While out shopping yesterday, [XXX], after turning off the car it would not start again. Everything completely shut down. Locks on doors did not work, hatch wouldn't open, fobs did not work (mine or my husband's) and my ford app even went blank. I called AAA and they sent someone out to get the car started. He thought it might be the battery. So my husband took the car this morning to the ford dealer. They said the battery is good and everything checked out. So we still don't know what caused this. The service department said if it happens again to let them know. I'm just afraid this might happen when we are out in traffic. I'm not sure if anyone else has reported the same issue. I would appreciate if someone could look into this issue. The person from AAA told us that he just came from starting an Explorer that shut down at a traffic light in traffic and would not start. This is very scary especially since I take my special needs granddaughter with me most of the time. Thank you in advance for checking into this issue [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2023 Ford Explorer: won't start
5 of the 113 complaints about the 2023 Ford Explorer describe won't start.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- recalls
- 1
Won't start by model year
What owners say
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?
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.
Vehicle wouldn't start using push button start, several modules/components reported errors: traction control, parking break, steering, shifting. The vehicle drove fine less than 24 hours prior to 3/3/2024. Following a week at the dealership, Ford Motor Company and the Ford dealership determined the main wiring harness was the culprit. If the wiring harness fails while the vehicle is in motion/operation, that could result in a serious safety issue.
Vehicle purchased in May 2023 (51323) at koons silver spring. Vehicle had computer and 'random stalling' issues where the car would not start/stay on in August 2023. Called dealership, vehicle towed to Koons for repair. Service team said they could not replicate issue. Vehicle continued having intermittent issues, vehicle dropped off for repair in sept 2023 - service team repaired main computer system. Oct 3 2023 check engine light came on and vehicle continued random stalling/jarring/jerking forward for amount of time that vehicle had to be driven back to residence (<1.0 miles from time/location when check engine light came on) tech came out to the residence to check the engine system, they identified a misfire but unable to determine why?. as of 11/3/23 vehicle remains at dealership, notified that Ford Safety Engineers (FSE) was notified of the issue, and no solution is available at this time. Can is unusable and is under 9,500 miles. I have not been able to have consistent use of my vehicle and have continued payments as expected. Dealership has no anticipated return date or repair date for my vehicle and this seems to fit the maryland lemon law criteria (car purchased in maryland, resides in maryland).
Service bulletins that may apply
- Some 2020-2026 Aviator/Explorer/F-150/Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L (non-diesel)...
- Blue or black exhaust smoke on startup for the first 5 minutes after an overnight cold soak with no...
- Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and...
- 2021-2026
- Some 2021-2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost engine, 2021-2023 Aviator vehicles equipped...
- Some 2021-2024 Edge/Nautilus, 2021-2025 Bronco/Bronco...
- Some 2020 Continental, 2020-2024 Edge/Nautilus, 2020-2025 Explorer/Aviator/Escape/Corsair/F-150/F-Super...
- This TSB supersedes TSB 22-2377 to update the vehicle model years affected and Parts List
Related recalls
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
Questions about the 2023 Ford Explorer won't start
Is won't start a common problem on the 2023 Ford Explorer?
5 of 113 owner complaints about the 2023 Ford Explorer (4%) mention won't start. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2023 Ford Explorer?
There is 1 recall and 21 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2023 Ford Explorer
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