Dealer visit checklist
2023 Ford Explorer checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2023 Ford Explorer problems to check
- 3.0L EcoBoost (ST/Platinum) has documented oil consumption issues requiring monitoring between changes
- Sync 4 infotainment system can freeze or lose connectivity, often requiring a software reset or dealer update
- Third-row seat latching mechanisms have drawn complaints about difficulty folding and occasional looseness
- Transmission hesitation or rough shifting has been reported on some 2.3L EcoBoost units at low speeds
- Panoramic roof rattles and occasional wind noise around the A-pillar trim are recurring complaints
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a standard rearview camera.
- SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles.
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: 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.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $33,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away