Recalls (15)
NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for the 2023 Ford Explorer. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Second-Row Seat May Move Unexpectedly
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- 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.
Improperly Secured Seat Belt Anchors
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- 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. 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.
Incorrectly Displayed Rearview Camera Image/FMVSS 111
- Summary
- 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."
- Consequence
- An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- 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. 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 September 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.
Low Pressure Fuel Pump May Fail
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- 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. 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.
Rearview Camera Image May Not Display
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- 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.
Second-Row Seat May Move Unexpectedly
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
- 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. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.
Rearview Camera Image May Not Display
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Missing Dashboard Air Bag Warning Label/FMVSS 208
- Summary
- 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."
- Consequence
- 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.
- 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.
Fastener Connecting Knuckle and Strut May Be Loose
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- 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. Ford's number for this recall is 24S04.
Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111
- Summary
- 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."
- Consequence
- A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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. Ford's number for this recall is 23C31.
Damaged Turbocharger Oil Supply Line
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- 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. 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.
Rearview Camera Image May Not Display
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23V-022. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-022 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Loose Bolt in Transmission May Cause Rollaway
- Summary
- 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."
- Consequence
- The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- 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.
Rearview Camera Image May Not Display
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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. 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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Owner complaints (110)
110 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The unknown or other is mentioned most often.
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 110 |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown or other | 25 | 22.7% |
| Suspension | 14 | 12.7% |
| Electrical system | 13 | 11.8% |
| Power train | 12 | 10.9% |
| Steering | 12 | 10.9% |
| Engine | 10 | 9.1% |
| Structure | 10 | 9.1% |
| Back over prevention | 7 | 6.4% |
| Lane departure | 7 | 6.4% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 6 | 5.5% |
How 2023 compares with other Explorer years
Best and worst Explorer years →| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1,696 | 13 |
| 2018 | 731 | 7 |
| 2019 | 298 | 6 |
| 2020 | 1,226 | 33 |
| 2021 | 434 | 26 |
| 2022 | 267 | 24 |
| 2023 | 110 | 15 |
| 2024 | 21 | 10 |
| 2025 | 101 | 20 |
| 2026 | 39 | 14 |
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Crash tests: 5 stars overall

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2023 Ford Explorer suv 4wd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 27 mpg combined
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $2,500
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 324 g/mi
- EPA class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle
What it costs you to run
Miles ÷ 27 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3 L 6-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 27 / 28 / 27 | $2,500 | 324 |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 / 26 / 26 | $2,600 | 342 |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 26 / 25 | $2,700 | 361 |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | $2,800 | 370 |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | $2,900 | 385 |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | $2,900 | 387 |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 24 / 23 | $2,900 | 379 |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | $3,050 | 404 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | $3,200 | 428 |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 22 / 21 | $3,200 | 433 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | $3,350 | 438 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | $3,350 | 444 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | $3,350 | 445 |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 21 / 20 | $3,350 | 445 |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | $3,350 | 444 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | $3,350 | 451 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | $3,350 | 454 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Looking at a 2023 Explorer for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2023 Ford Explorer FAQ
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns: 26V451000 (seat), 26V159000 (seat belt), 26V123000 (rear camera), 25V685000 (engine), 25V455000 (fuel pump), 25V442000 (rear camera), 25V393000 (seat), 25V159000 (rear camera), 24V852000 (equipment), 24V091000 (steering), 23V686000 (electrical), 23V597000 (engine), 23V342000 (rear camera), 23V070000 (power train), 23V022000 (rear camera). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2023 Ford Explorer problems?
Owners filed 110 complaints with NHTSA. Unknown or other (25), Suspension (14), Electrical system (13) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2023 Ford Explorer get?
EPA rates the 3.3 L 6-cyl · 10-speed automatic version at 27 city, 28 highway and 27 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
What safety rating did the 2023 Ford Explorer get?
NHTSA rated the 2023 Ford Explorer suv 4wd 5 stars overall, with 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (15.1% rollover risk).
How does the 2023 Explorer compare with other years?
Among the 2017–2021 Ford Explorer model years at least five years old, the 2019 drew the fewest complaints (298) and the 2017 the most (1,696). The 2023 drew 110. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.