Last updated: 2026-03-04
2024 Ford Explorer Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2024 Ford Explorer scores 73/100 ("Good"). With 6 recalls and 14 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
6
Complaints
14
Complaint Rate
0.7
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$732
Above avgMajor Repair Risk
14%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
6 recalls on record
Should You Buy the 2024 Ford Explorer?
The 2024 Ford Explorer scores 73/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.
With 14 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to unknown or other (3). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2025 Ford Explorer, which scored 1 points lower. See also the 2023 Ford Explorer for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (14%)
- Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- Above-average repair costs for its class
- Above-average recall count
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Several issues with the 2024 Ford Explorer, notably involving the inner fender... (3 complaints)
Compare 2024 Ford Explorer With
2024 Volkswagen Atlas
Score: 54/100
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Score: 66/100
2024 Nissan Pathfinder
Score: 74/100
2024 Honda Passport
Score: 79/100
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
Score: 69/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 6 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)
- STEERING (2)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
- SEATS (1)
- AIR BAGS (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
- POWER TRAIN (1)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)
Recall Overview
6
recalls on record
The 2024 Ford Explorer has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
0.7
per 10k soldSegment avg: 8.2
Safety Incidents
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2024 Ford Explorer Recall Details
6 recalls have been issued for the 2024 Ford Explorer. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
EQUIPMENT
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.
Consequence
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in April 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.
TRAILER HITCHES
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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 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.
2024 Ford Explorer NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 14.7%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 14.7%
Safety Technologies
Ford Explorer Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$732
vs $573 avg for midsize SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.2
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
14%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2024 Ford Explorer
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect front struts for wear and listen for clunking noises at low speeds
- Test power train for jerking during acceleration and deceleration
- Check Lane Keep Assist functionality for unintended lane changes
- Examine windshield for distortions or blurriness affecting visibility
- Verify 360 camera system functionality, especially forward camera
- Inspect inner fender liners for wear and exposure of wiring harnesses
- Test driver seat memory settings for unexpected movement
Check Any 2024 Ford Explorer's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2024 Explorer in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Ford Explorer with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2024 Ford Explorer Common Problems by Component
14 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the 2024 Ford Explorer, notably involving the inner fender liners and the camera system. Complaints frequently mention that the inner fender liners are rubbing against the tires, creating holes and exposing wiring harnesses, with multiple cases observed. Additionally, some owners describe problems with the 360 camera system, where only the rear camera functions, and the forward camera displays persistent warnings despite being clear. One complaint also details a fire incident where flames were seen in the wheel well, resulting in significant engine compartment damage. These issues may have safety implications, particularly the fire risk and compromised camera functionality affecting driver assistance features.
STEERING
2 complaintsOwners of the 2024 Ford Explorer report issues with rattling and clunking noises emanating from the front end of the vehicle, particularly noticeable at lower speeds around 30-40 MPH. These symptoms are linked to worn front struts, with complaints surfacing at relatively low mileages, around 3,500 to 3,600 miles. Dealers diagnose the problem as requiring replacement of the shocks and struts, but parts are often on backorder, leading to delays in repairs. One report suggests that the vehicle may not be safe to drive, as advised by a dealer, due to the potential steering and suspension issues. Buyers should be aware of these early-life steering and suspension concerns when considering a used model.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaintsOwners of the 2024 Ford Explorer report issues with windshield visibility, specifically citing distortions and blurriness. One owner describes a blurry defect on the driver side, while another mentions a distortion affecting the front right corner, impairing visibility both at night and during the day. This latter complaint details significant visibility challenges, such as difficulty seeing oncoming vehicles and distortion of headlight output, which could pose safety risks. These issues have been noted early in the vehicle's life, as indicated by the timeline of interactions with dealerships and manufacturers. Buyers should be aware of these potential visibility problems when considering this model.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint• Driver seat not setting its memory for the driver , and will move on its own and go all the way to dash while setting in it or all the way back . Has happened multiple times and also twice while driving. • Safety at risk could have made me wreck my vehicle if I hadn’t pulled over and the seat stopped what it was doing front and back. • yes , been checked by dealership (4) times in service department. •yes, every code on the dash has appeared and lasted a total 20 minutes and car went into limp mode. Couldn’t turn car on or off. First happen in Dec 2025. There has been multiple issues with this vehicle since I bought it from the first month.
SEATS (1 complaints)
SEATS
1 complaintThe 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.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintThe 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.
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintThe 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.
POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
1 complaintHello, 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
LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH on two occasions, the Lane Keep Assist malfunctioned and the vehicle veered out of the intended lane. The contact was able to recover control of the vehicle to remain in the intended lane. Additionally, while driving 40-45 MPH, the Lane Keep Assist veered the vehicle out of the intended lane and the vehicle side swiped the barrier wall. There were unknown warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries. There was no air bag deployment. The contact stated that a Police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 6,560.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1 complaints)
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaintThe contact rented a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15-20 MPH, the hood became ajar, raised up, and struck the windshield. The windshield shattered and sprayed shards of glass onto the occupants inside the vehicle. There were no reported injuries. The Police were called to the scene and filed a Police report. The vehicle was towed to the rental facility. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
When Do 2024 Ford Explorer Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Ford Explorer Years
Best Ford Explorer Years to Buy
The best Ford Explorer year is 2024 with a reliability score of 73/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (72/100) and 2023 (71/100).
2024(this page)
6 recalls · 14 complaints
2025
14 recalls · 65 complaints
2023
12 recalls · 84 complaints
Ford Explorer Years to Avoid
The worst Ford Explorer year is 2020 with a score of 54/100, primarily due to power train (390) issues.
See full Ford Explorer years-to-avoid analysis →Ford Explorer Reliability Score Trend
Ford Explorer reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 70/100 compared to 62/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 54/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 72/100 | Good |
Ford Explorer Reliability Compared to Other Years
2024 Ford Explorer Reliability by Powertrain
The 2024 Ford Explorer is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 14 | 6 | 1 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 14 | 6 | 1 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2024 Ford Explorer reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2024 Ford Explorer?
How many recalls does the 2024 Ford Explorer have?
Is the 2024 Ford Explorer expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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