MYRModel Year Report

2023 Ford Explorer

▲ Better than typical
2023 Ford Explorer
RENDERED 2026-10-31T12:10:12.348Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
113
Recalls
15

Campaigns on file for 2023

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Suspension

12% of complaints

Complaints per year

1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1986: 3 complaints 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 4 complaints 1989: 1 complaint 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 616 complaints 1992: 640 complaints 1993: 944 complaints 1994: 1,231 complaints 1995: 843 complaints 1996: 1,450 complaints 1996 1997: 1,731 complaints 1998: 1,959 complaints 1999: 1,348 complaints 2000: 952 complaints 2001: 375 complaints 2002: 3,295 complaints 2002 2003: 1,131 complaints 2004: 1,304 complaints 2005: 497 complaints 2006: 630 complaints 2007: 208 complaints 2008: 148 complaints 2008 2009: 33 complaints 2010: 115 complaints 2011: 1,198 complaints 2012: 827 complaints 2013: 2,234 complaints 2014: 1,684 complaints 2014 2015: 1,793 complaints 2016: 2,459 complaints 2017: 1,695 complaints 2018: 729 complaints 2019: 297 complaints 2020: 1,242 complaints 2021: 442 complaints 2022: 270 complaints 2023: 113 complaints 2023 113 2024: 21 complaints 2025: 105 complaints 2026: 43 complaints 2027: 0 complaints
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1986: 3 complaints 1987: 3 complaints 1987 1988: 4 complaints 1989: 1 complaint 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 616 complaints 1992: 640 complaints 1993: 944 complaints 1993 1994: 1,231 complaints 1995: 843 complaints 1996: 1,450 complaints 1996 1997: 1,731 complaints 1998: 1,959 complaints 1999: 1,348 complaints 1999 2000: 952 complaints 2001: 375 complaints 2002: 3,295 complaints 2002 2003: 1,131 complaints 2004: 1,304 complaints 2005: 497 complaints 2005 2006: 630 complaints 2007: 208 complaints 2008: 148 complaints 2008 2009: 33 complaints 2010: 115 complaints 2011: 1,198 complaints 2011 2012: 827 complaints 2013: 2,234 complaints 2014: 1,684 complaints 2014 2015: 1,793 complaints 2016: 2,459 complaints 2017: 1,695 complaints 2017 2018: 729 complaints 2019: 297 complaints 2020: 1,242 complaints 2020 2021: 442 complaints 2022: 270 complaints 2023: 113 complaints 2023 113 2024: 21 complaints 2025: 105 complaints 2026: 43 complaints 2026 2027: 0 complaints
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 4 complaints 1988 1989: 1 complaint 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 616 complaints 1992: 640 complaints 1992 1993: 944 complaints 1994: 1,231 complaints 1994 1995: 843 complaints 1996: 1,450 complaints 1996 1997: 1,731 complaints 1998: 1,959 complaints 1998 1999: 1,348 complaints 2000: 952 complaints 2000 2001: 375 complaints 2002: 3,295 complaints 2002 2003: 1,131 complaints 2004: 1,304 complaints 2004 2005: 497 complaints 2006: 630 complaints 2006 2007: 208 complaints 2008: 148 complaints 2008 2009: 33 complaints 2010: 115 complaints 2010 2011: 1,198 complaints 2012: 827 complaints 2012 2013: 2,234 complaints 2014: 1,684 complaints 2014 2015: 1,793 complaints 2016: 2,459 complaints 2016 2017: 1,695 complaints 2018: 729 complaints 2018 2019: 297 complaints 2020: 1,242 complaints 2020 2021: 442 complaints 2022: 270 complaints 2023: 113 complaints 2023 113 2024: 21 complaints 2025: 105 complaints 2026: 43 complaints 2026 2027: 0 complaints

2023: 113 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19851
19863
19873
19884
19891
199012
1991616
1992640
1993944
19941,231
1995843
19961,450
19971,731
19981,959
19991,348
2000952
2001375
20023,295
20031,131
20041,304
2005497
2006630
2007208
2008148
200933
2010115
20111,198
2012827
20132,234
20141,684
20151,793
20162,459
20171,695
2018729
2019297
20201,242
2021442
2022270
2023113
202421
2025105
202643
20270

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Suspension

12% · 14 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-10

Also filed under Exterior lighting

Electrical system

12% · 14 reports
FIRE

Steering

11% · 12 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The lane assist system put the vehicle into a skid on snowy road with no markings on roadway. The vehicle is available to inspect but insurance company is pushing to pickup vehicle as it was totaled.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-01

Also filed under Lane departure

I rented a 2023 Ford Explorer. I had many issues with the added safety features while renting it, ultimately resulting in an accident. Firstly, the lane keeping assist did not function properly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-04-16

Also filed under Lane departure

Power train

11% · 12 reports

Engine

9% · 10 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The transmission was very difficult time trying to figure out how to start shifting gears, and when it did I felt very hard shifting.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-03-25

Safety timeline

15 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2023-02-13Back over prevention23V022000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2023-04-25Power train23V070000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2023-09-08Engine and engine cooling23V597000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2023-11-02Back over prevention, electrical system23V686000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a standard rearview camera.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2023-11-10Back over prevention23V342000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2024-03-08Steering, suspension24V091000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2024-12-19Equipment24V852000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    2025-04-25Back over prevention25V159000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    2025-08-07Seats25V393000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. R
    2025-09-04Back over prevention25V442000 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,...

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. R
    2026-03-30Seat belts26V159000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. R
    2026-06-23Back over prevention26V123000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  13. R
    2026-07-14Seats26V451000 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.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 27, 2026.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. R
    Date not on fileEquipment25V685000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  15. R
    Date not on fileFuel system, gasoline25V455000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2023 Ford Explorer — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Suspension: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 12 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 25V685000 · Equipment
  • Recall 25V455000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 23V022000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 23V070000 · Power train
  • Recall 23V597000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 23V686000 · Back over prevention, electrical system
  • Recall 23V342000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 24V091000 · Steering, suspension
  • Recall 24V852000 · Equipment
  • Recall 25V159000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 25V393000 · Seats
  • Recall 25V442000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 26V159000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 26V123000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 26V451000 · Seats
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2023 Ford Explorer reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2023 Ford Explorer is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Ford Explorer?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 12% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Explorer have?
15 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.