Ford Explorer Years to Avoid and Best Years to Buy

The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV produced since 1991 that helped define the American SUV segment — but five model years have safety and reliability problems serious enough to skip entirely. The Ford Explorer has sold millions of units across six generations, and the gap between its best and worst years is enormous.

I’ve reviewed the complaint data on every Explorer model year, and here’s what the numbers actually show. The years to avoid cluster around three problem eras: the Firestone rollover crisis (2002-2004), chronic transmission failures (2006), and first-year redesign disasters (2011 and 2020). The 2017-2019 models earn the strongest reliability marks. Three caution years — 2013, 2016, and 2021 — sit between the extremes. Below, I break down each problem year with NHTSA complaint data, repair costs, recall counts, and Frank’s verdict on every generation.

Which Ford Explorer Years Should You Avoid?

The 2002, 2004, 2006, 2011, and 2020 Ford Explorer are the five model years to avoid, based on NHTSA complaint density, recall severity, and the cost of common failures. Each of these years sits at a failure point in the Explorer’s engineering history.

The Ford Explorer has had three distinct problem eras. The rollover era (2002-2004) combined Firestone tire failures with weak transmissions. The transmission era (2006) carried the same drivetrain curse into a new body. The first-year redesign curse (2011 and 2020) introduced platform-wide defects that took Ford two to three model years to resolve.

Let’s start with the Ford Explorer’s most notorious era — the early 2000s.

What Problems Does the 2002 Ford Explorer Have?

The 2002 Ford Explorer is synonymous with the Firestone tire crisis — tire tread separations caused rollovers that killed hundreds of people, and the vehicle also suffered transmission failures at 60,000-90,000 miles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated over 3,000 complaints related to the Ford Explorer and Firestone tire combination.

The 4R55E automatic transmission in the 2002 Ford Explorer failed at 80,000-100,000 miles with symptoms including slipping, harsh shifts, and complete loss of drive. Replacement cost $2,500-$4,500. Rear axle bearing failure appeared at 70,000 miles, adding another $800-$1,200 repair. Timing chain tensioner wear on the 4.0L SOHC V6 surfaced at 90,000 miles, costing $1,200-$2,000.

The 2002 Explorer’s reputation was destroyed by the Firestone scandal. Even setting the tires aside, the transmission was failing at rates that would sink any vehicle. Radiator cracks and coolant leaks compounded the ownership experience.

Frank’s Verdict: AVOID — The rollover era Explorer is history best left in the past. Transmission failures, safety recalls, and a toxic reputation make this a hard pass at any price.

The 2004 continued the transmission problems.

What Problems Does the 2004 Ford Explorer Have?

The 2004 Ford Explorer carried forward the transmission failure pattern from earlier models and added AdvanceTrac system malfunctions that could engage traction control unpredictably at 40,000 miles. This combination made the 2004 one of the least reliable Ford Explorer model years ever produced.

Transmission failure struck the 2004 Ford Explorer at 70,000-100,000 miles, with rebuilds costing $2,500-$4,500. The AdvanceTrac issue is especially dangerous — imagine your traction control randomly activating on dry pavement at highway speed. The blend door actuator failed at 50,000 miles, killing the HVAC system and costing $400-$800 to fix. Radiator cracks appeared at 60,000 miles. Power window motors died prematurely.

The AdvanceTrac malfunction turned a comfort feature into a safety hazard for the Ford Explorer. Owners reported the system activating during normal highway driving with no loss of traction present.

Frank’s Verdict: AVOID — The transmission is the dealbreaker. At $2,500-$4,500 for a rebuild, it’s often more than the car is worth.

The 2006 started a new generation but didn’t fix the transmission problem.

What Problems Does the 2006 Ford Explorer Have?

The 2006 Ford Explorer launched Gen4 with a new 5R55S transmission that unfortunately inherited the failure-prone reputation of its predecessors — slipping, harsh shifting, and complete failure between 60,000-90,000 miles. Ford changed the platform but repeated the same drivetrain mistakes.

