2023 Ford Explorer power train problems
12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2023 Ford Explorer — 11% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“While driving, vehicle made a grinding sound, and all systems related to cruise, 4wd, decent control all illuminated on dash. Vehicle was taken to dealer, metro ford. Metro ford stated the transfer case has failed internally, and being replaced under powertrain. A week later, I received a callback…”
filed Sep 16, 2026
“Vehicle: 2023 Ford Explorer ST VIN: [XXX] I am reporting ongoing safety-related powertrain and drivability defects that continue despite numerous repair attempts, including complete engine and transmission replacement. Since approximately June 2025, my vehicle has experienced delayed acceleration…”
filed Jun 24, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging…Campaign 23V070000 · Feb 10, 2023
Related service bulletins
This article supersedes 26-2287. Reason for update: update the labor operation numbers to add MT to operations C, F, G, H, J, K, L and M, and correct the part number LIMZ-4A015-B to L1MZ-4A015-B. Some of the vehicles…
TSB 26-2395 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 26, 2026This 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…
TSB 26-2309 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 2, 2026This article supersedes 25-2302. Reason for update: update the labor time allowance for F-150 vehicles, update the Parts list to replace the part number W716979-S439 with W721084-S439, and add a note for LV fluids…
TSB 26-2287 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 18, 2026For 2020 2026 vehicles equipped with the 10R60 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum…
SSM 54902 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 5, 2026
Power Train problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 3 | 9% |
| 2025 Explorer | 15 | 15% |
| 2024 Explorer | 1 | 5% |
| 2022 Explorer | 60 | 23% |
| 2021 Explorer | 120 | 28% |
| 2020 Explorer | 484 | 40% |
| 2019 Explorer | 35 | 12% |
| 2018 Explorer | 49 | 7% |
| 2017 Explorer | 123 | 7% |
| 2016 Explorer | 214 | 9% |
| 2015 Explorer | 84 | 5% |
| 2014 Explorer | 79 | 5% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2023 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.