2023 Ford Explorer: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2023 Ford Explorer? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 89 complaints, with Uncategorized Issues as the top reported area.
2023 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2023 Ford Explorer trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2023 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2023 Ford Explorer SUV 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2023 Ford Explorer has 89 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 14 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Uncategorized Issues. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Explorer
- Model year
- 2023
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 89
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Safety recall campaigns
- 14
- Top reported component
- Uncategorized Issues
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2023 Ford Explorer Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Uncategorized Issues
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Uncategorized Issues, Steering Defects, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2023 Ford Explorer?
The 2023 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2023 Ford Explorer
Inspection Focus
- Investigate uncategorized issues by reviewing owner forums or service bulletins.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, electrical, and engine components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Investigate uncategorized issues by reviewing owner forums or service bulletins.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, electrical, and engine components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2023 Ford Explorer, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 89 NHTSA complaints for the 2023 Ford Explorer, issues appear concentrated in uncategorized problems, steering, and electrical faults. With 14 recalls and 6 crash-related complaints, buyers may want to investigate specific components before purchase.
- Uncategorized Issues account for the highest number of complaints at 18.
- Steering Defects are the second most reported component with 12 complaints.
- There are 14 recalls for the 2023 model year.
- Uncategorized Issues
- Steering Defects
- Electrical Faults
All 2023 Ford Explorer Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Ford Explorer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
2023 Ford Explorer Recalls
14 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2023 Ford Explorer. 14 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2023 Ford Explorer Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2023 Ford Explorer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 89 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 14 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2023 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2023 Ford Explorer, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 89 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2023 Ford Explorer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 14 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2023 Ford Explorer. A major recall area is BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. 14 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2023 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2023 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Uncategorized Issues during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2023 Ford Explorer based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.