RoadVitals

2023 Ford Explorer

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
109
+3 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
15
Latest Jul 14, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
9
9 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 109 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2023 Ford Explorer, most frequently naming the driver assistance, suspension and electrical categories. 15 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 160 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

15 campaigns cover this model year

View all 15

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
26V451000

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Jul 14, 2026
387,911 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: 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 1-866-436-7332. 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.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26S52View on NHTSA.gov
26V159000

SEAT BELTS

Mar 17, 2026
561 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26C18View on NHTSA.gov
26V123000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Mar 3, 2026
889,950 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26C11View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 109
Filed Sep 18, 2026

I was driving on the highway at approximately 70mph in my 2023 Ford Explorer Platinum which has 30,000 miles on it. We heard a loud noise which sounded like a gun went off inside the car. My sunroof exploded outward with no warning or messages and no impact. Edges of the remaining glass were angled upward indicating that the glass burst outward. There were no signs of glass impacting the thin fabric retractable shade. We had been driving for about 3 hours when the incident occurred. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealer, they took pictures and submitted a request for it to be covered under warranty but have not confirmed. We could have been at risk if I had not maintained my composure and moved safely to the shoulder. Vehicles behind us may have been impacted by the flying glass but I did not see any other vehicles pull over. I did get an estimate for repair from a local body shop in case Ford does not agree that it is a manufacturing problem. This should be covered by Ford!!!

NHTSA ID
11765256
Incident
Sep 14, 2026
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 16, 2026

While driving, vehicle made a grinding sound, and all systems related to cruise, 4wd, decent control all illuminated on dash. Vehicle was taken to dealer, metro ford. Metro ford stated the transfer case has failed internally, and being replaced under powertrain. A week later, I received a callback, and the service writer stated after replacing and a test drive- it is still an issue, and the vehicle has an issue- which they feel is the AWD module, AWD module failed causing clutch in transfer case to lock up when it shouldn’t be resulting in limited power and grinding and depletion of safety systems on vehicle. Dealer states ford is aware of the issue but offered me a discounted repair of 270 dollars vs the 7-800 that it costs to complete the repair. Vehicle is still in shop weeks later with warning lights on.

NHTSA ID
11764616
Incident
Aug 30, 2026
Filed Sep 6, 2026

Purchased new June 2023, took delivery October 2023 due to camera recall. Drive to work 5 miles a day, less than 10000 miles on it yet my driver side dash is now Ingles and rolling up. I see this is a common issue. I paid extra for the King Ranch edition. Seems this should be a dealer covered repair. I would like this looked into.

NHTSA ID
11762481
Incident
Aug 26, 2026
Filed Aug 28, 2026

The exhaust pipe that connects a catalytic converter to the muffler broke and was dragging on the highway. It was during rish hour and was no safe place for me to pull over and within just a few miles, the other side of it broke off and the whole pipe between the catalytic converter and muffler fell into traffic behind me. Apparently this has been an issue with 2020-2022 model years but It needs to be extended further into atleast the 2023 model year since that is what I have.

NHTSA ID
11760401
Incident
Aug 28, 2026
Visibility
Filed Aug 27, 2026

The panoramic sunshade on our 2023 Ford Explorer bunches up and dips down into the rear passenger compartment when being retracted, obstructing rear visibility when using the rear view mirror or looking over your shoulder.

NHTSA ID
11759896
Incident
Aug 25, 2026
Body & structure
Filed Aug 20, 2026

The paint is starting to bubble and flake off from inside the vehichle doors by the seam where corrosion under the paint has started. I have looked at multiple complaints from other explorer owners and this is a common issue that ford does not want to fix. There sheet metal is contaminated with “white oxidized rust underneath the paint causing the bubbling and paint letting go resulting in further rust.

