The Ultimate Ford Explorer Reliability Guide
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Ford cars are known for their reliability, impressive engines, and amazing performance. Ford Explorers are one of the most popular SUVs in the market. It is normal to have high hopes for the car, and it will be pitiful if the Ford Explorer fails to reach the standard that Ford cars set.
But are Ford Explorers reliable, or should you expect the worst? Well, we can say that Ford Explorers are fairly reliable. They have an amazing safety rating, nice engine performance, and low chances of severe repairs.
Ford Explorers have a repair and maintenance cost that is above average, but its durability can be a consolation factor to users. While the frequency of repairs is low on Ford Explorers, Ford Explorers have many bad production years. Ford Explorers have recorded many complaints, with a lot of common problems to deal with.
Keep reading to find out how reliable Ford Explorers are and what you should consider before getting one.
Table of Contents
Are Ford Explorers Reliable Cars?
Ford Explorers are fairly reliable cars. They have a low-reliability rating, with poor performances on the 2020 and the 2021 Ford Explorer models. Consumer reports give the 2022 Ford Explorer a 1/5 reliability rating. This is a poor reliability rating that any car should have.
RepairPal gives Ford Explorer a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, ranking 19th out of 26 Midsize SUVs. The Ford Explorer repair and maintenance cost shoots above average, as Ford Explorer has a $732 repair cost above the $573 repair cost for midsize SUVs and $652 for vehicle models.
Ford Explorer has a lower chance of visiting the repair shop. A Ford Explorer has a 0.2 chance of visiting the mechanic every year. This is an impressive count compared to the 0.4 chance of midsize SUVs.
Ford Explorers are getting worse at gas mileage, although you can get an impressive fuel economy from the limited Ford Explorer hybrid. The drop in Ford Explorer’s reliability is coupled with the numerous problems that it comes with. These problems vary in different years, with the 2006 Ford Explorer earning up to 13,000 complaints.
While we believe that the Ford Explorer can last up to 200,000 miles, we’ve noticed that the numerous problems they have, reduce their lifespan to 100,000 miles.
Why Ford Explorers are Considered Fairly Reliable
1. Numerous Problems
Ford Explorer has numerous problems that impact its reliability. There have been many recalls in different years because these problems started compromising the safety of users. The 2013 ford explorer has up to 11 recalls, while the 2014 model has six recalls.
Overall, Ford Explorer has recalls in almost all its years of production, down to 2022 explorers. There are up to a quarter-million Ford Explorer recalls in the United States of America. These recalls are triggered by problems like wrench light turning on, transmission failures, exhaust leaks, and even engine stalling.
In most cases, some Ford Explorers recorded some of the worst driving experiences in the history of SUVs.
2. Average Gas Mileage
Ford Explorers are not the best cars to buy when great fuel economy is your primary need. However, Ford has made some improvements in the 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid and 2022 Ford Explorer, making them earn a spot as some of the midsize SUVs with the best gas mileage.
There are a few production years that you must stay away from, like the 2006 Ford Explorer, as they offer low gas mileage.
3. Compromised Durability
Ford cars are always known for durability and the use of high-quality materials. The explorers weren’t an exception to this phenomenon, as seen in the 2014 Ford Explorer.
Along the line, Ford dumped the use of high-tensile steel in the production of explorers. This decision aimed at using a lighter and more malleable material to achieve better gas mileage. This experiment failed as the use of aluminum in place of steel in Ford Explorers reduced the durability of the cars.
There were rising cases of premature corrosion, rust, and paint bubbles around the car.
Reasons Why You Might Consider a Ford Explorer
1. Good Safety Record
Ford Explorer holds a good safety record. You must understand that this record varies across different production years of the Ford Explorer. The 2022 ford explorer has five-star ratings from NHTSA in the following areas:
- Overall side
- Side barrier rating driver
- Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
- Side-pole barrier combined: rear and front
Its safety records spread to the IIHS safety rating with “good” crashworthiness in:
- Small overlap front: driver and passenger side
- Moderate overlap front
- Side: original and updated test
- Roof strength
- Head restraints and seats
There are “acceptable” safety ratings on seat belts and child restraints, crash avoidance, and mitigation systems.
2. Amazing Handling
Ford Explorer offers amazing handling and stability that you can rely on. As seen in the 2022 Ford Explorer, you have the benefits of a firm road grip, responsive brakes, and firm suspensions.
The steering system is above average, but you are sure to achieve smooth rides. The flexible handling and smooth rides are also achieved in the Ford Explorer ST and 2021 Ford Explorer.
3. Great Engine Performance
Ford Explorers are notable for their powerful engine performance, torque, and horsepower. The 2.3L – 3.0L EcoBoost engine, 3.3L hybrid, V6, or V8 engine delivers enormous power.
4. Cargo Hold and Space
There are enough cargo holds and space for passengers and loads. You should expect up to 18.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row and 47.9 cubic feet on the second row. There is up to 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space in the 2021 Ford Explorer.
The ford explorer is one of the few three-row SUVs that offers enough space for the user. The car can contain six-seven people with enough leg and headroom for everyone.
Ford Explorer Reliability: Pros
- Impressive tech and safety features
- Power engines
- Space
- Average price entry
Ford Explorer Reliability: Cons
- Low fuel economy
- Limited back row space
- Recalls and Numerous problems
Common Problems of Ford Explorer
- Engine stalling and rough idling
- Electrical issues
- Transmission failure
- Body design fails
- Paint bubbling, rust, and corrosion
Verdict
Ford Explorer is a fairly reliable car, but this doesn’t mean they are entirely bad. You need to be lucky enough to pick one from the best production years.
The car comes with many complaints and recalls, which is an issue to worry about. It would be best to thoroughly investigate the model you wish to purchase.
