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2023 Ford Explorer

HybridGas
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
17 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls2 critical15
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA108
Crash ratingNHTSA overall5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA27 mpg
20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2023 Ford Explorer is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas midsize or 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, 2 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 108 complaints, most often about the electrical system. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Explorer HEV RWDHybridRWD3.3L 6-cyl + 280V Li-Ion272827$2,300
Explorer Platinum HEV RWDHybridRWD3.3L 6-cyl + 280V Li-Ion252626$2,400
Explorer HEV AWDHybrid4WD (part-time)3.3L 6-cyl + 280V Li-Ion232625$2,500
Explorer Platinum HEV AWDHybrid4WD (part-time)3.3L 6-cyl + 280V Li-Ion232423$2,700
Explorer RWDGasRWD2.3L 4-cyl turbo212824$2,600
Explorer AWDGas4WD (part-time)2.3L 4-cyl turbo202723$2,700
Explorer RWDGasRWD2.3L 4-cyl turbo202823$2,700
Explorer AWDGas4WD (part-time)2.3L 4-cyl turbo202622$2,850
Explorer RWDGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo182621$2,950
Explorer Timberline AWDGas4WD (part-time)2.3L 4-cyl turbo192221$2,950
Explorer AWDGas4WD (part-time)3.0L 6-cyl turbo182420$3,100
Explorer AWDGas4WD (part-time)3.0L 6-cyl turbo182420$3,100
Explorer AWDGas4WD (part-time)3.0L 6-cyl turbo172420$3,100
Explorer AWDGas4WD (part-time)3.0L 6-cyl turbo172420$3,100
Explorer FFV AWDGas4WD (part-time)3.3L 6-cyl172520$3,100
Explorer RWDGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo182520$3,100
Explorer Timberline AWDGas4WD (part-time)2.3L 4-cyl turbo192120$3,100

*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.

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Recalls (15)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Seats

26S52
387,911 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.FixDealers 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
NHTSA campaign 26V451000reported Jul 14, 2026Ford Motor Company
▲high

Seat Belts

26C18
561 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 26V159000reported Mar 17, 2026Ford Motor Company
○minor

Back Over Prevention

26C11
889,950 vehicles
ProblemFord 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."RiskAn incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 26V123000reported Mar 3, 2026Ford Motor Company
!critical

Equipment

25SA4
59,006 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskAn electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.FixOwners 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
NHTSA campaign 25V685000reported Oct 10, 2025Ford Motor Company
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

25S75
850,318 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskAn engine stall increases the risk of a crash.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 25V455000reported Jul 7, 2025Ford Motor Company
○minor

Back Over Prevention

25S72
200,237 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA 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.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 25V442000reported Jun 27, 2025Ford Motor Company
▲high

Seats

25S67
304,662 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 25V393000reported Jun 13, 2025Ford Motor Company
○minor

Back Over Prevention

25S27
49,399 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskLoss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 25V159000reported Mar 14, 2025Ford Motor Company
○minor

Equipment

24C39
27,678 vehicles
ProblemFord 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."RiskWithout a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.FixFord 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.
NHTSA campaign 24V852000reported Nov 8, 2024Ford Motor Company
▲high

Steering

24S04
121 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA 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.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 24V091000reported Feb 8, 2024Ford Motor Company
▲high

Electrical System

23C31
2,866 vehicles
ProblemFord 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."RiskA rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 23V686000reported Oct 13, 2023Ford Motor Company
!critical

Engine And Engine Cooling

23S50
10 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskAn 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.FixOwners 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.
NHTSA campaign 23V597000reported Aug 25, 2023Ford Motor Company
▲high

Back Over Prevention

23S23
442,973 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskLoss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 23V342000reported May 12, 2023Ford Motor Company
▲high

Power Train

23S06
1,138 vehicles
ProblemFord 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."RiskThe inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 23V070000reported Feb 10, 2023Ford Motor Company
○minor

Back Over Prevention

23S02
382,759 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskLoss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 23V022000reported Jan 23, 2023Ford Motor Company

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
108complaints filed

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

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

Most-cited components

Unspecified24
Electrical System13
Suspension13
Steering12
Power Train11
Engine10

What owners describe

“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 …”Mar 22, 2024 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report
“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…”Mar 4, 2024 · Suspension · NHTSA owner report
“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 resul…”Feb 27, 2024 · Forward Collision Avoidance · NHTSA owner report

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.

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.

Other Explorer model years

F

2026 Ford Explorer

14 recalls · 33 complaints

F

2025 Ford Explorer

22 recalls · 97 complaints

F

2024 Ford Explorer

10 recalls · 19 complaints

F

2022 Ford Explorer

25 recalls · 263 complaints

F

2021 Ford Explorer

27 recalls · 421 complaints

F

2020 Ford Explorer

35 recalls · 1,209 complaints

F

2019 Ford Explorer

6 recalls · 293 complaints

F

2018 Ford Explorer

7 recalls · 731 complaints

F

2017 Ford Explorer

14 recalls · 1,693 complaints

F

2016 Ford Explorer

14 recalls · 2,468 complaints

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). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

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

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