2023 Ford Explorer: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2023 Ford Explorer: 15 recalls, 110 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
15 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #23V022000 · 2023 · 382,759 vehicles
What's wrong: The video output May fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Why it matters: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #23V070000 · 2023 · 1,138 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #23V342000 · 2023 · 442,973 vehicles
What's wrong: The video output May fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Why it matters: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023.
Engine & cooling, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #23V597000 · 2023 · 10 vehicles
What's wrong: 3l gtdi engines. The turbocharger oil supply line May be damaged, which can result in an oil leak inside the engine compartment.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Backup camera, Electrical Vehicle recall #23V686000 · 2023 · 2,866 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera wire harness and repair any loose splices, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2023.
Suspension, Steering Vehicle recall #24V091000 · 2024 · 121 vehicles
What's wrong: The right-front lower fastener connecting the steering knuckle and strut May be loose or missing.
Why it matters: 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.…
The fix: Dealers will inspect the fasteners, and tighten or install them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 08, 2024.
Equipment Vehicle recall #24V852000 · 2024 · 27,678 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V159000 · 2025 · 49,399 vehicles
What's wrong: The video output May fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Why it matters: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the image processing module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025.
Seats Vehicle recall #25V393000 · 2025 · 304,662 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A seat that moves unexpectedly May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V442000 · 2025 · 200,237 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #25V455000 · 2025 · 850,318 vehicles
What's wrong: The low-pressure fuel pump May fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Why it matters: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026.
Equipment Vehicle recall #25V685000 · 2025 · 59,006 vehicles
What's wrong: The engine block heater May crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Why it matters: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord.…
Backup camera Vehicle recall #26V123000 · 2026 · 889,950 vehicles
What's wrong: The image on the center display May flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image 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."
Why it matters: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (apim) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #26V159000 · 2026 · 561 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions May be improperly secured.
Why it matters: A loose seat belt buckle May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026.
Seats Vehicle recall #26V451000 · 2026 · 387,911 vehicles
What's wrong: The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats May bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Why it matters: A seat that moves unexpectedly May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Other / unknown (25): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3), stalls / loses power (2).
- Suspension (14): the most common themes are noise or vibration (8), steering problems (4).
- Electrical (13): the most common themes are warning light on (8), electrical failure (6).
- Transmission & drivetrain (12): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (6), warning light on (5), noise or vibration (3).
The 2023 Ford Explorer has 110 owner complaints, ranking #32 of 38 Explorer model years for complaints (well below the 909 average). Complaints peaked in 2026 (33 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 17,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2022 (268 complaints, 24 recalls), 2024 (21 complaints, 10 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2023 Ford Explorer.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2023 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 15 vehicle recalls for the 2023 Ford Explorer. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2023 Ford Explorer problems?
Owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (25), suspension (14), electrical (13).
What gas mileage does the 2023 Ford Explorer get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.3 L, Automatic 10-spd), across 11 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2023 Ford Explorer repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.