← All Ford Explorer years

2024 Ford Explorer VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2024 Ford Explorer has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 14 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Ford Explorer. Severity signals include 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (3), Visibility Wiper (2), Steering (2).

Explorer reliability snapshot

73/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$732
Avg annual repair cost vs $573 category avg
#19/26
Ranking in midsize SUVs · better than 27% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Ford Explorer before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2024 Ford Explorer issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Unknown Or Other3
  • Visibility Wiper2
  • Steering2
  • Electrical System1
  • Seats1
  • Air Bags1

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2024 Ford Explorer

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Inspect front struts for wear and listen for clunking noises at low speeds
  • Test power train for jerking during acceleration and deceleration
  • Check Lane Keep Assist functionality for unintended lane changes
  • Examine windshield for distortions or blurriness affecting visibility
  • Verify 360 camera system functionality, especially forward camera
  • Inspect inner fender liners for wear and exposure of wiring harnesses
  • Test driver seat memory settings for unexpected movement

2024 Explorer recalls (6)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2024 Explorer. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. EQUIPMENTNHTSA 26V012000Jan 15, 2026

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

    Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy

    Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in April 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.

  2. TRAILER HITCHESNHTSA 25V687000Oct 10, 2025

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.

    Consequence: While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

  3. BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 25V442000Jun 27, 2025

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

    Consequence: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

  4. SEATSNHTSA 25V393000Jun 13, 2025

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.

    Consequence: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

    Remedy

    Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.

  5. EQUIPMENTNHTSA 24V852000Nov 8, 2024

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Consequence: 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.

    Remedy

    Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

  6. HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 24V685000Sep 13, 2024

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.3L Hybrid engines. The 12-Volt battery cable may chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generat (BiSG) and short circuit.

    Consequence: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

    Remedy

    Dealers will install a tie strap between the battery cable and high voltage cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S61.

Used-market value

2024 Ford Explorer resale snapshot

60.5%estimated value retained after 5 years
717listings in the model-level benchmark
$36,990median asking price from 60 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2024 Ford Explorer on the road

206,981 2024 Ford Explorer units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2024 Ford Explorer stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2024 Ford Explorer

With a 72/100 reliability score against a 78/100 segment average, the 2024 Ford Explorer lands below average. That gap points to a mixed reliability picture rather than a clear strength, and it raises buyer risk relative to typical competitors in this class.

Complaints are not dominated by a single system. They show a scattered pattern, led by reports that fall into “unknown or other,” with smaller clusters in steering and visibility/wiper concerns. The remaining issues appear isolated across electrical and seats, suggesting no single, consistent failure theme in the data provided.

The recall count is elevated, adding to the overall uncertainty around dependability. Overall risk level: moderate to elevated compared with the segment.

What you get in a 2024 Ford Explorer report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

Check a 2024 Ford Explorer now

Confirm exact options, recall completion, accident history, and odometer accuracy in minutes.

2024 Ford Explorer — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2024 Ford Explorer reliable?

With a 72/100 reliability score against a 78/100 segment average, the 2024 Ford Explorer lands below average. That gap points to a mixed reliability picture rather than a clear strength, and it raises buyer risk relative to typical competitors in this class.

How many recalls does the 2024 Ford Explorer have?

6 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2024 Ford Explorer. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2024 Ford Explorer problems?

The most-reported 2024 Ford Explorer problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (3), Visibility Wiper (2), Steering (2).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2024 Ford Explorer?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2024 Ford Explorer, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.