2023 Ford Explorer: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Refined sixth-gen Explorer with capable powertrains and lots of space; reliability is improving but transmission smoothness and electronics glitches remain the watch items. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2023 Ford Explorer ranged from $36,760 to $54,670 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Refined sixth-gen Explorer with capable powertrains and lots of space; reliability is improving but transmission smoothness and electronics glitches remain the watch items.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=explorer…
- lemonlawclaims.comhttps://www.lemonlawclaims.com/ford-explorer-transmission-problems-2019-2023-…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/explorer
Known issues
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Ten-speed automatic can shift harshly, hesitate or slip, and some owners report transmission failure; most acute on the 2020 launch year.
commonly reported · 280 NHTSA complaints · typically 40k–120k miles · transmission
-
Electronic and driver-assist faults such as 'Service AdvanceTrac', '4WD fault', and rear-camera or pre-collision warnings that can disable safety features.
commonly reported · 90 NHTSA complaints · electrical
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Check-engine lights, stalls and oil-consumption or turbocharger concerns reported on the EcoBoost engines.
occasional · 35 NHTSA complaints · engine
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Premature LED headlamp failures that are costly to replace despite being marketed as long-life units.
occasional · 75 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=explorer…
- lemonlawclaims.comhttps://www.lemonlawclaims.com/ford-explorer-transmission-problems-2019-2023-…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Strong towing of roughly 5,000-5,600 pounds and quick, capable EcoBoost engines.
- Rear-drive-based platform gives more engaging, car-like handling than most three-row SUVs.
- Spacious three rows that seat seven, with flexible seating and large cargo space (up to about 88 cubic feet).
Cons
- Interior materials and fit-and-finish feel cheap for the price in many reviews.
- Below-average predicted reliability versus class, driven by transmission and electronics complaints.
- Heavy recall history, especially on the 2020 launch year.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $36,760 | discontinued | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 turbo | — |
| XLT | $38,570 | discontinued | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 turbo | — |
| ST-Line | $46,355 | $45,155 | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 turbo | — |
| Limited | $47,420 | discontinued | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 turbo | — |
| Timberline | $49,330 | discontinued | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 turbo | — |
| ST | $50,005 | $54,905 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo | — |
| King Ranch | $54,525 | discontinued | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 turbo | — |
| Platinum | $54,670 | $50,965 | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2023-ford-explorer-price
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/menu/options?year=2024&make=Ford&…
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($36,760). Higher trims started higher (up to $54,670), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2023 loses roughly another 38% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/ford-explorer/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $700–750/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,100–2,200/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (3)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/explorer
- moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/ford-explorer-insurance/
- modernfordofboone.comhttps://www.modernfordofboone.com/ford-explorer-longevity-boone/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2023 Ford Explorer have?
Documented issue patterns include: Ten-speed automatic can shift harshly, hesitate or slip, and some owners report transmission failure; most acute on the 2020 launch year; Electronic and driver-assist faults such as 'Service AdvanceTrac', '4WD fault', and rear-camera or pre-collision warnings that can disable safety features; Check-engine lights, stalls and oil-consumption or turbocharger concerns reported on the EcoBoost engines; Premature LED headlamp failures that are costly to replace despite being marketed as long-life units. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2023 Ford Explorer reliable?
Refined sixth-gen Explorer with capable powertrains and lots of space; reliability is improving but transmission smoothness and electronics glitches remain the watch items.
How much did the 2023 Ford Explorer cost new?
Between $36,760 and $54,670 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Ford Explorer expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $700–750/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.