The best Explorer years to buy are 2019 and 2022. Avoid 2013 to 2016 and the 2020: those years drew far more complaints than most SUVs, with steering that locks up, exhaust fumes in the cabin and, on 2020, a long recall list.
Best years: 20192022 Years to avoid: 20132014201520162020
Every Explorer year compared
2012505Average20131163Watch out2014802Watch out2015729Watch out2016992Watch out2017632Watch out2018280Average2019162Good year2020554Average2021210Good year2022131Good year2023-Too new to judge2024-Too new to judge
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known Explorer problems
Year by year
| Year | Complaints | Per 100k sold | Recalls | Top issue | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 29 | - | 10 | Other | Too new to judge |
| 2023 | 115 | - | 15 | Other | Too new to judge |
| 2022 | 273 | 131 | 24 | Transmission and drivetrain | Good year |
| 2021 | 462 | 210 | 26 | Transmission and drivetrain | Good year |
| 2020 | 1,254 | 554 | 33 | Transmission and drivetrain | Average |
| 2019 | 303 | 162 | 6 | Structure | Good buy |
| 2018 | 733 | 280 | 7 | Structure | Average |
| 2017 | 1,713 | 632 | 14 | Structure | Watch out |
| 2016 | 2,464 | 992 | 15 | Structure | Skip this year |
| 2015 | 1,816 | 729 | 9 | Structure | Watch out |
| 2014 | 1,684 | 802 | 7 | Steering | Watch out |
| 2013 | 2,237 | 1,163 | 12 | Steering | Skip this year |
| 2012 | 830 | 505 | 7 | Steering | Average |
About the Explorer
The Explorer is a capable family SUV with an uneven record. The 2011-2017 generation is known for electric power steering failures and exhaust smell inside the cabin, and the 2020 redesign launched with many recalls. The 2018-2019 and 2022 models are much better.
- 2012-2019: Fifth generation. Steering failures and exhaust fume complaints peak 2013-2016; 2018-2019 are much better.
- 2020 on: Sixth generation, rear-wheel-drive based. 2020 had many recalls; 2022 is far improved.
Explorer warranty extensions and special coverage
Carmakers sometimes extend the warranty on a part that fails too often, or pay for a fix outside a recall. These notices come from the dealer bulletins Ford files with NHTSA. 857 Explorer bulletins are on file in total.
2016–2024 · bulletin 11030282
Advance Notice Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
Advance Notice Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
2023 · bulletin 10244690
Customer Satisfaction Program 23B36 Certain 2023 Model Year Explorer ST Vehicles with the Street Package - Wheel and Tire Replacement
Customer Satisfaction Program 23B36 Certain 2023 Model Year Explorer ST Vehicles with the Street Package - Wheel and Tire Replacement
2023 · bulletin 10244692
Customer Satisfaction Program 23B42 Certain 2023 Model Year Explorer, Bronco, Ranger Vehicles Equipped with 2.3L Gas Engine - Engine Long Block Replacement
Customer Satisfaction Program 23B42 Certain 2023 Model Year Explorer, Bronco, Ranger Vehicles Equipped with 2.3L Gas Engine - Engine Long Block Replacement
2020–2023 · bulletin 11031780
Customer Satisfaction Program 23B64 Certain 2020-2024 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Equipped with High Voltage Batteries Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Software Update
Customer Satisfaction Program 23B64 Certain 2020-2024 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Equipped with High Voltage Batteries Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) Software Update
2020, 2021, 2023 · bulletin 11034228
Customer Satisfaction Program 26N09 Certain 2020 Model Year Escape, 2020-2021 Corsair, 2020-2021 Aviator, and 2020- 2021 and 2023 Explorer Vehicles Front Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement, if Required After Dealer Evaluation
Customer Satisfaction Program 26N09 Certain 2020 Model Year Escape, 2020-2021 Corsair, 2020-2021 Aviator, and 2020- 2021 and 2023 Explorer Vehicles Front Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement, if Required After Dealer Evaluation
2021, 2022 · bulletin 11022354
NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD Safety Recall 24S55 Supplement #1 Dated: August 15, 2025 Customer Satisfaction Program 24N12 Dated June 19, 2025 New!
NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD Safety Recall 24S55 Supplement #1 Dated: August 15, 2025 Customer Satisfaction Program 24N12 Dated June 19, 2025 New!
