Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2024 Ford Explorer
The 2024 Ford Explorer has a notable number of recalls, especially in areas like the powertrain and seating assembly, suggesting potential reliability concerns. Owner complaints are fewer but focus on varied components, indicating some issues across the board. The evidence for these problems is limited, so buyers should inspect carefully and ask specific questions.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2024 Ford Explorer has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 21 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 4 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V451000 Second-Row Seat May Move Unexpectedly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V371000 Vehicle Rollaway Risk NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V159000 Improperly Secured Seat Belt Anchors NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V123000 Incorrectly Displayed Rearview Camera Image/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V012000 Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V687000 Trailer Hitch Assembly May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V442000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V393000 Second-Row Seat May Move Unexpectedly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V852000 Missing Dashboard Air Bag Warning Label/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V685000 Battery Cable May Short Circuit NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Unknown or Other 4 complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 3 complaints
- Suspension 3 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 3 complaints
- Air Bags 2 complaints
- Electrical System 2 complaints
Of the 21 complaints on file, 2 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 21 complaints, owners report 4 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Second-row seat unlatching
How to check: Check that second-row seats latch and hold position
PCM reset causing damage
How to check: Examine for signs of erratic gear changes
Rearview camera image flipping
How to check: Engage reverse and check camera display
Loose trailer hitch bolts
How to check: Inspect trailer hitch bolts for tightness
Battery cable chafing
How to check: Inspect battery cable for signs of wear
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Check for any warning lights on dashboard
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Listen for any unusual engine noises
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds
- 03
City driving
What to check: Observe transmission shifts
Red flag: Jerky or delayed shifts
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for engine responsiveness
Red flag: Lack of power or hesitation
- 05
Braking
What to check: Test brake responsiveness and noise
Red flag: Grinding or delayed brake response
- 06
Turning
What to check: Feel for smooth steering motions
Red flag: Vibrations or resistance
- 07
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Reverse park to test camera and visibility
Red flag: Camera display issues or poor visibility
- 08
End of test drive
What to check: Inspect for any fluid leaks underneath
Red flag: Fresh fluid pooling
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the vehicle had any recalls?
- Are there any known transmission issues?
- Have the rear seats been inspected recently?
- Are there any electrical updates or fixes?
- When was the last safety inspection?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Transmission service history
- Safety inspection reports
- Electrical system maintenance
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2024 Ford Explorer at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2024 Ford Explorer? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.