Is the Ford Explorer Reliable?
1996–2026 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other suvs — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Ford Explorer? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Ford Explorer Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 39 | 5 | — | 50 | Fair |
| 2025 | 5 | 86 | 3 | — | 50 | Fair |
| 2024 | 2 | 11 | 4 | — | 50 | Fair |
| 2023 | 8 | 69 | 7 | — | 50 | Fair |
| 2022 | 14 | 195 | 16 | — | 47 | Fair |
| 2021 | 12 | 344 | 19 | — | 40 | Poor |
| 2020 | 14 | 940 | 25 | — | 25 | Poor |
| 2019 | 2 | 184 | 7 | — | 50 | Fair |
| 2018 | 3 | 468 | 15 | — | 36 | Poor |
| 2017 | 7 | 1038 | 38 | — | 25 | Poor |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Explorer Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Explorer scores 29 points below the average suv. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Ford Explorer Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 3374 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ford Explorer reliable?+
The Ford Explorer scores 40/100 on our reliability index — rated "Poor." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 75 recall campaigns and 3374 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Explorer is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2026 Explorer achieved the highest reliability score of 50/100 with 8 recalls and 39 complaints.
How many miles does a Explorer last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Ford Explorer owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Explorer will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Ford Explorer Research
Check a Specific Ford Explorer VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
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