Torque converter shudder plagued the 2006 Ford Explorer at 50,000 miles. The shudder felt like driving over rumble strips at highway speed, and the repair cost $1,500-$2,500. Engine misfires from ignition coil failure appeared at 50,000 miles. A/C compressor failure hit at 70,000 miles. Body panel rust affected northern-climate vehicles within five years.

Ford changed the body and chassis but kept the same transmission philosophy. The 5R55S is marginally better than the 4R55E, but “marginally better” isn’t good enough when the baseline was catastrophic.

Frank’s Verdict: AVOID — Three generations of transmission problems. Ford didn’t truly fix this until the Gen5 unibody in 2011 — ironic, since 2011 brought its own issues.

The 2011 fixed the transmission but introduced entirely new problems.

What Problems Does the 2011 Ford Explorer Have?

The 2011 Ford Explorer was a complete redesign — unibody instead of body-on-frame, front-wheel-drive base instead of rear-wheel — and as a first-year model, it brought water pump failures, MyFord Touch nightmares, and power steering problems that cost thousands in repairs. The Gen5 platform was a genuine engineering leap forward, but Ford released it before it was ready.

Water pump failure hit the 2011 Ford Explorer at 40,000-60,000 miles, costing $1,200-$2,000. The pump is buried inside the 3.5L V6 engine block, turning a simple cooling component into a labor-intensive repair. MyFord Touch crashed and froze from day one, requiring $800-$1,500 module replacements. Power steering assist motor failure occurred at 30,000-50,000 miles, costing $600-$1,800. Half-shaft click and vibration appeared at 25,000 miles.

The 2011 Ford Explorer was a huge leap forward in driving dynamics. The problem is it also leaped forward in things that break. NHTSA issued recall 14V286000 in May 2014 for electric power steering loss, and recall 15V171000 in March 2015 for interior door handle failures.

Frank’s Verdict: AVOID — First-year redesign problems across the board. The water pump alone can cost $2,000. Buy a 2013+ instead.

The 2020 repeated the first-year curse with even more recalls.

Does the 2011 Explorer Have Water Pump Problems?

Yes, the 2011 Ford Explorer has a well-documented water pump failure that leaks coolant internally into the engine, causing overheating and potential engine damage at 40,000-60,000 miles. The internal leak is far worse than an external drip because coolant mixes with engine oil before any visible warning appears.

The water pump is buried inside the engine on the 3.5L V6. It’s not a $200 repair — the labor alone runs $800-$1,200 because the front of the engine must be partially disassembled. Total cost with parts: $1,200-$2,000. The Ford Explorer models from 2011-2013 share this design flaw. By 2014, Ford had revised the pump seal design.

What Problems Does the 2020 Ford Explorer Have?

The 2020 Ford Explorer had the roughest launch in modern Ford history — 20+ NHTSA recalls in its first two years, covering the 10-speed transmission, rear camera, driveshaft, and electrical systems. No other Ford Explorer generation has accumulated this many safety defects this quickly.

The 10-speed automatic transmission in the 2020 Ford Explorer exhibited harsh shifting, hesitation, and outright failure at 5,000-30,000 miles. Replacement cost $4,000-$7,000. The rear camera displayed a black screen from new, leaving drivers blind while reversing. Driveshaft disconnect while driving triggered recall 20V693000 in November 2020 — the driveshaft could fracture along the weld seam, causing loss of drive and potential fuel tank contact. Electrical system failures produced random warning lights and power loss at just 5,000 miles. Panoramic sunroof cracking appeared at 10,000 miles.

Ford rushed the 2020 Explorer to market. Workers at the Chicago plant reportedly told management it wasn’t ready. The recall count proves they were right. NHTSA issued recall 20V788000 for motor mount fasteners that could loosen and disconnect the axle, and recall 23V675000 for rear axle bolt fractures causing rollaway.

