2023 Ford Explorer issues: what CA owners should watch for

Common symptoms and where to check them

Many owners report shifting hesitation, electrical glitches, brake noise, or infotainment freezes. Document what you experience and when it happens.

Check for open recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs). Recalls must be fixed for free. TSBs can guide dealers to known fixes under warranty.

  • Warning lights, hard shifts, or shudder on acceleration.
  • Stalling, no-starts, battery drain, or camera/sensor faults.
  • Rattles, water leaks, or abnormal brake or steering behavior.
  • Duplicate repairs that don’t stick or long parts delays.
  1. Run your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and Ford’s recall page.
  2. Keep a symptom log noting date, mileage, speed, weather, and dashboard messages.
  3. Request printouts of diagnostic codes and software versions after each visit.
  4. Search NHTSA complaints for patterns similar to your issue.

Do you qualify under California’s lemon law?

Key facts for 2023 Explorer owners

California’s Song-Beverly Act covers new and some used vehicles sold or leased in CA with a manufacturer warranty. The defect must substantially impair use, value, or safety and persist after reasonable repair attempts.

Small businesses may qualify if they have 5 or fewer vehicles registered in CA and the Explorer’s GVWR is under 10,000 lbs. Remedies include refund or replacement, minus a limited mileage offset.

  • Purchased or leased in California for personal/household use (or qualifying small business).
  • Defect first arose during the warranty period.
  • Multiple repair attempts for the same issue, or 30+ cumulative days out of service.
  • Problem is not caused by abuse, unauthorized mods, or lack of maintenance.
  1. Serious safety defect: 2 or more repair attempts may be enough.
  2. Other defects: 4 or more attempts is a common benchmark.
  3. 30+ total days at the dealer for warranty repairs can also qualify.

How California rules and recalls affect your case

Warranty coverage, 18-month presumption, and safety defects

Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, California’s legal presumption can make your case easier if certain repair-attempt or out-of-service thresholds are met.

Outside that window, you can still win a claim during the express warranty. Recalls and TSBs help show the manufacturer knew of the issue and how to fix it.

  • Keep all repair orders with precise complaint and mileage entries.
  • Ask the dealer to note if the issue is safety-related.
  • If a recall part is on backorder, document the delay and any loaner use.
  • Usage deduction typically: price × (miles at first repair ÷ 120,000).
  1. Check NHTSA recall/complaint databases for your VIN and model year.
  2. Search Ford’s site for recalls and customer satisfaction programs.
  3. Ask the service advisor if any TSBs apply to your symptoms.

How to file a California lemon claim against Ford

Step-by-step path from complaint to resolution

Start by giving Ford a final, clearly documented chance to fix the problem at an authorized CA dealer. Then submit a written demand to Ford asking for a repurchase or replacement.

You can use BBB AUTO LINE (Ford participates) or go straight to a lemon law attorney. In CA, manufacturers pay reasonable attorney’s fees if you prevail.

  • Your demand letter should include: VIN, purchase date, current mileage, a timeline of repairs, copies of all repair orders, and the remedy you want.
  • State whether the defect affects safety and list days out of service and failed attempts.
  1. Gather every repair invoice, payment record, and your purchase/lease contract.
  2. Schedule a final repair attempt and describe the issue the same way each time.
  3. Request detailed repair orders and confirm the mileage and dates are correct.
  4. Send a written demand to Ford’s Customer Relationship Center with copies.
  5. Open a BBB AUTO LINE case or consult a California lemon law attorney.
  6. If advised, allow an inspection by Ford or BBB and keep notes/photos.
  7. Negotiate refund, replacement, or cash-and-keep for diminished value.
  8. If unresolved, file suit in California court; fee-shifting can cover your lawyer.

Common mistakes to avoid in California cases

Simple errors that slow or sink claims

Small missteps can cost you. Focus on clean documentation and consistent reporting at the dealer.

Do not skip appointments or let the dealer keep your car without opening a repair order.

  • Leaving without a printed repair order showing your complaint and mileage.
  • Changing your description of the problem each visit.
  • Refusing a final repair attempt before demanding a buyback.
  • Modifying the vehicle (tunes, aftermarket electronics) during the claim.
  • Missing deadlines or ignoring recall notices.
  1. Use the same short symptom phrase on every visit (e.g., “transmission shudder 25–40 mph”).
  2. Email the service advisor after drop-off to create a written time stamp.
  3. If repair quality is poor, file a complaint with the CA Bureau of Automotive Repair.

What to prepare before getting help

Documents and proof your lawyer or BBB will ask for

Organize clear, legible copies. Digital PDFs are best.

Good evidence speeds up settlements and avoids back-and-forth.

  • Purchase/lease contract, registration, and warranty booklet.
  • All repair orders, towing/loaner receipts, and parts backorder notices.
  • A timeline of symptoms with dates, mileage, photos/video, and dash messages.
  • Insurance declarations and payoff/lease buyout figures.
  • Any recall or TSB notices and your communication with Ford or the dealer.
  1. Combine documents into a single PDF by date.
  2. Highlight the first repair date and mileage for the usage offset.
  3. Create a one-page summary of attempts and days out of service.
  4. Share everything with BBB AUTO LINE or your attorney at intake.