2024 Ford Explorer Safety Report

2024 Ford Explorer Safety Report

14Complaints
8Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
85/100Reliability Score
1Fire Reports
Most reported components: Visibility/Wiper (2)Unknown Or Other (2)Steering,Suspension (2)Electrical System,Seats,Engine (1)Seats (1)Air Bags (1)Suspension (1)Power Train (1)Lane Departure (1)Unknown Or Other,Back Over Prevention,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)

Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2024 Ford Explorer

This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2024 Ford Explorer. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.

2024 Ford Explorer Safety Signal Summary
SignalValueWhat to inspect next
Recall burdenHigh (8)Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below.
Owner complaintsLow (14)Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates.
Crash and fire reports1Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item.
Primary component hubVisibility/WiperCompare visibility/wiper issues across vehicles.
Cleaner nearby model year2025Compare against the 2025 Ford Explorer with 69 complaints and 17 recalls.
Riskier nearby model year2020Check the 2020 Ford Explorer before buying across this generation.

Ford Explorer Year-by-Year Comparison

The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ford Explorer years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.

Nearby Ford Explorer Model Years
Model YearComplaintsRecallsUse case
2025 Ford Explorer 69 17 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2023 Ford Explorer 85 14 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2022 Ford Explorer 218 23 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2021 Ford Explorer 362 24 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2020 Ford Explorer 1088 31 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2019 Ford Explorer 264 5 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.

2024 Ford Explorer Complaint Theme Map

Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2024 Ford Explorer, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.

Visibility/Wiper

2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Visibility/Wiper issues Ford only

Unknown Or Other

2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Unknown Or Other issues Ford only

Steering,Suspension

2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Steering,Suspension issues Ford only

Electrical System,Seats,Engine

1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Electrical System,Seats,Engine issues Ford only

Seats

1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Seats issues Ford only

Air Bags

1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Air Bags issues Ford only

AI Safety Analysis for the 2024 Ford Explorer

The 2024 FORD EXPLORER has accumulated 14 complaints and 8 recalls in the NHTSA database. It received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Among the complaints, 0 involved crashes and 1 involved fires. The most frequently reported problem areas are visibility/wiper (2 complaints), unknown or other (2 complaints), steering,suspension (2 complaints). • Visibility issues: Driver seat memory malfunction and headrest lock issues can affect driver visibility and safety. • Electrical system problems: Rattling and clunking noises under the front end and jerking at higher speeds indicate potential electrical system issues. Key known issues to be aware of include Driver seat memory malfunction, Headrest lock issues, Rattling and clunking noises. Be aware of potential electrical and suspension issues, and check for seat memory and headrest lock problems before purchasing.

Reliability Score

The 2024 Ford Explorer receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2024 Ford Explorer

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.

Overall
★★★★★
5/5
Frontal Crash
★★★★★
5/5
Side Crash
★★★★★
5/5
Rollover
★★★★☆
4/5

Known Issues for the 2024 Ford Explorer

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2024 Ford Explorer:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Driver Seat Memory Malfunction
Driver seat may move on its own or go all the way to the dash or back, affecting driver comfort and safety.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles
Headrest Lock Issues
Headrest on the third row is locked in the upright position and won't fold down, potentially obstructing rear visibility.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles
Rattling And Clunking Noises
Front end noise at low speeds suggests potential electrical system or suspension issues.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles
Jerking At Higher Speeds
Vehicle may jerk at speeds above 55 mph, indicating possible electrical or mechanical issues.
Medium Common 30k-60k miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2024 Ford Explorer:

Suspension 23% of complaints

Suspension issues can lead to reduced handling and safety, especially at higher speeds.

Electrical System 23% of complaints

Electrical system problems can cause various issues, including rattling noises and jerking at higher speeds.

Seats 15% of complaints

Issues with seat memory and headrest locks can affect driver and passenger comfort and safety.

Windshield 10% of complaints

Distortion in the windshield can impair visibility, especially in low light conditions.

Recall Details for the 2024 Ford Explorer

The following 8 recalls have been issued for the 2024 Ford Explorer by NHTSA:

Seat Belts
Campaign #26V159000 17/03/2026

Summary: 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.

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

Remedy: 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 are expected to be mailed March 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 1...

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Back Over Prevention:Software
Campaign #26V123000 03/03/2026

Summary: 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."

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

Remedy: The remedy is currently under development. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed April 17, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated second quarter of 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 this re...

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Equipment:Electrical:Engine Block Heater
Campaign #26V012000 15/01/2026

Summary: 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, were 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 thi...

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Trailer Hitches
Campaign #25V687000 10/10/2025

Summary: 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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Back Over Prevention:Software
Campaign #25V442000 27/06/2025

Summary: 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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Seats:Mid/Rear Assembly
Campaign #25V393000 13/06/2025

Summary: 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.

Consequence: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Equipment:Other:Labels
Campaign #24V852000 08/11/2024

Summary: 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."

Consequence: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Hybrid Propulsion System
Campaign #24V685000 13/09/2024

Summary: 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.

Consequence: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2024 Ford Explorer

Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2024 Ford Explorer with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 involved fires.

Fire Reports: 1
Electrical System,Seats,Engine
01/19/2026

• 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 dep...

ODI #11711981
Seats
11/19/2025

The 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.

