Ford Explorer NHTSA Safety Ratings
NHTSA gives the 2024 Ford Explorer an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with 5 stars in the frontal crash test and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
Latest model year (2026):
NHTSA rates the Ford Explorer at 5 ★ overall, 5 ★ frontal crash, 5 ★ side crash and 4 ★ rollover.
Ford Explorer Safety — All Years
| Year | Variant | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2024 Ford Explorer SUV RWD | 5 ★ | 5 ★ | 5 ★ | 4 ★ | 10 | 19 |
| 2024 | 2024 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD | 5 ★ | 5 ★ | 5 ★ | 4 ★ | 10 | 19 |
| 2023 | 2023 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD | 5 ★ | 5 ★ | 5 ★ | 4 ★ | 15 | 102 |
| 2023 | 2023 Ford Explorer SUV RWD | 5 ★ | 5 ★ | 5 ★ | 4 ★ | 15 | 102 |
| 2022 | 2022 Ford Explorer SUV RWD | — | — | 5 ★ | 4 ★ | 24 | 255 |
| 2022 | 2022 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD | — | — | 5 ★ | 4 ★ | 24 | 255 |
| 2021 | 2021 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD | 5 ★ | 5 ★ | 5 ★ | 4 ★ | 26 | 407 |
| 2021 | 2021 Ford Explorer SUV RWD | 5 ★ | 5 ★ | 5 ★ | 4 ★ | 26 | 407 |
| 2018 | 2018 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD | 5 ★ | 5 ★ | 5 ★ | 4 ★ | 7 | 715 |
| 2017 | 2017 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD | 5 ★ | 5 ★ | 5 ★ | 4 ★ | 15 | 1678 |
Crash-test star ratings sourced from the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Ratings apply to the tested body style and can differ between trims and drivetrain layouts.
Ford Explorer Safety FAQ
Is the Ford Explorer a safe car?
NHTSA gives the Ford Explorer an overall crash rating of 5 out of 5 stars, including 5 stars in the frontal crash test and 5 stars in the side crash test. Ratings are per body style and model year — check the table above for yours.
What is the rollover rating of the Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer scores 4 out of 5 stars for rollover resistance, with a calculated rollover risk of about 14.7%. Taller vehicles typically score lower here than sedans.
Does the Ford Explorer have driver assistance features?
NHTSA records the tested Ford Explorer as having electronic stability control, without forward collision warning and with lane departure warning. Availability varies by trim and package.