Frank’s Verdict: AVOID — Twenty recalls in two years tells you everything. The 2022+ is the Explorer Ford should have launched.

Is the 2020 Explorer 10-Speed Transmission Reliable?

No, the 2020 Ford Explorer’s 10-speed automatic transmission is not reliable — owners report harsh shifting, hesitation, and outright failure at 5,000-30,000 miles, with replacement costs of $4,000-$7,000. Ford’s 10R80 transmission was co-developed with GM, and early calibration issues plagued the 2020 production run specifically.

The 10-speed in the Ford Explorer improved significantly by 2022 through software recalibrations and revised valve body components. The 2020 units remain the worst of the 10R80’s production life. Transmission fluid deterioration accelerated under towing loads, compounding the shifting problems.

What Problems Do the 2013 and 2016 Ford Explorer Have?

The 2013 and 2016 Ford Explorer are both caution-level years — the 2013 improved on the 2011’s first-year problems but still had lingering water pump failures, while the 2016 had a concerning exhaust leak that allowed carbon monoxide fumes into the cabin. Neither year is an outright avoid, but both carry risks that demand pre-purchase verification.

The 2013 Ford Explorer addressed most 2011 issues through warranty repairs and technical service bulletins. Water pump failures still appeared at higher mileage, beyond the original warranty period. The 2013 is the least problematic of the early Gen5 years, but the water pump design remained unchanged until 2014.

The 2016 Ford Explorer developed exhaust manifold and flex pipe leaks that allowed carbon monoxide into the passenger cabin. This defect was serious enough that police departments across the country pulled Ford Explorer Interceptors from service. The 2.3L EcoBoost in the 2016 also had turbo-related issues, including boost pressure faults and wastegate problems.

When police departments stop using a vehicle over safety concerns, that tells you something no reliability score captures. The 2016 exhaust issue isn’t a comfort problem — it’s a health hazard.

Frank’s Verdict: CAUTION (both years) — 2013: Check water pump service history. 2016: Verify the exhaust recall was completed. A 2015 or 2017 Ford Explorer is a safer bet than either.

The 2021 still had some carryover issues from the troubled 2020.

What Problems Does the 2021 Ford Explorer Have?

The 2021 Ford Explorer improved significantly over the 2020’s disaster launch but still carried some 10-speed transmission hesitation and electrical glitches from the new Gen6 platform. Ford applied dozens of software updates and parts revisions between the 2020 and 2021 model years.

The 2021 Ford Explorer is the 2020 with most of the bugs worked out. Most, not all. Transmission calibration improved but occasional harsh 3-4 shifts persisted. Infotainment reboots occurred less frequently than the 2020 but were not eliminated. Build quality at the Chicago Assembly Plant tightened after the 2020 launch debacle.

Frank’s Verdict: CAUTION — Much better than the 2020 by a wide margin, but the 2022+ Ford Explorer has the edge in reliability.

These individual year problems feed into larger patterns across the Ford Explorer lineup.

What Are the Most Common Ford Explorer Problems?

The most common Ford Explorer problems across all model years are transmission failures spanning every generation, water pump leaks in Gen5 models, and electrical system issues that evolved from MyFord Touch crashes to Gen6 software glitches. These three categories account for the majority of NHTSA complaints filed against the Explorer.

The Ford Explorer’s problem profile shifted with each generation, but the transmission remained the constant weak point for 30 years.

Are Ford Explorer Transmission Problems Serious?

Ford Explorer transmission problems are consistently the most expensive and dangerous issue across all generations — from the 4R55E/5R55S failures in Gen3-4 costing $2,500-$4,500 to the 10-speed issues in Gen6 costing $4,000-$7,000. No single component has caused more Ford Explorer owners more grief.

The Explorer’s transmission has been its Achilles’ heel for 30 years. The 4R55E failed between 70,000-100,000 miles. The 5R55S failed between 60,000-90,000 miles. The 10R80 failed between 5,000-30,000 miles in the 2020 model. Every Ford Explorer generation has had at least one model year with transmission complaint rates far above the segment average.

