Best and Worst Ford Explorer Years to Buy

The Ford Explorer is America’s iconic midsize three-row SUV — but the difference between the best and worst model years is the difference between an $18,000 bargain and an $18,000 money pit. The Ford Explorer has spanned six generations since 1991. Best years like the 2017-2019 have near-zero NHTSA complaint density. Worst years like the 2020 had 20+ recalls in its first two years — making it one of the worst first-model-year launches in recent memory.

I’ve bought, inspected, or helped friends buy over 50 used cars in 20 years — and the Explorer is one of the most requested three-row SUVs. The 2017-2019 range is the single best window to buy a used Explorer. The 2020 is the single worst. Here’s which years are actually worth your money.

Frank’s Ford Explorer Best and Worst Years

Why Is the 2018 Ford Explorer Frank’s Top Pick?

The 2018 Ford Explorer is Frank’s top pick because it combines the fully mature Gen5 unibody platform with near-zero NHTSA complaint density, an available 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with 365 horsepower in the Sport and Platinum trims, and used prices that have dropped into the $18,000-$23,000 sweet spot. That makes it one of the best three-row SUV values on the used market.

The 2011 was the first Gen5 year with water pump failures at 40,000-60,000 miles, MyFord Touch crashes, and power steering motor failures — 5x baseline complaints. The 2018 shares none of those problems. Seven years of refinement show in every reliability metric.

Standard AdvanceTrac electronic stability control and available pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking round out the safety package. Three engine options serve different buyers. The 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 delivers 290 horsepower for base and XLT trims — proven and simple. The 2.3L EcoBoost produces 280 horsepower with better fuel economy at 22 MPG combined. The 3.5L EcoBoost in Sport and Platinum trims pushes 365 horsepower for genuine performance in a three-row SUV.

A 2018 Explorer XLT with 60K miles lists around $19,000-$22,000. Compare that to a new Explorer at $38,000+ — you’re saving $16,000-$19,000 for a car that’s proven reliable over 6+ years on the road.

I helped a friend buy a 2018 Explorer Sport with 55,000 miles. Two years later, it’s at 90,000 with nothing but oil changes, tires, and brakes. That’s what a mature Gen5 looks like.

The 2019 is the last Gen5 and equally reliable. Between a 2018 and 2019, pick whichever has lower miles and better maintenance records.

Frank’s Verdict: BUY — TOP PICK. The 2018 Explorer is the best year across all six generations. Near-zero complaints, available 365 HP Sport trim, SYNC 3 infotainment, and prices in the $18,000-$23,000 range. Worth every penny.

The 2018-2019 are the best Gen5 picks — but older and newer generations have strong options too.

What Are the Best Gen4 Ford Explorer Years? (2006-2010)

The best Gen4 Ford Explorer years are the 2008, 2009, and 2010, which resolved the transmission and torque converter problems that plagued the 2006 launch year — making them solid budget picks for buyers who want body-on-frame durability and real towing capacity. Gen4 was the last body-on-frame Explorer, running the proven 4.0L V6 and 4.6L V8 with a 5-speed automatic.

The 2006 was a first-year disaster. Transmission failure in the 5R55S/5R55W, torque converter shudder at 40-50 MPH, and ignition coil failure — 5x baseline complaints. The 2007 improved but still ran at 3x baseline. By 2008, complaints calmed to near-normal levels.

A 2008-2010 Explorer with 130K miles runs $5,000-$9,000. For under $8,000, you get a body-on-frame SUV that can tow 5,000+ pounds — but check the transmission fluid color and shift quality before buying.

Gen4 is the last Explorer built for serious towing. The unibody Gen5 and Gen6 are better on-road, but if you need to tow a boat every weekend, a 2009-2010 is purpose-built for it. Fuel economy warning: Gen4 drinks gas — 14-16 MPG combined with the V6. Budget $250+/month in fuel at current prices.

