2023 Ford Explorer Problems & Owner Complaints

Unknown Or Other 21 1 injury

“The chrome/ brushed finish peeling along the top of the center console, resulting in sharp edges. The vehicle is just outside of bumper to bumper warranty and the fix is out of pocket. Vehicle current has 55k miles on it, and bubbling down both sides of the laminated trim.”
NHTSA complaint #11743487, 2025 · 1 injury(ies)

“Vehicle: 2023 Ford Explorer Recall Number 25S49 (NHTSA:25V315) I am filing this complaint regarding a failed recall remedy & my Ford dealership's refusal to re-repair my vehicle. The recall remedy was previously performed at an authorized Ford dealership. The defect has since recurred, my infotainment screen is completely black & non-functional at all times, leaving me with no rear-view camera visibility when reversing, which is an ongoing safety hazard. When I returned to the dealership they refused to perform a second repair under the recall. Dealer records confirm the original repair wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11740112, 2026

“I purchased the Ford Explorer in June of 2023. The struts were replaced at 10,400 miles because of this problem. I have tried to work with Ford Customer service and have a case number associated with it XXX . I brought the Explorer in to get it fixed again for the same strut problem. It has 44,600 miles on it. So it’s out of the warranty it 36K miles . Still after working with Ford Customer Relations service they denied any coverage for the repair. They said they don’t cover regular worn parts . Now, I am paying out of pocket $2,097.47. This is a known problem and I feel Ford needs t…”
NHTSA complaint #11736843, 2026

Electrical System 13 2 fire

“The contact owned a 2023 Ford Explorer. When the contact’s husband activated the air conditioning system after the vehicle had been parked for several hours, a fire started underneath the console inside the vehicle. The driver pulled over to the side of the road, where onlookers assisted with extinguishing the fire with a fire extinguisher. The contact’s husband received burns on his fingers. Medical attention was not needed. The Fire Department was not contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be inspected; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was deemed a…”
NHTSA complaint #11745964, 2026 · fire

“At a stop light and all of the power in the vehicle went out and Explorer would not start. Hazards would not turn on and doors (besides driver door) would not unlock. Got out of the vehicle to try the fob and white smoke came billowing out from engine. Fire department and police were called. No warning lights or messages were seen on vehicle. Vehicle only has 10K miles on it. Vehicle was taken to dealership for diagnostics.”
NHTSA complaint #11613871, 2024 · fire

“While in moderate snow attempted to go from backing up to drive and the vehicle stopped, parking brake auto engaged, powertrain (wrench) trouble light illuminated. The trouble light did not shut off after sitting overnight.”
NHTSA complaint #11708523, 2026

Suspension 13 1 crash 1 injury

“The right front suspension collapsed after crossing railroad tracks at less than 10 mph, causing the vehicle to collapse and deploying all four airbags causing Minor injuries . A higher rate of speed would have caused severe injuries and possible fatalities. Ford has sent field engineers to examine the vehicle and pulled data from the rcm stating starting speed of 4.4 mph and 17.7 mph at time of impact. No collision and nothing in road way. THE Insurance company has the vehicle at a total loss and initially denied my claim, stating manufacturer defect, which I agree with. Ford has since denied…”
NHTSA complaint #11592801, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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. Also headlights sometime flicker while driving with switch in auto position and sometimes will not shut off after exiting vehicle ( have to turn switch to off position and then back to auto to resolve ) Vehicle has approximately 21k miles on it but off warranty due to time. Will be bringing into local repair shop soon.”
NHTSA complaint #11749497, 2026

“Premature leaking and failure on rear shocks absorbers. Premature failure could lead to handling issues and interference with driver assist handling, action control etc. Some say this is a know issue but not one that has prompted a recall”
NHTSA complaint #11744038, 2026

Steering 12 2 crash 3 injury

“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. In construction zones, back roads, and during rainy weather, the vehicle would jerk very hard to one side of the other. Even after trying to shut off the lane keeping assist feature, it it would automatically turn back on. Luckily, most of those incidents would happen in low traffic areas. Until the final time it happened, resulting in a head on collision with another vehicle. Additionally, the screen…”
NHTSA complaint #11517340, 2023 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“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. The system put vehicle into a skid that resulted into going into the ditch and hitting a power pole. As far as we know nobody has looked into system failure we did report it to sheriff and insurance company. This is the first time the lane departure turned on a snow covered road”
NHTSA complaint #11580558, 2024 · crash

