Last updated: 2026-03-04
Ford Explorer Reliability by Year
The Ford Explorer averages 66/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Ford Explorer Reliability Overview
The Ford Explorer, with an average reliability score of 65/100 from 2018 to 2026, shows mixed reliability, particularly in the 2020 model year with a score of 54/100 and high complaint rates. Common issues reported by owners include structural and powertrain problems, especially in earlier models, while electrical system concerns are noted in newer versions. With an estimated annual repair cost of $732, higher than the midsize SUV average, the Explorer is best suited for those who prioritize its features over potential maintenance costs.
Current generation: 6th gen (2020–2023).
Best & Worst Ford Explorer Years
Best Ford Explorer Years to Buy
The best Ford Explorer year is 2024 with a reliability score of 73/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (72/100) and 2023 (71/100).
Ford Explorer Years to Avoid
The worst Ford Explorer year is 2020 with a score of 54/100, primarily due to power train (390) issues.
See full Ford Explorer years-to-avoid analysis →Ford Explorer Reliability Score Trend
Ford Explorer reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 70/100 compared to 62/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 54/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 72/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Ford Explorer
4 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Ford Explorer has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Ford Explorer.
2025 Ford Explorer
14 recalls · 65 complaints
The 2025 Ford Explorer has good reliability. There are 14 recalls and 65 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Ford Explorer. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (11), Unknown Or Other (10), Power Train (9).
2024 Ford Explorer
6 recalls · 14 complaints
The 2024 Ford Explorer has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 14 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Ford Explorer. Severity signals include 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (3), Visibility Wiper (2), Steering (2).
2023 Ford Explorer
12 recalls · 84 complaints
The 2023 Ford Explorer has good reliability. There are 12 recalls and 84 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Ford Explorer. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (15), Steering (10), Power Train (9).
2022 Ford Explorer
21 recalls · 208 complaints
The 2022 Ford Explorer has good reliability. There are 21 recalls and 208 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Ford Explorer. Severity signals include 17 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (49), Unknown Or Other (32), Electrical System (26).
2021 Ford Explorer
22 recalls · 354 complaints
The 2021 Ford Explorer has good reliability. There are 22 recalls and 354 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Ford Explorer. Severity signals include 15 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (95), Unknown Or Other (60), Electrical System (30).
2020 Ford Explorer
29 recalls · 1066 complaints
The 2020 Ford Explorer has mixed reliability. There are 29 recalls and 1066 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Ford Explorer. Severity signals include 33 crash-related complaints and 11 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (390), Unknown Or Other (136), Electrical System (128).
2019 Ford Explorer
4 recalls · 252 complaints
The 2019 Ford Explorer has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 252 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Ford Explorer. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Structure (125), Unknown Or Other (33), Power Train (29).
2018 Ford Explorer
5 recalls · 651 complaints
The 2018 Ford Explorer has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 651 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Ford Explorer. Severity signals include 13 crash-related complaints and 6 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Structure (249), Unknown Or Other (128), Engine (57).
Ford Explorer Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$732
Repair Frequency
0.2/yr
Major Repair Risk
14%
$159 above the midsize SUVs average of $573/yr.
Ranked #19 of 26 among midsize SUVs.
Ford Explorer Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Ford Models
Compare all Ford models by reliability
Compare Ford Explorer With Similar SUVs
The Ford Explorer competes with other midsize suvs such as Volkswagen Atlas, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Nissan Pathfinder.
Volkswagen Atlas reliability
9 years tracked · 2107 complaints
Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability
9 years tracked · 2592 complaints
Nissan Pathfinder reliability
8 years tracked · 457 complaints
Honda Passport reliability
8 years tracked · 548 complaints
Toyota Grand Highlander reliability
3 years tracked · 204 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Ford Explorer reliable?
- The Ford Explorer has good reliability with an average score of 66/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Ford Explorer?
- The best year for the Ford Explorer is 2024 with a reliability score of 73/100, rated good. It has 6 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record. See full 2024 Ford Explorer analysis →
- What are the Ford Explorer years to avoid?
- The Ford Explorer years to avoid include 2020 (54/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Ford Explorer?
- The Ford Explorer has an estimated annual repair cost of $732, which is $159 above the midsize SUVs average of $573. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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