Complaints by model year
Each bar is one model year. Highlighted: 2002. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026
New York safety inspections
Share of first inspections failed on safety, by model year. Older cars fail more as miles build up, so compare each year with the average car of the same year. Best against its own year: 2027.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections, initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Year by year
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 1 |
| 2026 Explorer | 42 | 14 |
| 2025 Explorer | 107 | 20 |
| 2024 Explorer | 21 | 10 |
| 2023 Explorer | 111 | 15 |
| 2022 Explorer | 271 | 24 |
| 2021 Explorer | 447 | 26 |
| 2020 Explorer | 1,241 | 33 |
| 2019 Explorer | 299 | 6 |
| 2018 Explorer | 734 | 7 |
| 2017 Explorer | 1,703 | 13 |
| 2016 Explorer | 2,462 | 14 |
| 2015 Explorer | 1,810 | 8 |
| 2014 Explorer | 1,684 | 6 |
| 2013 Explorer | 2,237 | 11 |
| 2012 Explorer | 829 | 5 |
| 2011 Explorer | 1,197 | 6 |
| 2010 Explorer | 115 | 1 |
| 2009 Explorer | 33 | 0 |
| 2008 Explorer | 148 | 1 |
| 2007 Explorer | 208 | 1 |
| 2006 Explorer | 630 | 1 |
| 2005 Explorer | 497 | 0 |
| 2004 Explorer | 1,304 | 0 |
| 2003 Explorer | 1,131 | 2 |
| 2002 ExplorerMost complaints | 3,295 | 4 |
| 2001 Explorer | 375 | 6 |
| 2000 Explorer | 952 | 9 |
| 1999 Explorer | 1,348 | 9 |
| 1998 Explorer | 1,959 | 9 |
| 1997 Explorer | 1,731 | 7 |
| 1996 Explorer | 1,450 | 6 |
| 1995 Explorer | 843 | 5 |
| 1994 Explorer | 1,207 | 4 |
| 1993 Explorer | 939 | 6 |
| 1992 Explorer | 633 | 4 |
| 1991 Explorer | 609 | 8 |
| 1990 Explorer | 12 | 0 |
| 1989 | 1 | 0 |
| 1988 | 4 | 0 |
| 1987 | 3 | 0 |
| 1986 | 3 | 0 |
| 1985 | 1 | 0 |
| 1984 | 1 | 0 |
A model year gets its own page when it has enough data for at least three sections
Most common problems
- Power train5,406
- Structure5,254
- Steering4,143
- Tires3,774
- Unknown or other3,139
- Electrical system2,260
- Engine2,066
- Engine and engine cooling1,999
NHTSA ODI complaints, all model years
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 2,236 Explorer vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died, and 1,103 people died inside them. These are counts, not crash rates: a model with more cars on the road shows up more often, and people killed outside the vehicle are not counted here.
| Model year | Vehicles in fatal crashes | Deaths in the vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 9 | 0 |
| 2022 | 24 | 8 |
| 2021 | 67 | 22 |
| 2020 | 121 | 37 |
| 2019 | 70 | 15 |
| 2018 | 129 | 28 |
| 2017 | 176 | 42 |
| 2016 | 114 | 40 |
| 2015 | 94 | 32 |
| 2014 | 86 | 35 |
| 2013 | 107 | 32 |
| 2012 | 43 | 14 |
| 2011 | 45 | 13 |
| 2010 | 29 | 8 |
| 2009 | 10 | 5 |
| 2008 | 40 | 11 |
| 2007 | 46 | 16 |
| 2006 | 59 | 29 |
| 2005 | 86 | 54 |
| 2004 | 117 | 75 |
| 2003 | 112 | 87 |
| 2002 | 157 | 111 |
| 2001 | 74 | 63 |
| 2000 | 85 | 62 |
| 1999 | 71 | 61 |
| 1998 | 97 | 77 |
| 1997 | 56 | 45 |
| 1996 | 57 | 46 |
| 1995 | 17 | 11 |
| 1994 | 14 | 8 |
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain) · how we count
Crash-test ratings by year
NHTSA 5-star results for 17 model-year variants; 14 of 15 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Year | Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 2027 FORD EXPLORER SUV ICE 4WD | ★★★★★ | 15.1 % |
| 2026 | 2026 FORD EXPLORER HEV SUV HEV 4WD | ★★★★★ | 15.1 % |
| 2025 | 2025 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | 15.1 % |
| 2024 | 2024 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | 15.1 % |
| 2023 | 2023 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | 15.1 % |
| 2022 | 2022 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD | — | 15.1 % |
| 2021 | 2021 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | 15.1 % |
| 2020 | 2020 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | 15.1 % |
| 2019 | 2019 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 17.4 % |
| 2018 | 2018 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 17.4 % |
| 2017 | 2017 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 17.4 % |
| 2016 | 2016 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 17.4 % |
| 2015 | 2015 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 17.4 % |
| 2014 | 2014 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 17.4 % |
| 2013 | 2013 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 17.4 % |
| 2012 | 2012 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 17.4 % |
| 2011 | 2011 Ford Explorer SUV AWD | — | 0.0 % |
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption by year
Official Canadian test results for 31 model years, best variant per year. Combined consumption ranges from 10.2–16.1 L/100 km.
