Best and worst Ford Explorer years — which to avoid

Ever since the Ford Explorer was introduced back in 1991, it has been one of Ford’s best-selling vehicles. However, buying one today requires some due diligence as drivers reported certain Ford Explorer years to avoid due to their common issues.

The Explorer has one of the largest datasets of complaints about its model years, thanks to its extended history of manufacturing. So, we’ll help you by portraying the best and worst Ford Explorer years ranked based on NHTSA submissions, consumer ratings, and official recalls to help you identify the worst ones to avoid.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Ford Explorer years

Ranking the Ford Explorer years by best and worst wasn’t easy, so our team first started compiling data from renowned sources like NHTSA. We found out about the major complaints drivers were experiencing and have used that to learn about the most common issues.

Of course, we also relied on genuine driving experiences and reports provided through sites like Cars.com, Edmunds, KBB, and Consumer Reports. Our final ingredients were popular Ford Explorer forum threads and safety ratings of various Explorer years, and we used all of those for our final assessments. Since models before 2002 didn’t have any major issues and the vehicle has been produced for more than 30 years, we’ll start with the third generation:

Most common Ford Explorer problems

The chances of finding a Ford Explorer from the first generation in 2022 are slim, but you should pass it up if it does. The Ford Explorer from the 2002 to 2006 model years is one of the worst used car purchases a buyer can make when all of these issues are considered, and we’ll discuss the common problems that plagued this one, as well as other problematic Explorer generations.

1. Transmission problems

Different transmission issues were reportedly present in the 2002, 2004, and 2007 model years. The worst part is that the problems start happening before 80,000 miles. The transmission in the 2006 model reportedly lunged and jerked violently when shifting, and the repair bill came to almost $1,800.

Hard shifting, slipping out of gear, and deadly failure are other transmission faults associated with earlier Ford Explorer models (the transmission stops working). Therefore, before making payments on a used Ford Explorer, it is crucial to inspect the transmission carefully. You should leave the inspection to a trusted mechanic who knows what transmission slipping feels like, just to be safe.

2. Cracked body panel paint issues

The rear body panel (just below the rear window) begins to break after a certain number of miles, which was the most frequently reported problem with the 2004 Ford Explorer. This problem, which recurred multiple times, was experienced by over 1,000 owners of the 2004 Ford Explorer model.

Many folks who experienced this problem found a solution by changing the rear panel. While they waited for a recall, a few others vowed never to purchase another Ford Explorer.

3. Problems with wheels and wheel hubs

The 2004, 2006, and 2010 models came with serious wheel and hub issues. In some situations, wheel bearings also failed which often led to improper control and stability.

According to reports, the wheels and hub of most Ford Explorer vehicles made in the years above failed even before 100k miles. The 2003 Explorer XLT 4.0L V6 model had the most recorded wheel hub issues. 

 Most consumers who encountered these problems were left with no choice except to overhaul their wheels and replace their hubs.

4. Problems with the drivetrain

Despite having a rather sturdy drivetrain, Ford Explorers are nevertheless subject to complaints. The drivetrain reportedly begins to fail after some miles, primarily on the 2002 model.

Rear differential whining, rear differential leaks, 4×4 won’t engage, and other difficulties of a similar nature are among the most often reported drivetrain issues with the 2002 Ford Explorer.

5. Engine problems

The first and second-generation models’ engines had several issues, including symptoms of a bad timing chain, sensor, and complete engine failure.

The most severe engine issues usually emerge after 100,000 miles, and fixing them often costs $3,700 on average.

Worst Ford Explorer years to avoid

In general, the Ford Explorer SUV’s initial model years were plagued by several problems. Owners of specific Explorer models on various platforms brought these issues up. So, by now, you must be wondering – what are the worst Ford Explorer years?

The worst Ford Explorer years are by far 2002 and 2004, but here’s a complete list:

• 2002
• 2003
• 2004
• 2006

Our team will help you gain a better understanding of why that’s the case, so we’ll consider all those model years in-depth with their common problems in mind.

Third-generation Explorer (2002-2005 model years)

Due to an incredible 3,956 complaints, the 2002 Ford Explorer has been regarded as one of the worst Explorer models ever produced. It had a serious transmission problem that required repairs that might have cost up to $3000, and the problem often began after 100,000 miles. Around 90,000 miles, a wheel bearing problem also developed and required about $900 in repairs.

A $500 repair was necessary when the panel under the back window cracked, which typically happens about 80,000 miles. Although the charges listed may be the worst-case scenario, consider that costs vary depending on the problem’s seriousness.

