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Ford Explorer Sport Trac — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Ford Explorer Sport Trac model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
14
Years to Avoid
2002, 2001
Best Years
2006, 1999, 1998, 1997

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Ford Explorer Sport Trac Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2002, 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Ford Explorer Sport Trac, consider the 2006, 1999, 1998, 1997 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

14 model years analyzed