2023 Ford Explorer: Too new to judge

The 2023 Ford Explorer has been on the road for 47 months, short of the five years we need to rate it. Owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA so far. That's 0.4× the rate other Explorer years drew in their first 47 months, per vehicle sold.

The biggest problem area, counting serious complaints more, is driver-assistance features and cameras (18% of complaints).

Complaint index
0.4×
partial: first 47 months
Rank
Not ranked
rated after five years
Complaints
110
in 47 months so far
Recalls
15
campaigns
6th generation, 2020–today · Updated September 24, 2026 · How we rate
2020 Ford Explorer XLT

Photo: 2020 Ford Explorer XLT · Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Problem areas

Ranked by severity-weighted complaints · share · median miles
  1. Driver assistance18% · 20 complaints
  2. Steering11% · 12 complaints
  3. Air bags4% · 4 complaints
  4. Electrical12% · 13 complaints · median 33,000 miles
  5. Suspension12% · 13 complaints
  6. Engine10% · 11 complaints
  7. Powertrain11% · 12 complaints
  8. Brakes5% · 6 complaints
  9. Seats and belts6% · 7 complaints
  10. Body and structure9% · 10 complaints

Bars rank problem areas by complaints weighted for severity (crashes, fires, injuries and deaths count more). A complaint can name more than one area. Mileage is reported on about half of complaints.

What owners describe

Driver assistance

Owners describe driver assistance systems like rearview cameras, lane keeping, and adaptive cruise control acting unpredictably, sometimes braking hard, veering, or losing screen function. For many, dealer repairs were delayed by recall parts or software fixes that didn't fully resolve the problem.

Warning signs:
Owners report black, white, or blank camera/navigation screens, sudden hard braking, unexpected steering pulls or lockups, warning lights, and error messages before or during failures.
What shops did:
Some owners report dealers waiting for recall parts or software updates that did not resolve the issue, while others say sensors or modules were replaced or diagnosis was inconclusive.

“The rear camera on my Explorer shows a blue screen most of the time”

“the car suddenly applied the brakes (hard) and a red warning briefly appeared on the dashboard”

Steering

Owners describe front strut and steering problems ranging from persistent knocking or popping noises to sudden loss of steering control or lane-keeping malfunctions. Repairs sometimes fixed the noise temporarily, but several owners report the same issue returning after dealer visits.

Warning signs:
Owners report knocking, clunking, popping, or squeaking noises from the front end, especially over bumps or at low speeds, before steering issues occurred.
What shops did:
Dealers replaced struts or strut mounts, tightened front-end bolts, reinstalled software, or in some cases could not identify or resolve the problem despite multiple attempts.

“the steering wheel failed to turn into the intended direction”

“I noticed a distinct cracking/popping sound when I turned the steering wheel to the left while lifting my foot off the brake”

Summaries are written with AI from the owner complaints shown on NHTSA's site and checked against them; quotes are word for word.

  • NHTSA 26V451000July 2026387,911 vehicles

    Seats: mid/rear assembly

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

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 26V159000March 2026561 vehicles

    Seat belts

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

    Fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 26V123000March 2026889,950 vehicles

    Back over prevention: software

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

    Fix: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 25V685000October 202559,006 vehicles

    Equipment: electrical: engine block heater

    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.

  • NHTSA 25V455000July 2025850,318 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump

    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: 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.

  • NHTSA 25V442000June 2025200,237 vehicles

    Back over prevention: software

    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.

  • NHTSA 25V393000June 2025304,662 vehicles

    Seats: mid/rear assembly

    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.

  • NHTSA 25V159000March 202549,399 vehicles

    Back over prevention: software

    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.

  • NHTSA 24V852000November 202427,678 vehicles

    Equipment: other: labels

    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.

  • NHTSA 24V091000February 2024121 vehicles

    Suspension: front: macpherson strut · Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm

    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.

  • NHTSA 23V686000October 20232,866 vehicles

    Back over prevention: display function · Electrical system: wiring

    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.

  • NHTSA 23V597000August 202310 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubrication: pipes, hoses, and fittings · Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: turbo/supercharger

    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.

  • NHTSA 23V342000May 2023442,973 vehicles

    Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

    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.

  • NHTSA 23V070000February 20231,138 vehicles

    Power train: automatic transmission

    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.

  • NHTSA 23V022000January 2023382,759 vehicles

    Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

    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.

A recall only helps if the repair was done. Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup before you buy.

Service bulletins

Ford sent NHTSA 161 service bulletins and other notices to dealers covering the 2023 Explorer. These are repair instructions, not recalls. Warranty extensions and bulletins about its top problem areas:

  • SSM 54720 · April 2026Various 2020-2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with blind spot information system (BLIS) may experience an inoperative blind spot monitoring with a "Blind Spot System Fault" message displayed…
  • 25N17 · March 2026Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
  • SSM 54313 · October 2025Some 2020-2025 various Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with blind spot information system (BLIS) may experience an inoperative blind spot monitoring with a "Blind Spot System Fault" message…
  • TSB 25-2213 · May 2025This article supersedes TSB 25-2121 to update the affected production build dates.
  • SSM 52390 · March 2024Some 2023-2024 Explorer vehicles built on or after 31-Jul-2023 (minor feature code J3KAJ which can be confirmed by double-clicking the VIN on PTS in the upper left corner) are no longer equipped with…
  • SSM 51935 · September 2023Some 2022 Edge vehicles built on and after 16-Nov-2022, 2022 Explorer vehicles built on and after 20-Sep-2022, 2023 Edge vehicles built on and before 24-Mar-2023, and 2023 Explorer vehicles built on…
  • SSM 51886 · August 2023Some 2023 Explorer vehicles built on or after 31-Jul-2023 are no longer equipped with the 360 degree view camera or reverse brake assist features.
  • TSB 26-2395 · August 2026This article supersedes 26-2287.

All 2023 Explorer bulletins on NHTSA ›

Questions owners ask

Is the 2023 Ford Explorer reliable?
The 2023 Ford Explorer has been on the road for 47 months, short of the five years we need to rate it. Owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA so far. That's 0.4× the rate other Explorer years drew in their first 47 months, per vehicle sold. Ratings compare Explorer years with each other using complaints filed with NHTSA; they don't measure every problem owners have.
What are the most common 2023 Explorer problems?
Owners' complaints most often involve driver-assistance features and cameras (18%), the steering (11%) and the air bags (4%). A complaint can name more than one area.
Has the 2023 Ford Explorer been recalled?
Yes. NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for the 2023 Ford Explorer, the most recent in July 2026 (seats). Enter the vehicle's VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether the repairs were done.

Sources

Owner complaints, recalls and manufacturer communications from NHTSA's public data files, as of September 24, 2026. Complaints are counted once each, over the model year's first 60 months on the road. UsedScore is not affiliated with NHTSA or Ford. The 2023 Ford Explorer on NHTSA.gov · How we rate