MULTI-YEAR DEFECT AUDIT (2014–2025)12 Model Years Audited
Ford Explorer Common Problems & Year-by-Year Reliability Guide
Comprehensive historical defect intelligence across 10,650 total NHTSA owner complaints and 185 federal recall campaigns for the Ford Explorer.
Best Explorer Years to Buy (Highest Reliability)
Years with Highest Defect Reports (Inspect Closely)
Year-over-Year Matrix
All Explorer Model Years (2014–2025)
| Model Year | Reliability Index | NHTSA Complaints | Recalls | Safety Severity | Detailed Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Explorer | 6.4 / 10 | 94(4.7/10k) | 19 | Critical Risk | Audit 2025 |
| 2024 Explorer | 5.2 / 10 | 19(1/10k) | 10 | Critical Risk | Audit 2024 |
| 2023 Explorer | 5.5 / 10 | 104(5.2/10k) | 15 | Critical Risk | Audit 2023 |
| 2022 Explorer | 4.9 / 10 | 256(12.8/10k) | 24 | Critical Risk | Audit 2022 |
| 2021 Explorer | 4.8 / 10 | 411(20.6/10k) | 26 | Critical Risk | Audit 2021 |
| 2020 Explorer | 3.5 / 10 | 1,190(59.5/10k) | 33 | Critical Risk | Audit 2020 |
| 2019 Explorer | 6.4 / 10 | 290(14.5/10k) | 6 | Elevated Risk | Audit 2019 |
| 2018 Explorer | 4.3 / 10 | 717(35.9/10k) | 7 | Critical Risk | Audit 2018 |
| 2017 Explorer | 3.8 / 10 | 1,686(84.3/10k) | 14 | Critical Risk | Audit 2017 |
| 2016 Explorer | 3.7 / 10 | 2,440(122/10k) | 15 | Critical Risk | Audit 2016 |
| 2015 Explorer | 3.5 / 10 | 1,770(88.5/10k) | 9 | Critical Risk | Audit 2015 |
| 2014 Explorer | 3.9 / 10 | 1,673(83.6/10k) | 7 | Critical Risk | Audit 2014 |