Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2024 Ford Explorer: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2024 Ford Explorer, most recently filed July 2026. Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the unknown or other. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 5 stars overall.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Caution Fewer than 50 complaints filed. With this few reports, patterns may not be meaningful.
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Recalls (10)

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2024 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 ↗
Listed for 2024 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V451000 Filed Jul 14, 2026

Second-Row Seat May Move Unexpectedly

Seats · mid/rear assembly
Official NHTSA text
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.
Repair progress not yet reported387,911 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V451000
Listed for 2024 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V371000 Filed Jun 9, 2026

Vehicle Rollaway Risk

Power train · automatic transmission
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.
Consequence
A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect for park system damage and replace the park system components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S39. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 12, 2026.
13.8% repairedof 58 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V371000
Listed for 2024 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V159000 Filed Mar 17, 2026

Improperly Secured Seat Belt Anchors

Seat belts
Official NHTSA text
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.
31.6% repairedof 561 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V159000
Listed for 2024 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V123000 Filed Mar 3, 2026

Incorrectly Displayed Rearview Camera Image/FMVSS 111

Back over prevention · software
Official NHTSA text
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.
12.4% repairedof 889,950 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V123000
Listed for 2024 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V012000 Filed Jan 15, 2026

Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire

Equipment · electrical · engine block heater
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer 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 February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 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 January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.
Repair progress not yet reported2,403 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V012000
Listed for 2024 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 25V687000 Filed Oct 10, 2025

Trailer Hitch Assembly May Detach

Trailer hitches
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
Consequence
While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
60.7% repairedof 1,412 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V687000
Listed for 2024 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 25V442000 Filed Jun 27, 2025

Rearview Camera Image May Not Display

Back over prevention · software
Official NHTSA text
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.
54.8% repairedof 200,237 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V442000
Listed for 2024 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 25V393000 Filed Jun 13, 2025

Second-Row Seat May Move Unexpectedly

Seats · mid/rear assembly
Official NHTSA text
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.
63.9% repairedof 304,662 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V393000
Listed for 2024 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V852000 Filed Nov 8, 2024

Missing Dashboard Air Bag Warning Label/FMVSS 208

Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
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.
65.6% repairedof 27,678 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V852000
Listed for 2024 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V685000 Filed Sep 13, 2024

Battery Cable May Short Circuit

Electrical system · 12v/24v/48v battery · cables
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.3L Hybrid engines. The 12-Volt battery cable may chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generat (BiSG) and short circuit.
Consequence
A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a tie strap between the battery cable and high voltage cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S61.
44.3% repairedof 61 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V685000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Owner complaints (21)

21 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The unknown or other is mentioned most often.

2involved a crash
1involved a fire
4injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2024 Ford Explorer, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 21.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2024 compares with other Explorer years

Best and worst Explorer years →
2017201820192020202120222023202420252026
This year (2024)Other yearsStill collecting reports

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

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 15.1%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2024 Ford Explorer suv 4wd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 24 mpg combined

24
mpg combined
21
city
28
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$2,800
CO₂ tailpipe
370 g/mi
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle

What it costs you to run

$2,721per year
$227per month
625gallons a year

Miles ÷ 24 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

2024 Ford Explorer configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2.3 L 4-cyl · 10-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24$2,800370
2.3 L 4-cyl · 10-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23$2,900387
3 L 6-cyl · 10-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21$3,200426
2.3 L 4-cyl · 10-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive19 / 22 / 21$3,200433
3 L 6-cyl · 10-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 20$3,350437
3 L 6-cyl · 10-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20$3,350444
3 L 6-cyl · 10-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20$3,350445
3.3 L 6-cyl · 10-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20$3,350444

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2024 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.

All Explorer years

Where to next

2024 Ford Explorer FAQ

How many recalls does the 2024 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns: 26V451000 (seat), 26V371000 (power train), 26V159000 (seat belt), 26V123000 (rear camera), 26V012000 (engine), 25V687000 (trailer hitches), 25V442000 (rear camera), 25V393000 (seat), 24V852000 (equipment), 24V685000 (electrical). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2024 Ford Explorer problems?

Owners filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. Unknown or other (4), Forward collision avoidance (3), Suspension (3) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2024 Ford Explorer get?

EPA rates the 2.3 L 4-cyl · 10-speed automatic version at 21 city, 28 highway and 24 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2024 Ford Explorer get?

NHTSA rated the 2024 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 2024 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 2024 drew 21. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

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.
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