“While driving the car, the steering locked up making the vehicle unable to turn. Thank got it happened in a parking lot where the truck blocked traffic for hours before getting towed. The dealer took 6 weeks of guessing the problem with Ford engineers. Replacing numerous parts in an attempt to guess what the issue was. After contacting Ford directly and expressing my concerns over the safety of the truck. They refused to communicate with me and forwarded all my information to their legal staff. Still no update from Ford regarding the repair was done properly or even confirming the safety…”
NHTSA complaint #11727211, 2026

Power Train 11

“While in moderate snow attempted to go from backing up to drive and the vehicle stopped, parking brake auto engaged, powertrain (wrench) trouble light illuminated. The trouble light did not shut off after sitting overnight.”
NHTSA complaint #11708523, 2026

“Vehicle: 2023 Ford Explorer ST VIN: [XXX] I am reporting ongoing safety-related powertrain and drivability defects that continue despite numerous repair attempts, including complete engine and transmission replacement. Since approximately June 2025, my vehicle has experienced delayed acceleration, hesitation, erratic RPM behavior, harsh shifting, loss of power, and intermittent warning lights. The vehicle has also stalled, jerked during acceleration, and exhibited transmission shuddering and lurching. The problems have been repeatedly reproduced, documented, inspected, and repaired by Kenda…”
NHTSA complaint #11746273, 2025

“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60-70 MPH, the rear subframe bolt detached, and destroyed the axle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear axle was damaged, and the horizontal bolt had fractured in half. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11644576, 2025

Engine 10 1 fire

“At a stop light and all of the power in the vehicle went out and Explorer would not start. Hazards would not turn on and doors (besides driver door) would not unlock. Got out of the vehicle to try the fob and white smoke came billowing out from engine. Fire department and police were called. No warning lights or messages were seen on vehicle. Vehicle only has 10K miles on it. Vehicle was taken to dealership for diagnostics.”
NHTSA complaint #11613871, 2024 · fire

“Ecoboost. Coolant intrusion into cylinder head causing white smoke to come out of the exhaust. This is the second ford vehicle I have owned with the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11734156, 2026

“Vehicle: 2023 Ford Explorer ST VIN: [XXX] I am reporting ongoing safety-related powertrain and drivability defects that continue despite numerous repair attempts, including complete engine and transmission replacement. Since approximately June 2025, my vehicle has experienced delayed acceleration, hesitation, erratic RPM behavior, harsh shifting, loss of power, and intermittent warning lights. The vehicle has also stalled, jerked during acceleration, and exhibited transmission shuddering and lurching. The problems have been repeatedly reproduced, documented, inspected, and repaired by Kenda…”
NHTSA complaint #11746273, 2025

Structure 9

“The sunroof leaks water when fully closed. Especially noticeable when going through car wash.”
NHTSA complaint #11688284, 2025

“Around 20,000 miles, I took my vehicle to the dealer due to rattling and knocking in the front right wheel well and it was discovered the stabilizer arm was cracked. Received the vehicle back, and approximately 1000 miles later, there is rattling at the front driver and passenger wheel well and squeaking going down the road. The sounds coming from vehicle are that of a 40-year-old vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11648886, 2025

“The A piller molding on BOTH sides of the windshield has been blown off. When blown off it cracked the windshield. This resulting in a hazard to drivers around but also the fuel economy of the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11652734, 2024

Back Over Prevention 7

“Manufacturer Recall Number25S72 NHTSA Recall Number25V442 Vehicle had been taken to and left at the local Ford dealership all day (opening to closing on 11/28 and 12/23/25) twice now with no resolution to this recall ticket. Technician and service manager advised both times that the required update from Ford is not working and they believe the APIM needs to be released, but Ford Service (corporate) must authorize this. Almost two months since the initial appointment and I still have no answers as to when this recall will be addressed. As this is a safety related recall and my vehicle often re…”
NHTSA complaint #11710041, 2025

