Ford Explorer — Years to Avoid
Reliability breakdown of every Ford Explorer model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.
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 Years Should You Avoid?
Based on federal safety data, the 2020, 2016, 2013, 2002, 1999, 1998, 1997 Ford Explorer 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, consider the 2010, 2009, 2008, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1977 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.