2023 FORD EXPLORER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2023 Ford Explorer. This model year has 89 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Uncategorized Issues.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2023 Ford Explorer Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Uncategorized Issues
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2023 Ford Explorer. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncategorized Issues | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 12 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 11 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 10 | — | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 3 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tether | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lower Anchor (On Car Seat Or Vehicle) | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 89 most recent complaints
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.
Sunroof Shade does not roll up and blocks rear view window.
My 2023 Ford Explorer (VIN: [XXX] ) has a persistent front suspension clunk/rattle/knock when driving over small bumps or uneven pavement at low speeds (8–20 mph). The noise is repeatable and has progressively worsened. It matches the condition described in Ford Special Service M…
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…
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.
Struts rattle and shake aggressively while driving
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…
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…
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 sunroof headliner is sagging when opened.
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.
The moon roof cover was being opened backward, small plastic piece popped off. As that piece popped off the rollaway cover disengaged from the track and angled downward. When the moonroof cover was falling the metal piece that holds it straight slid out directly at my babies head…
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 dri…
There was a recall on my 2023 Ford Explorer. I took it in to have the recall fixed on 09/15/2025 and was told it was repaired on 9/19/2025. The recall was supposedly fixed and i was given an invoice from Al Piemonte Ford in Melrose Park IL 60160. It still shows on the NHTSA webs…
My vehicle automatically shuts off after 30 minutes of inactivity. This poses a safety hazard as when I 1st received this vehicle from my fleet company I left my 1 year old in there to nap and had no idea that it was going to automatically shut off. Thankfully, it was not a hot d…
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 op…
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 t…
They are selling and won't fix/recall their broken cup holder design. This causes the driver to look down and the awkward cant of the cup in the center console in traffic. The cup actually falls into the center console. It is a known defect to Ford and causes a distraction to …
The sunroof leaks water when fully closed. Especially noticeable when going through car wash.
The system that warns the driver that you do not have both hands on the steering wheel. It turns on while I have both hands on the wheel and sometimes I can not get it to acknowledge that and the car begins to stop on the interstate, in traffic and in a dark tunnel wiht no should…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2023 Ford Explorer.
Recalls for 2023 Ford Explorer
14 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2023 Ford Explorer. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2023 Ford Explorer — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2023 Ford Explorer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2023 Ford Explorer has 89 NHTSA owner complaints, 6 crash-related, and 14 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Uncategorized Issues (18 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Ford Explorer?▾
#1: Uncategorized Issues (18 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (12 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (11 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2023 Ford Explorer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2023 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2023 Ford Explorer has 6 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 89 total NHTSA complaints. 6 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2023 Ford Explorer have any recalls?▾
Yes — 14 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2023 Ford Explorer. The largest issue: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2023 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2023 Ford Explorer has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Uncategorized Issues issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2023 Ford Explorer
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.