What Engine Problems Do Ford Explorers Have?

Ford Explorer engine problems include timing chain tensioner failure in 4.0L SOHC models (2002-2010), EcoBoost turbo issues in 2016 models, and water pump-related overheating in 2011-2013 3.5L V6 models. Engine failures are secondary to transmission problems in overall complaint volume but still carry repair costs above $1,200.

The 4.0L SOHC V6 in Gen3-Gen4 Ford Explorer models developed timing chain rattle at 90,000-120,000 miles. Replacement cost $1,200-$2,000. The 2.3L EcoBoost in the 2016 Ford Explorer had turbo wastegate and boost pressure faults. The 3.5L V6 water pump issue in 2011-2013 models caused coolant-oil mixing that could destroy the engine if undetected.

Does the Ford Explorer Have Electrical Issues?

Yes, the Ford Explorer has documented electrical issues spanning multiple generations — MyFord Touch crashes in 2011-2014 models, AdvanceTrac malfunctions in 2004 models, and infotainment/camera failures in 2020 Gen6 models. Electrical complaints account for the second-highest category of NHTSA filings after drivetrain issues.

The MyFord Touch system in the 2011-2014 Ford Explorer froze mid-drive, disabling climate controls, navigation, and audio. Replacement modules cost $800-$1,500. The 2004 AdvanceTrac failures unpredictably activated traction control. The 2020 Ford Explorer’s SYNC 4 system and rear camera module experienced black screens and random reboots, with camera module replacement costing $400-$800.

How Reliable Is the Ford Explorer by Year?

The Ford Explorer reliability follows a clear pattern — first-year redesigns are unreliable, and mid-cycle models are solid, with the 2017-2019 Gen5 earning the highest marks. This pattern holds across all six generations.

Ford is a mixed bag. The F-150 is rock-solid, but the Ford Explorer has been boom-or-bust depending on the model year. The pattern is predictable: avoid the first year of any new generation.

Before buying, you should also check the recall history.

Has the Ford Explorer Been Recalled?

The Ford Explorer has an extensive NHTSA recall history, with the 2020 model alone accumulating 20+ recalls — covering the 10-speed transmission, driveshaft, rear camera, and electrical systems. No other midsize SUV from any manufacturer has matched this recall density in a two-year span.

A recall isn’t always bad news — it means the manufacturer acknowledged and fixed the problem for free. But 20 recalls in two years is extreme by any standard. The Ford Explorer’s 2020 recall list reads like a complete vehicle teardown.

Verify recall completion status for any used Ford Explorer through the NHTSA recall database before signing paperwork.

Now that you know what to avoid, here are the years worth buying.

What Are the Best Ford Explorer Years to Buy?

The best Ford Explorer years to buy used are the 2017, 2018, and 2019 models — late Gen5 vehicles with proven EcoBoost engines, updated SYNC 3 infotainment, and the lowest complaint rates of any Explorer generation. These three model years represent the Ford Explorer at its most refined.

If I were buying a used Ford Explorer today, I’d get the 2018. The 2.3L EcoBoost was sorted out, SYNC 3 actually works, and prices are reasonable. The 2017-2019 range gives you the benefit of five years of Gen5 refinement without any of the first-year redesign problems that plagued the 2011.

Budget picks: The 2008-2010 Ford Explorer models are solid values. The Gen4 platform was fully refined, the 4.0L V6 had proven itself, and prices sit well under $10,000. These are body-on-frame trucks with genuine towing capability.

Newest option: The 2022+ Ford Explorer is the Gen6 model Ford should have launched. The 10-speed transmission calibration was refined through software updates, most 2020-era recalls were resolved, and build quality improved measurably.

For more Ford model reliability data, check our Ford reliability guide.

Is the 2018 Ford Explorer Worth Buying Used?

