Worst 2023 Ford Explorer Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2023 Ford Explorer.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 12 | 2 | — | 7,667 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 11 | — | 1 | 22,625 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 10 | — | — | 10,600 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 10 | 1 | — | 7,667 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 8 | — | 1 | 8,664 mi | |
| Backup Camera | 5 | — | — | 3,333 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | 1 | — | 5,000 mi | |
| Brakes | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbags | 3 | 3 | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Forward-Collision Avoidance Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Warning | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Tailgate:Latch | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2023 Ford Explorer
14 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~3,211,678 vehicles.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
+ 4 more recalls
Other Ford Explorer Years
2023 Ford Explorer — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2023 Ford Explorer reliable?
What are common problems with the 2023 Ford Explorer?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2023 Ford Explorer?
How safe is the 2023 Ford Explorer?
Does the 2023 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2023 Ford Explorer?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2023 Ford Explorer
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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