ODI #11700304
Visibility/Wiper
10/31/2025

Visual blurry defect in windshield glass in driver side

ODI #11696723
Air Bags
10/06/2025

The 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 in...

ODI #11691606
Unknown Or Other
Fire 07/07/2025

Deputy was going to an incident and after arrival at the scene the patrol car began to smoke, and flames were seen within the wheel well. Deputy was not in the vehicle when the fire was discovered, and Fire responded and extinguished the flames - but not before major damage to the engine compartment.

ODI #11671520
Steering,Suspension
01/12/2025

Purchased new from dealer. At 3500 miles, noticed rattling and clunking noise under front end, more noticeable at speeds less than 35. Took to dealer who diagnosed as worn struts, saying shocks and struts need to be replaced, but they need to order parts. When asked if safe to drive, was told "yes", but "avoid potholes". Now waiting to hear from dealer when parts come in. They stated it would ta...

ODI #11635531
Suspension
01/10/2025

The 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 mile...

ODI #11635284
Steering,Suspension
12/30/2024

The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-40 MPH in cold weather, the vehicle started making an abnormal clunking and rattling sound near the wheels. The contact was unable to determine the source of the noise. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V091000 (SUSPENSION, STE...

ODI #11633176
Unknown Or Other
12/06/2024

Inner fender liners are getting rubbed through by the tires creating large holes and exposing wiring harnesses and other components to the tire/wheel well area. We have seen this on about 5-6 of these same vehicles now.

ODI #11629159
Visibility/Wiper
11/04/2024

There is a distortion in the front windshield affecting my ability to see the front right corner of my vehicle. I was leaving a restaurant in the dark and the distortion affected the headlights to the point it didn’t appear there were any on the right side of the vehicle. In daylight, that area of the windshield is so distorted I’ve missed vehicles coming from the right and developed it migraines ...

ODI #11623413
Power Train
10/15/2024

Hello, 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 ...

ODI #11619992
Lane Departure
09/13/2024

The 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 swip...

ODI #11614410
Unknown Or Other,Back Over Prevention,Forward Collision Avoidance
06/18/2024

This vehicle has a 360 camera system that was not included, despite is being included in the component package that is standard for this vehicle. I contacted the dealer directly, informed them that there are cameras installed on the vehicle, but only the rear camera is operational. Further investigation into the matter revealed that Ford apparently "recalled" the camera systems on the Explorer f...

ODI #11595059
Latches/Locks/Linkages
04/09/2024

The 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....

ODI #11581954

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 Ford Explorer

Has the 2024 FORD EXPLORER been recalled?

Yes, the 2024 FORD EXPLORER has 8 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.

How many complaints does the 2024 FORD EXPLORER have?

The 2024 FORD EXPLORER has 14 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.

What is the safety rating for the 2024 FORD EXPLORER?

The 2024 FORD EXPLORER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.

What are the most common problems with the 2024 FORD EXPLORER?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2024 FORD EXPLORER involve visibility/wiper (2 complaints), unknown or other (2 complaints), steering,suspension (2 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system,seats,engine, seats, air bags.

How many crash reports does the 2024 FORD EXPLORER have?

There are no crash reports associated with the 2024 FORD EXPLORER in the NHTSA database.

How many fire reports does the 2024 FORD EXPLORER have?

There are 1 fire reports for the 2024 FORD EXPLORER out of 14 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.

Are there any deaths reported for the 2024 FORD EXPLORER?

No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2024 FORD EXPLORER.

How many injuries are reported for the 2024 FORD EXPLORER?

No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2024 FORD EXPLORER.

Should I buy a 2024 FORD EXPLORER?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2024 FORD EXPLORER is acceptable with caveats. It has 14 complaints, 8 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.

What components fail most on the 2024 FORD EXPLORER?

The components with the most failures on the 2024 FORD EXPLORER are: 1. VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), 3. STEERING,SUSPENSION (2 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS,ENGINE (1 complaints), 5. SEATS (1 complaints). VISIBILITY/WIPER is the single most-reported problem area with 2 complaints.

What should I know before buying a 2024 FORD EXPLORER?

Be aware of potential electrical and suspension issues, and check for seat memory and headrest lock problems before purchasing. The 2024 FORD EXPLORER has 14 NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).

How reliable is the 2024 FORD EXPLORER?

The 2024 FORD EXPLORER receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 14 owner complaints, 8 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Driver seat memory malfunction and Headrest lock issues.

What are the known issues with the 2024 FORD EXPLORER?

Known issues with the 2024 FORD EXPLORER include: Driver seat memory malfunction, Headrest lock issues, Rattling and clunking noises, Jerking at higher speeds. These are based on patterns found across 14 NHTSA complaints. 8 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.

Are there any recalls for the 2024 Ford Explorer?

Yes, there are recalls related to seat belts, back over prevention software, and electrical system issues.

What are the common issues with the 2024 Ford Explorer?

Common issues include driver seat memory malfunction, headrest lock issues, rattling and clunking noises, and jerking at higher speeds.

Is the 360 camera system included in the 2024 Ford Explorer?

Yes, the 360 camera system is standard in the component package, but some customers have reported it not being included.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Be aware of potential electrical and suspension issues, and check for seat memory and headrest lock problems before purchasing.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2024 Ford Explorer

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2024 Ford Explorer. The data includes 14 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 8 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 fire incidents, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2024 Ford Explorer an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.

Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.

Analysis last updated: 2026-05-15