Federal safety data shows 4 recalls and 14 complaints for the 2024 Ford Explorer, a elevated safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

24V6850002024-13-09

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

View at NHTSA

26V0120002026-15-01

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

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.

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

View at NHTSA

26V1230002026-03-03

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."

An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

View all 4 recalls

26V1590002026-17-03

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.

A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 14 issues reported over 1 model years, visibility/wiper problems are the most common for the 2024 Ford Explorer. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Visibility/wiper2

02Unknown Or Other2

03Steering,suspension2

04Electrical System,seats,engine1

05Seats1

14 total across 1 model years (2024–2024)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Ford Explorer Fuel Economy

20–24mpg combined

17-21city

22-28hwy

$1,800-$2,200/yr

The 2024 Ford Explorer delivers 20 to 24 MPG combined across 8 powertrain combinations. If fuel cost matters to you, pay attention to engine and drivetrain. The spread is significant.

By Trim

Explorer RWD - Automatic 10-spd

24mpg

2.3L 4-cyl Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive

21 city28 hwy~$1,800/yr5/10 Average

Explorer AWD - Automatic 10-spd

23mpg

2.3L 4-cyl Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

20 city27 hwy~$1,900/yr5/10 Average

Explorer RWD - Automatic 10-spd

21mpg

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive

18 city26 hwy~$2,100/yr4/10 Average

Explorer Timberline AWD - Automatic (S10)

21mpg

2.3L 4-cyl Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

19 city22 hwy~$2,100/yr4/10 Average

Explorer AWD - Automatic (S10)

20mpg

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

18 city24 hwy~$2,200/yr4/10 Average

Explorer AWD - Automatic 10-spd

20mpg

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

18 city24 hwy~$2,200/yr4/10 Average

Explorer FFV AWD - Automatic 10-spd

20mpg

3.3L 6-cyl · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

17 city24 hwy~$2,200/yr4/10 Average

Explorer RWD - Automatic (S10)

20mpg

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive

18 city25 hwy~$2,200/yr4/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2024 Ford Explorer

37States

29%in top 3

Michigan has the most inventory at 12%, with options spread across 37 states. Willing to ship? Your selection opens up significantly.

MIMichigan

4,68912%

TXTexas

4,16411%

FLFlorida

2,6097%

PAPennsylvania

2,1445%

CACalifornia

1,8735%

ILIllinois

1,4664%

DEDelaware

1,4424%

GAGeorgia

1,3964%

MOMissouri

1,3573%

NYNew York

1,3413%

NJNew Jersey

1,1703%

OHOhio

1,1383%

NCNorth Carolina

1,0723%

DCWashington DC

9382%

AZArizona

8462%

TNTennessee

8442%

MDMaryland

8122%

COColorado

7382%

MN730

OKOklahoma

6512%

NH546

IN507

WA471

AL443

KY413

WI399

IA376

UT370

OR346

MA311

RI307

VA291

ID287

NV282

NE279

AR256

CT251

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2024.

2024 Ford Explorer Buyer FAQ

What to know before you buy

Is the 2024 Ford Explorer a good car to buy?

Here's the short version on the 2024 Ford Explorer. There are 4 recalls to verify before purchase. Dig into the safety overview and pricing trends for recall-by-recall detail.

Are there recalls on the 2024 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA shows 4 recall campaigns for the 2024 Ford Explorer. Before buying, verify all recalls are complete. The dealer must fix them at no charge. See the safety section for the full list.

What's the gas mileage of the 2024 Ford Explorer?

You'll get between 20 and 24 MPG combined from the 2024 Ford Explorer, depending on engine and drivetrain. That's a meaningful difference over time. The fuel economy table shows exactly which configs get what.

What are common problems with the 2024 Ford Explorer?

VISIBILITY/WIPER problems top the list with 14 total complaints filed. Not every car is affected, but it's worth asking about and inspecting. Full details in the known issues section.