Complaint volume
93 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2023 Ford Explorer Complaints
93 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2023 Ford Explorer, grouped by component category.
93 Total complaints
7 Crash reports
1 Fire reports
4 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are unknown or other, structure, steering,suspension. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 7 crash reports, 1 fire report, 4 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 23 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 18,318 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to unknown or other, structure, steering,suspension?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2023 Ford Explorer?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2023 Ford Explorer
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2023 Ford Explorer complaints?
7 Crash
1 Fire
4 Injury
0 Fatality
10 Towed
3 Medical attention
What are the most common 2023 Ford Explorer complaint categories?
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 12
STRUCTURE 8
STEERING,SUSPENSION 5
BACK OVER PREVENTION 4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 4
POWER TRAIN 4
SEAT BELTS 4
STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE 4
VISIBILITY/WIPER 4
AIR BAGS 3
93 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. While the contact’s son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and shook violently. The driver noticed a strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The hood was raised, and the fuel odor was much stronger. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact’s son, who is a certified mechanic, used a diagnostic machine to retrieve DTC: P0300, P0304, P0305, P0306, and P0352, indicating several cylinder misfires. The vehicle was towed to the dealer the following day and was diagnosed with three incorrectly misaligned cylinders. The contact was informed that the three cylinders had been realigned. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 10,628. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 10,628 |
| Aug 2025 | BACK OVER PREVENTION | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V442000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a white screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the navigation screen seized and turned white. The contact stated that the screen icons failed to function as intended. The message "Unable to Connect with your Vehicle" displayed on the phone while using the Ford App. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | BACK OVER PREVENTION | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V442000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the safe operation of the vehicle. The contact stated that the black screen was permanently displayed on the rearview camera. The contact stated that none of the touchscreen icons on the screen were functioning as intended. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 7,000 |
| Aug 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS | drivers side second row captain seat makes ticking noise under the seat. if I put weight on seat it stops. it is intermittent. Im concerned it might be electrical. I have a video but unable to download. I can send if there is an email to send to. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | STEERING,SUSPENSION | I noticed a loud squeak when driving over bumps at lower speeds. Almost sounds like a bad shock or spring. I am not sure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the wiring harness located on the passenger’s side of the vehicle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,500. | Crash: No Fire: No | 44,500 |
| Jul 2025 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, a diagnostic test was not performed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle had been scheduled for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,100. | Crash: No Fire: No | 44,100 |
| Jul 2025 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH on the interstate, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle responded as intended. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the dealer was unable to retrieve a diagnostic trouble code, and informed the contact that there was no failure. No assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the repair would have to be out-of-pocket with the possibility of being reimbursed. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 17,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 17,000 |
| Jul 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife had parked and remained in the vehicle, and while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the Cross-traffic monitor and Blind Spot monitor had failed. The contact was informed that the software was updated; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure and opened a case. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 33,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 33,000 |
| Jun 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Request for Inspection and Service – Transmission & Water Leak Issues on 2023 Ford Explorer I’m reaching out regarding my 2023 Ford Explorer, as I’ve recently experienced two concerning issues that I’d like to have inspected and resolved: Transmission Behavior: The vehicle has been showing signs of abnormal transmission performance, including -- “hesitation when accelerating,” “jerky gear shifts at low speed,” or “delayed engagement when shifting from park to drive”. These issues are becoming more noticeable and impact the vehicle’s drivability and safety. Water Leak: I've also discovered a water leak, going down second row seat belts and getting water in corner of sunroof itself. I suspect it may be related to sunroof coming to a complete seal when shut via the buttons on vehicle even though it should be sealed, which I've read may be a known problem on this model. The vehicle is still under warranty, the vehicle has less than 36k milese on it, and I would like to schedule an inspection at your earliest convenience. If there are any recalls, service bulletins, or warranty coverages related to these issues, please let me know. I’d also appreciate a diagnostic without incurring fees for problems that may fall under warranty or known concerns. Thank you in advance for your attention to these matters. I look forward to your reply with next steps. Best regards, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | STEERING,SUSPENSION | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn into the intended direction. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle failed to remain in the intended lane while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the shocks and struts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an alternate dealer where it was diagnosed with strut mount failures. The contact was informed that the strut mounts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 18,000 |
