Throttlebook

2024 Ford Explorer

The 2024 Ford Explorer earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 60/100. Expect about $52,655 to own it for five years, or $878 a month. NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 21 complaints.

Recalls
10
Complaints
21
5-yr cost
$53k
MPG (EPA)
20
0
Fair
Ownership Score

2024 Ford Explorer vs nearby years

Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.

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10 recalls may apply

For the 2024 Ford Explorer. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

  • What's wrong: 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.

    Risk: 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.

    Fix: 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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

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5-year cost to own

Estimated $29,500 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$52,655
$878/month · $0.88/mile
Depreciation$11,100
Insurance (national avg.)$12,000
Fuel / charging$10,050
Maintenance$6,670
Repairs$2,070
Loan interest$7,995
Taxes & fees$2,770

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

21 complaints2 involved a crash1 involved a fire
  • Unknown Or Other4
  • Forward Collision Avoidance3
  • Visibility/Wiper3
  • Suspension3
  • Air Bags2
  • Electrical System2

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars
Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Frontal
5 out of 5 stars
Side
5 out of 5 stars
Rollover
4 out of 5 stars

Rated as: 2024 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD

What to check on a used 2024 Ford Explorer

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

  • Electrical and lights
    • Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
    • Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.
  • Driver-assist systems
    • Ask if the systems work as designed and if any warnings stay on.
    • Test the backup camera and parking sensors if fitted.
  • Suspension
    • Press down on each corner: it should settle once, not bounce.
    • Listen for clunks over bumps.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2024 Ford Explorer problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2024 Ford Explorer a good car to buy?
The 2024 Ford Explorer earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 60/100. Expect about $52,655 to own it for five years, or $878 a month. NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 21 complaints.
Does the 2024 Ford Explorer have recalls?
NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2024 Ford Explorer, including Back Over Prevention › Software; Seat Belts; Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2024 Ford Explorer problems?
Owners filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are forward collision avoidance (3), visibility/wiper (3), suspension (3), air bags (2).
How much does a 2024 Ford Explorer cost to own for 5 years?
About $52,655 over 5 years ($878/month) at an estimated $29,500 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.