NHTSA ID
11758266
Incident
Aug 20, 2026
Filed Aug 10, 2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2023 Ford Explorer ST and my inability to obtain the remedy for NHTSA Campaign 26V123 / Ford Recall 26C11, involving a rearview-camera/SYNC display condition that may reduce rear visibility and increase crash risk. RCAK-26V123-1258 2.pdf Kendall Ford of Anchorage has notified me in writing that it will no longer perform any work on my vehicle, including recalls. Kendall states recalls require a Ford-authorized facility and identifies Seekins Ford in Fairbanks as the closest non-Kendall Ford dealer. I contacted Ford for assistance. A Ford representative acknowledged Kendall’s refusal in a voicemail and stated, “The only thing that we can do in this instance is have you go to another dealership,” directing me elsewhere for the recall. However, Ford’s current 26C11 instructions identify Mobile Repair and Pickup & Delivery as available and specifically state, “Arrange for a mobile repair at the owner’s location.” I am not refusing the recall or requesting that Kendall perform it. I am requesting that Ford arrange a qualified Ford-authorized mobile repair rather than requiring me to travel hundreds of miles to Fairbanks. I respectfully request that NHTSA review Ford’s handling of my recall access and assist in ensuring I have a safe, practical means of obtaining the remedy. Supporting documentation: Kendall’s written correspondence, Ford’s voicemail acknowledging the refusal, and Ford’s current 26C11 instructions.

NHTSA ID
11755840
Incident
Jun 25, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Jul 11, 2026

The light for the right hand mirror blind spot warning came loose within the mirror housing. The light still works and activates when a vehicle is in the blind spot, but the light has fallen to the bottom of the mirror housing and is barely visible (a yellow glow at night).

NHTSA ID
11749749
Incident
Jun 1, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB 26-2395

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

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 malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC)s P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM). This may be due to axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder sleeve causing hydraulic circuit leaks. NOTE: If internal transmission service is required to address a concern detected with the CDF clutch cylinder following this article, technicians should carefully inspect and replace other transmission components and flush transmission fluid cooler only as ne

SSM 55100

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 cover. Refer to PTS Home > Technical Assistance > Technical Support Videos > Section 501- Body and Paint > Seat J-Clips. For claiming, use causal parts from list below and labor operations 63100A and 63100A5. Causal Parts for claiming: Bronco/Bronco Sport/Escape/Explorer/Expedition/Navigator: 7862900 or 7862901 F-150/F-Super Duty: 1562900 or 1562901 Ranger/Maverick: 6062900 or 6062901

SSM 55069

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY; 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. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-17 Roof Opening Panel > General Procedures > Inspection and Replacement of the Roof Opening Panel Shield Clip.

SSM55059

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM; 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 to enter electric-only drive modes as expected during normal drive cycles. This may be due to the belt integrated starter generator (BISG). For vehicles with this condition, follow the necessary Pinpoint Test in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-06 for DTC P0A1E and repair the vehicle as directed. Note that previous replacement of the BISG does not negate the need for subsequent BISG replacements if directed to do so by the appropriate Pinpoint Test diagnostics. Engineering is investigating this BISG quality concern. Monitor PTS for updates regarding this investigation.

26E04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 26E04 Certain 2021-2025 Model Year F-150, Maverick, Mustang, Ranger, Expedition, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Bronco, Navigator, and Aviator Vehicles Powertrain Control Module Software Update

TSB 26-2309

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin supersedes 26-2241. Reason For Update: update the parts list to correct the claim quantity of the part number JB3Z-4B496-B from 3 to 6. 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 engagements These symptoms may be worse when cold. This may be due to the F clutch friction plates brinelling into the clutch and planetary container cylinder (7B177).

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Explorer by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027010—
20263614061.7
202510020060.1
20242110062.6
2023Viewing10915061.0
202226724268.7
202142626266.9
20201,21833367.2
20192966160.9
20187317265.6
20171,69114265.0
20162,45115261.0
20151,7919566.8
20141,6787461.6
20132,23412662.6
20128277460.5
20111,1978462.7
20101152153.1
2009331045.6
20081483152.2
20072083152.1
20066304047.1
20054973254.7
20041,3044459.5
20031,1317359.9
20023,29510762.6
200137512265.6
200095215466.1
19991,34815665.4
19981,95914867.4
19971,73112666.6
19961,45011366.9
199584312666.2
19941,20771368.2
199393991468.0
199263371467.7
1991609111768.5
1990120247.9
1989101—
1988401—
1987301—
1986301—
1985100—
1984100—
1977200—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.