repaired · 2026 Q3
Seats: mid/rear assembly
NewRisk. A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
2023 Ford ExplorerProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 113 owner complaints about the 2023 Ford Explorer, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 15 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-455 the manufacturer reports only 19% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 27, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2023 Ford Explorer has problems
113 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
14Suspension1 crash/fire/injury
14Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
12Power train
12Steering2 crash/fire/injury
10Structure
10Engine1 crash/fire/injury
7Back over prevention
7Lane departure
6Forward collision avoidance
3815 other systems7 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 14 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 14 | 2 |
| Power train | 12 | 0 |
| Steering | 12 | 2 |
| Structure | 10 | 0 |
| Engine | 10 | 1 |
| Back over prevention | 7 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 7 | 2 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 6 | 0 |
| 15 other systems | 38 | 7 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
15 recalls
2023 Ford Explorer recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Seat belts
NewRisk. A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Back over prevention: software
NewRisk. An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Electrical: engine block heater
Risk. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Show 11 more recalls
repaired · 2026 Q3
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Back over prevention: software
Risk. A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Risk. A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Back over prevention: software
Risk. Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Other: labels
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.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Spindle: arm
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…
repaired · 2025 Q3
Back over prevention: display function
Risk. A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q2
Gasoline: turbo/supercharger
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.
repaired · 2025 Q3
Sensing system: camera
Risk. Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q1
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Sensing system: camera
Risk. Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.
Best & worst years
2023 vs. every other Explorer year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Explorer median. How we score
6096339391,2078431,4501,7311,9591,3489523753,2951,1311,304497630208148331151,1988312,2391,6841,8202,4671,7067363031,25345627611321111440
'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2023 Ford Explorer safety ratings
2023 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard & Optional
- Lane departure warning: Standard
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2023 Ford Explorer, and the recalls they led to.
- Burn Injuries From Side Airbag DeploymentOpen
In owners' words
What Explorer owners report
Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I am submitting this complaint involving suspension on 2023 Ford Explorer. Dealership has replaced the right front stunt mount two times. The problem is still not corrected.
Faint popping and knocking sound coming from front suspension, LOUD clunk coming from rear suspension when going over bumps. Both seem to cause vehicle to be floaty while driving. Also headlights sometime flicker while driving with switch in auto position and sometimes will not shut off after…
Premature leaking and failure on rear shocks absorbers. Premature failure could lead to handling issues and interference with driver assist handling, action control etc. Some say this is a know issue but not one that has prompted a recall
Own a 2023 Explorer?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.