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CarsLore / Makes / Ford / Explorer

Ford Explorer

Model years 1984–2027 in the US safety record. Years that drew the most complaints: 2002. Fewest complaints: 1990, 2009, 2023.

34,627owner complaints
142recall campaigns
5,035service bulletins
44model years on record

Complaints by model year

Each bar is one model year. Highlighted: 2002. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.

’90’93’96’99’02’05’08’11’14’17’20’23’263,295’90’93’96’99’02’05’08’11’14’17’20’23’263,295

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.

0.0%1.1%2.1%’91’93’95’97’99’01’03’05’07’09’11’13’15’17’19’21’23’25’270.0%0.0%1.1%2.1%’91’94’97’00’03’06’09’12’15’18’21’24’270.0%

NY DMV Vehicle Inspections, initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count

Year by year

Model yearComplaintsRecallsBulletinsCrashes · fires
20270100 · 0
2026 Explorer421403 · 0
2025 Explorer10720328 · 0
2024 Explorer2110372 · 1
2023 Explorer111151037 · 2
2022 Explorer2712416117 · 1
2021 Explorer4472622614 · 5
2020 Explorer1,2413330237 · 10
2019 Explorer29961272 · 0
2018 Explorer734718316 · 7
2017 Explorer1,7031319334 · 11
2016 Explorer2,4621419239 · 14
2015 Explorer1,810812237 · 1
2014 Explorer1,684612932 · 6
2013 Explorer2,2371113844 · 11
2012 Explorer82958710 · 6
2011 Explorer1,19767730 · 4
2010 Explorer1151248 · 0
2009 Explorer330195 · 0
2008 Explorer1481226 · 3
2007 Explorer20812511 · 5
2006 Explorer63014013 · 7
2005 Explorer49705422 · 6
2004 Explorer1,304010958 · 15
2003 Explorer1,131212260 · 10
2002 ExplorerMost complaints3,2954258144 · 57
2001 Explorer375611564 · 21
2000 Explorer9529266101 · 64
1999 Explorer1,3489412115 · 44
1998 Explorer1,9599349181 · 102
1997 Explorer1,7317369156 · 53
1996 Explorer1,4506238198 · 37
1995 Explorer843519186 · 32
1994 Explorer1,207486109 · 83
1993 Explorer93968386 · 48
1992 Explorer63346747 · 63
1991 Explorer60986357 · 64
1990 Explorer12062 · 1
19891020 · 0
19884020 · 0
19873010 · 0
19863010 · 0
19851010 · 0
19841010 · 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 yearVehicles in fatal crashesDeaths in the vehicleRolled over
2023900
20222483
202167223
2020121379
201970156
2018129285
20171764214
2016114406
201594324
2014863510
20131073210
201243143
201145131
20102981
20091052
200840111
200746167
2006592910
2005865434
20041177550
20031128750
200215711178
2001746341
2000856248
1999716138
1998977745
1997564533
1996574629
1995171110
19941484

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.

YearVariantOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
20272027 FORD EXPLORER SUV ICE 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15.1 %
20262026 FORD EXPLORER HEV SUV HEV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15.1 %
20252025 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15.1 %
20242024 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15.1 %
20232023 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15.1 %
20222022 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD——★★★★★★★★★☆15.1 %
20212021 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15.1 %
20202020 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15.1 %
20192019 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17.4 %
20182018 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17.4 %
20172017 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17.4 %
20162016 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17.4 %
20152015 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17.4 %
20142014 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17.4 %
20132013 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17.4 %
20122012 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆17.4 %
20112011 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.

YearVariantEngineTransmissionCityHighwayCombinedCO₂ g/km
2026Explorer AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline2.3 L, 4 cyl.A1011.98.710.4245
2025Explorer AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline2.3 L, 4 cyl.A1011.98.710.4245
2024Explorer AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline2.3 L, 4 cyl.A1011.58.710.3241
2023Explorer AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline2.3 L, 4 cyl.A1011.68.710.3241
2022Explorer AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline2.3 L, 4 cyl.A1011.78.610.3242
2021Explorer AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline2.3 L, 4 cyl.A1011.78.610.3242
2020Explorer AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline2.3 L, 4 cyl.AS1011.68.710.3241
2019Explorer AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline2.3 L, 4 cyl.AS613.19.211.4267
2018Explorer · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline2.3 L, 4 cyl.AS612.68.610.8254
2017Explorer · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline2.3 L, 4 cyl.AS612.68.610.8254
2016Explorer · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline2.3 L, 4 cyl.AS612.68.510.8253
2015Explorer · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline2.0 L, 4 cyl.A611.98.510.4239
2014Explorer · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline2.0 L, 4 cyl.A611.88.310.2235
2013Explorer · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline2.0 L, 4 cyl.A611.88.310.2235
2012Explorer · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline2.0 L, 4 cyl.A611.88.310.2235
2011Explorer · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline3.5 L, 6 cyl.A613.49.511.6267
2010Explorer 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline4.6 L, 8 cyl.A616.912.114.8340
2009Explorer 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline4.6 L, 8 cyl.A617.212.215.0345
2008Explorer 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline4.0 L, 6 cyl.A517.712.715.4354
2007Explorer 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline4.6 L, 8 cyl.A618.612.916.1370
2006Explorer 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline4.0 L, 6 cyl.A517.812.715.5357
2005Explorer 4X4 FFV · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline4.0 L, 6 cyl.A517.313.015.4354
2004Explorer 4X4 FFV · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline4.0 L, 6 cyl.A517.212.915.3352
2003Explorer 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline4.0 L, 6 cyl.A517.112.615.1347
2002Explorer 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline4.0 L, 6 cyl.A517.812.915.6359
2001Explorer 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline4.0 L, 6 cyl.A517.413.115.5357
2000Explorer · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline4.0 L, 6 cyl.M514.911.213.2304
1999Explorer · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline4.0 L, 6 cyl.M514.911.213.2304
1998Explorer · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline4.0 L, 6 cyl.M515.411.813.8317
1997Explorer · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline4.0 L, 6 cyl.M514.911.113.2304
1996Explorer · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline4.0 L, 6 cyl.M515.011.313.3306