| May 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | my vehicles checked for a light came on. The Ford State it is not an emergency and that the vehicle can be driven, but it does need to have somebody at the Ford dealer fix it. Appointments are two weeks out. There are several problems with this number one most important I have lost signals I don’t know how you can say you can drive a vehicle and have no signals, number two. : I only have wipers on rapid speed. Number three, and of course this is just a luxury. The wiper on the rear window of the SUV does not work at all. Number four: the alert covers the main part of the vehicle screen very distracted. You cannot clear it. You cannot get rid of it even if you say OK.I think this should be a recall from everything I read there are tons of people who have this happening with this particular year and vehicle I do think it’s a safety hazard. I’m going to try to get my vehicle in sooner than the 13th. I’ve had the appointment now for almost a week. I just thought you folks should know. I don’t know if this is the appropriate form or not. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE | Error codes such as blind spots detection with traffic and a couple other codes that is stored in view status area in oasis | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE | What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The steering system failed completely while the vehicle was in motion. It is currently at the Ford service center in Cocoa, Florida, and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My wife and our two children (ages [XXX] and [XXX] ) were nearly killed due to this catastrophic steering failure. While traveling at approximately 70 MPH on [XXX] near West Melbourne, Florida (between exits XXX and XXX) in the far right lane, the vehicle suddenly and without warning jerked aggressively to the left, crossing into the center lane, nearly causing a high-speed collision with a semi-truck. The truck driver was able to swerve just in time to avoid an accident. At that point, the vehicle became extremely difficult to steer. It continued to pull to the left, and it required all of my wife's strength to get it off the highway and safely stopped on the shoulder. The safety of multiple drivers on the interstate was compromised due to this failure. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? We are currently awaiting confirmation. The vehicle is in the possession of the Ford service center in Cocoa, Florida, and they are attempting to diagnose the issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle is currently with Ford. We were told they are trying to recreate the issue by driving it in a field behind the dealership, but as of now, they have not taken the vehicle back out on the road or highway for testing. The Florida Highway Patrol was called at the time of the incident, but they did not dispatch a trooper since there was no crash or contact with another vehicle. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. There were no INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | STRUCTURE | The A piller molding on BOTH sides of the windshield has been blown off. When blown off it cracked the windshield. This resulting in a hazard to drivers around but also the fuel economy of the car. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS | Around 20,000 miles, I took my vehicle to the dealer due to rattling and knocking in the front right wheel well and it was discovered the stabilizer arm was cracked. Received the vehicle back, and approximately 1000 miles later, there is rattling at the front driver and passenger wheel well and squeaking going down the road. The sounds coming from vehicle are that of a 40-year-old vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60-70 MPH, the rear subframe bolt detached, and destroyed the axle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear axle was damaged, and the horizontal bolt had fractured in half. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 20,000 |
| Feb 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 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? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN | popping/rattling sound coming from front passenger side and transmission is shifting hard at lower gears. vehicle is in shop waiting on repairs. front struts bad and had to be replaced at 12,555 miles. transmission software had to be upgraded and wiring harness for transmission under vehicle had to be repaired. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | PARKING BRAKE | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 27 MPH, a vehicle abruptly exited a parking lot without adhering to oncoming traffic. While attempting to avoid striking the vehicle, the contact activated the parking brake. The contact stated that after releasing the parking brake, the contact became aware that the parking brake handle became loosened and appeared to have disconnected from the socket. The contact later became aware that the parking brake had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was confirmed that the parking brake was inoperable and needed to be repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The contact was later referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 20,000 |
| Jan 2025 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal rattling and popping sound coming from the passenger's side. The contact also stated that the steering wheel would veer to the left or right directions independently while driving. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's strut needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 10,000 |
| Dec 2024 | AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SERVICE BRAKES | On 11-21-24, I was traveling down the interstate going at 60mph when a car began to urgently brake, I proceeded to hit the brakes as well and my car would not stop, at the time of the impact no air bag deployed, driver seat belt did not lock, my driver seat moved, no pre-collision assist came up for this accident. No prior issues or lights on dash. | Crash: Yes Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | While driving on a two lane, rural road at dusk, with adaptive cruise control turned on, the car suddenly applied the brakes (hard) and a red warning briefly appeared on the dashboard. (It was on too brief to read.) The brakes were released quite quickly, but the vehicle had slowed approximately 20 MPH. There was no other traffic on the road at the time. No animals were crossing the road when the incident occurred. The weather was clear and visibility was good. Although it was dusk, the landscape was clearly visible without headlights. This is a rental vehicle and I have not used cruise control since the incident. NOTE: Had another vehicle been driving behind my vehicle, it could have rear ended it. This is a rental vehicle. Rented from Enterprise in Woodland CA. The registered owner is EAN Holdings LLC of Tulsa. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH, the vehicle stalled on several occasions. The vehicle was restarted after fifteen minutes. The vehicle failed to unlock from inside or outside with the key. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ground wire had caused the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 10,000 |
| Oct 2024 | STEERING,SUSPENSION | The contact's wife owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the front struts had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred several times. The dealer replaced the front struts three times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V091000(Suspension, Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 2,000 |