OverviewSpecificationsPrice
Ford Explorer AWD
Ford · Cars · 2023
Ford Explorer AWD (2023)
83
⚠ 39 complaints
Status
Safe
Good track record, minimal issues
Status Safe — no safety recalls recorded; minor complaints only.
Specifications
Engine Size2.3L
Fuel TypeRegular
Transmission10 speed automatic
Combined MPG20 MPG
Ford Explorer AWD Comparison with Similar Vehicles
Ford Explorer AWDFord Explorer AWD (this vehicle)Hyundai Kona FWDHyundai Kona FWDToyota Corolla CrossToyota Corolla CrossGMC Yukon XL 4WDGMC Yukon XL 4WDGMC Yukon 2WDGMC Yukon 2WDBuick Encore GX AWDBuick Encore GX AWD
Price$36,760$23,000–$31,000———$27,900
Engine Capacity2.3L2L2L3L3L1.3L
Fuel TypeRegularRegularRegularDieselDieselRegular
Transmission10 speed automaticAutomatic (AV-S1)Automatic (AV-S10)Automatic 10-spdAutomatic 10-spdAutomatic 9-spd
Body TypeSUVSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
About

The 2023 Ford Explorer AWD is a safe and capable SUV designed for adventure. With a powerful 300 horsepower engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission, it offers a robust driving experience. Its part-time 4-wheel drive system provides confidence on various terrains.

Pros
  • Safe vehicle status
  • No recalls on record
  • Powerful 300 hp engine
  • 39 complaints on record
Cons
  • Below-average MPG
  • High fuel cost estimate
Complaints39 total
FORD EXPLORER 2023 SUSPENSION
high
Premature leaking and failure on rear shocks absorbers. Premature failure could lead to handling issues and interference with driver assist handling, action control etc. Some say this is a know issue but not one that has prompted a recall
NHTSAUSJun 2026Source →
FORD EXPLORER 2023 SUSPENSION
low
The rear subframe bushing is torn, resulting in the rear of the vehicle to sway side to side when traveling down the road at highway speeds, making it difficult to maintain lanes. Bushings are not covered by the 60k power train warranty, and resulting in a 2-3,000 dollar repair due to subframe in rear of vehicle needing dropped and bushing pressed out or entire subframe to be replaced.
NHTSAUSJun 2026Source →
FORD EXPLORER 2023 LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
low
The light for the right hand mirror blind spot warning came loose within the mirror housing. The light still works and activates when a vehicle is in the blind spot, but the light has fallen to the bottom of the mirror housing and is barely visible (a yellow glow at night).
NHTSAUSJun 2026Source →
FORD EXPLORER 2023 LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
low
While driving the car, the steering locked up making the vehicle unable to turn. Thank got it happened in a parking lot where the truck blocked traffic for hours before getting towed. The dealer took 6 weeks of guessing the problem with Ford engineers. Replacing numerous parts in an attempt to guess what the issue was. After contacting Ford directly and expressing my concerns over the safety of the truck. They refused to communicate with me and forwarded all my information to their legal staff. Still no update from Ford regarding the repair was done properly or even confirming the safety of the car.
NHTSAUSFeb 2026Source →
FORD EXPLORER 2023 POWER TRAIN
low
While in moderate snow attempted to go from backing up to drive and the vehicle stopped, parking brake auto engaged, powertrain (wrench) trouble light illuminated. The trouble light did not shut off after sitting overnight.
NHTSAUSJan 2026Source →
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Status history
Certified→Safe11 Jun 2026
Lemon Score: 89. 17 data points. v3 scoring.
Uncertain→Certified27 May 2026
Lemon Score: 100. 0 data points. v3 scoring.
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