Last updated: 2026-03-04

Ford Explorer

1 Ford Explorer Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Ford Explorer average of 66/100

The Ford Explorer years to avoid are 2020 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2020 with a reliability score of 54/100. The best Ford Explorer year to buy is 2024 73/100.

Verdict

The 2020 Ford Explorer scores significantly below the model average of 66/100. The weakest year is 2020 with a score of 54/100 due to power train (390) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2019 69/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Ford Explorer Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Ford Explorer average of 66/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202054/100Mixed291066Power Train (390)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

54
MixedReliability score: 54 out of 100, rated Mixed

2020 Ford Explorer

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).

29 recalls1066 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Power Train (390), Unknown Or Other (136), Electrical System (128), Back Over Prevention (61), Engine (44), Exterior Lighting (37)

View full 2020 reliability report →

What Are Common Ford Explorer Problems?

Top reported issues across all Ford Explorer model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

POWER TRAIN

618 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

417 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STRUCTURE

413 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

261 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

144 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

78 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Ford Explorer Year to Buy Instead

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Ford Explorer

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).

Score: 69/100 (Good)4 recalls252 complaints
View full 2019 reliability report →

All Ford Explorer Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Ford Explorer Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Ford Explorer years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Ford Explorer years: 2020 (score: 54/100). These model years score significantly below the Ford Explorer average of 66/100.
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 ("Good"). It has 6 recalls and 14 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Ford Explorer have?
Across all years in our database, the Ford Explorer has a total of 117 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Ford Explorer worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2024 model year, which scores 73/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 66/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Ford Explorer problems?
The most common Ford Explorer problems are power train (618 complaints), unknown or other (417 complaints), structure (413 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Ford Explorer reliable long-term?
The Ford Explorer has an average reliability score of 66/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Ford Explorer generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Ford Explorer generation is the Fifth generation (U502) with an average score of 67/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Ford Explorer?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Ford Explorer is $732 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2024 Ford Explorer a good used buy?
Yes, the 2024 Ford Explorer is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 73/100 ("Good"). It has 6 recalls and 14 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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