2021-2022 Ford Explorer Transmission Control Module Recall (23V069)
Ford Motor Company · 3,674 vehicles · Reported February 10, 2023
Ford Motor Company is recalling 3,674 2021-2022 Ford Explorer vehicles. 3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage. A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash. Dealers will make the repair free of charge.
Recall 23V069 at a glance
| NHTSA campaign number | 23V069000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer recall number | 23S05 |
| Date reported to NHTSA | February 10, 2023 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Vehicles | 2021-2022 Ford Explorer |
| Units affected | 3,674 |
| Component | Power Train > Automatic Transmission > Control Module (Tcm / Pcm / Tecm) |
| Safety risk | A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash. |
| Fix | Available at dealers |
What is wrong with the 2021-2022 Ford Explorer in recall 23V069?
3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.
Is it safe to drive a 2021-2022 Explorer with recall 23V069?
NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
NHTSA describes the risk this way: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
There is no do-not-drive order on this campaign. If your Explorer shows warning lights or behaves differently in a way that involves the control module, have it checked before driving further.
Which vehicles are included in recall 23V069?
Recall 23V069 covers 3,674 vehicles: 2021-2022 Ford Explorer.
NHTSA lists 3,674 vehicles in this campaign. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.
| Model years | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | Ford | Explorer |
What is the fix for the Explorer transmission control module recall?
Yes. Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge.
Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S05.
When was recall 23V069 announced?
Ford Motor Company reported recall 23V069 to NHTSA on February 10, 2023. NHTSA lists the owner letter date as March 28, 2023.
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| February 10, 2023 | Ford Motor Company filed the defect report with NHTSA; NHTSA assigned campaign 23V069000. |
| March 28, 2023 | Owner notification letters mailed (per NHTSA). |
This recall was filed 44 months ago. If your Explorer was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.
How do I check if my Explorer is part of recall 23V069?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 23V069 is open on your Explorer, it will be listed there.
Look up your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls. If 23V069000 is open on your Explorer, it will be listed there, along with Ford recall number 23S05. You can also ask any Ford dealer to run the VIN. The VIN is printed on your registration and visible through the lower driver-side windshield.
What should Explorer owners do about recall 23V069?
Check your VIN, schedule the free recall repair, and keep a repair order for every dealer visit.
- Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 23V069000 applies to your Explorer.
- Book the recall appointment with any authorized Ford dealer. Ask up front whether parts are available and how long the vehicle will be there.
- Keep a copy of every repair order. Check that each one lists your complaint, the mileage, and the dates in and out.
- Keep a simple log of any control module symptoms with dates and mileage. Video of a warning light or the problem happening is strong evidence.
- Count the days the vehicle is at the dealer. Days out of service add up toward California's 30-day presumption.
- If the recall repair does not fix it, or the vehicle keeps going back for the same issue, talk to a lemon law attorney.
What are Explorer owners reporting to NHTSA?
Owners have filed 697 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 175 of them about the transmission.
Since recall 23V069 was reported on February 10, 2023, owners have filed 146 complaints with NHTSA about the transmission on these vehicles. 22 of them (15%) describe the same problem happening more than once or coming back after a repair attempt.
How we counted: we matched NHTSA owner complaints for the model years in this recall that list the transmission and were received on or after February 10, 2023, then flagged narratives that describe a repeat failure or a problem returning after a dealer repair, recall service or software update. Data from NHTSA, accessed October 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports and may involve a related transmission issue rather than this exact defect; automated text matching can miss or misread some reports.
NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 697 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 175 of them involve the transmission. Complaints are reports from owners and have not been verified by NHTSA, but a high count for the same component is a sign the problem is widespread.
- 2021 Ford Explorer: 430 complaints in total, 117 about the transmission
- 2022 Ford Explorer: 267 complaints in total, 58 about the transmission
Here is what some owners told NHTSA, in their own words (excerpts, unverified):
When driving or on neutral the vehicle shakes between 1000rpm-1500rpm. During driving or stationary you can feel the vehicle vibrating when in that rpm range. Under load the car does feel a bit hesitant and tampers acceleration. They're is a TSB 22-2377 which may be related to this issue as well.
2021 Ford Explorer owner, MD, NHTSA complaint 11633774, filed January 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the power train warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to exit the highway and the contact was able to pull over to the side of the road.
