Makes›Ford›Explorer›2024

2024 Ford Explorer

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2024 models.

Ford Explorer
Pictured: Ford Explorer (sixth generation) IMG 6063. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV, 4dr SUV Hybrid
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.3L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
24 combined · 21 city / 28 hwy
Length
198.8 in
Curb weight
4,458–4,969 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
10 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
  • Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Few owner complaints21 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 86 for similar models.

Watch out for

  • 10 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2024 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2024 Ford Explorer is a standard SUV offered with 3 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 3.3L 6-cyl) 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 24 MPG combined (21 city / 28 highway), 14% better than the 2024 standard SUV average of 21 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 10 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.

What changed for 2024

  • No hybrid version any more
  • Best combined MPG down from 27 to 24

Compared with 2023; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2023 Explorer →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–3.0L turbo 6-cyl
Engine–2.3L 4-cyl
Engine–3.3L 6-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD · RWD

Trims

STXLTPoliceST-Line

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Blind-spot interventionOptional
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlSome trims
Parking assistOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Chicago, Illinois

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2024 Explorer configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV198.8 in78.7 in70.1 in119.3 in66.9 / 66.9 in4,458 lb50/50
4dr SUV Hybrid198.8 in78.7 in70.1 in119.3 in66.9 / 66.9 in4,969 lb52/48

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Explorer RWD2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spdRear-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24+14%$2,800370
Explorer AWD2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23+20%$2,900387
Explorer RWD3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 210%$3,200426
Explorer Timberline AWD2.3L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive19 / 22 / 21+9%$3,200433
Explorer RWD3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 20-5%$3,350437
Explorer AWD3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20+4%$3,350444
Explorer AWD3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S10)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20+4%$3,350445
Explorer FFV AWD FFV3.3L 6-cylAutomatic 10-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20+4%$3,350444
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21 MPG2024 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2024 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2024 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.1%
2024 Ford Explorer SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★14.7%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2024 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD
Frontal crash test — 2024 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2024 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD
Side crash test — 2024 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2024 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2024 Ford Explorer (this car)24 MPG★★★★★10
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser23 MPGNot rated5
2024 Toyota 4Runner17 MPG★★★★★1
2024 Toyota Highlander36 MPG★★★★★7
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee23 MPG★★★★★18
2024 Kia Telluride22 MPG★★★★★5
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe36 MPG★★★★★7

Recalls (10)

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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Jun 9, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V371000 · 58 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.
Risk
A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect for park system damage and replace the park system components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S39. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 12, 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 driver’s 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 · Jan 15, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V012000 · 2,403 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer 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 February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in 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 January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.
Trailer Hitches · Oct 10, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V687000 · 1,412 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
Risk
While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
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.
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.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Sep 13, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V685000 · 61 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will install a tie strap between the battery cable and high voltage cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S61.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2024 Ford Explorer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

21Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
4Injuries reported
11,103 miTypical mileage at failure
Unknown Or Other4
Visibility/Wiper3
Suspension3
Steering2
Air Bags2
Seats2
Electrical System2
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/04: 124/06: 124/09: 124/10: 124/11: 124/12: 225/01: 225/07: 125/10: 225/11: 126/01: 126/04: 126/06: 426/09: 224/0424/0924/1125/0125/1026/0126/06max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2024 Ford Explorer buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Visibility/Wiper — 3 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  3. Suspension — 3 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  4. Steering — 2 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 11,103 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2024 Ford Explorer. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Explorer years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Explorer23–Not rated20
2026 Explorer24198.8 inNot rated1542
2025 Explorer24198.8 in★★★★★22109
2023 Explorer27198.8 in★★★★★15113
2022 Explorer27198.8 inNot rated25273
2021 Explorer27198.8 in★★★★★27456
2020 Explorer28198.8 in★★★★★351,249
2019 Explorer22198.4 in★★★★★6300
2018 Explorer22198.4 in★★★★★7737
2017 Explorer22198.4 in★★★★★141,713
2016 Explorer22198.4 inNot rated142,484
2015 Explorer23197.2 inNot rated81,815

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →