Consumer ProtectionLaw Group
Consumer Protection Law Group
Consumer Protection Law Group
The 2023 Ford Explorer launched with much ado, touted as a high-tech, stylish family SUV for the busy set. With its aggressive appearance, roomy cabin, and heritage of versatility, it was a cinch to think it would be a midsize SUV player. And it is for some. But as more mileage accumulates on the drivers’ odometers, a different tale is beginning to emerge.
From frustrating transmission tics and electrical glitches to complaints about interior comfort and construction quality, a flood of owner grievances puts things into perspective. Ford trucks and SUVs have seen similar patterns, and the 2.7 EcoBoost problems highlight how engine concerns extend across the Ford lineup. In particular, the Explorer’s estimated reliability score has plummeted to an alarming 1 out of 5, according to consumer reports. This has left potential buyers and owners worrying. So, what’s the matter with the world’s 2023 Explorer, anyway? Here’s what drivers have griped about so far.
Several owners of the 2023 Ford Explorer complained of a variety of engine problems with varying degrees of seriousness, ranging from annoying to possibly unsafe. Among the most common complaints:
Oil Leaks and Turbocharger Oil Supply Line Issues:
Some Explorer models equipped with the 2.3L GTDI (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engine have experienced oil leaks. The source of the issue has been determined to be a cracked turbocharger oil supply tube that can become compromised and leak oil into the engine compartment. Not only does this negatively impact engine performance, but it also creates a life-threatening fire risk.
Valvetrain Issues
Some motorists have reported symptoms of rough idling, loss of power, and unusual engine noises, which can be symptomatic of valvetrain system problems in the engine. The valvetrain controls air and fuel into the engine and exhaust out of the engine, so a problem there can reduce performance and even shorten the engine’s life.
Problems in the Ignition System
Misfiring, intermittent stalling, or rough starting of the vehicle suggests that numerous Explorers have faulty ignition systems. These problems are frustrating and dangerous, especially if the vehicle stalls suddenly while moving.
Sudden Engine Shutdowns
Among the most alarming complaints are those in which the engine has entirely cut out when the vehicle is in motion. Some drivers have experienced it several times without warning, placing them in jeopardy, especially when traveling at high speeds or in traffic.
Those above problems are not just bothersome—they’re also dangerous. Here’s why:
The faulty turbocharger oil supply line can leak oil onto hot engine or exhaust components. In extreme cases, this can lead to an engine fire. Ford has requested that drivers shut off the engine immediately when smoke or the oil pressure warning light is noticed.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation of Ford’s EcoBoost engines, namely the 2.7L and 3.0L V6 models, due to numerous complaints of sudden power loss and failure to restart.
To address one of the major engine-related risks, Ford issued a recall on August 25, 2023, under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V-597.
The Issue:
Certain 2023 Explorers equipped with the 2.3L GTDI engine may have a cracked turbocharger oil supply tube, allowing oil to leak. This is dangerous because:
The Danger:
If the leakage occurs, it may result in loss of oil pressure, engine stall, or even fire, leading to an increased likelihood of a crash or injury.
The Fix:
Ford dealers will replace a new turbo oil supply line assembly at no charge to customers.
What to Do:
If you observe oil dripping underneath the car, smoke on the hood, or an oil pressure warning light, pull the vehicle over and call your Ford dealership.
Recall Contact Information:
Customer service can be contacted by Ford owners at 1-866-436-7332 and they need to refer to recall number 23S50.
Steering and suspension both contribute to a vehicle’s control, safety, and general driving experience. Unfortunately, many owners of the 2023 Ford Explorer have complained about issues in these areas. Some of the issues may impact vehicle stability and potentially be extremely hazardous.
One problem involves the Explorer’s lane-keeping assist system, which was designed to aid in maintaining the vehicle within its lane. However, some users have experienced:
Drivers have reported that the lane assist feature can misread lane markings on snowy roads. In some cases, the system suddenly activates and tries to steer the vehicle even when it is not necessary.
This spontaneous activity has resulted in the car swerving or skidding on icy or slippery roads. Several owners have avoided accidents by mere chance due to this defect, which has raised concerns about the efficiency of the system under bad weather.
Drivers also reported traditional mechanical problems with the steering and suspension systems:
Some Explorers produce a persistent rattling or knocking noise from the region of the front suspension, especially when cornering or riding over uneven road surfaces.
These noises may indicate loose or improperly installed components. Left uncorrected, this will lead to uneven tire wear, difficulty in maintaining the vehicle in alignment, and degraded handling performance.
Perhaps the most critical problem found is a possible deficiency in the steering knuckle assembly.
Within certain 2023 Explorer vehicles, the fastener that connects the steering knuckle to the strut may be loose or entirely missing. It can result in uneven steering, increased steering effort, or pulling the vehicle to one side of the road while in motion.
