2023 Ford Explorer Complaints

SUSPENSION — Filed 12/30/2025

I am submitting this complaint involving suspension on 2023 Ford Explorer. Dealership has replaced the right front stunt mount two times. The problem is still not corrected.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/14/2026

I was driving on the highway at approximately 70mph in my 2023 Ford Explorer Platinum which has 30,000 miles on it. We heard a loud noise which sounded like a gun went off inside the car. My sunroof exploded outward with no warning or messages and no impact. Edges of the remaining glass were angled upward indicating that the glass burst outward. There were no signs of glass impacting the thin fabric retractable shade. We had been driving for about 3 hours when the incident occurred. I took the vehicle to a Ford dealer, they took pictures and submitted a request for it to be covered under warranty but have not confirmed. We could have been at risk if I had not maintained my composure and moved safely to the shoulder. Vehicles behind us may have been impacted by the flying glass but I did not see any other vehicles pull over. I did get an estimate for repair from a local body shop in case Ford does not agree that it is a manufacturing problem. This should be covered by Ford!!!

POWER TRAIN,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 08/30/2026

While driving, vehicle made a grinding sound, and all systems related to cruise, 4wd, decent control all illuminated on dash. Vehicle was taken to dealer, metro ford. Metro ford stated the transfer case has failed internally, and being replaced under powertrain. A week later, I received a callback, and the service writer stated after replacing and a test drive- it is still an issue, and the vehicle has an issue- which they feel is the AWD module, AWD module failed causing clutch in transfer case to lock up when it shouldn’t be resulting in limited power and grinding and depletion of safety systems on vehicle. Dealer states ford is aware of the issue but offered me a discounted repair of 270 dollars vs the 7-800 that it costs to complete the repair. Vehicle is still in shop weeks later with warning lights on.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/26/2026

Purchased new June 2023, took delivery October 2023 due to camera recall. Drive to work 5 miles a day, less than 10000 miles on it yet my driver side dash is now Ingles and rolling up. I see this is a common issue. I paid extra for the King Ranch edition. Seems this should be a dealer covered repair. I would like this looked into.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/28/2026

The exhaust pipe that connects a catalytic converter to the muffler broke and was dragging on the highway. It was during rish hour and was no safe place for me to pull over and within just a few miles, the other side of it broke off and the whole pipe between the catalytic converter and muffler fell into traffic behind me. Apparently this has been an issue with 2020-2022 model years but It needs to be extended further into atleast the 2023 model year since that is what I have.

VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 08/25/2026

The panoramic sunshade on our 2023 Ford Explorer bunches up and dips down into the rear passenger compartment when being retracted, obstructing rear visibility when using the rear view mirror or looking over your shoulder.

STRUCTURE — Filed 08/20/2026

The paint is starting to bubble and flake off from inside the vehichle doors by the seam where corrosion under the paint has started. I have looked at multiple complaints from other explorer owners and this is a common issue that ford does not want to fix. There sheet metal is contaminated with “white oxidized rust underneath the paint causing the bubbling and paint letting go resulting in further rust.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/25/2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2023 Ford Explorer ST and my inability to obtain the remedy for NHTSA Campaign 26V123 / Ford Recall 26C11, involving a rearview-camera/SYNC display condition that may reduce rear visibility and increase crash risk. RCAK-26V123-1258 2.pdf Kendall Ford of Anchorage has notified me in writing that it will no longer perform any work on my vehicle, including recalls. Kendall states recalls require a Ford-authorized facility and identifies Seekins Ford in Fairbanks as the closest non-Kendall Ford dealer. I contacted Ford for assistance. A Ford representative acknowledged Kendall’s refusal in a voicemail and stated, “The only thing that we can do in this instance is have you go to another dealership,” directing me elsewhere for the recall. However, Ford’s current 26C11 instructions identify Mobile Repair and Pickup & Delivery as available and specifically state, “Arrange for a mobile repair at the owner’s location.” I am not refusing the recall or requesting that Kendall perform it. I am requesting that Ford arrange a qualified Ford-authorized mobile repair rather than requiring me to travel hundreds of miles to Fairbanks. I respectfully request that NHTSA review Ford’s handling of my recall access and assist in ensuring I have a safe, practical means of obtaining the remedy. Supporting documentation: Kendall’s written correspondence, Ford’s voicemail acknowledging the refusal, and Ford’s current 26C11 instructions.

LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 06/01/2026

The light for the right hand mirror blind spot warning came loose within the mirror housing. The light still works and activates when a vehicle is in the blind spot, but the light has fallen to the bottom of the mirror housing and is barely visible (a yellow glow at night).

SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 04/02/2026

Faint popping and knocking sound coming from front suspension, LOUD clunk coming from rear suspension when going over bumps. Both seem to cause vehicle to be floaty while driving. Also headlights sometime flicker while driving with switch in auto position and sometimes will not shut off after exiting vehicle ( have to turn switch to off position and then back to auto to resolve ) Vehicle has approximately 21k miles on it but off warranty due to time. Will be bringing into local repair shop soon.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 07/03/2026

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving from Pennsylvania to Ohio through the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the adaptive cruise control system was not functioning. The "Adaptive Cruise Control Is Not Available" warning message was displayed on the instrument panel. No warning lights illuminated. A dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that adaptive cruise control was inoperable on certain highways. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 06/16/2025

Vehicle: 2023 Ford Explorer ST VIN: [XXX] I am reporting ongoing safety-related powertrain and drivability defects that continue despite numerous repair attempts, including complete engine and transmission replacement. Since approximately June 2025, my vehicle has experienced delayed acceleration, hesitation, erratic RPM behavior, harsh shifting, loss of power, and intermittent warning lights. The vehicle has also stalled, jerked during acceleration, and exhibited transmission shuddering and lurching. The problems have been repeatedly reproduced, documented, inspected, and repaired by Kendall Ford of Anchorage, Alaska, the sole servicing Ford dealership involved. Repairs have included replacement of fuel injectors, cylinder heads, a complete engine assembly, and a complete transmission assembly. Despite these repairs, the safety concerns remain. Current symptoms include: • 1-4 second delay in throttle response. • Vehicle may fail to accelerate below approximately 30 mph. • Engine RPM rises significantly without proportional vehicle acceleration. • Erratic shifting, surging, and harsh jolts. • Intermittent check engine lights, FordPass alerts, and electrical warnings. These conditions create a significant safety risk because the vehicle may fail to accelerate when entering the highway, merging into traffic, crossing traffic, making left turns, or avoiding hazards. The delayed throttle response and sudden acceleration after the delay increase the risk of a crash. Attached service records document stalling, misfires, loss of propulsion concerns, and repeated powertrain failures requiring replacement of both the engine and transmission, yet the drivability concerns continue. I believe this may involve a defect in the powertrain, transmission controls, engine management system, electronic throttle control system, or related vehicle control modules. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate these recurring safety-related defects. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 05/28/2026

The contact owned a 2023 Ford Explorer. When the contact’s husband activated the air conditioning system after the vehicle had been parked for several hours, a fire started underneath the console inside the vehicle. The driver pulled over to the side of the road, where onlookers assisted with extinguishing the fire with a fire extinguisher. The contact’s husband received burns on his fingers. Medical attention was not needed. The Fire Department was not contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be inspected; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The contact was provided with photos of the vehicle and became aware that the wiring was burned. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

SUSPENSION — Filed 06/12/2026

Premature leaking and failure on rear shocks absorbers. Premature failure could lead to handling issues and interference with driver assist handling, action control etc. Some say this is a know issue but not one that has prompted a recall

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/01/2025

The chrome/ brushed finish peeling along the top of the center console, resulting in sharp edges. The vehicle is just outside of bumper to bumper warranty and the fix is out of pocket. Vehicle current has 55k miles on it, and bubbling down both sides of the laminated trim.

SUSPENSION — Filed 06/06/2026

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.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 05/22/2026

Precollision assist warnings on in the car saying system unavailable. Took to the dealer and showed me the sensor for this was broken and my cost would be 1800 to repair. My vehicle only has 16000 miles on it and is covered by an extended warranty and 3 year BTB warranty. Dealer claims the sensor was hit by an external force so it wasn't covered. I said we have hit nothing and my vehicle shows no damage. Internet says these can fail by bumper collision or hitting a pot hole. I think it is a vehicle safety issue that you don't design something that can withstand hitting a bump or pot hole or why wouldn't you give clearance for the bumper to flex. Ford can't tell me what happened to the sensor and to me that is a safety issue. I spoke with the service advisor and went up to service manager and called Ford customer care and they refuse to do anything about it.