| Year | Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Explorer AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 11.9 | 8.7 | 10.4 |
| 2025 | Explorer AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 11.9 | 8.7 | 10.4 |
| 2024 | Explorer AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 11.5 | 8.7 | 10.3 |
| 2023 | Explorer AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 11.6 | 8.7 | 10.3 |
| 2022 | Explorer AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 11.7 | 8.6 | 10.3 |
| 2021 | Explorer AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 11.7 | 8.6 | 10.3 |
| 2020 | Explorer AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 11.6 | 8.7 | 10.3 |
| 2019 | Explorer AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 13.1 | 9.2 | 11.4 |
| 2018 | Explorer · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 12.6 | 8.6 | 10.8 |
| 2017 | Explorer · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 12.6 | 8.6 | 10.8 |
| 2016 | Explorer · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 12.6 | 8.5 | 10.8 |
| 2015 | Explorer · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 11.9 | 8.5 | 10.4 |
| 2014 | Explorer · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 11.8 | 8.3 | 10.2 |
| 2013 | Explorer · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 11.8 | 8.3 | 10.2 |
| 2012 | Explorer · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 11.8 | 8.3 | 10.2 |
| 2011 | Explorer · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 13.4 | 9.5 | 11.6 |
| 2010 | Explorer 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 16.9 | 12.1 | 14.8 |
| 2009 | Explorer 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 17.2 | 12.2 | 15.0 |
| 2008 | Explorer 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 17.7 | 12.7 | 15.4 |
| 2007 | Explorer 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 18.6 | 12.9 | 16.1 |
| 2006 | Explorer 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 17.8 | 12.7 | 15.5 |
| 2005 | Explorer 4X4 FFV · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 17.3 | 13.0 | 15.4 |
| 2004 | Explorer 4X4 FFV · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 17.2 | 12.9 | 15.3 |
| 2003 | Explorer 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 17.1 | 12.6 | 15.1 |
| 2002 | Explorer 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 17.8 | 12.9 | 15.6 |
| 2001 | Explorer 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 17.4 | 13.1 | 15.5 |
| 2000 | Explorer · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 14.9 | 11.2 | 13.2 |
| 1999 | Explorer · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 14.9 | 11.2 | 13.2 |
| 1998 | Explorer · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 15.4 | 11.8 | 13.8 |
| 1997 | Explorer · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 14.9 | 11.1 | 13.2 |
| 1996 | Explorer · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 15.0 | 11.3 | 13.3 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
In New Zealand
1,959 Explorer cars are on the New Zealand register; 39% arrived as used imports.
| Model year | Registered | Sold new in NZ | Used imports |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 2014 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 2009 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2006 | 109 | 93 | 13 |
| 2005 | 411 | 109 | 291 |
| 2004 | 417 | 160 | 238 |
| 2003 | 353 | 235 | 106 |
| 2002 | 298 | 231 | 58 |
| 2001 | 98 | 86 | 11 |
| 2000 | 68 | 60 | 7 |
| 1999 | 47 | 43 | 4 |
| 1998 | 62 | 42 | 17 |
| 1997 | 76 | 53 | 20 |
| 1996 | 13 | 9 | 2 |
| 1972 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
In the Netherlands
7,417 Explorer cars are on Dutch roads; 17% arrived later as imports, and 911 still have a recall open. Open a year for APK defects, odometer checks and colours.
| First registered | On the road | Median list price |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,112 | €46,600 |
| 2025 | 3,254 | €46,499 |
| 2024 | 1,679 | €47,600 |
| 2023 | 126 | €88,270 |
| 2022 | 250 | €85,329 |
| 2021 | 464 | €77,709 |
| 2020 | 267 | €77,710 |
| 2015 | 21 | €106,482 |
| 2013 | 21 | €97,698 |
| 2011 | 28 | €75,456 |
| 2008 | 37 | — |
| 2007 | 36 | — |
| 2006 | 40 | — |
| 2004 | 27 | €55,719 |
| 2003 | 33 | — |
| 2001 | 22 | — |
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles (CC0) · list price is the manufacturer's catalogue price when new
In Finland
1,601 Explorer cars were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026: 34% petrol, 0% diesel, 66% electric; 33% of all are hybrids. Mileage is the odometer reading at the last inspection.
| First registered | In use | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 311 | — |
| 2025 | 522 | 20,000 km |
| 2024 | 230 | 12,000 km |
| 2023 | 25 | 16,000 km |
| 2022 | 83 | 96,000 km |
| 2021 | 251 | 88,000 km |
| 2020 | 168 | 97,000 km |
| 2019 | 5 | 90,000 km |
| 2006 | 6 | 198,000 km |
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use, 30 Jun 2026 · CC BY 4.0
Road collisions in Great Britain
From 2021 to 2025, 33 Explorer cars were involved in road collisions in Great Britain that injured someone and were reported to the police. 0 of those collisions were fatal and 13 caused serious injuries. As with any count, models with more cars on British roads appear more often.
