Is the 2023 Ford EXPLORER reliable?

The 2023 Ford EXPLORER has 139 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2023 Ford EXPLORER?

Top problems: OTHER (23 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (18 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (12 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2023 Ford EXPLORER?

Yes, there are 14 recall(s): BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER, BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION, SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE, SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE, SEAT BELTS. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2023 Ford EXPLORER?

The 2023 Ford EXPLORER gets 21 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2286. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2023 Ford EXPLORER?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2023 Ford EXPLORER is approximately $1,735/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2023 Ford EXPLORER

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2023 Ford EXPLORER has 139 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.1x the segment average of 1024. The most common issue is other problems (17% of all complaints), specifically: i purchased a new 2023 ford explorer and during the finance process i found out it had a rear back up camera recall . i wasn’t able to take possession of my vehicle . it’s been sitting on the car dealership lot where i bought it . i bought it may 26th and the repair still hasn’t been resolved !! i w. There are 14 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 6 crash reports 8 injuries

139

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

OTHER

23 complaints

17%

• I purchased a new 2023 Ford Explorer and during the finance process I found out it had a rear back up camera recall . I wasn’t able to take possession of my vehicle . It’s been sitting on the car dealership lot where I bought it . I bought it May 26th and the repair still hasn’t been resolved !! I w
• At 36-42 mph the vehicle vibrates underneath, not the stearing wheel, it is clear something is not right. The vibration goes away when you hit 43 mph it smooths out and you dont feel it. No lights come on, I have had it checked and because there is no recall or a faulty light coming on or a sensor
• I leased a brand new 2023 Ford Explorer. The day I was driving it home I noticed a distinct cracking/popping sound when I turned the steering wheel to the left while lifting my foot off the brake. It is not a series of pops. It’s just one pop when the wheel is turned. When I got home I took out the

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“I purchased a new 2023 Ford Explorer and during the finance process I found out it had a rear back up camera recall . I wasn’t able to take possession of my vehicle . It’s been sitting on the car dealership lot where I bought it . I bought it May 26th and the repair still hasn’t been resolved !! I w”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2023 Ford EXPLORER

Based on 31 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 10K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 33K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred. This vehicle is under 5 years old, so most of the fleet hasn't accumulated high mileage yet — low-mileage peaks reflect fleet age, not necessarily premature failure.

Recalls (14)

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA23/01/2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S02. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-735 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2023 Ford EXPLORER

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,286

Per month

$191

Per mile

19.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2023 Ford EXPLORER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,735

Full coverage / month

$145

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

+4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1735

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford EXPLORER Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

Estimated Repair Costs

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 139 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: I purchased a new 2023 Ford Explorer and during the finance process I found out it had a rear back up camera recall . I wasn’t able to take possession of my vehicle . It’s been sitting on the car dealership lot where I bought it . I bought it May 26th and the repair still hasn’t been resolved !! I w
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: I rented a 2023 Ford Explorer. I had many issues with the added safety features while renting it, ultimately resulting in an accident. Firstly, the lane keeping assist did not function properly. In construction zones, back roads, and during rainy weather, the vehicle would jerk very hard to one side
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: I rented a 2023 Ford Explorer. I had many issues with the added safety features while renting it, ultimately resulting in an accident. Firstly, the lane keeping assist did not function properly. In construction zones, back roads, and during rainy weather, the vehicle would jerk very hard to one side
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SUSPENSION: The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated there was an unknown part loosened at the front of the vehicle. While driving at unknown speeds, there was an abnormal rattling noise detected from the strut that had become louder over time. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehi
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 14 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)