AIR BAGS — Filed 05/16/2026

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her boyfriend was driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle did not stop at a stop sign and crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle. All of the air bags deployed. The contact's boyfriend suffered bruising to the wrist and left upper arm and redness on the right hand. The front passenger-side curtain air bag caused the contact second-degree chemical burn on the right side of the stomach when it burned through two layers of clothing. The contact also suffered from a sprained left foot and left hand and lacerations from the shoulders and elbows from the air bag deployment. The contact and her boyfriend were transported to the hospital via ambulance and received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the tow yard but was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 11/21/2024

On 11-21-24, I was traveling down the interstate going at 60mph when a car began to urgently brake, I proceeded to hit the brakes as well and my car would not stop, at the time of the impact no air bag deployed, driver seat belt did not lock, my driver seat moved, no pre-collision assist came up for this accident. No prior issues or lights on dash.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE — Filed 09/10/2024

At a stop light and all of the power in the vehicle went out and Explorer would not start. Hazards would not turn on and doors (besides driver door) would not unlock. Got out of the vehicle to try the fob and white smoke came billowing out from engine. Fire department and police were called. No warning lights or messages were seen on vehicle. Vehicle only has 10K miles on it. Vehicle was taken to dealership for diagnostics.

AIR BAGS — Filed 12/16/2023

Side seat airbag has exhaust port facing inwards, instead of outward, towards the door of the vehicle, that caused the hot chemical from the airbag to push out all the gas at the left side of my body, melting my clothes and causing chemical burns to my side when it deployed upon a wreck.

SUSPENSION — Filed 04/09/2024

The right front suspension collapsed after crossing railroad tracks at less than 10 mph, causing the vehicle to collapse and deploying all four airbags causing Minor injuries . A higher rate of speed would have caused severe injuries and possible fatalities. Ford has sent field engineers to examine the vehicle and pulled data from the rcm stating starting speed of 4.4 mph and 17.7 mph at time of impact. No collision and nothing in road way. THE Insurance company has the vehicle at a total loss and initially denied my claim, stating manufacturer defect, which I agree with. Ford has since denied my claim returning the liability to the insurance. No warning lights, or symptoms before the incident

STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 03/24/2024

The lane assist system put the vehicle into a skid on snowy road with no markings on roadway. The vehicle is available to inspect but insurance company is pushing to pickup vehicle as it was totaled. The system put vehicle into a skid that resulted into going into the ditch and hitting a power pole. As far as we know nobody has looked into system failure we did report it to sheriff and insurance company. This is the first time the lane departure turned on a snow covered road

AIR BAGS — Filed 12/02/2023

As the passenger, following a passenger side impact, (T bone) I sustained 1st and 2nd degree burns extending from my ribs to my hip. To my knowledge the only airbags that inflated were the curtain air bags. Immediately upon impact I had a burning sensation on my right side that slowly began to spread. Once out of the car it was discovered that something had burned through 3 layers of clothing with the singed edges sticking to my skin. My vehicle was not drivable and was towed to a body shop. I spoke to the insurance company about the incident as I am receiving medical treatment for the burns. No one was interested in investigating the air bag.

STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 04/16/2023

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 of the other. Even after trying to shut off the lane keeping assist feature, it it would automatically turn back on. Luckily, most of those incidents would happen in low traffic areas. Until the final time it happened, resulting in a head on collision with another vehicle. Additionally, the screen that displayed the lane assist activity would go blank randomly while driving. Also. There was a constant issue with the a pop up screen saying to keep holding the steering wheel. Even when I would have both hands on the steering wheel, it would pop up, and sometimes, if it wouldn’t disappear in time, the vehicle would start to automatically brake and slow down the vehicles, even if I was going 70+ miles per hour. The last 12 hours of the vehicle rental drive time, the “keep hold of steering wheel” pop up would pop up more and more frequently. To the point where I would have to constantly let go of the steering wheel and re grab it over and over until it eventually disappear.