MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2023 Ford Explorer

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Ford Explorer

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

14Recalls
99Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE FORD EXPLORER

The Ford Explorer is a three-row midsize SUV that has anchored the family hauler segment for decades. Aimed squarely at households needing flexible seating and everyday practicality, the 2019 through 2025 generation competes in one of the most hotly contested spaces in the American market. Its combination of mainstream appeal and Ford's broad dealer network makes it one of the most scrutinized vehicles on the road today.

VERDICT

The 2023 Ford Explorer earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 71 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 14 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Explorer as a well-rounded three-row SUV with broad family appeal, praising its spacious interior and driving composure for the segment. Most acknowledge it as a competitive mainstream choice while noting that the ownership experience can vary, and some suggest shoppers cross-shop carefully given the competitive midsize SUV landscape.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 15.1%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17300

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech5/10
Defect record0/20
Forward collision warning: Standard & OptionalLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

SEAT BELTS26V159000

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.

Reported 2026-03-17

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V123000

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.

Reported 2026-03-03

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER25V685000

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

Reported 2025-10-10

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP25V455000

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. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 16, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated 2nd Quarter 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1

Reported 2025-07-07

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000

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.

Reported 2025-06-27

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY25V393000

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.

Reported 2025-06-13

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V159000

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.

Reported 2025-03-14

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS24V852000

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.

Reported 2024-11-08

SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT24V091000

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.

Reported 2024-02-08

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION23V686000

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.

Reported 2023-10-13

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER23V597000

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.

Reported 2023-08-25

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA23V342000

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.

Reported 2023-05-12

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

99 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

7reported crash
2reported fire
9reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsUnknown Or Other 21Electrical System 13Suspension 12Steering 12Power Train 11Engine 10

Other Explorer years

Rivals in SUV (2023)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 17300), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Ford Explorer 2023. Class rank 135 of 139 in SUV 2023. Methodology · Disclosure