2023 Ford Explorer Problems: 7 Known Issues
2023 model year · 1,023+ owner reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,023+ owner reports, the 2023 Ford Explorer has 7 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are 2.3L EcoBoost Turbocharger Oil Supply Line O-Ring Leak and Under-Hood Fire Risk (Recall 23V597) ($0-$0 repair), Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159 and Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451. The most commonly reported issue is Harsh or delayed engagement and shifts, 10R60 automatic — bulletin 23-2352 with 567 owner reports. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 7 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls54 recalls
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 205, "Glazing Materials."
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction when driving through curves in the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
TRAILER HITCHES
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
ENGINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair, and 2025 Maverick vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Ford Explorer problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,023+ owner reports, the 2023 Ford Explorer has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2.3L EcoBoost Turbocharger Oil Supply Line O-Ring Leak and Under-Hood Fire Risk (Recall 23V597), Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159, Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Explorer reliable?
The 2023 Ford Explorer has 7 known issues documented across 1,023+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: 2.3L EcoBoost Turbocharger Oil Supply Line O-Ring Leak and Under-Hood Fire Risk (Recall 23V597) and Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159 and Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Explorer problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Explorer issues range from $0 to $0, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2.3L EcoBoost Turbocharger Oil Supply Line O-Ring Leak and Under-Hood Fire Risk (Recall 23V597), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2023 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost Turbocharger Oil Supply Line O-Ring Leak and Under-Hood Fire Risk (Recall 23V597)?
A small population of 2023 Explorers with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine may have a torn or cut turbocharger oil supply line O-ring. The damaged O-ring can let pressurized engine oil escape and contact a hot engine, increasing the risk of an under-hood fire; oil loss can also cause an… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2026 Ford Explorer Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159?
On a small number of Explorers, the left and/or right second-row seat-belt lower anchor may not be secured to the body because of an incomplete repair at the assembly plant. A loose anchor may not restrain an occupant properly in a crash; a rattle may be the only warning. It affe… Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2026 Ford Explorer Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451?
The bezel around the second-row outboard easy-entry (tip-and-slide) switch can become misaligned or unseated, letting the switch bind or stick down. The seat can then tip or slide unexpectedly, possibly while driving, increasing injury risk in a crash. With the button stuck down,… Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2023 Ford Explorer Harsh or delayed engagement and shifts, 10R60 automatic — bulletin 23-2352?
On some Explorers with the 10R60 ten-speed automatic, engagement into gear or shifts can be harsh or delayed, sometimes with the check-engine light on and transmission codes stored. Ford attributes it to transmission-control software, the solenoid ID strategy and/or sticking valv… Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2023 Ford Explorer Blue or black rear camera image with 360-degree camera — recall 23V342?
On Explorers with the 360-degree camera, the rear camera can intermittently show a blue image or a full blue or black screen when shifted into reverse. Ford cites fretting corrosion and misalignment in the camera's internal connector, wiring retention and image-processing-module… Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2024 Ford Explorer Center screen and rear camera image can appear flipped — recall 26V123?
On Explorers with a specific 10.1-inch center display, the SYNC screen image can appear flipped or inverted right after an ignition cycle, including the rearview camera image in reverse. A rear camera image that is not displayed correctly increases crash risk; Ford lists no warni… Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2024 Ford Explorer Water in the spare-tire well or rear liftgate area — bulletin 24-2044?
Some Explorers collect water in the rear liftgate area or spare-tire well, and some lose audio, often noticed after a car wash or rain. Wet cargo areas can damage stored items and nearby components. It affects 2020–2024 Ford Explorers with water in the rear liftgate area or spare… Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.