Ford Explorer Years to Avoid
We analyzed 13858 owner complaints and 175 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Ford Explorer model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2016 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in body & structure.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Body & Structure
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Ford Explorer Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Ford Explorer Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Ford Explorer | 830 | 7 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Ford Explorer | 2237 | 12 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Ford Explorer | 1684 | 7 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2015 Ford Explorer | 1814 | 9 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Ford Explorer | 2464 | 15 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Ford Explorer | 1713 | 14 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Ford Explorer | 733 | 7 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Ford Explorer | 300 | 6 | 76/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Ford Explorer | 1247 | 33 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2021 Ford Explorer | 452 | 26 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2022 Ford Explorer | 271 | 24 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2023 Ford Explorer | 113 | 15 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
Buying a Used Ford Explorer: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Ford Explorer years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Ford Explorer model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring body & structure issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Ford Explorer?
The most reliable used model year for the Ford Explorer is 2019 (as well as 2019), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Ford Explorer?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Ford Explorer are Body & Structure, Steering System, Unknown Or Other. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Ford Explorer?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 175 safety recall campaigns and recorded 13858 official owner complaints for the Ford Explorer.