Is the 2009 Ford Explorer a Good Used Buy?

Yes, the 2009 Ford Explorer is a good budget buy — it’s the most refined Gen4 year with low NHTSA complaint density, a proven 4.0L V6, and prices under $7,000 that make it real transportation for budget buyers.

Transmission issues from 2006 are largely resolved by 2009. At $5,000-$7,000 with 130K-170K miles, it’s durable body-on-frame transportation. The 2009 and 2010 are interchangeable in reliability. The 2010 carries slight “last of the breed” appeal as the final body-on-frame Explorer.

Pre-purchase: check transmission shift quality and look for torque converter shudder at 40-50 MPH. If it shudders, budget $1,500-$2,500 for replacement — or walk away.

What Are the Best Gen5 Ford Explorer Years? (2011-2019)

The best Gen5 Ford Explorer years are the 2017, 2018, and 2019, which fixed the water pump failures and MyFord Touch crashes that plagued the 2011-2013 launch years — the 2017-2019 range is the single best window to buy a used Explorer. Gen5 moved to a unibody D4 platform with FWD-based AWD and added EcoBoost engine options.

The 2011-2013 models launched with water pump failures at 40,000-60,000 miles ($1,200-$2,000 replacement), MyFord Touch infotainment that crashed and froze regularly, and power steering motor failures. The 2015 was the turning point — water pump issues addressed, Sport trim with 3.5L EcoBoost debuted. The 2017 replaced MyFord Touch with SYNC 3, and complaint rates dropped to near-zero.

NHTSA recall 19V435000 covers 2011-2017 rear suspension toe links that may fracture — verify completion by VIN on any Gen5 purchase. The 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 in 2011-2015 models has a documented timing chain issue at $1,200-$2,000 for replacement. Listen for timing chain rattle on cold start when test driving.

Is the 2019 Ford Explorer Worth Buying Used?

Yes, the 2019 Ford Explorer is worth buying used — it’s the last Gen5 model year with the lowest complaint density in the generation, SYNC 3 infotainment, and all nine years of platform refinement baked in.

Between a 2017 at $18,000 and a 2019 at $22,000, the 2019 gets you newer interior materials and a slightly better infotainment system. The reliability difference is negligible — both are excellent. The available Sport trim with 365 HP 3.5L EcoBoost remains the performance standout in three-row SUVs.

Is the 2015 Ford Explorer a Good Used Buy?

Yes, the 2015 Ford Explorer is a good mid-budget buy — it’s the first Gen5 year where water pump failures were largely addressed, the Sport trim with 3.5L EcoBoost debuted, and complaint rates dropped to LOW levels.

At $12,000-$17,000 with 80K-130K miles, the 2015 is strong value. If the 2017-2019 is out of your budget, the 2015 is your next best pick. Timing chain caveat: listen for rattle on cold start with the 3.5L naturally aspirated V6. If it rattles, budget $1,200-$2,000 for replacement — or walk away.

What Are the Best Gen6 Ford Explorer Years? (2020-Present)

The best Gen6 Ford Explorer years are the 2022 and 2023, which resolved the catastrophic first-year problems that made the 2020 Explorer one of the worst new-model launches in recent memory — if you want a Gen6, skip the 2020 entirely and start at 2022. Gen6 moved to the CD6 platform with a return to RWD-based layout, a 10-speed automatic, and new engine options including the 3.3L hybrid V6.

The 2020 was a disaster. Twenty-plus recalls in its first two years: driveshaft fracture (recall 20V693000), rear axle bolt failure (23V675000), motor mount loosening (20V788000), fuel line fire risk (19V859000), harsh 10-speed shifting, rear camera failures, and electrical gremlins. NHTSA complaint density hit 6x baseline — worst of any Explorer year ever produced.

The 2022+ Explorer ST with the 3.0L EcoBoost puts out 400 horsepower — rare performance in a three-row SUV. Standard Co-Pilot360 on all trims includes AEB, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and auto high beams.

