2023 Ford Explorer recalls

15 safety recalls, 115 owner complaints and a 5-star NHTSA crash rating. Official NHTSA data.

20262025202420232022
15Recalls
115Complaints
10Crashes & fires reported
5/5NHTSA overall rating

Not every 2023 Ford Explorer is affected by every recall. Check your VIN to see open recalls on your exact vehicle.

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2023 Ford Explorer recall list

Seats recall

26V-451
July 15, 2026 · Ford Motor Company
Problem
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.
Safety risk
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.

Seat Belts recall

26V-159
March 17, 2026 · Ford Motor Company
Problem
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.
Safety risk
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.

Back Over Prevention recall

26V-123
March 4, 2026 · Ford Motor Company
Problem
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."
Safety risk
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.

Equipment recall

25V-685
October 10, 2025 · Ford Motor Company
Problem
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.
Safety risk
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 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline recall

25V-455
July 7, 2025 · Ford Motor Company
Problem
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.
Safety risk
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.

Back Over Prevention recall

25V-442
June 27, 2025 · Ford Motor Company
Problem
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.
Safety 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.
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.

Seats recall

25V-393
June 13, 2025 · Ford Motor Company
Problem
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.
Safety risk
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.

Back Over Prevention recall

25V-159
March 14, 2025 · Ford Motor Company
Problem
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.
Safety risk
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.

Equipment recall

24V-852
November 8, 2024 · Ford Motor Company
Problem
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."
Safety 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.
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.

Suspension recall

24V-091
February 8, 2024 · Ford Motor Company
Problem
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.
Safety 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.
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.

Back Over Prevention recall

23V-686
October 13, 2023 · Ford Motor Company
Problem
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."
Safety risk
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.

Engine and Engine Cooling recall

23V-597
August 25, 2023 · Ford Motor Company
Problem
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.
Safety 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.
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.

Back Over Prevention recall

23V-342
May 12, 2023 · Ford Motor Company
Problem
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.
Safety risk
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.

Power Train recall

23V-070
February 10, 2023 · Ford Motor Company
Problem
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."
Safety risk
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.

Back Over Prevention recall

23V-022
January 23, 2023 · Ford Motor Company
Problem
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.
Safety risk
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.

2023 Ford Explorer owner complaints

115 complaints filed with NHTSA, including 8 crashes, 2 fires, 9 injuries and 0 deaths.

Problems by component

Unknown or Other27
Electrical System14
Suspension14
Steering13
Power Train12
Structure10
Engine10
Back Over Prevention8
Lane Departure7
Forward Collision Avoidance7

Recent complaints

October 27, 2026Unknown or Other

As I was driving out of my garage with the car engine forward. Suddenly, as the vehicle was in drive and moving forward, the rear lift gate opened. I did not observe this open, nor was there any warning lights or alarms. bAs my vehicle moved forward the lift gate caught the top of the inside of the open garage door. Causing the rear windshield wiper to break and for the garage door to apparently swing in such a manner as to shatter the rear window. Is my understanding that you cannot open the lift gate, if the vehicle's is in drive mode and your vehicle is moving forward. Normally, if you ever attempted this, an alarm would sound, there was no alarm, I touched nothing other than driving forw

October 26, 2026Unknown or Other

Panaramic roof shade sagging causing no visbilty issue and common problem with 2020-2026 explorers

October 14, 2026Electrical SystemVisibility/Wiper

I am filing this complaint because the federal recall remedy performed on my 2023 Ford Explorer failed, and the Ford dealership that performed it refused to correct the failure. About a year after I purchased my 2023 Ford Explorer (used, from an independent dealer), I received Ford's federal recall notice for the rearview camera software defect (recall 23S02, NHTSA campaign 23V-022). My vehicle had no problems at that time, but I took it to the authorized Ford dealership in [XXX], and had the recall software update installed as instructed. About seven months later, my vehicle developed the exact defect the recall was supposed to prevent: the backup camera stopped functioning and the infotain

September 29, 2026Steering

Twice the car has blown the main 80 amp fuse for the electric power steering after one of the front wheels hit something that caused the wheel to jerk slightly. I did not think either of these bumps should have caused the power steering to go out. one of them occurred at very low speed maybe two or three miles per hour. Neither of them were sufficient to cause any damage to any of the mechanical parts. But in both cases the power steering completely went out which makes the car very difficult and dangerous to drive. I suspect this is a common problem for two reasons. first the mechanic I took it to said that he sees this problem often and second when we checked with the Ford dealer they did

September 28, 2026Suspension

I am submitting this complaint involving suspension on 2023 Ford Explorer. Dealership has replaced the right front stunt mount two times. The problem is still not corrected.

2023 Ford Explorer crash test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2023 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2023 Ford Explorer SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2023 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2023 Ford Explorer HEV SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Driver aids on the tested 2023 Ford Explorer: electronic stability control standard, forward collision warning standard & optional, lane departure warning standard. Rollover risk: 15.1%.

2023 Ford Explorer recall FAQ

Does the 2023 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 15 safety recalls for the 2023 Ford Explorer. The most recent, filed July 15, 2026, concerns the seats.

What are the most common 2023 Ford Explorer problems?

Owners have filed 115 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported area is unknown or other (27 reports), followed by electrical system.

Is the 2023 Ford Explorer safe?

The 2023 Ford Explorer earned up to a 5-star overall safety rating in NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program crash tests.

How do I get a recall fixed on my 2023 Ford Explorer?

Contact any authorized Ford dealer. Recall repairs are free, even if you are not the original owner or the warranty has expired.

This page combines NHTSA records for: Explorer, Explorer HEV.