A transmission problem existed in the 2003 Ford Explorer, which the firm had failed to address and which many customers found to be growingly worrisome.

The transmission issue was reportedly the subject of more than 3000 complaints, which were all made about this particular car type. For example, the gearbox frequently failed, slipped, or missed, which resulted in some terrible incidents for the driver who experienced this difficulty.

The model experienced troubles with the engine, the rear window panel breaking, the A/C and heater, and other things. Like the 2002 model, similar problems also began to surface at 80,000 to 100,000 miles. Furthermore, many people lost faith in the company due to the car’s persistent transmission problem.

Following suit, the 2004 Ford Explorer also had a window panel cracking problem, which was the subject of an outstanding 770 complaints.

This one, in particular, began to exhibit symptoms at about 75,000 miles and required a $450–$500 repair, depending on the severity of the problem. Unexpectedly, owners said the vehicle also had a paint corrosion problem, with a typical repair bill of about $500.

At 80,000 miles, the paint typically began to peel off, which was early for any car. Like its predecessors, this car also had a transmission issue; however, by the time it reached 100,000 miles, it was difficult for the driver to shift into reverse.

The car’s braking system and engine suffered from numerous serious gearbox problems. The car exhibited aberrant acceleration and deceleration, abrupt braking, and sudden acceleration.

Fourth-generation Explorer (2006 model year)

Although this model had a redesign, it needed to improve its ability to address the fundamental problems of the vehicle, which continued to plague all owners.

The transmission and cooling system of this 2006 Ford Explorer attracted over 770 complaints due to gearbox problems and a broken radiator.

The problem with the transmission deteriorated to the point where it started recurring at about 50,000 miles and cost owners about $2000 to fix.

What are the best Ford Explorer years to buy?

The remaining model years of the Ford Explorer are an excellent buy, excluding the years designated as unreliable versions. This contains more recent models from 2017 and some older versions from 2007 to 2013.

With the proper maintenance, these Ford Explorer models have a superior reliability rating and can travel over 200,000 miles, so these are the best years to buy:

• 2010
• 2011
• 2016
• 2019
• 2020

Except for the 2006 model year, none of the fourth-generation cars have received many complaints. Once the fifth generation was introduced in 2011, transmission issues became less of a problem.

Ford Explorers from the fifth and sixth generations have even fewer complaints, and the best model overall is the 2009 one.

2009 Ford Explorer

Among the best-rated models of the Explorer, the 2009 one stands out, especially among the ones produced during the 2000s. While more recent options like 2019 and 2020 are pretty safe themselves, this one established itself as possibly the only model from 2000 to 2019 without any major issues or complaints.

Drivers often choose it due to decent engine options and a dependable transmission, while the only few reported issues were related to the electric system, ECU, and interior accessories and their performance.

Is the Ford Explorer worth buying?

The good news is that there are still several secure and dependable model years to pick from if you’re interested in purchasing a used Ford Explorer.

The majority of the models sold during the first generation (1991–1994), second generation (1995–2001), fourth generation (2006–2010), fifth generation (2011–2019), and sixth generation (2020–present) have only had a small number of issues reported, according to CoPilot.

Just be careful to omit the 2006 model if you’re considering the fourth-generation Explorer options.

Ford Explorer transmission issues were no longer a significant issue in 2011. Additionally, fewer and fewer complaints were filed as the business entered its fifth and sixth generations.

When it comes to upgrades, the 2013 Ford Explorer stands out from the competition. The luxurious and roomy inside, on-the-road solid performance, and outstanding high-tech features are only a few amazing qualities.

A four-cylinder turbocharged engine and excellent fuel efficiency are further benefits for owners. Additionally, the 2013 model scored exceptionally well regarding crash test safety, and the model years 2010, 2016, and 2019 are other noteworthy ones.

Furthermore, the Ford Explorer is a fantastic SUV that occasionally has a great engine and exceptional amenities. If you take care of the car, it can be your best buddy.

Additionally, it may function as a typical daily commuting SUV, and its powerful engine can let you haul hefty loads and move heavy luggage.

Curious about the years to steer clear of? Our comprehensive guides like the Mazda CX-9 years to avoid, Toyota Highlander years to avoid, and Jeep Grand Cherokee years to avoid pinpoint the years you might want to stay clear of. With our guidance, you’re equipped to navigate the car buying landscape with the confidence that stems from insightful, trustworthy advice.