NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings
The 2024 Ford Explorer scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 10 recalls, and 19 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Ford Explorer presents a genuinely impressive crash-test record, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100, placing it in the Strong band. This represents a meaningful 9-point climb from the 2023 model's 71/100 Average rating. However, the vehicle's recall count of 9 campaigns warrants careful attention before purchase.
The 2024 Ford Explorer received a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100 and a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Ford Explorer ranks 120 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 10 |
| Owner complaints | 19 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 120 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Ford Explorer?
The 2024 Ford Explorer represents a clear upward shift in safety standing compared to its immediate predecessor. The Safety Index rose 9 points, from 71/100 in 2023 to 80/100 in 2024, moving the vehicle from the Average band into the Strong band. That improvement is driven almost entirely by the crash-protection sub-score, which accounts for 66 of a possible 70 points and reflects the strong NHTSA 5-star overall, frontal, and side results. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning is listed as both standard and optional depending on configuration, suggesting not every trim ships with the full suite. The defect record sub-score of 8.75 out of 20 is the most consequential drag on the index for this year: nine recall campaigns is a high count for a single model year, spanning powertrain, occupant restraint, camera software, electrical components, and towing hardware. The seat belt anchor bolt campaign alone spans a multi-year range that includes the 2024 model, making it a priority item for any prospective buyer. The rollover risk of 15 percent and 4-star rollover rating are consistent with the SUV segment and do not represent a standout weakness unique to this year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Ford Explorer perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Ford Explorer achieved a 5 out of 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in impact protection. This included perfect 5-star scores in both the frontal and side crash tests. The rollover assessment presents a relative area for consideration, with the Explorer receiving 4 out of 5 stars and an estimated 15 percent rollover risk. The vehicle did, however, achieve a No Tip result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19123
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Nine recall campaigns cover this model year. Named components include the automatic transmission (2.3L engine with 10R60 unit), second-row seat belt anchor bolts, backup camera software, engine block heater cracking risk, and trailer hitch assembly bolts. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the supplied campaign data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.gov.
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
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION26V371000
Risk: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for park system damage and replace the park system components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S39. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 12, 2026.
Reported 2026-06-09
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 HEATER26V012000
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 February 13, 2026. Additional letters
Reported 2026-01-15
TRAILER HITCHES25V687000
Risk: While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Reported 2025-10-10
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
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
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM24V685000
Risk: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a tie strap between the battery cable and high voltage cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S61.
Reported 2024-09-13
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Ford Explorer?
Nineteen unverified owner allegations have been filed with NHTSA. The most frequently reported components are Forward Collision Avoidance, Visibility and Wipers, Suspension, and Unknown or Other, each with 3 alleged reports. One reported crash and 3 reported injuries appear in the dataset. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
19 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Ford Explorer?
Nine recall campaigns have been issued for the 2024 Ford Explorer, a significant number for a single model year. Prospective owners are advised to verify that all necessary recall remedies have been completed before purchase, particularly those campaigns addressing seat belts or the transmission. This check is crucial for ensuring the vehicle meets safety standards as intended.
- The 2024 model year posted a 9-point Safety Index gain over the 2023 Explorer, the largest single-year movement in the recent model history captured in this dataset, driven by a near-perfect crash-protection sub-score of 66/70.
- Nine separate recall campaigns were issued for this model year, covering components as varied as the 10R60 automatic transmission, second-row seat belt anchor bolts, and trailer hitch assembly bolts, giving this year one of the heavier recall loads in the Explorer lineup.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 indicates that forward collision warning availability varies by trim configuration, so buyers should confirm which active-safety features are present on the specific unit they are considering.
- Unverified owner allegations filed with NHTSA include 3 reports each targeting Forward Collision Avoidance and Suspension, categories that overlap with two of the active recall areas and warrant a pre-purchase inspection focus.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Ford Explorer places
The 2024 Ford Explorer qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Ford Explorer safety questions
Was the 2024 Ford Explorer crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Ford Explorer, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 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 2024 Ford Explorer crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 Ford Explorer have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 10 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Ford Explorer. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Ford Explorer?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 19 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 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 (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19123), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Explorer 2024.
- 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 120 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- 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.