2020 · bulletin 10165692
Advance Notice NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Customer Satisfaction Program 19B24: Certain 2019 Model Year Ranger and 2020 Model Year Explorer Vehicles with 2.3L EcoBoost Engines - Balance Shaft and Oil Pump Assembly Inspection
Advance Notice NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Customer Satisfaction Program 19B24: Certain 2019 Model Year Ranger and 2020 Model Year Explorer Vehicles with 2.3L EcoBoost Engines - Balance Shaft and Oil Pump Assembly Inspection
2020 · bulletin 10167304
NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Customer Satisfaction Program 19B24 Certain 2019 Model Year Ranger and 2020 Model Year Explorer Vehicles with 2.3L EcoBoost Engines Balance Shaft and Oil Pump Assembly Inspection
NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Customer Satisfaction Program 19B24 Certain 2019 Model Year Ranger and 2020 Model Year Explorer Vehicles with 2.3L EcoBoost Engines Balance Shaft and Oil Pump Assembly Inspection
2020 · bulletin 10168823
NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD Customer Satisfaction Program 19B28 Certain 2020 Model Year Explorer ST Vehicles - Shipped w/o Performance Brake Package
NEW VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION / DELIVERY HOLD Customer Satisfaction Program 19B28 Certain 2020 Model Year Explorer ST Vehicles - Shipped w/o Performance Brake Package
2020 · bulletin 11039170
Customer Satisfaction Program 22M03 Supplement #2 Certain 2017-2020 Model Year Continental and Super Duty, 2018-2020 Navigator, 2020 Aviator, and 2020 Explorer Vehicles Replace Front and/or Side Cameras if Foggy
Customer Satisfaction Program 22M03 Supplement #2 Certain 2017-2020 Model Year Continental and Super Duty, 2018-2020 Navigator, 2020 Aviator, and 2020 Explorer Vehicles Replace Front and/or Side Cameras if Foggy
Ask a dealer to check a specific car by VIN. Extensions usually have a time or mileage limit.
Government investigations into the Explorer
NHTSA opens an investigation when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Some end in a recall and some close without one.
Underbody shields detachment Closed
Defect petition DP25001 · 2020 · opened Sep 2025, closed Apr 2026
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on August 22, 2025, requesting a defect investigation into an alleged defect of the “underbody shields” on model year (MY) 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles.
Defect petition DP25001 · 2020 · opened Sep 2025, closed Apr 2026
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on August 22, 2025, requesting a defect investigation into an alleged defect of the “underbody shields” on model year (MY) 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles.
Loss of Motive Power Closed
Engineering analysis EA23002 · 2021, 2022 · opened Sep 2023, closed Oct 2024 · led to recall 24V635
On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted a Defect Petition (DP22001) and opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22007) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with 2.7L EcoBoost engines.
Engineering analysis EA23002 · 2021, 2022 · opened Sep 2023, closed Oct 2024 · led to recall 24V635
On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted a Defect Petition (DP22001) and opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22007) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with 2.7L EcoBoost engines.
Rear Axle Bolt Failure Closed
Recall query RQ23002 · 2020–2022 · opened Jun 2023, closed Feb 2024 · led to recall 23V675
On July 17, 2023, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) opened this Recall Query (RQ) after receiving 2 consumer complaints alleging loss of vehicle forward power and/or loss of transmission torque of the rear wheels in model year (MY) 2020-2022 Ford Explorer vehicles (subject vehicles).
Recall query RQ23002 · 2020–2022 · opened Jun 2023, closed Feb 2024 · led to recall 23V675
On July 17, 2023, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) opened this Recall Query (RQ) after receiving 2 consumer complaints alleging loss of vehicle forward power and/or loss of transmission torque of the rear wheels in model year (MY) 2020-2022 Ford Explorer vehicles (subject vehicles).
Pedestrian alert sounds Closed
Defect petition DP22005 · 2020–2022 · opened Jan 2023, closed Aug 2023 · led to recall 22V063000
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States.
Defect petition DP22005 · 2020–2022 · opened Jan 2023, closed Aug 2023 · led to recall 22V063000
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States.
Windshield trim molding Item detachment Closed
Preliminary evaluation PE23001 · 2012–2019 · opened Jan 2023, closed Feb 2024 · led to recall 24V031
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles.
Preliminary evaluation PE23001 · 2012–2019 · opened Jan 2023, closed Feb 2024 · led to recall 24V031
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles.
Hertz/Vehicles Rented with Open Recalls Open
Audit query AQ22003 · 2018 · opened Dec 2022
NHTSA is opening this audit query to investigate whether The Hertz Corporation (Hertz) has complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act).
Audit query AQ22003 · 2018 · opened Dec 2022
NHTSA is opening this audit query to investigate whether The Hertz Corporation (Hertz) has complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act).
Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance Open
Recall query RQ21002 · 2020 · opened Aug 2021 · led to recall 26V104
On September 23, 2020, Ford Motor Company (Ford) filed a noncompliance recall report under 49 CFR Part 573 (NHTSA Recall No.
Recall query RQ21002 · 2020 · opened Aug 2021 · led to recall 26V104
On September 23, 2020, Ford Motor Company (Ford) filed a noncompliance recall report under 49 CFR Part 573 (NHTSA Recall No.
Exhaust Odor in Passenger Cab Closed
Engineering analysis EA17002 · 2012–2017 · opened Jul 2017, closed Jan 2023
During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers.
Engineering analysis EA17002 · 2012–2017 · opened Jul 2017, closed Jan 2023
During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers.
Ford Explorer Exhaust Odor Closed
Preliminary evaluation PE16008 · 2012–2015 · opened Jul 2016, closed Sep 2017
During the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) investigation into the Ford carbon monoxide allegations, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) identified additional Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports with similar exhaust odor claims.Presently, ODI has identified 791 VOQs for Model Ye...
Preliminary evaluation PE16008 · 2012–2015 · opened Jul 2016, closed Sep 2017
During the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) investigation into the Ford carbon monoxide allegations, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) identified additional Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports with similar exhaust odor claims.Presently, ODI has identified 791 VOQs for Model Ye...
Front Brake Hose Failure Closed
Engineering analysis EA15005 · 2013–2015 · opened Sep 2015, closed Nov 2018
On April 29, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE15-017 to investigate a report alleging incidents of front brake hose failure in model year (MY) 2015 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles used by the Sacramento Police Department in its pursuit driving training program (VOQ 10705832).On Sept...
Engineering analysis EA15005 · 2013–2015 · opened Sep 2015, closed Nov 2018
On April 29, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE15-017 to investigate a report alleging incidents of front brake hose failure in model year (MY) 2015 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles used by the Sacramento Police Department in its pursuit driving training program (VOQ 10705832).On Sept...
Front brake hose failure Closed
Preliminary evaluation PE15017 · 2015 · opened Apr 2015, closed Sep 2015
On April 29, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE15-017 to investigate reports of low-mileage failures of front brake jounce hoses in model year (MY) 2015 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles operated as training vehicles by the City of Sacramento, California (ODI VOQ No.
Preliminary evaluation PE15017 · 2015 · opened Apr 2015, closed Sep 2015
On April 29, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE15-017 to investigate reports of low-mileage failures of front brake jounce hoses in model year (MY) 2015 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles operated as training vehicles by the City of Sacramento, California (ODI VOQ No.
Front brake hose failure Closed
Preliminary evaluation PE14027 · 2013 · opened Aug 2014, closed Feb 2015
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-027 based on a report of 13 front brake hose (jounce hose) failures in 11 vehicles in the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department (DCMPD) fleet of 46 model year (MY) 2013 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor (PI) vehicles (VOQ 10621634).The DCMPD fleet pr...
Preliminary evaluation PE14027 · 2013 · opened Aug 2014, closed Feb 2015
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-027 based on a report of 13 front brake hose (jounce hose) failures in 11 vehicles in the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department (DCMPD) fleet of 46 model year (MY) 2013 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor (PI) vehicles (VOQ 10621634).The DCMPD fleet pr...
Explorer vs rivals
Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
Which years drew fewer problems per car soldHonda Pilot vs Ford Explorer
Which years drew fewer problems per car soldJeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer
Which years drew fewer problems per car soldChevrolet Tahoe vs Ford Explorer
Which years drew fewer problems per car soldDodge Durango vs Ford Explorer
Which years drew fewer problems per car sold
Which years drew fewer problems per car soldHonda Pilot vs Ford Explorer
Which years drew fewer problems per car soldJeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer
Which years drew fewer problems per car soldChevrolet Tahoe vs Ford Explorer
Which years drew fewer problems per car soldDodge Durango vs Ford Explorer
Which years drew fewer problems per car sold
Questions
What is the best year for the Ford Explorer?
2019 and 2022. The best Explorer years to buy are 2019 and 2022. Avoid 2013 to 2016 and the 2020: those years drew far more complaints than most SUVs, with steering that locks up, exhaust fumes in the cabin and, on 2020, a long recall list.
Which Ford Explorer years should I avoid?
2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2020. These drew far more owner complaints per car sold than the Ford Explorer average.
Based on 13,913 complaints filed by owners with U.S. safety regulators for model years 2012 to 2024, and U.S. sales by calendar year. How we score.