2023 Ford Explorer Review

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

Recall Number: 

25V455000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

25S75

Manufactured from: 

2021-07-01 to

Number of vehicles affected: 

850318

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

The remedy is under development. Owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 14, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

Back over prevention:software

Recall Number: 

25V442000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

25S72

Number of vehicles affected: 

200061

Defect Description: 

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, 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.

Defect 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.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

Seats:mid/rear assembly

Recall Number: 

25V393000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

25S67

Number of vehicles affected: 

304662

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 23, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.

Back over prevention:software

Recall Number: 

25V159000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

25S27

Number of vehicles affected: 

49399

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

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:other:labels

Recall Number: 

24V852000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

24C39

Manufactured from: 

2019-07-29 to 2024-09-13

Number of vehicles affected: 

27678

Defect Description: 

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."

Defect 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.

Corrective Action: 

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:front:macpherson strut

Recall Number: 

24V091000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

24S04

Manufactured from: 

2023-12-19 to 2023-12-19

Number of vehicles affected: 

121

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

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.

Corrective Action: 

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.

Electrical system:wiring

Recall Number: 

23V686000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

23C31

Number of vehicles affected: 

2866

Defect Description: 

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."

Defect Consequence: 

A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

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:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

Recall Number: 

23V597000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

23S50

Number of vehicles affected: 

10

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

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.

Corrective Action: 

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: sensing system: camera

Recall Number: 

23V342000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

23S23

Manufactured from: 

2019-01-07 to 2022-12-15

Number of vehicles affected: 

442973

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on July 10, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in July 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:automatic transmission

Recall Number: 

23V070000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

23S06

Number of vehicles affected: 

1138

Defect Description: 

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."

Defect Consequence: 

The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Corrective Action: 

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: sensing system: camera

Recall Number: 

23V022000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

23S02

Number of vehicles affected: 

382759

Defect Description: 

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.

Defect Consequence: 

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

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.