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Ford Explorer Reliability by Model Generation
Results are for year ending June 30, 2018. Only successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year and Model | % of Average Repair Frequency | |
 2016 - 2018 Ford Explorer |
Best
114%
Worst
|
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 2011 - 2015 Ford Explorer |
Best
134%
Worst
|
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What Our Members Are Saying about the Reliability And Durability of the Ford Explorer
| Ford Explorer Reliability And Durability: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2007 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
No issues with the vehicle to date. Not even minor ones... full 2007 Ford Explorer review |
| 2006 | 4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic RWD |
The expected life span of the vehicle is longer than most cars. It is built on a solid frame that will take a lot of abuse. full 2006 Ford Explorer review |
| 2006 | 4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic RWD |
I have had good experience with this car. No major problems. full 2006 Ford Explorer review |
| 2002 | 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
We bought this vehicle in 2005 with 37000 miles on it. It was purchased primarily as a tow vehicle for our 24 foot travel trailer. It has performed well over the years with only a few problems, but this last year we had to replace the transmission in it which cost about $3000. The SUV has only 97000 miles on it and is otherwise in very good shape. No problems with motor or rear end so far. We reasoned it was worth it to put a new re-man tranny in because the cost of a new tow vehicle was going to run in the 20k plus range for anything that we felt compared to our vehicle, and that would be a used vehicle with approximately the same mileage our current vehicle has. With our new tranny we got a 3 year- 100k warranty. We had some tranny adjustment issues that were resolved right away, and in the last 6 months it has run very well for us. I expect that this vehicle will be kept at least 2 or 3 more years. full 2002 Ford Explorer review |
| Ford Explorer Reliability And Durability: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2011 | 4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I've had issues with the MyFord Touch system (fixed by latest update). Got annoying wind noise coming from somewhere around the a-pillars, and the mirrors have had water in the signals since new. I haven't bothered getting this stuff fixed yet. full 2011 Ford Explorer review |
| 2004 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
The SUV became a money pit in my 6th year of ownership. I've driven Fords all my life, and this was by far the worst I've ever owned. Internet research confirmed lots of owners were having similar problems: total brake jobs every 25k miles, front (50k) and real wheel bearings (67k), rear door trim bezel cracked 3x (fixed 1st time under warranty, I paid 2nd time, left as-is 3rd time), and the real killer - a complete tranny overhaul at only 67k miles. Ford knew there were problems w/ the tranny, but decided to stick it to the owners anyways. It was a great SUV to drive, but it cost me over $9k in maint/repairs in the last 3 years I owned this SUV. full 2004 Ford Explorer review |
| 2004 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD |
Absolutely TERRIBLE transmission problems that Ford refuses to address. I won;t buy another Ford despite the fact I have 3 in my driveway now. full 2004 Ford Explorer review |
| 2002 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
Bearings Bearings Bearings, Rear end has been serviced seven times all due to the CHEAP bearings that FORD uses and then refuses to stand behind their parts. full 2002 Ford Explorer review |
| 2002 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
This truck has been the worst reliable vehicle I have ever owned, EVER! full 2002 Ford Explorer review |