Is the Ford Explorer Hybrid Worth Buying Used?

The Ford Explorer Hybrid is worth buying used for the driving refinement and resale value — but not for fuel savings alone, because the $3,000-$5,000 used premium takes 9-15 years to break even at current gas prices.

The 3.3L V6 hybrid delivers 28 MPG combined — best in any Explorer ever. Fuel savings math at $3.50/gallon: the hybrid saves $326/year over the 2.3L EcoBoost gas model (28 vs 23 MPG combined). At a $3,000-$5,000 premium, break-even takes 9-15 years.

The real hybrid advantages are smoother city driving, better resale value, and standard AWD with no fuel penalty. Only buy the 2022+ hybrid — the 2020 hybrid shares the same recall disaster as the gas model. For highway commuters buying on a budget, the 2.3L EcoBoost gas model is the better value.

Which Ford Explorer Years Should You Avoid?

The 2020, 2002, 2006, 2004, and 2011 Ford Explorer are the five model years to avoid — each has complaint rates 2-6x higher than surrounding model years, with the 2020 earning the worst rating of any Explorer year ever produced.

The pattern is identical to every other car I review: avoid first-year models of any new Explorer generation. The 2002 (Gen3 launch), 2006 (Gen4 launch), 2011 (Gen5 launch), and 2020 (Gen6 launch) all had first-year problems that Ford fixed within 1-3 years.

For the full breakdown of what goes wrong in each of these years — transmission failures, driveshaft fractures, water pump replacements — read the complete Ford Explorer years to avoid guide.

EcoBoost vs Naturally Aspirated vs Hybrid: Which Explorer Engine Is Best?

The 2.3L EcoBoost is the best all-around Explorer engine for used buyers — it delivers 300 horsepower with 22-24 MPG combined, lower turbo maintenance risk than the 3.5L EcoBoost, and the widest availability across Gen5 and Gen6 models.

For budget buyers looking at Gen5 (2017-2019), the 3.5L NA V6 is the value play — no turbo to worry about, lower insurance, cheaper to maintain. For Gen6 buyers, the 2.3L EcoBoost is the sweet spot. The 3.5L EcoBoost is for buyers who want Sport/Platinum performance and understand the turbo maintenance cost.

How Reliable Is the Ford Explorer by Year?

The Ford Explorer reliability varies dramatically by generation, with the 2017-2019 Gen5 models earning top marks while the 2020 Gen6 launch year scores lowest — RepairPal rates the Explorer 3.5 out of 5.0 with $732/year average repair cost, but individual model years tell a completely different story.

That $732/year is $80 above the $652 industry average. J.D. Power rates the Explorer average to above average in reliability depending on the model year — the 2017-2019 Gen5 models score highest, while the 2020 Gen6 launch pulls the average down. That brand-level average is dragged down by the 2002-2006 and 2020 disasters. The 2017-2019 models cost LESS than the industry average to maintain.

The Explorer has gone through three completely different platforms in 20 years: body-on-frame (Gen4), FWD unibody (Gen5), and RWD unibody (Gen6). Each platform change triggered a disastrous first year. That’s why 2006, 2011, and 2020 are all avoid years.

What Is the Best Used Ford Explorer for the Money?

The best used Ford Explorer for the money depends on your budget — the 2008-2010 wins under $9,000, the 2015 wins at $12,000-$17,000, the 2017-2019 wins at $18,000-$25,000, and the 2022-2023 wins above $28,000, with each tier offering the best reliability-to-price ratio in its range.

Total cost math: a $20,000 2018 Explorer with $732/year in repairs costs $22,196 over 3 years. A $6,000 2009 Explorer with $900/year in repairs costs $8,700 over 3 years. The cheaper car wins on total cost — but only if you pick the right model year. A $6,000 2006 Explorer with a $3,500 transmission rebuild costs MORE than the $6,000 2009.