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 yearRegisteredSold new in NZUsed imports
2015321
2014220
2009101
20061099313
2005411109291
2004417160238
2003353235106
200229823158
2001988611
200068607
199947434
1998624217
1997765320
19961392
1972110

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 registeredOn the roadImportedMedian list price
20261,1120%€46,600
20253,2543%€46,499
20241,67913%€47,600
202312643%€88,270
202225037%€85,329
202146474%€77,709
202026784%€77,710
201521100%€106,482
201321100%€97,698
20112896%€75,456
200837100%—
20073678%—
20064090%—
20042756%€55,719
20033336%—
20012273%—

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 registeredIn useAverage mileage
2026311—
202552220,000 km
202423012,000 km
20232516,000 km
20228396,000 km
202125188,000 km
202016897,000 km
2019590,000 km
20066198,000 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.

YearCars in injury collisionsFatalSerious
202533013

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.

BuiltLicensedOff the road (SORN)
202512,1129
20244,52279
20171—
20081—
20061—
200502
200421
20031—
200201
2001712
200040152
199947178
199845195
199721173
199602

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).

YearNew carsLargest marketsMass kgCO₂ g/kmPower kW
20222,223Germany, Sweden, Norway2,54775 (WLTP)267
20215,288Germany, France, Norway2,54071 (WLTP)267
20202,419Germany, Norway, France2,54371 (WLTP)263
201939Germany2,351239 (WLTP)247
20171Bulgaria1,840146 (NEDC)290
201620Germany2,201—220
20145Belgium, Estonia2,128—211
20132Slovenia, Belgium2,115—216
20121Estonia2,229—211
20114Spain, Poland, Estonia2,110—208
20107Spain1,904——

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.

FuelCarsOn the roadWLTPDifferenceAverage distance so far
Plug-in hybrid6,8069.53.1+203%48,000 km

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.

SR/02464/26 · Injuries18 Sept 2026 · CAPRI, EXPLORER

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…

SR/01371/26 · Injuries8 May 2026 · Capri, Explorer

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 …

SR/00177/26 · Injuries23 Jan 2026 · CAPRI, EXPLORER

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…

SR/04359/25 · Injuries19 Dec 2025 · CAPRI, EXPLORER

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…

SR/03119/25 · Fire5 Sept 2025 · Explorer, Transit Custom

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 …

SR/03066/25 · Injuries29 Aug 2025 · Explorer

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…

SR/03067/25 · Injuries29 Aug 2025 · Explorer

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…

A12/00789/24 · Injuries29 Mar 2024 · Explorer

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…

A12/02543/23 · Fire20 Oct 2023 · Explorer, Transit Custom

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…

A12/00555/22 · Injuries8 Apr 2022 · Explorer

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…

INFO/00130/21 · Injuries25 Jun 2021 · Explorer, Puma, Focus, S-Max, Galaxy, Kuga

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.

A12/1628/19 · Injuries1 Nov 2019 · Explorer

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.

26V581000 · Air bags9 Sept 2026 · 2026

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.

26V548000 · Engine and engine cooling25 Aug 2026 · 2026

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.

26V532000 · Engine and engine cooling13 Aug 2026 · 2026

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.

26V470000 · Seats21 Jul 2026 · 2025, 2026, 2027

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.

26V451000 · Seats14 Jul 2026 · 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

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.

26V448000 · Structure14 Jul 2026 · 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

26V402000 · Power train24 Jun 2026 · 2020, 2021

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.

26V371000 · Power train9 Jun 2026 · 2024

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.

26V343000 · Engine and engine cooling27 May 2026 · 2025, 2026

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.

26V205000 · Engine and engine cooling31 Mar 2026 · 2026

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.

26V202000 · Visibility31 Mar 2026 · 2026

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.

26V165000 · Electrical system18 Mar 2026 · 2025

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