2023 Ford Explorer Problems: 7 Known Issues
2023 model year · 456+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 456+ 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 easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451 and Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159. The most commonly reported issue is Blue or black rear camera image with 360-degree camera — recall 23V342 with 456 owner reports. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 7 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls53 recalls
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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.
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."
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles. The right-front lower fastener connecting the steering knuckle and strut may be loose or missing.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to "PARK."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Ford Explorer problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 456+ 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 easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451, Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159. 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 456+ 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 easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451 and Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159. 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 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 2020-2026 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. Applies… Severity: high.
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. Applies to: 2020–2024 Ford Explorer with water in the rear liftgate area or spare… Severity: medium.
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.
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.