2024 Ford Explorer Safety Report
2024 Ford Explorer: Excellent Crash Ratings, But 8 Recalls and Early Fire/Component Complaints Raise Concerns
AI Safety Analysis for the 2024 Ford Explorer
Reliability Score
The 2024 Ford Explorer receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
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:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Block Heater Fire Risk Recall for engine block heater cracking and short-circuiting, increasing fire risk. One complaint of a vehicle fire in the wheel well has been reported. |
High | Rare | new-unknown miles |
| Loose Trailer Hitch Bolts Recall for improperly secured trailer hitch assembly bolts, potentially leading to loss of control or trailer detachment. |
High | Rare | new-unknown miles |
| Hybrid Battery Cable Chafing Recall for 12-Volt battery cable chafing against the Belt-integrated Starter Generator (BiSG), increasing the risk of fire in hybrid models. |
High | Rare | new-unknown miles |
| Second-Row Seat Belt Anchor Issues Recall for improperly secured seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions, potentially compromising occupant restraint during a crash. |
High | Rare | new-unknown miles |
| Rearview Camera Malfunctions Multiple recalls related to rearview camera software, causing inverted images or blank displays, reducing driver visibility and increasing crash risk. |
Medium | Occasional | new-unknown miles |
| Second-Row Easy-Entry Seat Binding Recall for the easy-entry second-row outer seat switch binding or sticking, causing seats to unlatch or fold unexpectedly, increasing injury risk. |
Medium | Rare | new-unknown miles |
| Suspension/Strut Failure Complaints of rattling/clunking noises and diagnosed worn or failed front struts at very low mileage, requiring replacement. |
Medium | Occasional | 3500-5500 miles |
| Driver Seat Memory/Movement Issues Complaint of driver seat not retaining memory settings and moving unexpectedly, including while driving, posing a safety risk. |
Medium | Rare | new-unknown 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:
Complaints about blurry defects or distortions in the windshield glass affecting driver visibility.
General complaints not fitting specific categories, including issues with 360 camera systems not fully operational.
Reports of rattling, clunking noises, and failed front struts at low mileage.
Issues with driver seat memory and unexpected movement, and third-row headrests being stuck in the upright position.
One complaint of a vehicle fire originating in the wheel well, leading to major engine compartment damage.
Complaint of the vehicle jerking hard when driving or passing, and slowing down.
Reports of Lane Keep Assist malfunctioning and causing the vehicle to veer out of its lane.
One complaint of airbags failing to deploy after striking a deer at 65 MPH.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 Ford Explorer
Is the 2024 Ford Explorer safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2024 Ford Explorer received excellent 5-star overall, frontal, and side crash test ratings, with a 4-star rollover rating, indicating strong crash protection. However, it has 8 recalls, including serious fire risks (engine block heater, hybrid battery cable) and issues with seat belts and trailer hitches. There are also early complaints about suspension failure and a fire incident, suggesting potential reliability concerns despite strong crash performance.
What are common problems with the 2024 Ford Explorer?
The most reported issues for the 2024 Ford Explorer, based on 14 NHTSA complaints, include visibility problems due to windshield defects (2 complaints), suspension issues like rattling and failed struts (2 complaints), and seat-related problems such as driver seat memory malfunction and stuck third-row headrests (2 complaints). There's also a concerning report of a vehicle fire and issues with the powertrain (jerking) and Lane Keep Assist.
Are there any fire risks with the 2024 Ford Explorer?
Yes, there are significant fire risks identified for the 2024 Ford Explorer. NHTSA has issued recalls for both the engine block heater (potentially cracking and short-circuiting) and, for hybrid models, the 12-Volt battery cable (chafing against the BiSG), both of which increase the risk of fire. Additionally, one complaint explicitly details a vehicle fire originating in the wheel well, leading to major engine compartment damage.
How many recalls does the 2024 Ford Explorer have?
The 2024 Ford Explorer currently has 8 recalls issued by NHTSA. These recalls address a range of issues including seat belt anchor bolts, rearview camera software, engine block heater, trailer hitch assembly bolts, easy-entry second-row seats, airbag warning labels, and hybrid propulsion system battery cable chafing.
What are the crash test ratings for the 2024 Ford Explorer?
The 2024 Ford Explorer received excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA. It earned a 5-star overall safety rating, with 5 stars for both frontal crash and side crash tests. The rollover resistance rating was 4 stars.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2024 Ford Explorer boasts top-tier crash safety ratings, the high number of recalls for a new model year, including fire risks and critical component failures, warrants caution. Prospective buyers should ensure all 8 recalls have been addressed and consider an extended warranty, especially given early complaints about suspension and potential fire hazards.
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.