In more severe cases, an out-of-alignment steering knuckle could cause the brake hose to rub against the tire. This will ultimately cause the hose to burst and develop a brake fluid leak. A loss of brake fluid can severely impact braking and increase the potential for a collision.
Ford fixed this defect with a recall announcement dated February 8, 2024, under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V-091.
Scope of the recall
The recall involves 121 vehicles of the 2023 Explorer model year.
Problem overview
The issue is a loose or lost fastener for the right-front steering knuckle, which would have impact on steering and brake systems.
Repair solution
Ford dealerships will inspect the fastener and tighten or replace it as necessary. The fix is at no cost to the vehicle owner.
What owners should do
If you experience pulling to one side, increased effort to turn, or unusual sounds from the front of the vehicle, have it repaired immediately. You may call Ford’s customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and use recall number 24S04 for additional information.
2023 Ford Explorer has experienced many electrical system problems that affect not just convenience, but also critical safety functions. These problems have accumulated many owner complaints and multiple mass recalls.
Some owners of the Explorer have reported unexpected warning messages on the dashboard, typically related to the safety features of the car. The warnings appear out of nowhere and can disable some of the most critical driver-assist capabilities. Some of the most common warnings are:
When such warnings arise, drivers are left questioning whether impacted features still operate normally. The failure of steering or brake assistance systems can be disconcerting and cause crashes.
In other cases, far more severe electrical failures have been triggered by problems with a vehicle’s main wiring harness.
The owners have complained that their Explorer suddenly turns off unexpectedly while driving or just idling. This is usually caused by shorted or defective wiring in the main harness.
Certain drivers have experienced difficulties in starting the vehicle by means of the push-button mechanism. In these cases, the Explorer displays a string of error messages pertaining to the traction control system, parking brake, and steering before it will not start.
These faults are a sign of deeper electrical issues that go beyond software defects and may require hardware fixes.
Rear visibility is paramount to safe driving, especially when reversing. Some 2023 Ford Explorers, however, have been afflicted with ongoing issues with their rearview camera systems.
Owners have reported that instead of displaying a live video image on the rearview camera screen, the screen is either blue or blank when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
Such camera issues brazenly defy rear visibility federal safety standards and expose drivers to higher risks of hitting an object or a pedestrian while reversing.
Ford has acknowledged these electrical problems with several official recalls. These are some of the most important on 2023 Explorer vehicles:
Affects hundreds of thousands of Ford vehicles, including Explorers. This recall is to repair a failure in the software of the 360-degree camera system. Ford dealers will reflash the image processing module free of charge.
Explains the previous recall. Here, faulty hardware in the 360-degree camera system requires replacement of the whole camera assembly.
Impacts 2023 Explorers with base rearview cameras. A manufacturing defect with the wire harness may cause a blue screen to be displayed by the camera. Ford dealers will replace the camera wire harness at no charge.
If you are an owner of a 2023 Ford Explorer that has experienced any of the problems described in this article—whether it involves an engine, transmission, electrical, or steering issue—it is urgent that you act quickly. This is what you can do to protect yourself and your investment:
Begin by entering your vehicle’s VIN into the NHTSA recall website and see if your Explorer is under any recalls. The majority of issues listed have official recalls, and Ford dealerships are required to make these repairs at no charge to you.
If you’ve had an issue not yet covered by a recall, or if a recall-related repair hasn’t resolved the problem, contact Ford’s customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Refer to the appropriate recall number and request records of any diagnostic or service repairs.
Keep clear, written records of your experience, including:
These documents will come in handy if you need to escalate your grievance or file a legal complaint.
If the owner of your vehicle has experienced repeated issues with it that disrupt its use, or safety, or value, and the dealer has not repaired it despite a reasonable number of attempts, you might be entitled to protection under your state’s lemon law.
What Are Lemon Laws?
Lemon laws are protection statutes for consumers that mandate the manufacturer to replace or reimburse an unsatisfactory new vehicle that cannot be repaired within a fair time or repair attempts. The lemon law is present in all U.S. states and differs slightly according to your location.
When Do Lemon Laws Come into Effect?
You could be entitled to protection if:
What Can You Expect?
If your claim qualifies under the lemon law, you could be entitled to:
If several repair attempts have failed or you feel your problems are being denied, it may be time to talk to a lemon law attorney. Many attorneys will see you for free and only charge you if you prevail in your case. An attorney will help keep your rights safe and make sure you are justly compensated.
The 2023 Ford Explorer may offer impressive tech features, a spacious interior, and bold styling, but for many owners, that experience has been overshadowed by serious issues. From engine failures and steering defects to electrical glitches and rearview camera malfunctions, the problems go beyond minor inconveniences. In many cases, they raise real safety concerns.
At Consumer Protection Law Group, we’ve helped over 3,915 clients across the country win lemon law claims. Our experienced attorneys will handle everything from paperwork to negotiations, and we never charge upfront fees. You won’t pay anything out of pocket—ever.
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