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2023 Ford Explorer recalls, complaints and safety ratings

There are 15 US recalls for the 2023 Ford Explorer, and 11 in Canada. Owners filed 113 complaints with NHTSA, most often about unknown or other. Its best NHTSA overall crash rating is 5 stars.

15US recalls
0urgent recalls
113owner complaints
5★overall crash rating

Is your car affected?

Check by VIN to confirm the exact model and see every recall for it.

Recalls are issued for a make, model and model year. Whether the repair has already been done on one specific car is known only to its manufacturer and dealers. Check your vehicle's official status at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer.

US recalls (15)

Seats: mid/rear assembly

2026-07-14 · campaign 26V451000 · 387,911 vehicles

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 and remedy

Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

Seat belts

2026-03-17 · campaign 26V159000 · 561 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.

Risk and remedy

Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

Back over prevention: software

2026-03-03 · campaign 26V123000 · 889,950 vehicles

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 and remedy

Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Equipment: electrical, engine block heater

2025-10-10 · campaign 25V685000 · 59,006 vehicles

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 and remedy

Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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 customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump

2025-07-07 · campaign 25V455000 · 850,318 vehicles

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 and remedy

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Back over prevention: software

2025-06-27 · campaign 25V442000 · 200,237 vehicles

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 and remedy

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.

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 recall is 25S72.

Seats: mid/rear assembly

2025-06-13 · campaign 25V393000 · 304,662 vehicles

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 and remedy

Risk: 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 Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.

Back over prevention: software

2025-03-14 · campaign 25V159000 · 49,399 vehicles

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 and remedy

Risk: 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 this recall is 25S27.

Equipment: other, labels

2024-11-08 · campaign 24V852000 · 27,678 vehicles

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 and remedy

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.

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 recall is 24C39.

Suspension: front, macpherson strut

2024-02-08 · campaign 24V091000 · 121 vehicles

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 and remedy

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.

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 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S04.

Back over prevention: display function

2023-10-13 · campaign 23V686000 · 2,866 vehicles

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 and remedy

Risk: 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 at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C31.

Engine and engine cooling: engine, oil/lubrication

2023-08-25 · campaign 23V597000 · 10 vehicles

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 and remedy

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.

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 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.

Back over prevention: sensing system, camera

2023-05-12 · campaign 23V342000 · 442,973 vehicles

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 and remedy

Risk: 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 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.

Power train: automatic transmission

2023-02-10 · campaign 23V070000 · 1,138 vehicles

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 and remedy

Risk: 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 for this recall is 23S06.

Back over prevention: sensing system, camera

2023-01-23 · campaign 23V022000 · 382,759 vehicles

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 and remedy

Risk: 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 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.

Canadian recalls (11)

Show 11 Canadian recalls

Seats and restraints

2026-07-14 · campaign 2026-339

Issue: On certain vehicles the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 25S67 (Transport Canada recall no. 2025-328) may not be effective. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles, the trim for the seat fold switch on the second-row outboard seats could become stuck. If this happens, the seat(s) could fold and/or move unexpectedly. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2025-328. Vehicles that were repaired under that recall also require this repair. Safety Risk: A seat that folds and/or moves could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Action: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the seat fold switch trim and housing for one with an improved design.

Visual system

2026-03-05 · campaign 2026-100

Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display properly when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display correctly could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail. The corrective actions for this recall are under development.

Electrical

2026-01-09 · campaign 2026-005

Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens, the block heater could short circuit when it's plugged in. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2025-554. Vehicles that were repaired under that recall don't require this repair. Safety Risk: A short circuit can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: To reduce the safety risk, Ford advises you not to use the engine block heater until the recall repairs have been completed. Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the block heater. Alternatively, owners can choose to have the dealership permanently disable the engine block heater.

Electrical

2025-10-10 · campaign 2025-554

This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2026-005. Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens, the block heater could short circuit when it's plugged in. Safety Risk: A short circuit can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: To reduce the safety risk, Ford advises you not to use the engine block heater until the recall repairs have been completed. Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the block heater.

Visual system

2025-06-27 · campaign 2025-360

Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the SYNC software.

Seats and restraints

2025-06-13 · campaign 2025-328

Issue: On certain vehicles, the trim for the seat fold switch on the second-row seats may not have been installed properly. As a result, the switch could become stuck. If this happens, the seat(s) could fold and/or move unexpectedly. Safety Risk: A seat that folds and/or moves could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Action: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat fold switch trim.

Visual system

2025-03-14 · campaign 2025-140

Issue: On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 23S23 (Transport Canada recall no. 2023-288) may not have been done correctly. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the SYNC display screen. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the image processing module (IPMB) software.

Visual system

2023-10-16 · campaign 2023-557 · 221 vehicles

Issue: On certain vehicles, a problem with the rearview camera wiring harness could cause the rearview camera image not to display. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, repair the rearview camera wiring harness.

Visual system

2023-05-15 · campaign 2023-288

Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the SYNC display screen. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. Note: This recall replaces recall 23S02 (Transport Canada Recall No. 2023-018). Vehicles that were repaired under that recall also require this second repair. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the image processing module (IPMB) software.

Powertrain

2023-02-13 · campaign 2023-057 · 48 vehicles

Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, there could be a loose bolt inside the transmission. As a result, the bolt could move and block the parking pawl. If this happens, the parking pawl may not engage when you shift to park, and the vehicle could roll away if the parking brake isn't used. Note: You should always follow the parking procedure in the owner's manual and set the parking brake each time that you park. Safety Risk: A parked vehicle that moves unexpectedly could create a risk of a crash or an injury. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to bring your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmission.

Visual system

2023-01-24 · campaign 2023-018

This recall was replaced by Transport Canada Recall No. 2023-288. Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image to not appear on the SYNC display screen. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse gear. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the image processing module (IPMB) software.

Owner complaints (113)

Owners filed 113 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Ford Explorer (7 crashes, 2 fires, 9 injuries reported). Among 44 model years of this model, it ranks #32 for the most complaints (median 630).

Most-reported problemComplaints
Unknown or other27
Electrical system14
Suspension14
Power train12
Steering12
Engine10
Structure10
Lane departure7

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2023 Ford Explorer.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2023 Ford Explorer SUV RWD5★5★5★4★
2023 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD5★5★5★4★

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for each 2023 Ford Explorer version.

VersionCity MPGHighway MPGCombinedYearly fuel cost
Explorer AWD 2.3 L Automatic 10-spd202723$2,900
Explorer AWD 2.3 L Automatic 10-spd202622$3,050
Explorer AWD 3.0 L Automatic 10-spd182420$3,350
Explorer AWD 3.0 L Automatic (S10)182420$3,350
Explorer AWD 3.0 L Automatic 10-spd172420$3,350
Explorer AWD 3.0 L Automatic (S10)172420$3,350
Explorer FFV AWD 3.3 L Automatic 10-spd172520$3,350
Explorer HEV AWD 3.3 L Automatic 10-spd232625$2,700
Explorer HEV RWD 3.3 L Automatic 10-spd272827$2,500
Explorer Platinum HEV AWD 3.3 L Automatic 10-spd232423$2,900
Explorer Platinum HEV RWD 3.3 L Automatic 10-spd252626$2,600
Explorer RWD 2.3 L Automatic 10-spd212824$2,800
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Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings, US EPA fuel economy and Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database (contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada). Recalls updated 2026-10-30.