Ford Explorer Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Ford Explorer model year (1996–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Ford Explorer Years to Avoid
17 recalls · 0 complaints
Top issue: No complaints on record
Problem score: 51
5 recalls · 33 complaints
Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Problem score: 48
15 recalls · 0 complaints
Top issue: No complaints on record
Problem score: 45
Best Ford Explorer Years to Buy
1 recall · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 3
1 recall · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 3
1 recall · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 3
Found the right year? Verify that specific Explorer with a free VIN report.
Ford Explorer — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 0 | — | — | 18 | Caution |
| 2025 | 9 | 0 | — | — | 27 | Caution |
| 2024 | 6 | 0 | — | — | 18 | Caution |
| 2023 | 9 | 0 | — | — | 27 | Caution |
| 2022 | 13 | 0 | — | — | 39 | Avoid |
| 2021 | 15 | 0 | — | — | 45 | Avoid |
| 2020 | 17 | 0 | — | — | 51 | Avoid |
| 2019 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Good |
| 2018 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 9 | Good |
| 2017 | 7 | 0 | — | — | 21 | Caution |
| 2016 | 7 | 0 | — | — | 21 | Caution |
| 2015 | 4 | 0 | — | — | 12 | Good |
| 2014 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 9 | Good |
| 2013 | 7 | 0 | — | — | 21 | Caution |
| 2012 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Good |
| 2011 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 9 | Good |
| 2010 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 3 | Excellent |
| 2009 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 3 | Excellent |
| 2008 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Good |
| 2007 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Good |
| 2006 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Good |
| 2005 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 3 | Excellent |
| 2004 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Good |
| 2003 | 4 | 0 | — | — | 12 | Good |
| 2002 | 5 | 0 | — | — | 15 | Good |
| 2001 | 5 | 0 | — | — | 15 | Good |
| 2000 | 7 | 0 | — | — | 21 | Caution |
| 1999 | 7 | 0 | — | — | 21 | Caution |
| 1998 | 11 | 0 | — | — | 33 | Caution |
| 1997 | 9 | 0 | — | — | 27 | Caution |
| 1996 | 5 | 33 | — | — | 48 | Avoid |
All 31 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Ford Explorer Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2019Recent Explorer models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2019 stands out with just 6 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2014Mid-decade Explorer units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2014 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Explorer models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Explorer should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2020 Ford Explorer if possible. It has 17 recalls, 0 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 51 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Explorer to buy?+
The 2005 Ford Explorer is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 3. It has only 1 recall and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Explorer has the fewest problems?+
The 2005, 2009, 2010 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Ford Explorer Research
Check a Specific Ford Explorer VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
Run a Free VIN Report →