| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Explorer RWD | 2.3L 4-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 21 MPG | 28 MPG | 24 MPG | — | $2,550 / yr |
| Explorer AWD | 2.3L 4-Cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 20 MPG | 27 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,650 / yr |
| Explorer RWD | 3L 6-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 18 MPG | 26 MPG | 21 MPG | — | $2,950 / yr |
| Explorer Timberline AWD | 2.3L 4-Cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 19 MPG | 22 MPG | 21 MPG | — | $2,950 / yr |
| Explorer RWD | 3L 6-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 18 MPG | 25 MPG | 20 MPG | — | $3,100 / yr |
| Explorer AWD | 3L 6-Cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 18 MPG | 24 MPG | 20 MPG | — | $3,100 / yr |
| Explorer AWD | 3L 6-Cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 18 MPG | 24 MPG | 20 MPG | — | $3,100 / yr |
| Explorer FFV AWD | 3.3L 6-Cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 17 MPG | 24 MPG | 20 MPG | — | $3,100 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| SUV 4WD | | | | | 15.1% |
| SUV RWD | | | | | 14.7% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Standard & Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Standard in official NHTSA records for tested 2024 Ford Explorer models.
View complete 2024 Ford Explorer crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2024 Ford Explorer problems & component breakdown (14 categories) →
Affected Component: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Affected Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: 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) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 12, 2026.
Affected Component: SEAT BELTS
Defect 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.
Free Manufacturer 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 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 Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
View all 2024 Ford Explorer recalls & campaign history (10 campaigns) →
