Model year guide

2024 Ford Explorer

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2024 Ford Explorer is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 17 on record.

2024 Ford Explorer — representative photo
Representative photo

2024 Ford Explorer at a glance

Safety recalls10
Owner complaints21
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Combined20–24 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2024 Ford Explorer recalls 10

Seats:mid/rear Assembly NHTSA Campaign #26V451000 · manufacturer #26S52 · 14/07/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letter…

Power Train:automatic Transmission NHTSA Campaign #26V371000 · manufacturer #26S39 · 09/06/2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.

Fix: Dealers will inspect for park system damage and replace the park system components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S39. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs)…

Seat Belts NHTSA Campaign #26V159000 · manufacturer #26C18 · 17/03/2026

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.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identifi…

Back Over Prevention:software NHTSA Campaign #26V123000 · manufacturer #26C11 · 03/03/2026

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."

Fix: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in th…

Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater NHTSA Campaign #26V012000 · manufacturer #25SA4 · 15/01/2026

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.

Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. In…

Trailer Hitches NHTSA Campaign #25V687000 · manufacturer #25SA3 · 10/10/2025

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

Fix: 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) …

Back Over Prevention:software NHTSA Campaign #25V442000 · manufacturer #25S72 · 27/06/2025

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 ima…

Fix: 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.

Seats:mid/rear Assembly NHTSA Campaign #25V393000 · manufacturer #25S67 · 13/06/2025

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.

Fix: 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.

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #24V852000 · manufacturer #24C39 · 08/11/2024

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."

Fix: 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.

Hybrid Propulsion System NHTSA Campaign #24V685000 · manufacturer #24S61 · 13/09/2024

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2024 Ford Explorer common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2024 Ford Explorer safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★

Rollover risk: 15.1% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2024 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2024 Ford Explorer MPG & running costs

Combined20–24 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,188
EPA size classStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
TransmissionAutomatic (S10) or Automatic 10-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Engine start-stopOn some versions
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$3,938 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 8 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2024 Ford Explorer costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,940
Fuel only$15,940
Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
198.8 in
Width
78.7 in
Height
70.1 in
Wheelbase
119.3 in
Curb weight
4,458–4,969 lb
Front track
66.9 in
Rear track
66.9 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2024 Ford Explorer — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 105

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 105.

Some 2020-2024 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with 3.0L EcoBoost/hybrid engine may exhibit blue or black exhaust smoke on startup for the first 5 minutes after an overnight cold soak with no illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or powertrain diagno…

Bulletin SSM 55217 · Engine · Oct 2026

This bulletin supersedes 26-2309. Reason For Update: update the Model section to remove Aviator 10R80, update the Parts list to add 3.3L to W520514-S440, and add L1MZ-7Z490-G valve body separator plate for Aviator. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model stat…

Bulletin TSB 26-2408 · Power Train · Sep 2026

For Various Ford and Lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion cover J-clips, lower-level service parts are now available. Use service part W709919-S901 if the J-clip is completely detached from the seat cover and W7153…

Bulletin SSM 55100 · Seats · Aug 2026

Some 2020-2025 Explorer vehicles equipped with a power roof opening panel may exhibit a sunshield with localized bunching or binding/inoperative. This may be due to a broken or missing sunshield fabric retainer/clip. A revised sunshield clip (LJ6Z-5452118-B) i…

Bulletin SSM 55069 · Electrical System, Structure, Visibility/wiper · Aug 2026

Some 2024-2026 Explorer vehicles built on or before 27-Feb-2026 and equipped with the panoramic glass roof may exhibit an uneven gap at the front edge of the roof opening panel shield when fully closed. The gap is an appearance issue only, but may allow outsid…

Bulletin SSM 55060 · Electrical System, Structure, Visibility/wiper · Aug 2026

Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine, 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine, and 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfu…

Bulletin SSM55059 · Power Train, Electrical System, Fuel/propulsion System · Aug 2026

This bulletin supersedes 25-2415. Reason for update: To add production build dates of the right-side engine valve cover. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit oil consumption and blue smoke from the tailpipe. This may be due to t…

Bulletin TSB 26-2349 · Engine, Fuel/propulsion System · Jul 2026

Some 2021-2026 Ford/Lincoln vehicles may exhibit various symptoms including but not limited to the auto start/stop system not operating as intended with a "Check Charging System" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) while the charging system is operat…

Bulletin SSM 55031 · Electrical System, Fuel/propulsion System · Jul 2026

NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 26E04 Certain 2021-2025 Model Year F-150, Maverick, Mustang, Ranger, Expedition, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Bronco, Navigator, and Aviator Vehicles Powertrain Control Module Software Update

Bulletin 26E04 · Electrical System · Jul 2026

This bulletin supersedes 26-2241. Reason For Update: update the parts list to correct the claim quantity of the part number JB3Z-4B496-B from 3 to 6. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions:…

Bulletin TSB 26-2309 · Power Train · Jul 2026

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the EXPLORER RWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 6

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2024 Ford Explorer. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Seats And Restraints

Issue: On certain vehicles the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 25S67 (Transport Canada recall no. 2025-328) may not be effective. As a result, a second repair is required. On certain vehicles, the trim for the seat fold switch on the second-row outboard seats could become stuck. If this happens, the seat(s) could fold and/or move unexpectedly. Note: This…

Transport Canada #2026339 · Jul 2026

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display properly when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display correctly could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while ba…

Transport Canada #2026100 · Mar 2026

Electrical

Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens, the block heater could short circuit when it's plugged in. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2025-554. Vehicles that were repaired under that recall don't require this repair. Safety Risk: A short circuit can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: To reduce the…

Transport Canada #2026005 · Jan 2026

Structure

Issue: On certain vehicles, the trailer hitch bolts may not have been tightened properly. As a result, the bolts could loosen and the hitch could detach from the vehicle. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with the trailer tow package. Safety Risk: A trailer hitch and/or towed trailer that detaches from a vehicle could create a road hazard for others and/or create…

Transport Canada #2025548 · Oct 2025

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This coul…

Transport Canada #2025360 · Jun 2025

Seats And Restraints

Issue: On certain vehicles, the trim for the seat fold switch on the second-row seats may not have been installed properly. As a result, the switch could become stuck. If this happens, the seat(s) could fold and/or move unexpectedly. Safety Risk: A seat that folds and/or moves could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Action: Ford will notify owners by mail and a…

Transport Canada #2025328 · Jun 2025

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by the Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year. The first five-door SUV produced by Ford, the Explorer was introduced as a replacement for the three-door Bronco II. As with the Ford Ranger, the model line derives its name from a trim package previously offered on Ford F-Series pickup trucks. In 2020, the Explorer became the best-selling SUV in the American market.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2024 Ford Explorer vehicles on record

Other Ford Explorer model years

2024 Ford Explorer — frequently asked questions

Does the 2024 Ford Explorer have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2024 Ford Explorer. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2024 Ford Explorer?

Across all 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are forward collision avoidance, visibility/wiper, suspension.

What is the 2024 Ford Explorer safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2024 Ford Explorer an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 5★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2024 Ford Explorer get?

The 2024 Ford Explorer has U.S. EPA estimates of 20–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (8 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.