| Year | Cars in injury collisions | Fatal | Serious |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 33 | 0 | 13 |
Department for Transport, STATS19 road safety data 2021–2025 · Open Government Licence v3.0 · how we count
In the United Kingdom
16,800 Explorer cars were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, by year of manufacture.
| Built | Licensed | Off the road (SORN) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12,112 | 9 |
| 2024 | 4,522 | 79 |
| 2017 | 1 | — |
| 2008 | 1 | — |
| 2006 | 1 | — |
| 2005 | 0 | 2 |
| 2004 | 2 | 1 |
| 2003 | 1 | — |
| 2002 | 0 | 1 |
| 2001 | 7 | 12 |
| 2000 | 40 | 152 |
| 1999 | 47 | 178 |
| 1998 | 45 | 195 |
| 1997 | 21 | 173 |
| 1996 | 0 | 2 |
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124) · Open Government Licence v3.0
New registrations in Europe
10,009 new Ford Explorer cars registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland between 2010 and 2022, from the European Environment Agency's CO₂ monitoring of every new car. In 2022 the largest markets were Germany (393), Sweden (294), Norway (261).
| Year | New cars | CO₂ g/km |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2,223 | 75 (WLTP) |
| 2021 | 5,288 | 71 (WLTP) |
| 2020 | 2,419 | 71 (WLTP) |
| 2019 | 39 | 239 (WLTP) |
| 2017 | 1 | 146 (NEDC) |
| 2016 | 20 | — |
| 2014 | 5 | — |
| 2013 | 2 | — |
| 2012 | 1 | — |
| 2011 | 4 | — |
| 2010 | 7 | — |
Averages are weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value (NEDC until the WLTP switch). European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Real-world fuel consumption
6,806 Ford Explorer cars registered in Europe between 2021 and 2024 report their fuel use through the on-board meter. Plug-in hybrids use 9.5 l/100 km against 3.1 l/100 km on paper, with 17% of their distance covered with the engine off.
| Fuel | Cars | On the road | WLTP | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plug-in hybrid | 6,806 | 9.5 | 3.1 | +203% |
Litres per 100 km: total fuel used divided by total distance driven, from the car's own fuel consumption meter (OBFCM), collected in 2024 by the manufacturers, mostly remotely, and by national authorities. WLTP figures are the type-approval CO₂ values converted to litres. Hybrids, including mild hybrids, do not plug in; plug-in hybrid figures include the distance driven on electricity. European Environment Agency, Real-world CO₂ emissions from cars and vans · CC BY 4.0
EU safety alerts
Safety Gate, the European Union's rapid alert system, names the Explorer in at least 12 alerts. European versions can differ from the North American car.
Due to insufficient bonding, the panoramic roof may detach and fall onto the road. There is a risk of accident and injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of sy…
The rear axle joints may not have been tightened to the required torque during assembly. If an affected joint comes loose completely, the driver may notice a misalignment of the steering wheel when driving straight. In severe cases, the joint may fail without …
Incorrectly tightened fastener screws may loosen or fail, which can affect vehicle handling, braking, steering control, or wheel guidance, increasing the risk of accidents. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance…
The seat back may become detached as a result of a faulty screw connection, which may lead to injuries in the event of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, an…
A bent anode plate on the high-voltage battery cells could lead to a short circuit, consequently leading to engine failure and the shutdown of the battery, increasing the risk of fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market …
The seat belt's retraction mechanism does not work properly. This may result in a loose roll and insufficient tension of the seatbelt, increasing the risk of an injury in the event of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval…
The seat belt's retraction mechanism does not work properly. This may result in a loose roll and insufficient tension of the seatbelt, increasing the risk of an injury in the event of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval…
The A-pillar trim may not be fastened correctly. it may come loose and fall onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and…
A faulty part within the high-voltage battery cells could cause the battery to short-circuit and cause a fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, compone…
Corrosion of the bearing pin in the bearing bush can increase the frictional resistance of the bearing to such an extent that the vertical forces occurring are absorbed by the track rod itself. As a result, the track rod of the rear suspension system may break…
A problem may occur with the current Telematic control unit (TCU) software, which could affect the functionality of the eCall system.As a result, emergency service may not be contacted in case of need.
The rear axle tie rods are defective and may break. This may lead to loss of control over the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
Safety Gate (European Commission) · CC0
Recalls
142 campaigns cover the Explorer; the latest 12 are below.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. The active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying properly.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine. The engine connecting rod bearings may seize, which can result in engine failure.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer and Mustang vehicles. The engine piston circlips may have been incorrectly installed during manufacturing, which can result in piston failure and engine damage, leading to a loss of drive power.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) may experience multiple unexpected resets, resulting in loss of the rearview camera image and advanced driver assistance (ADAS) features, including pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
NHTSA recalls