2023 Ford Explorer: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 84 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the steering, transmission, and electrical. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2023- Owner complaints
- 84
- Recalls
- 12
- Crashes reported
- 7
- 6 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2023 Ford Explorer: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/4
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Explorer is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2023 Ford Explorer. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 23–24 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 20–21 mpg |
| 3.3L 6-cylFlex fuel | 4WD | 20 mpg |
| 3.3L 6-cylHybrid | 4WD, RWD | 25–27 mpg |
- The 2023 Ford Explorer was sold in four versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Explorer that averages well under the EPA 20 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Front strut and suspension noise
3,000–20,000 miles
Stalling and wiring harness faults
10,000–44,500 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2023 Ford Explorer, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Steering102 crashes
Lane-keeping assist yanks the wheel hard to one side in rain, snow, or construction zones. Two reports tie this to crashes, one with 3 injuries. A hands-on-wheel warning also triggers while both hands are on the wheel and slows the car in traffic. The other reports point to the front suspension: knocking, rattling, and popping from the struts or strut mounts, with front struts replaced more than once in some cars. Several owners link these noises to recall 24V091000. One noise report puts onset near 3,000 miles.
Transmission9No crashes
Harsh, delayed, or erratic shifting is the main complaint. Reports describe the first two gears slamming in from a stop, skipped gears, sudden downshifts to first at speed, and racing RPMs with a wrench light on. Several cars lose power or shut off while driving, and dealers often cannot reproduce the fault. One report describes a rear subframe bolt breaking near 20,000 miles and wrecking the axle, which the owner tied to recall 23V675000. A vibration underneath the car at 36 to 42 mph also appears.
Electrical8No crashes
Sudden loss of power is the core problem. Cars stall, refuse to start, keep most doors locked, or light up a string of warnings for steering, shifting, traction control, and the parking brake. Dealers traced several cases to the main wiring harness or a ground wire, at mileages from 10,000 to 44,500. One car lost all power at a stop light, then white smoke came from the engine and the fire department was called. Other reports describe black infotainment screens linked to the rear camera recall and failed blind spot and cross-traffic monitors.
Body and structure7No crashes
Exterior trim and body fasteners come loose. The A-pillar molding blows off at highway speed. In one case it cracked the windshield, and another happened at 60,000 miles. A wheel well liner fell onto the tire because its bracket and bolts were missing, and a rear bumper came loose after a factory hitch install. The sunroof leaks while closed, and one driver door crunched and then would not open, a repair the dealer tied to investigation PE23-013. In another car, a front strut failure at 10,000 miles made the steering veer.
Suspension41 crash
The front suspension knocks, rattles, and clicks, often on the passenger side, and the noise comes back days after dealer visits. Repairs include front struts replaced at 12,555 miles and a cracked stabilizer arm found around 20,000 miles. The most serious report describes the right front suspension collapsing over railroad tracks at under 10 mph. All four airbags deployed, the driver had minor injuries, and insurance totaled the car. There were no warning signs before the collapse.
Backup camera4No crashes
These complaints are about the rear camera recalls, 23V342000 and 25V442000, and the wait for a fix. The camera shows a black or white screen in Reverse, and the touchscreen can freeze with icons that stop responding. At the same time, the phone app may fail to connect to the car. Every report says recall parts were not available, and owners say the wait has gone past a reasonable time. Two owners had not seen any failure yet and simply could not get the repair done.
Seat belts4No crashes
The seat belt reminder stops working once the car is moving. Unbuckling a belt while driving brings no light or chime, a problem reported around 5,000 miles. More serious reports describe a second-row belt with loose bolts that was never properly installed at the factory. In another, a middle-row center belt twisted and trapped a child, who struggled to breathe until the family cut the belt free. The loose belt turned up during hail repair, and a dealer confirmed it.
Airbags33 crashes
Side airbags burn people when they deploy. Two crash reports describe hot gas venting toward the occupant and burning through clothing. The result was chemical burns, or first- and second-degree burns from the ribs to the hip. Both were side impacts, and the group records 2 injuries. A third crash report describes the opposite failure at 60 mph. No airbag deployed, the driver's belt did not lock, the seat moved, and no pre-collision warning appeared. All 3 complaints involve crashes.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Explorer owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
The first two gears while coming from a stop shift extremely rough causing foot to bounce off accelerator pedal. This has been happening since vehicle was purchased at approximately 4000 miles.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2024
The transmission was very difficult time trying to figure out how to start shifting gears, and when it did I felt very hard shifting. The engine revved up, struggled to rev up when accelerating, held gears, chugged, slipped, it felt extremely lazy, and hard shift. The RPMs were fluctuating like crazy. You slam on the accelerator the RPMs start going up then it starts fluctuating crazy.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2023
At a stop light and all of the power in the vehicle went out and Explorer would not start. Hazards would not turn on and doors (besides driver door) would not unlock. Got out of the vehicle to try the fob and white smoke came billowing out from engine. Fire department and police were called. No warning lights or messages were seen on vehicle. Vehicle only has 10K miles on it. Vehicle was taken to dealership for diagnostics.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2024
Vehicle wouldn't start using push button start, several modules/components reported errors: traction control, parking break, steering, shifting. The vehicle drove fine less than 24 hours prior to 3/3/2024. Following a week at the dealership, Ford Motor Company and the Ford dealership determined the main wiring harness was the culprit. If the wiring harness fails while the vehicle is in motion/operation, that could result in a serious safety issue.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2024
The A piller molding on BOTH sides of the windshield has been blown off. When blown off it cracked the windshield. This resulting in a hazard to drivers around but also the fuel economy of the car.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2025
How the 2023 compares with other Explorer years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2023 ranks sixth for owner complaints among 8 Explorer years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Steering109
- Transmission987
- Electrical836
- Body and structure761
- Suspension42
- Backup camera413
Where the 2023 fits in the Explorer's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2023 is the fourth model year of the Explorer's sixth generation (2020–2023).
Recalls to confirm (12)
Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V685000EquipmentOct 2025
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: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. 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 February 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.
25V455000Fuel systemJul 2025
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: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: The remedy is under development. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 16, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated March 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
25V442000Backup cameraJun 2025
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: 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.
Fix: 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.
25V393000SeatsJun 2025
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: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
25V159000Backup cameraMar 2025
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: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
24V852000EquipmentNov 2024
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: 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.
Fix: 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.
24V091000SuspensionFeb 2024
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: 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.
Fix: 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.
23V686000Backup cameraOct 2023
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: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
23V597000EngineAug 2023
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: 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.
Fix: 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.
23V342000Backup cameraMay 2023
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: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
23V070000TransmissionFeb 2023
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: The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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.
23V022000Backup cameraJan 2023
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: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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2023 owner complaints, side by side
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