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2023 Ford Explorer problems: engine and transmission complaints and recalls
No elevated drivetrain complaint concentration in the available NHTSA records for the 2023 Ford Explorer. Engine, transmission and fuel system account for 19% of relevant complaints.
Better than 88% of the 1,790 model years we track (2010–2023).
Does the 2023 Ford Explorer have engine or transmission problems?
Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 20 of 112 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2023 Ford Explorer concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (19%). For comparison, the 2022 scores 38%. This describes the model year, not any one car: a well-maintained or already-repaired example can be fine, and a clean model year can still have a bad car in it.
Complaints by component
The years either side
Manufacturers fix things mid-generation. A bad year next to a clean one is common; the fix usually arrived in between.
How the 2023 compares with other Ford Explorer years
Of the 14 Ford Explorer years with enough complaints to score, the 2023 is the 3rd-best on engine and transmission share (19%). The worst is the 2020 (53%), the best the 2011 (16%). By volume, the 2023 drew 112 complaints (20 drivetrain), against 269 for the 2022.
Ford Explorer years to avoid and best years →
2010 Explorer problems · 2011 Explorer problems · 2012 Explorer problems · 2013 Explorer problems · 2014 Explorer problems · 2015 Explorer problems · 2016 Explorer problems · 2017 Explorer problems · 2018 Explorer problems · 2019 Explorer problems · 2020 Explorer problems · 2021 Explorer problems · 2022 Explorer problems · 2023
The rest of the picture on the 2023 Ford Explorer
- Up to 15 owner reports, with the ones about your car's own engine first.
- What to ask the seller and what to check on the test drive, for this car.
- Two cars side by side, if you are deciding between them.
What one owner reported
One of 20 drivetrain complaints. The full report shows up to 15, with quotes about the engine in the car you are looking at first.
2023 Ford Explorer engine and transmission recalls
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns on the 2023 Ford Explorer involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 15 in total. A recall is the manufacturer admitting a defect and paying to fix it; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN, which the full report checks. The owner complaints above are a separate record and often point at problems that never became a recall.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater…
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July…
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines. The turbocharger oil supply line may be damaged, which can result in an oil leak inside the engine compartment.
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. In addition, the loss of oil can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as soon as possible if they see an oil pressure warning light or smoke coming from the engine compartment. Dealers will replace the turbo oil supply line assembly,…
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."
Risk: The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for…
11 other recalls on this model year (airbags, lighting, brakes and the rest)
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns filed against this year, make and model; one of NHTSA's listings did not answer when this page was built, so the list may be incomplete. Checked October 3, 2026.
Checking one particular 2023 Ford Explorer? This page is about the model year. Accidents, title brands and odometer records belong to the individual car, and that is what a vehicle history report covers.
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Does the 2023 Ford Explorer have engine or transmission problems?
Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 20 of 112 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2023 Ford Explorer concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (19%). It describes the model year, not any one car, so an inspection still matters.
What is the most common problem with the 2023 Ford Explorer?
Going by NHTSA owner complaints, the most common problem filed against the 2023 Ford Explorer is suspension: 14 of 112 complaints (13%) name it, followed by electrical system (13) and steering (13). A complaint can name more than one component, so these overlap. Engine, transmission and fuel-system complaints together make up 19% of the relevant total.
Is the 2023 Ford Explorer reliable?
On the engine and transmission, nothing stands out: 19% of relevant complaints filed with NHTSA concern the drivetrain, below the 33% line where we call a signal elevated. That is better than 88% of the 1,790 model years we track. Among the 14 Ford Explorer years we score, it ranks 3rd-best. Complaint data describes the model year, not one car, and it says nothing about trim, paint or electronics outside the drivetrain; an independent inspection still decides it.
Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2023 Ford Explorer?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns on the 2023 Ford Explorer involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 15 in total: 25V685000 (equipment: electrical: engine block heater), 25V455000 (fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump), 23V597000 (engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: turbo/supercharger), and more. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Which Ford Explorer years are better?
Among the Ford Explorer years we track, the 2011 (16%) has a lower engine and transmission complaint share than the 2023 (19%). Manufacturers fix things mid-generation, so the year before or after can be a different car. Every year side by side: https://thelanecheck.com/cars/ford-explorer
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Check a VINExperimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across a model year, not the condition of any individual vehicle. Combined across 2 body styles NHTSA files separately.