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 forward pulling out of my garage at a slow speed. I feel this maybe a software glitch that needs investigation. Although I was alone and not severly injured. A similar occurrence could have more troubling ramifications.
The worst 2023 Ford Explorer problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Driver assistance19
- Electrical14
- Suspension14
- Steering12
- Transmission12
- Engine11
- Visibility11
- Body10
- Brakes6
- Seat belts5
- Airbags4
- Fuel system3
- Acceleration2
- Lights2
- Locks1
- Seats1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2023 Ford Explorer
Recalls 15
Seats: mid/rear assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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 on July 16, 2026.
Recall number 26V451000 · Recall details
Seat belts
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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 on March 19, 2026.
Recall number 26V159000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: software
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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 on March 5, 2026.
Recall number 26V123000 · Recall details
Equipment: electrical: engine block heater
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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 on October 15, 2025.
Recall number 25V685000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 25V455000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: software
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 25V442000 · Recall details
Seats: mid/rear assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 25V393000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: software
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 25V159000 · Recall details
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 24V852000 · Recall details
Suspension: front: macpherson strut
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 24V091000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: display function
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 23V686000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubrication: pipes, hoses, and fittings
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 23V597000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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 the federal safety agency recall number 23V‑022. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V‑022 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Recall number 23V342000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 23V070000 · Recall details
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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 the federal safety agency recall number 21V‑735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V‑735 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Recall number 23V022000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2023 Ford Explorer 164
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Special Field Action 26L03 Certain 2013-2024 Model Year California Emissions-Certified Vehicles...
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2309
- Some 2020-2026 Aviator/Explorer/F-150/Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L (non-diesel)...
- Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0L EcoBoost/hybrid engine may exhibit blue or...
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2309
- This article supersedes 26-2287
- For Various Ford and Lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion...
- Some 2020-2025 Explorer vehicles equipped with a power roof opening panel may exhibit a sunshield with...
- Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine, 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped...
- New vehicle delivery hold
2023 Ford Explorer fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3L 6‑cyl Hybrid | RWD | 25-27 | 26-28 | 26-27 |
| 3.3L 6‑cyl Hybrid | 4WD | 23 | 24-26 | 23-25 |
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | RWD | 20-21 | 28 | 23-24 |
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 19-20 | 21-27 | 20-23 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 18 | 25-26 | 20-21 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 17-18 | 24 | 20 |
| 3.3L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 17 | 25 | 20 |
What 2023 Ford Explorer owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Panaramic roof shade sagging causing no visbilty issue and common problem with 2020-2026 explorers
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, the federal safety agency 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 infotainment screens went completely black, disabling multiple vehicle functions. This created a safety hazard because the vehicle no longer provided any rearview image while backing up. I returned the vehicle to the same dealership and asked them to correct the failed recall repair. Instead, the dealership claimed the problem was not recall-related, diagnosed a failed APIM module, and quoted about $1,600 for replacement plus a $300 diagnostic fee. The dealership then refused to release my vehicle until the $300 fee was paid, holding it for approximately two months. I took the vehicle to an independent repair shop, which confirmed the APIM was fine - the software had simply become corrupted - and repaired it by reinstalling the software. I paid $530.29 for that repair plus $313.79 for a replacement battery (the original died while the car sat at the dealership for two months). Ford was sent a formal demand letter on XXX, with a 10-day deadline, and never responded. NOTE: The incident date entered in this form is my best estimate only; the exact date is approximate. I am asking the federal safety agency to investigate this dealership's failure to honor a federal recall remedy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
I was driving on the highway at approximately 70mph in my 2023 Ford Explorer Platinum which has 30,000 miles on it. We heard a loud noise which sounded like a gun went off inside the car. My sunroof exploded outward with no warning or messages and no impact. Edges of the remaining glass were angled upward indicating that the glass burst outward. There were no signs of glass impacting the thin fabric retractable shade. We had been driving for about 3 hours when the incident occurred. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealer, they took pictures and submitted a request for it to be covered under warranty but have not confirmed. We could have been at risk if I had not maintained my composure and moved safely to the shoulder. Vehicles behind us may have been impacted by the flying glass but I did not see any other vehicles pull over. I did get an estimate for repair from a local body shop in case Ford does not agree that it is a manufacturing problem. This should be covered by Ford!!!
While driving, vehicle made a grinding sound, and all systems related to cruise, 4wd, decent control all illuminated on dash. Vehicle was taken to dealer, metro ford. Metro ford stated the transfer case has failed internally, and being replaced under powertrain. A week later, I received a callback, and the service writer stated after replacing and a test drive- it is still an issue, and the vehicle has an issue- which they feel is the AWD module, AWD module failed causing clutch in transfer case to lock up when it shouldn’t be resulting in limited power and grinding and depletion of safety systems on vehicle. Dealer states ford is aware of the issue but offered me a discounted repair of 270 dollars vs the 7-800 that it costs to complete the repair. Vehicle is still in shop weeks later with warning lights on.
Purchased new June 2023, took delivery October 2023 due to camera recall. Drive to work 5 miles a day, less than 10000 miles on it yet my driver side dash is now Ingles and rolling up. I see this is a common issue. I paid extra for the King Ranch edition. Seems this should be a dealer covered repair. I would like this looked into.
The exhaust pipe that connects a catalytic converter to the muffler broke and was dragging on the highway. It was during rish hour and was no safe place for me to pull over and within just a few miles, the other side of it broke off and the whole pipe between the catalytic converter and muffler fell into traffic behind me. Apparently this has been an issue with 2020-2022 model years but It needs to be extended further into atleast the 2023 model year since that is what I have.
The panoramic sunshade on our 2023 Ford Explorer bunches up and dips down into the rear passenger compartment when being retracted, obstructing rear visibility when using the rear view mirror or looking over your shoulder.
The paint is starting to bubble and flake off from inside the vehichle doors by the seam where corrosion under the paint has started. I have looked at multiple complaints from other explorer owners and this is a common issue that ford does not want to fix. There sheet metal is contaminated with “white oxidized rust underneath the paint causing the bubbling and paint letting go resulting in further rust.
Compare the 2023 Ford Explorer
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2023 Ford Explorer
Is the 2023 Ford Explorer reliable?
Owners have filed 113 complaints about the 2023 Ford Explorer, fewer than a typical Explorer model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2023 Ford Explorer?
Driver assistance and stability, with 19 complaints. Next is electrical (14).
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Explorer have?
15 recalls, covering seats, seat belts and back over prevention.
Was there a recall on the 2023 Ford Explorer driver assistance?
Yes, 6 recalls: 26V123000, 25V442000, 25V159000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford Explorer have the most driver assistance problems?
The Ford Explorer model years with the most driver assistance complaints are 2020 (180 complaints), 2015 (174 complaints) and 2013 (105 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2023 Ford Explorer get?
Official estimates for the 2023 Ford Explorer range from 20 to 27 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.3L 6-cyl hybrid, RWD) gets 25-27 city and 26-28 highway.
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