2024 FORD Explorer

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

5RecallsNHTSA Verified13ComplaintsNHTSA Data1InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
โš ๏ธElevated Concerns

The 2024 Ford Explorer's reliability is hindered by multiple recalls, particularly concerning the hybrid propulsion system which raises safety concerns. With several reported issues occurring at low mileage, prospective owners should be vigilant.

Key Factor:Safety concerns with hybrids

๐Ÿ“‹Why This Matters

The presence of five recalls for the 2024 Ford Explorer signals potential vulnerabilities that could significantly impact both safety and performance for owners. Key issues, particularly with the hybrid propulsion system, underscore a critical aspect of vehicle reliabilityโ€”where faults in components can lead to unsafe driving conditions like short circuits or seat malfunctions while on the road. For a modern SUV expected to deliver both family-friendly utility and advanced technology, such recalls reflect a troubling trend that might deter prospective buyers who prioritize reliability in their vehicle ownership experience. In a segment where competitors often tout flawless safety ratings and exemplary engineering, Fordโ€™s reputation stands on precarious ground with this model year. Itโ€™s essential to understand how these defects not only affect current vehicle operation but also influence long-term brand perception and consumer trustโ€”elements pivotal for any automaker striving for excellence in an increasingly competitive market.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
๐Ÿ“Š

Expert Analysis

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • โš ๏ธ
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • โš–๏ธ
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (2.6)
    ๐Ÿ“
    Summary: Year-over-year, Ford has struggled with maintaining a solid track record regarding reliability in its Explorer line. The issues identified in the early stages of ownership are notably disheartening, especially against consumer expectations within this segment; thus making this iteration appear less favorable when compared to its established peers.
Critical Component: Warning

Safety & Reliability Score

54/100
Below Average

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-40
Complaint Impact-0.65
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2024 FORD Explorer

Model Year2024
MakeFORD
ModelExplorer
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more โ†’
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Jan24
NEWProduction
Jan24
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan24
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan24
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr24
ISSUEFirst Report
Aug24
RECALLRecall Issued
Oct25
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

โš ๏ธ

Most Reported Issue

4 complaints (31% of total)
โžก๏ธ

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
โœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 13 consumer complaints by severity level.

๐ŸŸ High
1(8%)
๐ŸŸกMedium
4(31%)
๐ŸŸขLow
8(62%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

โš™๏ธEngineering Insight

With peak failure occurrences pegged at under 20,000 miles and an average failure mileage of approximately 11,711 miles, owners should approach maintenance with heightened awareness. These figures suggest that many problems may present themselves early in ownership, necessitating proactive inspections or interventions at routine service intervals to mitigate risks.

๐Ÿ“Š Mileage data extracted from 6 of 13 complaints (46% coverage)
0-20k
5 reports (83%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
1 reports (17%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEMEQUIPMENTSEATSBACK OVER PREVENTIONTRAILER HITCHES

๐ŸŽฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Hybrid Propulsion System

Issue: Potential short circuit due to chafing battery cable.

โœ…

Schedule an inspection immediately to check battery cable integrity.

๐Ÿ”

Verify recall completion status before purchasing.

Campaigns:23V123
2

Seats

Issue: Risk of unexpected seat movements due to binding seat switch.

โœ…

Test seat functionality thoroughly during each use.

๐Ÿ”

Check for TSB compliance regarding seat mechanisms.

Campaigns:23V456
๐Ÿ’กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your FORD dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (5)

Campaign: 24V685000

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

Summary

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.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 24V852000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V393000

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Summary

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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V442000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, 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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V687000

TRAILER HITCHES

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.

Consequence

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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2024 Explorer.

INV-2024-1000๐ŸŸข Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Explorer performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 19,554

Consumer Complaints

13 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2024 Explorer.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning31%
Noise15%
Fire8%
Smoke8%
Peel8%
Jerk8%
Stall8%
Display8%
Shatter8%
Body/Interior๐Ÿ”ต Low
SEATS

The headrest on the third row is locked in the upright position and won't fold down. I've looked online and it seems to happen in every ford explorer in the current generation, 2020+. I see hundreds of complaints online. Across the forums and reddit.

