2023 Ford Explorer
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.

- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV, 4dr SUV Hybrid
- Engines
- 3.3L 6-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Transmission
- 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 6
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 27 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 198.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,458–4,969 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 15 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 34% better than the average 2023 standard SUV (20.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- 15 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Ford Explorer is a standard SUV offered with 3 engines (3.3L 6-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 199 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,458 lb (4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (27 city / 28 highway), 34% better than the 2023 standard SUV average of 20.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 15 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 114 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2023
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Explorer →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Chicago, Illinois
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 Explorer configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 198.8 in | 78.7 in | 70.1 in | 119.3 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 4,458 lb | 50/50 |
| 4dr SUV Hybrid | 198.8 in | 78.7 in | 70.1 in | 119.3 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 4,969 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer HEV RWD Hybrid | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 27 / 28 / 27 | +34% | $2,500 | 324 |
| Explorer Platinum HEV RWD Hybrid | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 / 26 / 26 | +29% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Explorer HEV AWD Hybrid | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 26 / 25 | +33% | $2,700 | 361 |
| Explorer RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | +19% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Explorer RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +14% | $2,900 | 385 |
| Explorer AWD | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +22% | $2,900 | 387 |
| Explorer Platinum HEV AWD Hybrid | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 24 / 23 | +22% | $2,900 | 379 |
| Explorer AWD | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +17% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Explorer RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | +4% | $3,200 | 428 |
| Explorer Timberline AWD | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 22 / 21 | +12% | $3,200 | 433 |
| Explorer RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -1% | $3,350 | 438 |
| Explorer AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Explorer AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 445 |
| Explorer Timberline AWD | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 21 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 445 |
| Explorer FFV AWD FFV | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Explorer AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 451 |
| Explorer AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 454 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.1% |
| 2023 Ford Explorer SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.7% |


Similar 2023 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Ford Explorer (this car) | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 15 |
| 2023 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
| 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 23 MPG | Not rated | 23 |
| 2023 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2023 Kia Sorento | 37 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Nissan Pathfinder | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (15)
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · Jul 14, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V451000 · 387,911 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
- Risk
- A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Seat Belts · Mar 17, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V159000 · 561 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
- Risk
- A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Mar 3, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V123000 · 889,950 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater · Oct 10, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V685000 · 59,006 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jul 7, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V455000 · 850,318 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Jun 27, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V442000 · 200,237 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · Jun 13, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V393000 · 304,662 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Mar 14, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V159000 · 49,399 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
- Risk
- Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S27.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Nov 8, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V852000 · 27,678 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Suspension › Front › Macpherson Strut · Feb 8, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V091000 · 121 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A loose or missing connection between the knuckle and strut can cause improper tire alignment, resulting in a steering pull or require increased steering effort. Additionally, the brake hose may contact the tire and become damaged, resulting in a brake fluid leak and a loss of braking ability. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the fasteners, and tighten or install them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 08, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S04.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Oct 13, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V686000 · 2,866 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a standard rearview camera. Due to a manufacturing error in the wire harness, the rearview camera may display a blue image on the SYNC screen when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the rearview camera wire harness and repair any loose splices, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C31.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Pipes, Hoses, And Fittings · Aug 25, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V597000 · 10 vehicles
- Problem
- 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, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S50.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · May 12, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V342000 · 442,973 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23V-022. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-022 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Feb 10, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V070000 · 1,138 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 this recall is 23S06.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Jan 23, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V022000 · 382,759 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S02. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-735 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Not every 2023 Ford Explorer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Ford Explorer buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 15 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Suspension — 14 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Steering — 13 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 17,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Ford Explorer. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Explorer years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Explorer | 23 | – | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2026 Explorer | 24 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 15 | 42 |
| 2025 Explorer | 24 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 22 | 109 |
| 2024 Explorer | 24 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 21 |
| 2022 Explorer | 27 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 25 | 273 |
| 2021 Explorer | 27 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 27 | 458 |
| 2020 Explorer | 28 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 35 | 1,251 |
| 2019 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 300 |
| 2018 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 737 |
| 2017 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 14 | 1,713 |
| 2016 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 14 | 2,485 |
| 2015 Explorer | 23 | 197.2 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 1,816 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →