2023 Ford Explorer Reliability & Recall Report
Based on 15 NHTSA recalls and 111 owner complaints. All data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — free, no signup required.
F
35/100
Very High Reported Activity — 2023 Ford Explorer
The 2023 Ford Explorer shows very high recall and complaint activity in NHTSA data. Counts are raw and are higher for popular models, so see how we score this below. Review the issues and recalls carefully, and have the vehicle inspected before buying.
Own or buying a 2023 Ford Explorer?
Check your specific VIN free for recalls and specs. Full vehicle history report: one-time $4.99, no subscription, no auto-renewal.
15
NHTSA Recalls
15 recalls on record
111
Owner Complaints
Filed with NHTSA
7
Crash Reports
2 fire reports
⚠️
NHTSA Recalls — 2023 Ford Explorer (15)
All recalls listed below must be repaired by an authorized Ford dealer at no charge to the owner.
🔧 Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
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…
🔧 Power Train: Automatic Transmission
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…
🔧 Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
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…
🔧 Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Gasoline: Turbo/Supercharger
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…
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…
🔧 Back Over Prevention: Display Function
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…
🔧 Suspension: Front: Macpherson Strut
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…
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…
🔧 Equipment: Other: Labels
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…
🔧 Back Over Prevention: Software
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…
🔧 Seats: Mid/Rear Assembly
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…
🔧 Back Over Prevention: Software
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…
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…
Showing 10 of 15 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
💬
Most Common Problems — 2023 Ford Explorer
Based on 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Bars show relative complaint frequency.
📊
Ford Explorer — Complaints by Year
A spike means more owner complaints were filed for that model year. The 2023 model year is highlighted.
→ Recently checked Ford Explorer VINs — free recall, safety and specs report for any VIN.
→ Decode a Ford VIN — free Ford VIN decoder guide: where to find the VIN and what each part means.
⚠ Higher-complaint years: 2017, 2020 — These model years have more owner complaints in NHTSA data than the other years compared.
✅ Best model years: 2023, 2024, 2025 — Lowest complaint rates for this model.
❓
Frequently Asked Questions — 2023 Ford Explorer
Is the 2023 Ford Explorer reliable?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 Ford Explorer has 15 recall campaigns and 111 owner complaints. This model year shows elevated recall or complaint activity — review the details and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Explorer have?
The 2023 Ford Explorer has 15 NHTSA recalls. Affected systems include: see recall details above. All recalls are repaired free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Ford Explorer?
The most commonly reported problems for the 2023 Ford Explorer are: Unknown Or Other, Steering, Power Train, Electrical System. See the complaint breakdown above for full details.
Is the 2023 Ford Explorer safe to buy?
The 2023 Ford Explorer has some safety and reliability items to review before buying. Ensure all 15 recalls are completed at a dealer. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is strongly recommended.
What year Ford Explorer should I buy?
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the best years for the Ford Explorer are: 2023, 2024, 2025. These show the lowest complaint rates. Years with higher complaint counts: 2017, 2020.
How we score this: The score starts at 100 and subtracts points for the number of NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints filed for this model year, and for complaints that report crashes or fires. Newer model years get a small bonus because they have had less time to collect reports. These are raw counts and are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, so popular models tend to have more recalls and complaints. Complaints are unverified owner reports. This grade is not a prediction about any individual vehicle and is not an inspection: check a specific car’s VIN for open recalls and get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
Data source: All recall and complaint data is sourced directly from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public API. Data is cached and refreshed every 7 days. Recall and complaint counts reflect data available at the time of last cache update.
For the most current recall status on a specific vehicle, enter the VIN above or visit
NHTSA.gov/recalls.