Last updated: 2026-03-04

Ford Explorer vs Toyota Venza: Reliability Compared

Ford Explorer reliability comparison

Ford Explorer

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableToyota Venza reliability comparison

Toyota Venza

80
ExcellentReliability score: 80 out of 100, rated Excellent

Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Venza? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Toyota Venza currently leads with an average score of 80/100 compared to 66/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Ford Explorer and Toyota Venza Generations Compare?

The Ford Explorer is currently in its sixth generation (U625), which began in 2020. This makes it relatively early in its generation cycle, where newer platforms might experience first-year issues as manufacturers work out design kinks. The Explorer underwent a significant redesign in 2020, and its previous generation had a facelift in 2016, indicating a mature platform with generally well-sorted reliability by the end of its run. In contrast, the Toyota Venza is in its second generation (XU80), which started in 2021. This places it early in its generation cycle, similar to the Explorer, where initial teething problems might occur. The Venza received a refresh in 2023, suggesting Toyota's efforts to address any early issues, potentially enhancing its reliability.

Verdict

The Toyota Venza is more reliable than the Ford Explorer, scoring 80/100 vs 66/100.

The Toyota Venza stands out in terms of reliability, boasting a high average reliability score of 91/100 compared to the Ford Explorer's 68/100. With only 5 recalls in four years and an exceptionally low complaint rate of 0.2 per 10,000 units sold, the Venza demonstrates fewer issues than the Explorer, which has 117 recalls over nine years and a complaint rate of 6.8 per 10,000 units. Additionally, the Venza's estimated annual repair cost is significantly lower at $444, compared to the Explorer's $732. Overall, the Venza proves to be the more reliable and cost-effective choice for a midsize SUV.

Key Differences

  1. 1Toyota Venza costs $288 less per year to repair
  2. 2Toyota Venza has 112 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Toyota Venza scores 14 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1Ford Explorer
—
5Toyota Venza
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair RiskSafety Rating

Ford Explorer vs Toyota Venza: Which Is More Reliable?

Ford Explorer vs Toyota Venza at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricFord ExplorerToyota Venza
Reliability Score66/10080/100
Years Tracked94
Total Recalls1175
Complaints per 10k Sold6.80.2
Annual Repair Cost$732/yr$444/yr
Repair Frequency0.2/yr0.5/yr
Major Repair Risk14%10%
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2026 NHTSA
2024 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins04

What Are the Common Problems With the Ford Explorer and Toyota Venza?

The Ford Explorer exhibits a diverse array of issues with a notable concentration in the power train category, accounting for 618 complaints, 12 of which are crash-linked, suggesting potential safety concerns. In contrast, the Toyota Venza has a significantly lower total of 9 complaints, with no crash-linked incidents, primarily involving exterior lighting and fuel/propulsion systems. The Explorer also faces substantial issues in unknown or other categories and structural problems, while the Venza's problem profile is limited and less severe. Overall, the Ford Explorer's broader spectrum of complaints, particularly those linked to crashes, indicates a more complex reliability challenge compared to the Toyota Venza.

Ford Explorer vs Toyota Venza common problem areas comparison
ComponentFord ExplorerToyota Venza
POWER TRAIN1.6Low—None
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1.1Low—None
STRUCTURE1Very Low—None
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM0.7Very Low—None
ENGINE0.4Very Low—None
STEERING0.2Very Low—None
SERVICE BRAKES0.2Very Low—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION0.2Very Low—None
SUSPENSION0.1Very Low—None
SEATS0.1Very Low—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING0.1Very Low—None
AIR BAGS0.1Very Low—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL—None—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE—None—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM—None—None
FUEL SYSTEM—None—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER—None—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Ford Explorer or Toyota Venza?

The Ford Explorer incurs an annual repair cost of $732, which is $288 more than the Toyota Venza's $444. This amounts to an additional $1,440 over five years for the Explorer. Additionally, the Explorer has a lower repair frequency at 0.2 visits per year compared to the Venza's 0.5 visits, suggesting fewer trips to the mechanic. However, the Explorer's major repair risk is 14%, higher than the Venza's 10%, indicating a greater chance of costly repairs. For cost-conscious buyers, the Toyota Venza presents a more economical option. While it may require more frequent visits for minor issues, its lower annual repair cost and reduced major repair risk offer better long-term value.

How Does Ford Explorer vs Toyota Venza Reliability Compare by Year?

Ford Explorer vs Toyota Venza year-by-year reliability scores
YearFord ExplorerToyota VenzaEdge
202473/1006R / 14C80/1002R / 0CToyota Venza
202371/10012R / 84C80/1002R / 0CToyota Venza
202265/10021R / 208C80/1000R / 2CToyota Venza
202162/10022R / 354C79/1001R / 7CToyota Venza

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Ford Explorer scored 73/100 and the 2024 Toyota Venza scored 80/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Ford Explorer vs the Toyota Venza?

If you prioritize reliability and low running costs, the Toyota Venza is your best choice. With an impressive reliability score of 91/100 and only five total recalls, the Venza stands out for its dependability. You’ll benefit from lower estimated annual repair costs at $444 and a reduced major repair risk of just 10%. Additionally, with only 0.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, the Venza provides peace of mind for those seeking a trouble-free ownership experience. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to the Ford Explorer for its features or design, be aware that it comes with a reliability score of 68/100 and 117 total recalls. The Explorer's annual repair costs are higher at $732, and the major repair risk is 14%. However, it requires fewer repairs per year at 0.2 compared to the Venza’s 0.5. Choose the Explorer if these factors align with your priorities and you're prepared for potential issues with the power train and electrical system.

Ford Explorer vs Toyota Venza: Common Questions

Is the Ford Explorer more reliable than the Toyota Venza?
Based on our data, the Toyota Venza is more reliable with an average score of 80/100 compared to 66/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Explorer or the Toyota Venza?
The Ford Explorer has more recalls (117) compared to the Toyota Venza (5). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Ford Explorer or the Toyota Venza?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Toyota Venza has a lower complaint rate at 0.2 per 10,000 sold versus 6.8 for the Ford Explorer. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ford Explorer or the Toyota Venza?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Toyota Venza is cheaper to maintain at $444/year versus $732/year for the Ford Explorer.
Is the Ford Explorer or Toyota Venza safer?
Both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Venza received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Related Reliability Comparisons

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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