2024 Ford Explorer Problems
Compared with other Ford Explorer years
Too new to compare
- Model years are compared once their first three years of complaints are in; the 2024 can be compared from 2027.
- Most reported part: Other or unknown (4 complaints).
- 10 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2023
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 21filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 8,832miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 10campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 4 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl RWD · 18 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2024 Ford Explorer (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints for the 2024 Ford Explorer. The part named most often is other or unknown, with 4 complaints (19% of the total), followed by forward collision avoidance (3) and suspension (3). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 8,832 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns and 107 technical service bulletins for this model year. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 48 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown4 19%
- Suspension3 14%
- Air bags2 9.5%
- Electrical system2 9.5%
- Seats2 9.5%
- Steering2 9.5%
- Engine1 4.8%
Also reported: Lane departure (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “Deputy was going to an incident and after arrival at the scene the patrol car began to smoke, and flames were seen within the wheel well. Deputy was not in the vehicle when the fire was discovered, and Fire responded and extinguished the flames - but not before major damage to the engine compartment.”
NHTSA complaint #11671520, filed 2025-07Forward collision avoidance: “pre-collision warning light comes up, saying sensor blocked and sensor is not blocked. Brought it to the local dealership found that the cruise control module bracket is damaged no visible damage or strikes to the bumper dealership says not under warranty, and Ford is aware of a widespread issue with the bracket snapping on the sensor behind the front bumper”
NHTSA complaint #11741974, filed 2026-06Suspension: “The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while parked upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed the driver's side and passenger side struts failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that both front struts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 11,103.”
NHTSA complaint #11635284, filed 2025-01, 11,103 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “There is a distortion in the front windshield affecting my ability to see the front right corner of my vehicle. I was leaving a restaurant in the dark and the distortion affected the headlights to the point it didn’t appear there were any on the right side of the vehicle. In daylight, that area of the windshield is so distorted I’ve missed vehicles coming from the right and developed it migraines while driving. The defect was reported to the dealership and they reported it to the manufacturer in August, they have been going back and forth since, most recently being denied due to ‘orange peel’. …”
NHTSA complaint #11623413, filed 2024-11Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 6,560 and 11,103 miles.
Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2024 Ford Explorer. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer · SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.1% risk |
| Explorer · SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 14.7% risk |
| Explorer HEV · SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.1% risk |
| Explorer HEV · SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 14.7% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2024 model year: forward collision warning standard on some versions, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard on some versions.
Neighbouring years: 2023: same overall rating; 2025: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2024 Ford Explorer version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer AWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Explorer AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Explorer AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Explorer RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Explorer RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Explorer RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Explorer Timberline AWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 19 | 22 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Explorer FFV AWD | 3.3L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 10-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 26V451000Jul 14, 2026Seats › Mid/rear assemblyCovers: Ford Explorer 2020–2026, Lincoln Aviator 2020–2027
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.
- 26V371000Jun 9, 2026Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Ford Explorer 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system…
- 26V159000Mar 17, 2026Seat beltsCovers: Ford Explorer 2020–2026, Lincoln Aviator 2020–2026
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.
- 26V123000Mar 3, 2026Back over prevention › SoftwareCovers: Ford Explorer 2020–2024, Lincoln Aviator 2020–2024, Ford Escape 2020–2022 +1 more
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…
- 26V012000Jan 15, 2026Equipment › Electrical › Engine block heaterCovers: Ford Explorer 2019, 2024, Focus 2016–2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
- 25V687000Oct 10, 2025Trailer hitchesCovers: Ford Explorer 2024–2026, Lincoln Aviator 2024–2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
See all 10 recalls for the 2024 Ford Explorer → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 107 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038672Oct 22, 2026Other or unknown, Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin supersedes 26-2309. Reason for update: update the Model section to remove Aviator 10R80, update theParts list to add 3.3L to W520514-S440, and add L1MZ-7Z490-G valve body separator…
- 11038440Oct 8, 2026Other or unknown, Engine. Some 2020-2026 Aviator/Explorer/F-150/Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L (non-diesel) engine may need the front engine cover removed and reinstalled for various reasons.
