Which Years Of Used Ford Explorers Are Most Reliable?
We've identified five of the most reliable Ford Explorer years. See which ones (and which Explorer years are considered least reliable) so you can shop for a used car with confidence.
The Ford Explorer is a popular SUV option from the Ford brand, providing ample room for passengers and cargo over its three decades of manufacturing. It was the first four-door SUV produced by Ford and continues to be one of their most popular. If you’re interested in a used version of this car, you might wonder - what are the most reliable Ford Explorer years?
If you want to maximize what you get for what you spend, it’s a good idea to focus on reliability. With three decades of options on the market, it might feel like too much to narrow down the most reliable selection for your family. Read on to learn about the most reliable Ford Explorer years and any other valuable information you need.
THE FORD EXPLORER YEARS TO AVOID
In this post, we’ll provide all the information you need on Ford Explorer years to avoid. This will help you get the right model when shopping for a used Explorer.
Most Reliable Years For The Ford Explorer
Drivers enjoy the Ford Explorer because it offers plenty of room inside for cargo and passengers to ride with comfort. It has top-notch technology features, excellent performance, strong towing capability, and versatility for many drivers. Several years stand out as the best for this vehicle, ideal for interested drivers who want to save money.
Here are the most reliable selections for the Ford Explorer:
- 1993 Ford Explorer
- 2010 Ford Explorer
- 2011 Ford Explorer
- 2012 Ford Explorer
- 2019 Ford Explorer
If you’re hunting for the most reliable Ford Explorer years, go with one of these five car selections.
Over the years, these five choices have proven over and over that they are top performers for this vehicle. They have the fewest issues and will serve you well, even decades after their initial manufacturing.
Get one of these vehicles to make the most out of your expenditure. However, it’s also critical to think about the general reliability of the Ford Explorer across all years. How does it fare on average? What does it look like compared to other SUV selections?
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Are Ford Explorers Generally Reliable?
The best choice you can make when investing in a new vehicle is to purchase the most reliable option. However, the most reliable selection won’t mean anything if the general Explorer model itself isn’t reliable. Let’s see how it stacks up against others.
The Ford Explorer does not fare well in reliability. According to withclutch.com, the Explorer scores 38.95, which puts it very low. The average on this site across similar vehicles is 57, making the Ford Explorer almost 20 points lower.
It’s also an excellent idea to get a second opinion when examining the reliability of a car. According to repairpal.com, the Ford Explorer scores 3.5⁄5, putting it in 19th compared to 26 other midsize vehicles. It’s on the bottom half of the group.
The annual repair cost for the Ford Explorer is $732, almost $200 higher than the average for midsize vehicles of $573. If there is a need for an unexpected repair, there is a 14% chance it will be severe, compared to the 13% average for other midsize vehicles.
Those driving Ford Explorers report taking them to the repair shop an average of .2 times a year, better than the .4 average for other midsize vehicles. Although the Explorer isn’t awful, it’s nowhere near the best overall in reliability.
Which Ford Explorer Years Are The Least Reliable?
Keep away from the worst years of the Ford Explorer to avoid wasting your money. The less reliable the year, the more you will spend on repairs and replacements. We have them listed for you here.
Here are the least reliable years for the Ford Explorer on the market:
- 2002 Ford Explorer
- 2003 Ford Explorer
- 2004 Ford Explorer
- 2020 Ford Explorer
If you’re seeking the most reliable Ford Explorer years available, stay away from these selections at all costs to keep money and time on your side.
There were many customer complaints these years online. A few of the prominent troubles include suspension, drivetrain, radiator links, and body/paint faults, to name a few.
These years fielded the most complaints from customers. However, there are also some general troubles to consider across all years with the Ford Explorer before purchasing.
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What Are The Most Common Issues With A Ford Explorer?
Before purchasing a car, it’s ideal to check to see the most common troubles across the years. Several issues often appear in the Explorer, no matter what year you purchase on the market.
According to motoverso.com, here are the most common troubles with the Ford Explorer:
- Transmission lunging and jolting
- Paint/body faults
- Lack of ability to shift into gear
If these occur during your time owning the Explorer, you will need to take it to a repair shop.
Whether you purchase a reliable or unreliable year, these troubles will likely appear. However, they are most common in the worst years for the Explorer.
We’ve talked about everything to do with the Ford Explorer’s reliability. Now, it’s time to ask the critical question - is the Ford Explorer worth it?
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Is The Ford Explorer Worth It?
The Ford Explorer is one of the most popular Ford selections. However, it does have enough troubles to be a waste of money if you are not careful. The Explorer is not the best SUV option available.
Those who need a vehicle with plenty of room will enjoy the Explorer. However, it isn’t perfect.
Ford is a top-notch brand, and the Ford Explorer is one of their best-selling models. However, it does have reliability issues to consider before investing.
Final Thoughts
Although there are some excellent years for the Ford Explorer, it’s tricky to remove the bad from the good. If you want the Explorer, go for the most reliable years. However, you might be better off with a different used SUV.
We hope this information was helpful! It might feel impossible to pick the right SUV choice with so many used options available, so our knowledge should help you narrow down the right choice. Ford is excellent, but the Explorer isn’t the best in reliability.
FAQs: Most Reliable Ford Explorer Years
Q: What are the most reliable used Ford Explorer years?
A: For those considering a used Ford Explorer, the most reliable years are 1993, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2019. These models have demonstrated fewer issues over time, making them solid choices for a dependable midsize SUV.
Q: How reliable is the third generation of Ford Explorers?
A: The third generation of Ford Explorers, particularly the 2010 and 2011 models, marked significant reliability and build quality improvements. These years are noted for fewer common issues and are considered some of the best Ford Explorer options available in the used SUV market.
Q: What makes the Ford Explorer a popular choice among SUVs?
A: The Ford Explorer’s popularity stems from its versatile design, which offers ample passenger and cargo space. Its reputation for durability, especially in the more reliable years, further cements its status as a favored midsize SUV.
Q: How do used Ford Explorer models compare to other midsize SUVs in terms of reliability?
A: While the Ford Explorer has had its share of less reliable years, the models identified as most dependable compare favorably with other midsize SUVs. When choosing a used Ford Explorer from one of the recommended years, buyers can expect a vehicle that holds up well against its competitors.
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