Is the Ford Explorer Reliable? What Actually Breaks by Year
By Caropsy · June 30, 2026 · 5 min read
The Ford Explorer is one of the most searched three-row SUVs for reliability — and for good reason, since the answer genuinely depends on which generation you're looking at. The 2020 redesign in particular had a famously rough launch that's worth understanding before you shop.
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Depends heavily on the yearOlder generations are safer bets. The 2020 redesign had well-documented early quality issues.
Best years to buy used
2016–2019 (5th gen, late)The previous-generation Explorer settled into solid reliability by this point. The 3.5L V6 and EcoBoost four-cylinder are both reasonably proven. This stretch is the safer used buy versus the newer redesign.
2022–2023 (6th gen, corrected)Ford addressed many of the 2020 launch issues by 2022. If you want the newer platform, these later years are meaningfully more reliable than the first two model years.
Years to think twice about
2020–2021 (6th gen, launch years)The redesigned Explorer had a genuinely rough launch — widespread complaints about driveline clunking, power steering failures, and electrical issues. Consumer Reports flagged these years as below average. If you're considering one, get a thorough pre-purchase inspection and confirm any relevant recalls were completed.
💡 The 2020–2021 Explorer is exactly the kind of case where checking the specific year on Caropsy before you commit matters most.
Common problems to know
Driveline clunk (2020–2021): A widely reported issue on launch-year redesigned Explorers.
Power steering failure (2020–2021): Documented complaints and at least one related recall.
Water pump (EcoBoost engines, multiple years): A known weak point requiring engine disassembly to fix — expensive when it fails.
Bottom line
A 2016–2019 Explorer is the safer used purchase. If you want the newer body style, stick to 2022 or later and avoid the 2020–2021 launch years unless the price reflects the real risk.
Looking at a specific Explorer? Grade it before you buy.