- 11038165Oct 6, 2026Other or unknown, Engine. Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0L EcoBoost/hybrid engine may exhibit blue or black exhaust smoke on startup for the first 5 minutes after an overnight cold soak with no…
- 11037559Sep 22, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin supersedes 26-2309. Reason For Update: update the Model section to remove Aviator 10R80, update the Parts list to add 3.3L to W520514-S440, and add L1MZ-7Z490-G valve body separator…
- 11036530Aug 22, 2026Seats, Other or unknown. For Various Ford and Lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion cover J-clips, lower-level service parts are now available. Use service part W709919-S901 if…
- 11036103Aug 5, 2026Electrical system, Body and structure, Visibility (wipers…. Some 2020-2025 Explorer vehicles equipped with a power roof opening panel may exhibit a sunshield with localized bunching or binding/inoperative. This may be due to a broken or missing sunshield…
- 11035581Aug 4, 2026Electrical system, Body and structure, Visibility (wipers…. Some 2024-2026 Explorer vehicles built on or before 27-Feb-2026 and equipped with the panoramic glass roof may exhibit an uneven gap at the front edge of the roof opening panel shield when fully…
- 11035556Aug 3, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown, Fuel system…. Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine, 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine, and 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L…
- 11035508Jul 31, 2026Other or unknown, Engine, Fuel system. This bulletin supersedes 25-2415. Reason for update: To add production build dates of the right-side engine valve cover. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit oil…
- 11035269Jul 23, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system, Fuel system. Some 2021-2026 Ford/Lincoln vehicles may exhibit various symptoms including but not limited to the auto start/stop system not operating as intended with a "Check Charging System" message in the…
Other model years of the Ford Explorer
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 42 | 2,600 | 14 | 5 | 24 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 107 | 3,000 | 20 | 5 | 21 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 21 | 8,832 | 10 | 5 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 111 | 17,000 | 15 | 5 | 23 | 19 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 271 | 37,000 | 25 | — | 23 | 39 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 448 | 44,000 | 27 | 5 | 24 | 54 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 1,244 | 23,750 | 34 | 5 | 24 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 300 | 54,000 | 6 | 5 | 20 | 2 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 734 | 50,000 | 7 | 5 | 20 | 42 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 1,704 | 50,000 | 13 | 5 | 20 | 86 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 2,463 | 48,850 | 14 | 5 | 20 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 1,812 | 57,000 | 8 | 5 | 20 | 91 · More | Rising |
| 2014 | 1,684 | 66,000 | 6 | 5 | 20 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2013 | 2,237 | 76,439 | 11 | 5 | 20 | 73 · More | Rising |
| 2012 | 830 | 70,000 | 5 | 4 | 23 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2011 | 1,197 | 70,000 | 6 | — | 20 | 76 · More | Rising |
| 2010 | 115 | 40,707 | 1 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 33 | 77,000 | 0 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 148 | 77,000 | 1 | — | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 208 | 67,250 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 630 | 55,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 497 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,304 | 65,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 1,131 | 73,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 3,295 | 79,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 375 | 90,000 | 6 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 952 | 77,419 | 9 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 1,348 | 82,193 | 9 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 1,959 | 100,000 | 9 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 1,731 | 99,500 | 7 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 1,450 | 120,208 | 6 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 843 | 121,585 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 1,207 | 99,041 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 939 | 117,494 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 633 | 108,065 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 609 | 121,902 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 12 | 58,410 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Explorer model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2024 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints for the 2024 Ford Explorer as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2024 Ford Explorer is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 4 complaints (19% of the total), followed by forward collision avoidance with 3.
Has the 2024 Ford Explorer been recalled?
NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2024 Ford Explorer do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2024 Ford Explorer 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 4 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2024 Ford Explorer get?
The EPA rates the 2024 Ford Explorer (Explorer RWD, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2024 Ford Explorer reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 8,832 miles and the middle half falls between 6,560 and 11,103 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.