2024 Ford Explorer: common problems and reliability

The 2024 Ford Explorer has 19 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are forward collision avoidance and visibility/wiper. Owners most often flag transmission reliability problems: includes rough shifting, laggy response, complete failure, and concerns about longevity. noted as a weak point across the model line, with failures occurring at both low and high mileage. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2024 model year

19
Owner complaints
9
Recalls
1
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2024 Ford Explorer vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2024 a good year for the Explorer?

Across the 10 Explorer model years we track, complaint volume runs from 19 (2024) to 7,240 (2002). With 19 complaints, the 2024 Explorer sits belowthe model's median of 1,568.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

forward collision avoidance
3
visibility/wiper
3
suspension
3
electrical system
2
seats
2

Recalls affecting the 2024 Explorer

hybrid propulsion system

Campaign 24V685000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.3L Hybrid engines. The 12-Volt battery cable may chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generat (BiSG) and short circuit.

equipment:other:labels

Campaign 24V852000

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

seats:mid/rear assembly

Campaign 25V393000

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 unex

back over prevention:software

Campaign 25V442000

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 Es

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The current-generation Explorer (2020+) is frequently praised for its spacious interior, particularly the generous cargo and third-row space, comfortable ride, and strong performance in ST…

  • Transmission reliability problems: Includes rough shifting, laggy response, complete failure, and concerns about longevity. Noted as a weak point across the model line, with failures occurring at both low and high mileage. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine and cooling system problems: Reports of engines overheating, internal flooding, and repeated catalytic converter failures requiring multiple replacements. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Explorer. See the full Explorer owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Explorer listings typically run $29,360–$51,264 across 2015 to 2026 model years.

Other Explorer model years

Compare every Explorer year side by side to see how 2024 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Explorer against its rivals