Pre Purchase Inspection for 2023 Ford Explorer

Recall 22V-255 says the rear axle mounting bolt may break and let the driveshaft disconnect, which can let the SUV roll away in Park without the parking brake. Recall 23V-675 covers about 238,000 2020 to 2022 Explorers for the same problem and replaces the bushing and bolt. Recall 25V-166 covers some SUVs that were fixed wrong under the earlier recalls.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for all three recalls, look at the rear axle mount, listen for clunks, and test that the SUV holds in Park.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 22V-255 · NHTSA recall 23V-675 · NHTSA recall 25V-166

Recall 26V-402 covers 2020 and 2021 Explorers. The park pawl in the transmission may engage while moving and damage the park system, which can lead to a roll away. Ford mailed interim letters in July 2026 and expects the fix around April 2027. Recalls 23V-069 (2020 to 2022, 2.3L) and 26V-371 (2024, 2.3L) cover a computer reset that can also damage the park system.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for open recalls, test that the SUV holds in Park on a slope, and scan the powertrain computer. If a recall has no fix yet, we tell you.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 26V-402 · NHTSA recall 23V-069 · NHTSA recall 26V-371

NHTSA recall 25V-455 covers certain 2021 to 2023 Explorers. The low pressure fuel pump may fail and stall the engine. For the Explorer, dealers update the powertrain computer software, free.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall and road test for hesitation or stalling.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 25V-455

On Explorers with the 360 degree camera, recall 23V-342 says the camera video may fail and leave no rearview image on certain 2020 to 2023 models. Dealers replace the camera for free. Recall 25V-159 covers some that were repaired wrong, and recall 26V-123 covers a rearview image that may appear flipped.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for open recalls and test the rearview and 360 degree camera views in reverse.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-342 · NHTSA recall 25V-159 · NHTSA recall 26V-123

Recalls 25V-393 and 26V-451 say the easy entry switch on the second row outer seats of 2020 and newer Explorers may stick, letting the seat unlatch, tip or slide while driving. For 26V-451, Ford mailed interim letters in August 2026 and expects the fix around January 2027.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for open recalls and test each second row seat to make sure it locks firmly in place.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 25V-393 · NHTSA recall 26V-451

NHTSA recall 23V-626 covers certain 2020 to 2022 Explorers with the 3.0L plug-in hybrid system. A defect in a high voltage battery cell may cause a short, battery failure and a fire risk. Dealers test the battery module and replace the pack as needed.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall and scan the hybrid system for faults.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-626

Some 2020 Explorers have other driveline recalls. Recall 20V-693 says the driveshaft on certain AWD models with the 2.0L or 3.3L may fracture at the weld. Recall 21V-154 covers a small batch, 49 SUVs per NHTSA, whose rear lower control arm bolts may not have been heat treated and could break.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for open recalls, look at the driveshaft and rear suspension, and road test for vibration or clunks.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 20V-693 · NHTSA recall 21V-154