NHTSA lists 15 safety recalls and 115 owner complaints for the 2023 Ford Explorer (including the hybrid). It has 1 open investigation that names this model year.
Recalled components: backover prevention and rearview camera, equipment, seats, engine and cooling, and 4 more. Most-described problems: jerking, lurching or harsh shifting and suspension part problems (10 complaints, 9% each). Most-reported area: electrical system (14 complaints, 12%).
Fewer complaints than a typical Explorer year
The 2023 drew 78 owner complaints in its first three years, against 193 for a typical Explorer year (about 144 for a typical year since 2016). It is not picked as a best year: it is named in an open NHTSA investigation.
Years to avoid: 2015 to 2017; best year: 2019. Based on owner complaints, not adjusted for sales.
Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated
Year to avoidBest year
Excludes the Police Interceptor Utility (EPA lists its 3.3L flex-fuel engine as an Explorer from 2020).
15 safety recalls for the 2023 Ford Explorer
Grouped by the part recalled, largest group first, newest first within each part. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.
Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 889,950 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
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.
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.
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
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.
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.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
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.
Fails federal standard 111 (rear visibility) · 2,866 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a standard rearview camera.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Components: Backover prevention and rearview camera: display function; Electrical system: wiring. Ford campaign 23C31.
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
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.
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.
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
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.
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.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
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. 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.
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.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
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.
Fails federal standard 208 (occupant crash protection) · 27,678 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles.
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The switch for the easy-entrysecond-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Fix: 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.
387,917 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles.
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The switch for the easy-entrysecond-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
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.
304,662 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The turbocharger oil supply line may be damaged, which can result in an oil leak inside the engine compartment.
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.
10 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Components: Engine and cooling: engine, gasoline, turbo/supercharger; Engine and cooling: engine, oil/lubrication, pipes, hoses, and fittings. Ford campaign 23S50.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Fix: 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.
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.
Risk: The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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."
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.
1,138 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Fix: 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.
Fails federal standard 210 (seat belt anchorages) · 561 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The right-front lower fastener connecting the steering knuckle and strut may be loose or missing.
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.
121 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles.
Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
NHTSA has opened 1 investigation that names the 2023 Ford Explorer; it is still open. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
Burn injuries from side airbag deployment
Preliminary evaluation PE26008Open since Nov 6, 2026
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 8 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) and 4 Early Warning Reporting “Death and Injury” reports alleging burn injuries following side airbag deployment in model years… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Component: Air bags (side/window, thorax, cushion).
A preliminary evaluation is NHTSA's first step, to gather information and decide whether to look further. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.
What owners report
Owners have filed 115 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Explorer. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
Problems owners describe
Jerking, lurching or harsh shifting10 · 9%
Suspension parts (struts, ball joints, control arms)10 · 9%
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%.
Ford Explorer recalls and complaints by model year
The highlighted bars are the 2023 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2016 Explorer drew the most (659) and the 2023 drew 78.
Owner complaints
2023: 115 complaintsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Ford Explorer
Model year
Complaints
2010
115
2011
1,198
2012
831
2013
2,239
2014
1,684
2015
1,820
2016
2,467
2017
1,706
2018
736
2019
303
2020
1,256
2021
463
2022
277
2023
115
2024
21
2025
113
2026
44
Safety recalls
2023: 15 recallsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Ford Explorer
Model year
Recalls
2010
1
2011
6
2012
5
2013
11
2014
6
2015
8
2016
14
2017
13
2018
7
2019
6
2020
34
2021
27
2022
25
2023
15
2024
10
2025
22
2026
16
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
In the 115 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Ford Explorer, the problems described most are jerking, lurching or harsh shifting (10), suspension part problems (10), and stalling or shutting off (6). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.
Is the 2023 Ford Explorer safe?
In NHTSA crash tests every tested version of the 2023 Ford Explorer earns 5 stars overall. The table above lists each tested version.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2023 Ford Explorer?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 open investigation that names the 2023 Ford Explorer: burn injuries from side airbag deployment (PE26008, opened Nov 6, 2026). An investigation is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
How do I check if my Explorer has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Safety recall repairs are free at Ford dealers.
Sources and method
NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Nov 12, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Nov 11, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
NHTSA investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026. Defect petitions, which ask NHTSA to open an investigation, are listed apart and only while open. Audit queries, which check whether a company met its recall and reporting duties rather than whether a vehicle has a problem, are not listed.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
NHTSA model names covered: EXPLORER, EXPLORER HYBRID.
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.