NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings
The 2023 Ford Explorer scores 71 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 15 recalls, and 99 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Ford Explorer earns an overall NHTSA Safety Index of 71 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. While its NHTSA crash-test scores are strong, 14 recall campaigns and a thin avoidance-technology score pull the number down. The overall safety picture for this model year is mixed but not alarming.
The 2023 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 71 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Ford Explorer ranks 134 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 71 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 15 |
| Owner complaints | 99 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 134 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Ford Explorer?
The 2023 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD earns a Safety Index of 71 out of 100, a three-point decrease from the 2022 model year's 74. This decline is largely attributable to a defect-record sub-score of 0 out of 20, reflecting 14 recall campaigns for this model year. These recalls address critical systems, including seat belt anchors, fuel delivery, engine block heater circuits, and two separate campaigns for back-over prevention software. This broad scope of recalls marks a significant shift from the previous year. Despite the recall volume, crash protection remains a genuine strength. The vehicle achieved a 5-star overall NHTSA rating, with 5-star frontal and side impact scores, contributing to a strong crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70. However, the avoidance-tech sub-score is a low 5 out of 10, indicating deficiencies in the standard safety technology suite for this trim. Consumers should consider the robust crash-test performance alongside the extensive recall history when evaluating the 2023 Explorer HEV SUV 4WD.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Ford Explorer perform in crash tests?
Rollover risk for the 2023 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD stands at 15 percent, earning a 4 out of 5-star rating from NHTSA. This result comes despite a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic tip-test. In other categories, the Explorer HEV achieved the highest possible marks, securing an overall 5 out of 5 stars, with frontal and side crash protection also rated at 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17300
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes, 14 recall campaigns cover this model year. Documented component areas include seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row, back-over prevention software, engine block heater wiring, a gasoline fuel pump, and additional back-over prevention software in a separate campaign. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the provided campaign data, but owners should verify current remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY26V451000
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 notif
Reported 2026-07-14
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. 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.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has received 99 unverified owner complaints for this model year, including alleged reports of 7 crashes and 9 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues (21 reports), Electrical System (13), Suspension (12), Steering (12), Power Train (11), and Engine (10). All are unverified consumer allegations.
99 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Ford Explorer?
With 14 recall campaigns on record, confirming completed remedies is the single most important pre-purchase safety step for any 2023 Ford Explorer. Shoppers considering this model year should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool.
- The 2023 model year carries 14 NHTSA recall campaigns, three more than would be typical for an Average-band vehicle, and that volume is the primary reason the Safety Index fell three points from the 2022 Explorer's score of 74.
- Two separate back-over prevention software recalls are attached to this model year, one issued in 2025 and one in 2026, meaning remedy work may still be pending on many vehicles currently in the used market.
- The seat belt anchor bolt recall, covering second-row positions, is a structural safety concern that used-vehicle buyers should confirm as completed by VIN before taking delivery.
- Despite the recall burden, the crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 is one of the stronger results in this segment, supported by 5-star NHTSA ratings in overall, frontal, and side categories for this specific 2023 HEV SUV 4WD configuration.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Ford Explorer places
The 2023 Ford Explorer qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Ford Explorer safety questions
Was the 2023 Ford Explorer crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Ford Explorer, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 71 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Ford Explorer crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Ford Explorer earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Explorer have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 15 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Ford Explorer. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Ford Explorer?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 99 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Ford Explorer. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Explorer years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17300), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Explorer 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 134 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.