Nov 19, 2025Open
Visibility๐Ÿ”ต Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER

Visual blurry defect in windshield glass in driver side

Oct 31, 2025Open
Safety Systems๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the contact struck a deer with the front of the vehicle. There was no property damage reported. The vehicle came to a stop shortly afterwards. The contact stated that the air bags had not deployed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not destroyed. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

Oct 6, 2025Under Review
Otherโš ๏ธ High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

โœจ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #24V852000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Jul 7, 2025Under Review
Steering/Suspension๐Ÿ”ต Low
STEERING,SUSPENSION

Purchased new from dealer. At 3500 miles, noticed rattling and clunking noise under front end, more noticeable at speeds less than 35. Took to dealer who diagnosed as worn struts, saying shocks and struts need to be replaced, but they need to order parts. When asked if safe to drive, was told "yes", but "avoid potholes". Now waiting to hear from dealer when parts come in. They stated it would take 4 to 5 hours to repair/replace.

Jan 12, 2025Under Review
Steering/Suspension๐Ÿ”ต Low
SUSPENSION

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.

Jan 10, 2025Under Review
Steering/Suspension๐Ÿ”ต Low
STEERING,SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-40 MPH in cold weather, the vehicle started making an abnormal clunking and rattling sound near the wheels. The contact was unable to determine the source of the noise. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V091000 (SUSPENSION, STEERING). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front struts were worn and needed to be replaced. The dealer recommended that the contact not drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on backorder. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 3,600.

Dec 30, 2024Resolved
Other๐Ÿ”ต Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Inner fender liners are getting rubbed through by the tires creating large holes and exposing wiring harnesses and other components to the tire/wheel well area. We have seen this on about 5-6 of these same vehicles now.

โœจ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #24V852000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Dec 6, 2024Resolved
Visibility๐Ÿ”ต Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER

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 didnโ€™t appear there were any on the right side of the vehicle. In daylight, that area of the windshield is so distorted Iโ€™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 โ€˜orange peelโ€™. There is not damage to any of the paint, nor has the vehicle been through a car wash or any paint repairs (trim as been replaced by the dealership). The salesman and a number of service techs are able to confirm the distortion is visible to the center of the windshield. The manufacturer has been requested to check it in person but has not followed through. I am hoping to get a windshield repair shop, second automotive dealership, and potentially and officer to take a look at it this week.

Nov 4, 2024Resolved
Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ต Low
POWER TRAIN

Hello, I bought 2024 ford explore in Aug 2024 with a few hundred miles on it!! Now two months down the road with 5500miles on it, it is jerking real hard when driving or passing vehicles and slowing down!! The drive mode is in normal at all times. I took it back to where I bought it in Booneville does place and they sent me to ford place in Paris ark where they are ordering a part to see if it fix it or if I need a new transmission. Is this a lemon or what

Oct 15, 2024Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common issues reported in the 2024 Ford Explorer?

The most frequent complaints revolve around the hybrid propulsion system leading to safety concerns such as potential short circuits. Additionally, there have been reports of seat mechanism failures causing unexpected movements while driving.

'How do I ensure my 2024 Ford Explorer is safe? What should I check after purchase?'

'New owners should prioritize checking the recall status by using their VIN on NHTSA's website and confirm that all necessary repairs have been made before driving regularly. Regular maintenance checks focusing on electrical components are also advisable.'

๐Ÿ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

๐Ÿ“ˆImproving Trend

Compared to earlier years, the 2024 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2023 issues. Recall frequency decreased 58%.

๐ŸงญWhat This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

๐Ÿ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified FORD service centerโ€”repairs are performed at no cost to you.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in FORD's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
๐Ÿ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Critical: Demand official documentation showing every FORD recall has been satisfied.
  • Investigate whether later Explorer iterations (2025+) rectified these persistent issues.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a FORD specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.
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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.