Ford · Known Issues
2023 Ford Explorer Problems: 5 Known Issues
2023 model year · 1,023+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2023 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2023 model year · 1,023+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2023 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy
Visual coming soon
Your interest helps us choose what to build next.
Visual Known Issues · Coming soon
$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,023+ owner reports, the 2023 Ford Explorer has 5 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is 2.3L EcoBoost Turbocharger Oil Supply Line O-Ring Leak and Under-Hood Fire Risk (Recall 23V597) ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 10R60 10-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifting with 567 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $6,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.3L Hybrid engines. The 12-Volt battery cable may chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generat (BiSG) and short circuit.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. 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."
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. 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.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,023+ owner reports, the 2023 Ford Explorer has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2.3L EcoBoost Turbocharger Oil Supply Line O-Ring Leak and Under-Hood Fire Risk (Recall 23V597), 10R60 10-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifting, 360-Degree / Rearview Camera System Failure. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2023 Ford Explorer has 5 known issues documented across 1,023+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 2.3L EcoBoost Turbocharger Oil Supply Line O-Ring Leak and Under-Hood Fire Risk (Recall 23V597). 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.
Repair costs for known Ford Explorer issues range from $0 to $6,500, 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.
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.
The 10R60 10-speed automatic transmission exhibits harsh shifting, delayed gear engagement, slipping between gears, and erratic behavior. Ford identified that actuators in the transmission are sometimes too tight, causing abnormal shifts. The transmission adaptive learning can al… Repairs typically run $150-$6,500. 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. 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.
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.
+ 43 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
A software failure in the 360-degree camera system's image processing module can cause the rearview camera to display a blank/black image when the vehicle is placed in reverse, or the image may remain frozen on the display after the backing event has ended. This affects driver vi… Repairs typically run $0-$800. Severity: medium.
Explorers equipped with the dual-panel/panoramic moonroof are widely reported to leak water into the cabin and, less often, to have the tempered roof glass spontaneously shatter ('exploding sunroof'). Leaks typically present as water dripping from the overhead console / map-light… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: medium.
Sixth-generation Explorers commonly have the Auto Start-Stop feature stop functioning, showing 'Auto Start-Stop Not Ready.' The most common causes are a weak or degraded battery, a failed auxiliary/AGM battery that supports the restart function, or an inaccurate battery current (… Repairs typically run $250-$550. Severity: low.