2021 Ford Explorer owner, LA, NHTSA complaint 11638709, filed January 27, 2025
the rear axle bolt fractured while driving causing damage to the differential, axles, and mounting bushing. the problem has been confirmed by Baytown Ford Dealership service dept. located at 4110 I-10, Baytown, TX 77521. it has been inspected by the Service Dept at Baytown Ford.
2021 Ford Explorer owner, TX, NHTSA complaint 11650614, filed March 25, 2025
Can recall 23V069 make my Explorer a lemon in California?
Not by itself. A recall repair that fails, or repeat dealer visits for the same defect, can support a California lemon law claim.
Owners often ask whether this control module recall means their Explorer qualifies as a lemon. Not by itself. Song-Beverly looks at whether a defect covered by the warranty substantially impairs use, value or safety and was not fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).
A transmission defect affects the core job of the 2021-2022 Ford Explorer: moving reliably. Owners often see the same symptom return after a repair, and those repeat visits are the kind of history California's lemon law looks at.
A remedy is available. Many vehicles are fixed on the first try. If the problem returns after the recall repair, or the 2021-2022 Ford Explorer has needed other repairs for the same defect, those visits count toward a lemon law claim.
For the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, California presumes the manufacturer had enough chances if the Explorer went in two or more times for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for the same defect, or spent more than 30 days in the shop (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Direct notice to the manufacturer is required for some of these. The presumption is a shortcut, not the only path to a claim.
An owner who prevails in a lemon law case can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.
In our cases, a recall repair visit counts as a repair attempt, and it's strongest when the owner complained about the problem before the recall came out. A recall shows the defect is real and that enough owners reported it for the manufacturer to issue a fix.
A typical pattern: an owner reports the transmission slipping, and the dealer can't verify it. Six months later, NHTSA issues a recall for the same problem. Because the recall confirms the defect, the mileage offset goes back to that first visit.
The biggest mistake I see is waiting too long. The mileage offset starts at your first repair visit for the problem, so the sooner you take it in, the better. If the problem comes and goes, take it in when it happens. You can't go back to that date later.
If you get a recall notice, call a lemon law attorney right away. You may have taken the car in for the same problem before and forgotten, or there may be other recalls related to it.
Jacob Shayesteh, Esq. (SBN 362320), Founder and Managing Attorney. Quotes lightly edited for clarity. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Has your Explorer been back to the dealer for this problem?
Call 877-536-6620Other Ford Explorer recalls
Frequently asked questions about recall 23V069
Did the recall 23V069 fix work?
Since recall 23V069 was reported on February 10, 2023, owners have filed 146 complaints with NHTSA about the transmission on these vehicles. 22 of them (15%) describe the same problem happening more than once or coming back after a repair attempt. If your vehicle still has the problem after the recall repair, go back to the dealer, get a repair order, and talk to a lemon law attorney.
When will owners be notified?
According to NHTSA, owner notification letters were or are scheduled to be mailed March 28, 2023.
Is the 23V069000 recall repair free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are done free of charge at authorized dealers.
How do I know if my Explorer is part of recall 23V069000?
Enter your 17-character VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or call a dealer. The VIN is on your registration, insurance card and the lower corner of the windshield.
Will a transmission software update fix the problem for good?
Sometimes. Many owners report that shifting problems return after an update. If yours does, go back to the dealer and make sure the visit is written up.
Does the recall fixing my car mean I have no case?
Not necessarily. Even if the recall repair fixed it, you may still have a case, and a car that's a year or more old can still qualify.
Do used cars qualify for California lemon law?
We take certified pre-owned, demo and dealer vehicles. Since the California Supreme Court's Rodriguez decision in 2024, ordinary used cars generally do not qualify.
How long does a recall lemon law case take?
Recall-related cases typically resolve in one to three months from your first call. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
What does a lemon law attorney cost?
You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.
Sources
- NHTSA recall record 23V069000 (recall report and owner letters are posted there)
- NHTSA complaints and recalls data, accessed October 1, 2026
- California Civil Code 1793.2 and 1793.22
Attorney advertising. America’s Lemon Lawyer is a trade name of Wynn Law Group, APC. Responsible attorney: Jacob Shayesteh, Esq. (SBN 362320). This page is general information, not legal advice. America’s Lemon Lawyer is not affiliated with NHTSA or Ford. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.