Ford Explorer / 2023
2023 Ford Explorer problems
Owners have filed 148 complaints about the 2023 Ford Explorer with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 8.8% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of suspension at 8.8%.
Complaints148
Crashes12
Fires4
Injuries12
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Unknown or other 14.9% · 22
Electrical system 8.8% · 13
Suspension 8.8% · 13
Steering 8.1% · 12
Power train 7.4% · 11
Engine 6.8% · 10
Structure 6.1% · 9
Back over prevention 5.4% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 12 describe a crash, 4 describe a fire and 12 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 33 model years of the Ford Explorer in this data, 2023 draws comparatively few complaints; 2002 is the outlier year.
Filings are rising — 116 in the last three years against 32 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 10,000 miles.
In owners' own words
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. Electrical system
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. Wheels
The rear subframe bushing is torn, resulting in the rear of the vehicle to sway side to side when traveling down the road at highway speeds, making it difficult to maintain lanes. Bushings are not covered by the 60k power train warranty, and resulting in a 2-3,000 dollar repair due to subframe in rear of vehicle needing dropped and bushing pressed out or entire subframe to be replaced. Suspension
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…