 29 · 2025: 30 · 2026: 35

Most-cited components

Unspecified 25
Electrical System 14
Suspension 14
Steering 13
Power Train 12
Engine 11

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

Twice the car has blown the main 80 amp fuse for the electric power steering after one of the front wheels hit something that caused the wheel to jerk slightly. I did not think either of these bumps should have caused the power steering to go out. one of them occurred at very low speed maybe two or three miles per hour.
Steering Sep 29, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11767893
There is a load knocking noise coming from the front suspension. I have taken the vehicle in 3 times to Ford and after I drive off the lot the issue is gone. But after driving for a few days the issue returns. There is a loud clicking noise as well when you back up the vehicle coming from the front suspension
Suspension Apr 5, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11581309
Vehicle wouldn't start using push button start, several modules/components reported errors: traction control, parking break, steering, shifting. The vehicle drove fine less than 24 hours prior to 3/3/2024. Following a week at the dealership, Ford Motor Company and the Ford dealership determined the main wiring harness was the culprit.
Electrical System Mar 22, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11578835
Vehicle was within 3 feet of curb in our parking space at home. Vehicle suddenly surged forward and crashed into our building. This happened October 20,2023. the Vehicle has been in the shop since October 21,2013. Statefarm Insurance paid for investigation in the the black box. Investigation yielded no conclusive results.
Forward Collision Avoidance Feb 27, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11574254
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.
Service Brakes Jan 8, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11564190
Vehicle purchased in May 2023 (51323) at koons silver spring. Vehicle had computer and 'random stalling' issues where the car would not start/stay on in August 2023. Called dealership, vehicle towed to Koons for repair. Service team said they could not replicate issue.
Engine Nov 3, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11553342

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Ford itself: 8 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 9 killed, 10 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 3.7 per 100,000 built. Every Explorer model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 17k

miles, typically

Half the 25 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 5,000 and 33,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

Too few readings for a curve — the 25 on file: 9 under 10k, 5 10k–20k, 4 20k–30k, 2 30k–40k, 3 40k–50k, 2 60k–70k.

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15%
SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15%
SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15%
SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. Standard driver-assist: forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 180
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-10-22
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 169 service bulletins, 9 others, 1 service campaign

Most often about: Power Train, Unknown Or Other, Electrical System, Engine, Equipment.

  • TSB 26-2408 v2 Service bulletin
    2026-10-22 · Power Train
  • 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
  • SSM 55228 Service bulletin
    2026-10-08 · Unknown Or Other
  • 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 procedure has been updated to include a new essential special service tool (ESST) guide pin alignment tool (
  • SSM 55217 Service bulletin
    2026-10-06 · Unknown Or Other
  • 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 may be due to engine oil breaching the dynamic oil seals separating the bearing core from the turbin
  • TSB 26-2408 Service bulletin
    2026-09-22 · Power Train
  • 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 the following conditions: * Harsh 3-4, 4-5 upshifts * Harsh 5-3, 4-3 downshifts * Harsh reverse enga
  • TSB 26-2395 Service bulletin
    2026-08-26 · Electrical System
  • 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 conditions:  Harsh engagement  Delayed engagement  Harsh shift  Delayed shift  Illuminated malfuncti
  • SSM 55100 Service bulletin
    2026-08-22 · Seats
  • 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 attached. It is not necessary to replace the seat cover if only the J-clip is separating from the cov
  • SSM 55069 Service bulletin
    2026-08-05 · Visibility/Wiper
  • Some 2020-2025 Explorer vehicles equipped with a power roof opening panel may exhibit a sunshield with localized bunching or binding/inoperative. This may be due to a broken or missing sunshield fabric retainer/clip. A revised sunshield clip (LJ6Z-5452118-B) is now available to address this condition. It is not necessary to replace the entire sunshield assembly if the clip(s) are broken or missing
  • SSM55059 Service bulletin
    2026-08-03 · Power Train
  • Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine, 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine, and 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). The vehicle may be unable

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P0729
P0729 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0731
P0731 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0732
P0732 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0733
P0733 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0734
P0734 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0735
P0735 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0736
P0736 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0751
P0751 on Ford →		Shift solenoid A is not responding — stuck off.Power Train7 bulletins
P0752
P0752 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0756
P0756 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0757
P0757 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins
P0761
P0761 on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train7 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

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At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2023 Ford Explorer failed the emissions check on 1.0% of first inspections — lower than the 1.6% for every 2023 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.85% (every 2023 vehicle: 1.1%).

New York inspections 1.0%

failed emissions

6,151 initial inspections of 5,996 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2023 ExplorerEvery 2023 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check1.0%1.6%6,136
Failed the safety inspection0.85%1.1%6,151
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.20%0.16%6,151
Miles driven a year9,82810,038odometer at inspection
Average odometer31,74632,673odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2023 vehicle” is every 2023 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Explorer by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2027 B 2 0 23 mpg2026 F 15 42 24 mpg2025 F 22 109 24 mpg2024 F 10 21 24 mpg2023 this page F 15 113 27 mpg2022 F 25 273 27 mpg2021 F 27 455 27 mpg2020 F 35 1,247 28 mpg2019 D 6 299 22 mpg2018 F 7 737 22 mpg2017 F 14 1,712 22 mpg2016 F 14 2,484 22 mpg

Common questions about the 2023 Explorer

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2023 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 15 recall campaigns for the 2023 Ford Explorer, 3 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 25V685000, covering Equipment. 3 of them were filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. The manufacturer's own estimate for when a fix would be ready: December 2026, January 2027. 1 campaign is phased, so the repair reached some model years before others. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2023 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA gave the 2023 Ford Explorer 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (36/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Ford Explorer?

Across the 17 EPA-rated configurations of the 2023 Ford Explorer, the best EPA combined figure is 27 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2023 Ford Explorer?

Transport Canada measured it at 198.8 in long, 78.7 in wide (body, without mirrors), 70.1 in tall, on a 119.3 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 4,458–4,969 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2023 Ford Explorer?

Owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Ford Explorer, most often about unspecified, electrical system, suspension. Of those, 8 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 9 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2023 Ford Explorer?

The EPA smog rating for the 2023 Ford Explorer runs 5 to 6 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California LEV-III ULEV50, California LEV-III ULEV70, Federal Tier 3 Bin 50, Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2023 Ford Explorer?

The manufacturer has filed 180 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2023 Ford Explorer, most often covering power train, unknown or other, electrical system. The most recent is dated 2026-10-22. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2023 Ford Explorer do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2023 Ford Explorer failed the emissions check on 1.0% of first inspections — lower than the 1.6% for every 2023 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.85% (every 2023 vehicle: 1.1%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations17 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates17 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls15NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints113NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings4 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins180NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
InvestigationsnoneNHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationNo defect investigation has been opened.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA12 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2027 Explorer The Explorer model year with the cleanest record on file — grade B, 2 recalls.Recalls Every Ford recall on file All campaigns filed against Ford vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this Explorer by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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