“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V442000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a white screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the navigation screen seized and turned white. The contact stated that the screen icons failed to function as…”
NHTSA complaint #11680984, 2025

“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V442000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the safe operation of the vehicle. The contact stated that the black screen was permanently displayed on the rearview camera. The contact stated that none of the touchscreen icons on the screen were functioni…”
NHTSA complaint #11680777, 2025

Lane Departure 6 2 crash 3 injury

“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. In construction zones, back roads, and during rainy weather, the vehicle would jerk very hard to one side of the other. Even after trying to shut off the lane keeping assist feature, it it would automatically turn back on. Luckily, most of those incidents would happen in low traffic areas. Until the final time it happened, resulting in a head on collision with another vehicle. Additionally, the screen…”
NHTSA complaint #11517340, 2023 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“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. The system put vehicle into a skid that resulted into going into the ditch and hitting a power pole. As far as we know nobody has looked into system failure we did report it to sheriff and insurance company. This is the first time the lane departure turned on a snow covered road”
NHTSA complaint #11580558, 2024 · crash

“The light for the right hand mirror blind spot warning came loose within the mirror housing. The light still works and activates when a vehicle is in the blind spot, but the light has fallen to the bottom of the mirror housing and is barely visible (a yellow glow at night).”
NHTSA complaint #11749749, 2026

Forward Collision Avoidance 5

“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving from Pennsylvania to Ohio through the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the adaptive cruise control system was not functioning. The "Adaptive Cruise Control Is Not Available" warning message was displayed on the instrument panel. No warning lights illuminated. A dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that adaptive cruise control was inoperable on certain highways. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11749331, 2026

“Precollision assist warnings on in the car saying system unavailable. Took to the dealer and showed me the sensor for this was broken and my cost would be 1800 to repair. My vehicle only has 16000 miles on it and is covered by an extended warranty and 3 year BTB warranty. Dealer claims the sensor was hit by an external force so it wasn't covered. I said we have hit nothing and my vehicle shows no damage. Internet says these can fail by bumper collision or hitting a pot hole. I think it is a vehicle safety issue that you don't design something that can withstand hitting a bump or pot hole or wh…”
NHTSA complaint #11741254, 2026

“While driving on a two lane, rural road at dusk, with adaptive cruise control turned on, the car suddenly applied the brakes (hard) and a red warning briefly appeared on the dashboard. (It was on too brief to read.) The brakes were released quite quickly, but the vehicle had slowed approximately 20 MPH. There was no other traffic on the road at the time. No animals were crossing the road when the incident occurred. The weather was clear and visibility was good. Although it was dusk, the landscape was clearly visible without headlights. This is a rental vehicle and I have not used cruise cont…”
NHTSA complaint #11629771, 2024

Seat Belts 5 1 crash

“On 11-21-24, I was traveling down the interstate going at 60mph when a car began to urgently brake, I proceeded to hit the brakes as well and my car would not stop, at the time of the impact no air bag deployed, driver seat belt did not lock, my driver seat moved, no pre-collision assist came up for this accident. No prior issues or lights on dash.”
NHTSA complaint #11630282, 2024 · crash

“The seatbelt in the middle seat of the middle row twisted and my 8 years old son got stuck. He struggled to breathe, and we had to cut the seatbelt. This situation was extremely dangerous and needs further explanation.”
NHTSA complaint #11619211, 2024

“2nd row seat belt was not Installed at the factory. The bolts were loose. If I was hit in the side and someone was sitting in the seat there would be a high probability of ejection. Has been taken to a dealer and confirmed. No warning lights. Found the problem when body shop was fixing hail damage”
NHTSA complaint #11602949, 2024

Service Brakes 5 1 crash

“On 11-21-24, I was traveling down the interstate going at 60mph when a car began to urgently brake, I proceeded to hit the brakes as well and my car would not stop, at the time of the impact no air bag deployed, driver seat belt did not lock, my driver seat moved, no pre-collision assist came up for this accident. No prior issues or lights on dash.”
NHTSA complaint #11630282, 2024 · crash