Yes, the 2018 Ford Explorer is one of the best used midsize SUVs you can buy, offering proven EcoBoost power, updated SYNC 3 infotainment, and a sharp drop in owner complaints compared to the 2011 and 2020. NHTSA complaint filings for the 2018 model year are roughly one-fifth the volume of the 2020.

The 2018 Ford Explorer sits in a pricing sweet spot. Depreciation has brought prices to $17,000-$24,000, while the mechanical reliability remains strong. The 2.3L EcoBoost delivers 280 horsepower with fuel economy that the older 4.0L V6 couldn’t match.

Is the 2022 Ford Explorer a Good Used Buy?

Yes, the 2022 Ford Explorer is the Gen6 model Ford should have launched — with the 10-speed transmission calibration refined, most 2020-era recalls resolved, and improved build quality. Two full model years of corrections separate the 2022 from the troubled 2020 launch.

The 2022 Ford Explorer benefits from revised valve body tuning in the 10R80 transmission, updated SYNC 4 software, and manufacturing process improvements at the Chicago Assembly Plant. Early reliability data shows complaint rates in line with the strong 2017-2019 Gen5 numbers.

Is the Ford Explorer a Reliable SUV Overall?

The Ford Explorer has mixed reliability overall — the right model years are solid family SUVs, but the wrong years can be expensive nightmares, and as a whole it falls behind the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot in long-term dependability. The Explorer’s inconsistency across generations is its biggest liability.

The Ford Explorer offers more power and a sportier driving feel than the Toyota Highlander, but Toyota’s transmission reliability is in a different league. The Highlander has never had a generation-defining transmission failure. The Honda Pilot matches the Explorer’s interior space with fewer mechanical surprises. The Chevrolet Traverse offers similar domestic-brand pricing with a more reliable transmission track record.

Choosing a Ford Explorer means choosing carefully. The 2018 Explorer is genuinely competitive with any midsize SUV on the market. The 2020 Explorer is one of the worst new-vehicle launches in modern automotive history. That gap defines the brand’s relationship with reliability.

For competing model reliability, see our guides on Toyota Highlander years to avoid and Honda Pilot years to avoid.

How Do You Inspect a Used Ford Explorer Before Buying?

Check these seven items before buying any used Ford Explorer to avoid the most common and expensive problems reported by owners across all generations.

1. Test the transmission through all gears including reverse. Drive at varying speeds and note any hesitation between 2nd-3rd gear (legacy models) or 3rd-4th gear (10-speed models). Harsh shifts or delayed engagement indicate imminent failure on any Ford Explorer.

2. Check for coolant leaks around the water pump area on 2011-2013 3.5L V6 models. Look under the vehicle for pink or orange fluid. Check the oil dipstick for a milky appearance — this indicates internal water pump failure where coolant has entered the engine oil.

3. Smell the interior for exhaust fumes with windows closed and the heat on maximum (2016 Ford Explorer). Drive for 15 minutes in this configuration. Any exhaust odor indicates the flex pipe or exhaust manifold leak that caused police departments to ground their Explorer Interceptors.

4. Verify all rear camera functions on 2020+ Ford Explorer models. Shift to reverse and confirm the camera activates within two seconds. A black screen or delayed image indicates the camera module failure that affected early Gen6 production.

5. Listen for driveshaft clunk during low-speed turns on 2020+ models. Make full-lock turns in both directions at parking lot speed. A metallic clunk from underneath signals the driveshaft weld seam issue covered by recall 20V693000.

6. Verify recall completion status through the NHTSA recall database using the VIN. This step is critical for the 2020 Ford Explorer, which accumulated 20+ recalls. An incomplete recall means free repairs — but also means the vehicle has unresolved safety defects.

7. Request full service history and check transmission fluid condition. Dark brown or burnt-smelling transmission fluid on any Ford Explorer indicates overheating and accelerated wear. Fresh fluid with no service history is a red flag — it may have been changed to mask a problem.

For a complete pre-purchase checklist, see our used car buying guide.