NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The powertrain control module may reset unexpectedly while driving, which can damage the park system.
What the fix does
This page covers 9 recalls, 15 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2024 Ford Explorer.
20–24 mpg combined
9.8–11.8 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 6 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints for the 2024 Explorer are relatively sparse at 15 total, so most patterns here are thin. Visibility draws the most reports, with owners describing distortion or blurring in the windshield glass on the driver side. Seat behavior is the next notable theme: owners report the driver's memory seat moving unexpectedly, including shifting forward or rearward while the vehicle is in use, and a separate report describes a third-row headrest that locks in the upright position and won't fold down. Suspension rounds out the named systems with two reports, though the specifics across those complaints don't form a clear symptom pattern at this volume. With only 15 complaints filed across the model year, no single system has accumulated enough reports to suggest a widespread issue, and the windshield distortion and unexpected seat movement stand out mainly because they each have more than one mention.
15
Total Complaints
1
Fire-Related
By System
The 2024 Ford Explorer has 9 recalls, the most serious being three separate fire risks: a cracking engine block heater that can short circuit when plugged in, a 12-volt battery cable on hybrid models that can chafe against a drivetrain component and short circuit, and a powertrain computer that can reset unexpectedly while driving and damage the park system, potentially allowing the vehicle to roll away.
Two recalls cover second-row occupant safety: the easy-entry outer seat switches can bind and cause seats to unlatch or slide unexpectedly while driving, and the seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer positions may be loose, meaning the belt may not hold an occupant in a crash. There is also a trailer hitch concern where mounting bolts may be loose, which can cause loss of handling or the trailer to detach while towing. On the visibility side, two software issues affect the rearview camera: it can display a blank image or show a flipped, inverted image when the vehicle is in reverse. A final compliance recall covers a missing airbag warning label on the dashboard.
At a glance
What can fail
The powertrain control module may reset unexpectedly while driving, which can damage the park system.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will inspect for park system damage and repair it at no cost if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts securing the seat belt anchors at the second-row outer seats may not be properly tightened, potentially allowing the seat belts to come loose.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten, repair, or replace the second-row outer seat belt anchor bolts as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The center display screen may flip or invert when you shift into reverse, causing the rearview camera image to display upside down or backwards.
What the fix does
Ford will send you a letter with instructions for a software or hardware update to correct the display orientation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater can crack and leak coolant, which may cause it to short circuit when plugged in.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the block heater at no cost, or install a blanking plug and remove the heater cord.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts that attach the trailer hitch assembly may become loose, which could cause the hitch to separate from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image or fail to clear the image after backing up.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the rearview camera software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, causing the seats to unlatch, fold, or slide unexpectedly while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch and replace the bezel around the switch as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag warning label on the dashboard may be missing, which means the vehicle doesn't have the required safety information label.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you the warning label at no cost. Letters were sent December 19, 2024. Call 1-866-436-7332 with questions.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 12-volt battery cable can rub against the Belt-integrated Starter Generator and create an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
A tie strap will be installed between the battery cable and high voltage cable to prevent rubbing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.