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2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch

The 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch is a 400-hp twin-turbocharged V6 with a 10-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $54,525 MSRP and is rated at 21 mpg combined.

It makes 400 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 415 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway (21 mpg combined).

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$54,525
MSRP with Destination$56,120
Destination Charge$1,595
Engine
Engine Type3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, Auto Start-Stop
Horsepower400 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque415 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRear-wheel drive
Differential Type3.31 non-limited-slip rear axle
Transmission
Transmission10-speed automatic
1st Gear4.71
2nd Gear3
3rd Gear2.15
4th Gear1.77
5th Gear1.52
6th Gear1.27
7th Gear1
8th Gear0.85
Reverse4.88
Final Drive3.31
Fuel Economy
City18 MPG
Highway26 MPG
Combined21 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular Gasoline
Tank Capacity20.2 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionStrut front suspension with coil springs
Rear SuspensionMulti-link rear suspension with coil springs
Front Stabilizer BarYes
Rear Stabilizer BarYes
Brakes
Front Brake Disc13.6 in vented disc, ABS
Rear Brake Disc12.6 in vented disc, ABS
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase119.1 in
Front Track66.9 in
Rear Track66.9 in
Ground Clearance8.2 in
Cargo Volume18.2 ft³
Interior
Headroom Front40.7 in
Headroom Rear40.5 in
Legroom Front43 in
Legroom Rear39 in
Shoulder Room Front61.8 in
Shoulder Room Rear61.9 in
Hip Room Front59.2 in
Hip Room Rear59.1 in

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (14.7 % risk)
Tested variant: 2023 Ford Explorer SUV RWD
Other tested variants (1)
  • 2023 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD: 5 ★ overall

Recalls

15 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2023 Ford EXPLORER. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jul 14, 2026 · SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

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.

Consequence: 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 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.

NHTSA campaign 26V451000

Mar 17, 2026 · SEAT BELTS

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 26V159000

Mar 3, 2026 · BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

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."

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 26V123000

Oct 10, 2025 · EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

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.

Consequence: 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 will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 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.

NHTSA campaign 25V685000

Jul 7, 2025 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 25V455000

Jun 27, 2025 · BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 25V442000

Jun 13, 2025 · SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 25V393000

Mar 14, 2025 · BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 25V159000

Nov 8, 2024 · EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

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."

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 24V852000

Feb 8, 2024 · SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 24V091000

Oct 13, 2023 · BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

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."

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 23V686000

Aug 25, 2023 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 23V597000

May 12, 2023 · BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 23V342000

Feb 10, 2023 · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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."

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

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 23V070000

Jan 23, 2023 · BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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.

Consequence: 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 (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.

NHTSA campaign 23V022000

111 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2023 Ford EXPLORER

Owner Complaints

111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Ford EXPLORER (7 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 5 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Unknown Or Other25
Electrical System14
Suspension14
Power Train12
Steering12
Engine10
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Oct 14, 2026 · Electrical System, Visibility/Wiper
“I am filing this complaint because the federal recall remedy performed on my 2023 Ford Explorer failed, and the Ford dealership that performed it refused to correct the failure. About a year after I…”
Sep 28, 2026 · Suspension
“I am submitting this complaint involving suspension on 2023 Ford Explorer. Dealership has replaced the right front stunt mount two times. The problem is still not corrected.”
Sep 18, 2026 · Unknown Or Other
“I was driving on the highway at approximately 70mph in my 2023 Ford Explorer Platinum which has 30,000 miles on it. We heard a loud noise which sounded like a gun went off inside the car. My sunroof…”
Sep 16, 2026 · Power Train, Lane Departure, Forward Collision Avoidance
“While driving, vehicle made a grinding sound, and all systems related to cruise, 4wd, decent control all illuminated on dash. Vehicle was taken to dealer, metro ford. Metro ford stated the transfer…”
Sep 6, 2026 · Unknown Or Other
“Purchased new June 2023, took delivery October 2023 due to camera recall. Drive to work 5 miles a day, less than 10000 miles on it yet my driver side dash is now Ingles and rolling up. I see this is a…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2023 FORD EXPLORER. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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