“A hissing noise coming from inside the vehicle when braking. The dealership isolated the problem and concluded it comes from the Brake Booster. The car just came out of manufacture warranty at 39,067 miles. However, there is no check engine or dashboard light on yet.”
NHTSA complaint #11719684, 2026

“My 2023 Ford Explorer ST has rolled while parked, turned off, and in Park, with the electronic parking brake engaged. This has occurred multiple times on my residential driveway, which has an approximate 20-degree slope, during light snow conditions. On one occasion, the vehicle rolled backward down the driveway and into the street after being parked and shut off. On another occasion, it rolled forward while parked in the same location. In both cases, the vehicle stopped on its own without driver input. The dashboard indicated the vehicle was in Park, and the electronic parking brake had auto…”
NHTSA complaint #11712490, 2025

Visibility 5

“The driver side windows control buttons are breaking off for no apparent reason. Ford refused to fix faulty windows controls which could cause harm to a person attempting to roll windows up or down. Two buttons have broke off within a matter of a week and are in the shape of a W which could lead to injury. A 3rd button appears damaged as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11615757, 2024

“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, road debris was kicked up by the vehicle ahead and cracked the windshield. The contact stated that the windshield was replaced by a glass repair shop. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving on the highway, road debris was again kicked up onto the windshield, and the windshield cracked. The contact asked the glass repair shop if the windshield was replaced with an OEM windshield and was informed that the windshield was an OEM part. The contact stated that while looking at the windshi…”
NHTSA complaint #11615010, 2024

“The contact was purchasing a 2023 ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reviewing the purchase agreement, it was discovered that the vehicle was not equipped with fog lights. The contact was concerned that without fog lights his visibility to the roadway would be impaired while driving at night. The vehicle was not yet in the contacts possession therefore it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the issue and referred the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline. The contact has not experienced a failure as of yet.”
NHTSA complaint #11552623, 2023

Air Bags 4 4 crash 4 injury

“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her boyfriend was driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle did not stop at a stop sign and crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle. All of the air bags deployed. The contact's boyfriend suffered bruising to the wrist and left upper arm and redness on the right hand. The front passenger-side curtain air bag caused the contact second-degree chemical burn on the right side of the stomach when it burned through two layers of clothing. The contact also suffered from a sprained left foot and left hand and lacerations from th…”
NHTSA complaint #11739351, 2026 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Side seat airbag has exhaust port facing inwards, instead of outward, towards the door of the vehicle, that caused the hot chemical from the airbag to push out all the gas at the left side of my body, melting my clothes and causing chemical burns to my side when it deployed upon a wreck.”
NHTSA complaint #11602427, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“On 11-21-24, I was traveling down the interstate going at 60mph when a car began to urgently brake, I proceeded to hit the brakes as well and my car would not stop, at the time of the impact no air bag deployed, driver seat belt did not lock, my driver seat moved, no pre-collision assist came up for this accident. No prior issues or lights on dash.”
NHTSA complaint #11630282, 2024 · crash

Visibility/Wiper 4

“Sunroof Shade does not roll up and blocks rear view window.”
NHTSA complaint #11732998, 2026

“I have a 2023 Ford Explorer with a sun room/moon roof and the fabric is sagging causing visibility issues due to not being able to properly see out of my rear view mirror. I have not taken it to the dealership to get it checked out but I’m going to as my vehicle already has an open recall on it.”
NHTSA complaint #11695919, 2025

“The rear side window just disintegrated. Was at the beach on Aug. 25, 2023 the car was parked in hot sun when I went out in the morning noticed the glass had just cracked around the corners. There was no evidence of a break-in attempt.”
NHTSA complaint #11547154, 2023

Exterior Lighting 2 1 fire

“At a stop light and all of the power in the vehicle went out and Explorer would not start. Hazards would not turn on and doors (besides driver door) would not unlock. Got out of the vehicle to try the fob and white smoke came billowing out from engine. Fire department and police were called. No warning lights or messages were seen on vehicle. Vehicle only has 10K miles on it. Vehicle was taken to dealership for diagnostics.”
NHTSA complaint #11613871, 2024 · fire

