Model year 2023 · Ford

2023 Ford Explorer recalls

NHTSA's recall file lists 15 safety recall campaigns for the 2023 Ford Explorer. The most recent was reported on July 14, 2026. Campaigns are matched by the model names in NHTSA's records: EXPLORER.

NHTSA data through October 6, 2026 · How these pages are built

Campaigns at a glance

Recall campaigns for the 2023 Ford Explorer, newest first
NHTSA number	Reported	Component
26V451000	July 14, 2026	Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly
26V159000	March 17, 2026	Seat Belts
26V123000	March 3, 2026	Back Over Prevention › Software
25V685000	October 10, 2025	Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater
25V455000	July 7, 2025	Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
25V442000	June 27, 2025	Back Over Prevention › Software
25V393000	June 13, 2025	Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly
25V159000	March 14, 2025	Back Over Prevention › Software
24V852000	November 8, 2024	Equipment › Other › Labels
24V091000	February 8, 2024	Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm
23V686000	October 13, 2023	Back Over Prevention › Display Function
23V597000	August 25, 2023	Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger
23V342000	May 12, 2023	Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
23V070000	February 10, 2023	Power Train › Automatic Transmission
23V022000	January 23, 2023	Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera

Systems involved: Back Over Prevention (6) · Equipment (2) · Seats (2) · Electrical System (1) · Engine And Engine Cooling (1) · Fuel System, Gasoline (1) · Power Train (1) · Seat Belts (1) · Steering (1) · Suspension (1)

Recall records

NHTSA 26V451000Manufacturer no. 26S52

Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly

Report received by NHTSA: July 14, 2026
Owner notification: August 21, 2026
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 387,911 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: EXPLORER

Defect summary

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.

Safety risk

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 26V451000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 26V159000Manufacturer no. 26C18

Seat Belts

Report received by NHTSA: March 17, 2026
Owner notification: March 30, 2026
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 561 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: EXPLORER

Defect summary

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.

Safety risk

A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 26V159000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 26V123000Manufacturer no. 26C11

Back Over Prevention › Software

Report received by NHTSA: March 3, 2026
Owner notification: June 23, 2026
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 889,950 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: EXPLORER

Defect summary

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."

Safety risk

An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 26V123000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 25V685000Manufacturer no. 25SA4

Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater

Report received by NHTSA: October 10, 2025
Owner notification: Not yet in the record
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 59,006 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2023 Ford Explorer: Not reported – December 22, 2023
Model names in the NHTSA record: EXPLORER

Defect summary

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.

Safety risk

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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 September 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.

Source: NHTSA recall 25V685000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 25V455000Manufacturer no. 25S75

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

Report received by NHTSA: July 7, 2025
Owner notification: July 27, 2026
Recall initiated by: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Units potentially affected: 850,318 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2023 Ford Explorer: Not reported – July 31, 2022
Model names in the NHTSA record: EXPLORER

Defect summary

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.

Safety risk

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 25V455000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 25V442000Manufacturer no. 25S72

Back Over Prevention › Software

Report received by NHTSA: June 27, 2025
Owner notification: September 4, 2025
Recall initiated by: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Units potentially affected: 200,237 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: EXPLORER

Defect summary

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.

Safety 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.

Remedy

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 25V442000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 25V393000Manufacturer no. 25S67

Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly

Report received by NHTSA: June 13, 2025
Owner notification: August 7, 2025
Recall initiated by: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Units potentially affected: 304,662 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: EXPLORER

Defect summary

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.

Safety risk

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

Source: NHTSA recall 25V393000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 25V159000Manufacturer no. 25S27

Back Over Prevention › Software

Report received by NHTSA: March 14, 2025
Owner notification: April 25, 2025
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 49,399 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: EXPLORER

Defect summary

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.

Safety risk

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 25V159000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 24V852000Manufacturer no. 24C39

Equipment › Other › Labels

Report received by NHTSA: November 8, 2024
Owner notification: December 19, 2024
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 27,678 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2023 Ford Explorer: April 26, 2019 – August 27, 2024
Model names in the NHTSA record: EXPLORER

Defect summary

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."

Safety 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.

Remedy

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 24V852000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 24V091000Manufacturer no. 24S04

Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm

Report received by NHTSA: February 8, 2024
Owner notification: March 8, 2024
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 121 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2023 Ford Explorer: December 19, 2023 – December 19, 2023
Model names in the NHTSA record: EXPLORER

Components: Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm; Suspension › Front › Macpherson Strut

Defect summary

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.

Safety 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.

Remedy

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 24V091000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 23V686000Manufacturer no. 23C31

Back Over Prevention › Display Function

Report received by NHTSA: October 13, 2023
Owner notification: November 2, 2023
Recall initiated by: NHTSA Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance
Units potentially affected: 2,866 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: EXPLORER

Components: Back Over Prevention › Display Function; Electrical System › Wiring

Defect summary

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."

Safety risk

A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 23V686000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 23V597000Manufacturer no. 23S50

Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger

Report received by NHTSA: August 25, 2023
Owner notification: September 8, 2023
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 10 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: EXPLORER

Components: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger; Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Pipes, Hoses, And Fittings

Defect summary

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.

Safety 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.

Remedy

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 23V597000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 23V342000Manufacturer no. 23S23

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera

Report received by NHTSA: May 12, 2023
Owner notification: November 10, 2023
Recall initiated by: NHTSA Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance
Units potentially affected: 442,973 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: EXPLORER

Defect summary

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.

Safety risk

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 23V342000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 23V070000Manufacturer no. 23S06

Power Train › Automatic Transmission

Report received by NHTSA: February 10, 2023
Owner notification: April 25, 2023
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 1,138 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: EXPLORER

Defect summary

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."

Safety risk

The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 23V070000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 23V022000Manufacturer no. 23S02

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera

Report received by NHTSA: January 23, 2023
Owner notification: February 13, 2023
Recall initiated by: NHTSA Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance
Units potentially affected: 382,759 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: EXPLORER

Defect summary

Safety risk

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 23V022000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

Records reproduce NHTSA's published text for each campaign. Last record date for this page: July 15, 2026.