Keep 15% of your budget in reserve for first-year repairs. A $20,000 budget means $17,000 for the car and $3,000 in the repair fund. The 2017-2019 models have absorbed 6-8 years of depreciation and prices have stabilized — they won’t drop much further.

Which Ford Explorer Generation Is Most Reliable?

The late Gen5 Ford Explorer (2017-2019) is the most reliable generation overall with the lowest complaint rates per unit sold, followed by the refined Gen6 (2022+), while the early Gen5 (2011-2013) and the 2020 Gen6 launch sit lowest — though every generation has at least one model year to avoid.

The Explorer has the most dramatic platform changes of any SUV in its class. Body-on-frame to FWD unibody to RWD unibody in 15 years. Each change triggered a bad first year. Mid-generation years are always more reliable than launch years — that’s the single most important lesson in used Explorer buying.

How Does the Ford Explorer Compare to Other Midsize SUVs?

The Ford Explorer costs $80-$243 more per year to maintain than the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, but offers the widest powertrain variety and best driving dynamics in the midsize three-row SUV segment — picking the right model year closes the reliability gap significantly.

The Highlander wins on reliability — $489/year vs the Explorer’s $732. That’s $243/year or about $730 over 3 years. But the Highlander doesn’t offer anything close to the Explorer ST’s 400 horsepower or the Explorer Hybrid’s efficiency. If reliability is your only priority, buy the Highlander. If you want driving engagement in a three-row SUV, the Explorer in the right model year competes.

The Honda Pilot is the sensible choice. The Explorer is the interesting choice. The Pilot scores 4.0/5.0 on RepairPal vs the Explorer’s 3.5/5.0, and costs $190/year less in repairs.

For more Ford models, see the used Ford buying guide and the Ford F-150 best and worst years.

What Should You Check Before Buying a Used Ford Explorer?

Check these 7 items before buying any used Ford Explorer — each targets a specific problem documented in this guide that varies by generation and model year.

1. Check NHTSA recall status by VIN. Verify driveshaft and rear axle bolt recalls on 2020-2022 models (recall IDs 20V693000 and 23V675000). Verify suspension toe link recall 19V435000 on 2011-2017 models.

2. Test the 10-speed transmission through all gears on 2020+ Gen6 models. Accelerate through each gear in both stop-and-go and highway driving. Harsh shifts or hesitation between 3rd and 4th gear are common complaints.

3. Listen for timing chain rattle on cold start with the 3.5L NA V6 (2011-2015). A metallic rattle in the first 5-10 seconds signals stretched timing chain. OBD codes P0016 or P0017 confirm the diagnosis. Replacement runs $1,200-$2,000.

4. Check the water pump for coolant weeping on 2011-2015 Gen5 models. Look underneath for coolant residue around the water pump housing. Replacement costs $1,200-$2,000.

5. Test MyFord Touch infotainment on 2011-2015 models. If the screen freezes or reboots during your test drive, expect a $800-$1,500 module replacement — or just accept it and use your phone.

6. Verify the suspension toe link recall (19V435000) on 2011-2017 models. Toe link fracture causes a sudden change in vehicle handling at highway speeds. Safety-critical — non-negotiable recall completion before purchase.

7. Request complete service history with oil change intervals. EcoBoost models need regular oil changes to prevent turbo wear. Gaps longer than 7,000 miles between changes are a warning sign.

A 2022 Explorer needs items 1 and 2. A 2013 needs items 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. For a general pre-purchase inspection process, follow the used car buying guide.

Bottom line: the Ford Explorer in the right model year is a capable, engaging three-row SUV. In the wrong model year, it’s a recall notice with wheels. The 2018 is the best year to buy. The 2017-2019 range is the sweet spot. The 2020 is the worst Explorer ever produced. Use this guide to pick the right year, and you’ll get excellent value.