2023 Ford Explorer Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2023 Explorer
5
Suspension complaints Red flag
Listen for clunks over bumps and look for uneven tire wear. (13 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 13 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (13 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 13 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Check
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (12 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 12 NHTSA complaints
Steering complaints Red flag
Check for looseness, pulling, or unusual noise in the steering at low and highway speeds. (12 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 12 NHTSA complaints
Structure complaints Check
Look for water stains, rust, and panel gaps; check door, hood, and trunk seals. (10 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 10 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
17 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
15
Back Over Prevention Check
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Back Over Prevention Check
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Back Over Prevention Check
A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension Red flag
A loose or missing connection between the knuckle and strut can cause improper tire alignment, resulting in a steering pull or require increased steering effort.
Equipment Red flag
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.
Back Over Prevention Check
Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seats Red flag
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Back Over Prevention Red flag
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.
Back Over Prevention Check
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Seats Red flag
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2023 Explorer–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2023 Explorer. The most serious involve Power Train (23V070000) and Engine and Engine Cooling (23V597000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2023 Explorer?
The top complaint areas are Unknown or Other (25 complaints) and Suspension (13 complaints), out of 109 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2023 Explorer?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Unknown or Other, which drew 25 complaints for this model-year.