2024 Ford Explorer: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2024 Ford Explorer? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 15 complaints, with Visibility/Wiper as the top reported area.
2024 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2024 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.
2024 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2024 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 2024 Ford Explorer has 15 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Visibility/Wiper. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Explorer
- Model year
- 2024
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 15
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 8
- Top reported component
- Visibility/Wiper
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 26
- 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 2024 Ford Explorer Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Visibility/Wiper
Uncategorized Issues
Suspension Failures
Complaint patterns center on Visibility/Wiper, Uncategorized Issues, Suspension Failures. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2024 Ford Explorer?
The 2024 Ford Explorer looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
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 2024 Ford Explorer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the visibility/wiper system for proper operation.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for suspension and steering components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the visibility/wiper system for proper operation.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for suspension and steering components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2024 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 15 NHTSA complaints for the 2024 Ford Explorer, issues appear concentrated in visibility/wiper, suspension, and uncategorized areas. No crash-related complaints were reported, but the low sample size limits confidence.
- Visibility/Wiper complaints are the most reported component with 3 complaints.
- Suspension failures and uncategorized issues each account for 3 complaints.
- No crash-related complaints were reported for the 2024 model year.
- Visibility/Wiper system may have defects affecting driver visibility.
- Suspension failures could impact vehicle handling and ride comfort.
- Uncategorized issues suggest potential problems not easily classified.
All 2024 Ford Explorer Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2024 Ford Explorer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 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 2024 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Rear windshield wiper doesn't work. Earlier model years have been recalled for wiper motor issues.
• Driver seat not setting its memory for the driver , and will move on its own and go all the way to dash while setting in it or all the way back . Has happened multiple times and also twice while driving. • Safety at risk could have made me wreck my vehicle if I hadn’t pulled o…
The headrest on the third row is locked in the upright position and won't fold down. I've looked online and it seems to happen in every ford explorer in the current generation, 2020+. I see hundreds of complaints online. Across the forums and reddit.
Visual blurry defect in windshield glass in driver side
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the contact struck a deer with the front of the vehicle. There was no property damage reported. The vehicle came to a stop shortly afterwards. The contact stated that the air bags had not deploye…
Deputy was going to an incident and after arrival at the scene the patrol car began to smoke, and flames were seen within the wheel well. Deputy was not in the vehicle when the fire was discovered, and Fire responded and extinguished the flames - but not before major damage to th…
Purchased new from dealer. At 3500 miles, noticed rattling and clunking noise under front end, more noticeable at speeds less than 35. Took to dealer who diagnosed as worn struts, saying shocks and struts need to be replaced, but they need to order parts. When asked if safe to d…
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while parked upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed the driver's side and passenger side struts failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that both front struts needed to be replaced. The vehicle wa…
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-40 MPH in cold weather, the vehicle started making an abnormal clunking and rattling sound near the wheels. The contact was unable to determine the source of the noise. There were no warning …
Inner fender liners are getting rubbed through by the tires creating large holes and exposing wiring harnesses and other components to the tire/wheel well area. We have seen this on about 5-6 of these same vehicles now.
There is a distortion in the front windshield affecting my ability to see the front right corner of my vehicle. I was leaving a restaurant in the dark and the distortion affected the headlights to the point it didn’t appear there were any on the right side of the vehicle. In dayl…
Hello, I bought 2024 ford explore in Aug 2024 with a few hundred miles on it!! Now two months down the road with 5500miles on it, it is jerking real hard when driving or passing vehicles and slowing down!! The drive mode is in normal at all times. I took it back to where I bou…
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH on two occasions, the Lane Keep Assist malfunctioned and the vehicle veered out of the intended lane. The contact was able to recover control of the vehicle to remain in the intended lane. Additiona…
This vehicle has a 360 camera system that was not included, despite is being included in the component package that is standard for this vehicle. I contacted the dealer directly, informed them that there are cameras installed on the vehicle, but only the rear camera is operation…
The contact rented a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15-20 MPH, the hood became ajar, raised up, and struck the windshield. The windshield shattered and sprayed shards of glass onto the occupants inside the vehicle. There were no reporte…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2024 Ford Explorer.
2024 Ford Explorer Recalls
8 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2024 Ford Explorer. 8 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.
2024 Ford Explorer Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2024 Ford Explorer reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 15 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2024 Ford Explorer looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 2024 Ford Explorer?▾
#1: Visibility/Wiper (3 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (3 complaints). #3: Suspension Failures (3 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2024 Ford Explorer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2024 Ford Explorer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2024 Ford Explorer, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 15 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2024 Ford Explorer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 8 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2024 Ford Explorer. A major recall area is HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM. 8 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 2024 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2024 Ford Explorer looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 Visibility/Wiper 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 2024 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.