Car · Ford recalls

2023 Ford Explorer recalls

NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for the 2023 Ford Explorer, filed between January 23, 2023 and July 14, 2026. Each one is below with what is wrong and the free fix.

Check my VIN for open recalls

Campaign	Filed	Part
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: engine block heater
25V455000	July 7, 2025	Fuel system, gasoline: 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: labels
24V091000	February 8, 2024	Suspension: macpherson strut
23V686000	October 13, 2023	Back over prevention: display function
23V597000	August 25, 2023	Engine and engine cooling: turbo/supercharger
23V342000	May 12, 2023	Back over prevention: camera
23V070000	February 10, 2023	Power train: automatic transmission
23V022000	January 23, 2023	Back over prevention: camera

Seats: mid/rear assembly (26V451000)

Filed July 14, 2026

What is wrong. 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.

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

The 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 (26V159000)

Filed March 17, 2026

What is wrong. 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.

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

The 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 (26V123000)

Filed March 3, 2026

What is wrong. 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."

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

The 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: engine block heater (25V685000)

Filed October 10, 2025

What is wrong. 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.

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

The 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: fuel pump (25V455000)

Filed July 7, 2025

What is wrong. 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.

What could happen. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

The 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 (25V442000)

Filed June 27, 2025

What is wrong. 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.

What could happen. 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.

The 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 (25V393000)

Filed June 13, 2025

What is wrong. 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.

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

The 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 (25V159000)

Filed March 14, 2025

What is wrong. 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.

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

The 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: labels (24V852000)

Filed November 8, 2024

What is wrong. 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."

What could happen. 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.

The 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: macpherson strut (24V091000)

Filed February 8, 2024

What is wrong. 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.

What could happen. 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.

The 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 (23V686000)

Filed October 13, 2023

What is wrong. 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."

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

The 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: turbo/supercharger (23V597000)

Filed August 25, 2023

What is wrong. 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.

What could happen. 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.

The 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: camera (23V342000)

Filed May 12, 2023

What is wrong. 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.

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

The 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 (23V070000)

Filed February 10, 2023

What is wrong. 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."

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

The 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: camera (23V022000)

Filed January 23, 2023

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

The 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.

Check that your car is on the list

Most campaigns cover only cars built in a certain date range or at a certain plant, so a 2023 Ford Explorer may or may not be included. The VIN is the only sure test. It is 17 characters, on the dashboard by the windshield and on the driver door jamb sticker. Look up your VIN.

How to confirm the repair is free

Call any authorized Ford dealer service desk and give them the VIN and the campaign number from the list above.
Ask them to confirm the campaign is open for your car. If it is, the parts and labor are covered.
If the dealer says the part is not in stock, ask for a written note with the date, and ask about a loaner if the notice says not to drive the car.
Keep the repair order. It shows the campaign number and proves the work was done.

If you already paid for a repair that a recall later covered, Ford may owe you a refund. Ask the dealer or Ford customer service about reimbursement, and keep your receipts.

Other model years of the Explorer

More: all Ford recalls, check-engine codes, car repair costs.

2023 Ford Explorer recall questions

How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for the 2023 Ford Explorer. A campaign can cover only some cars of that model year, so check your VIN to see whether yours is included.

Is a recall repair on a 2023 Ford Explorer free?

Yes. A safety recall repair is free at an authorized Ford dealer, whatever the age or mileage of the car and no matter who owns it now.

How do I know if my 2023 Ford Explorer was already fixed?

Enter the VIN on our recall page. If a campaign is still open, it shows as open. You can also ask a dealer to run the VIN, or look at the service history paperwork for the campaign number.

Source: NHTSA recalls API, checked 2026-10-28. Text is NHTSA's wording of each campaign. New campaigns are added over time. Not a repair shop, estimates only.