“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. Also headlights sometime flicker while driving with switch in auto position and sometimes will not shut off after exiting vehicle ( have to turn switch to off position and then back to auto to resolve ) Vehicle has approximately 21k miles on it but off warranty due to time. Will be bringing into local repair shop soon.”
NHTSA complaint #11749497, 2026

Fuel/Propulsion System 2

“Recall 25V442 was not completed on this VIN but was completed on VIN [XXX] . This service was reported on the incorrect VIN. I have spoken to the dealership service manager and to Ford customer service and they will not correct this incorrect reporting. Attached files are for the service and recall work performed on VIN [XXX] but recorded as completed on VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11695269, 2025

“I have had 4 Ford Explorers that have the same problem that Ford has not commented on when I complain. If the car is parked facing down a hill with less than 1/4 tank of gas it won't start. The design of the tank precludes gas from reaching the engine. Unable to start the car, it cannot be brought out of park and rolled to a flat location. This time I had more than 1/4 of a tank and the same problem occurred. This happened in my driveway but what if you're on a street with an incline?”
NHTSA complaint #11640937, 2025

Vehicle Speed Control 2

“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, a diagnostic test was not performed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle had been scheduled for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The…”
NHTSA complaint #11673636, 2025

“Loose carpet under front seat. Could cause carpet on driver side to buckle up causing gas peddle issues. Had ford dealer look at it but refused to remedy issue. This could cause issues like Lexus had years ago with gas peddle sticking.”
NHTSA complaint #11560014, 2023

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine was misfiring, and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the spark plug,s but the failure persisted. Later, while driving, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the coolant hose had failed, and the hose was replaced. Shortly after retrieving the vehicle the misfire continued with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, a…”
NHTSA complaint #11698876, 2024

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH on the interstate, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle responded as intended. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the dealer was unable to retrieve a diagnostic trouble code, and informed the contact that there was no failure. No assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the repair would have to…”
NHTSA complaint #11672572, 2025

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH on the expressway in the center lane, the Forward Collision Avoidance system engaged, and the vehicle came to an abrupt stop and failed to restart. After several minutes the vehicle restarted, and the contact was able to continue driving. Additionally, while in a parking lot, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. After several minutes, the vehicle restarted. The Forward Collision Avoidance warning light illuminated while driving with no other vehicle nearby. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle…”
NHTSA complaint #11611836, 2024

Parking Brake 1

“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 27 MPH, a vehicle abruptly exited a parking lot without adhering to oncoming traffic. While attempting to avoid striking the vehicle, the contact activated the parking brake. The contact stated that after releasing the parking brake, the contact became aware that the parking brake handle became loosened and appeared to have disconnected from the socket. The contact later became aware that the parking brake had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was confirmed that the parking brake was inoperable a…”
NHTSA complaint #11635943, 2024

Seats 1

“drivers side second row captain seat makes ticking noise under the seat. if I put weight on seat it stops. it is intermittent. Im concerned it might be electrical. I have a video but unable to download. I can send if there is an email to send to.”
NHTSA complaint #11678835, 2024

Tether 1

“I have had to re-install the seat multiple times in the last 2-3 weeks because it keeps coming loose in rear facing mode. I installed the seat in early to mid-March. I first noticed it was loose on 4/26/24. I had it installed with the seatbelt at that time. I re-installed with the seatbelt and continued checking it daily until I noticed it being loose again within about a week. I again re-installed with the seat belt so it was secure and moving less than 1 inch side to side and front to back and continued checking for excess movement. I attended a CPST training the week of 5/6/24 and had my se…”
NHTSA complaint #11588997, 2024

Wheels 1

“Around 20,000 miles, I took my vehicle to the dealer due to rattling and knocking in the front right wheel well and it was discovered the stabilizer arm was cracked. Received the vehicle back, and approximately 1000 miles later, there is rattling at the front driver and passenger wheel well and squeaking going down the road. The sounds coming from vehicle are that of a 40-year-old vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11648886, 2025