Midsize SUVs · U502 generation
Fair Below average
It scores 34 out of 100 for reliability compared with other midsize SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $16,709 to own, including $4,745 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Ford Explorer.
Reliability
34/100
Below average
Repairs, 5 years
$4,745
at 12,000 mi a year
Fuel, 5 years
$8,870
23 mpg, $3.40/gal
Price today
$14,499
$12,759 – $16,238, estimate
Recalls
9
on record
Owner complaints
1,813
filed with NHTSA
These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.
Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previ
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured January 17, 2014 to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links that may fracture.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015, Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 21, 2015, and 2015-2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015. The affected vehicles have a parking brake that may not fully engage when applied. As such, these ve
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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Of the years we rate, the 2024 scores best (88/100) and the 2020 worst (9/100).
| Year | Reliability |
|---|---|
| 2027 | Not rated yet |
| 2026 | Not rated yet |
| 2025 | Not rated yet |
| 2024 | 88/100 |
| 2023 | 76/100 |
| 2022 | 55/100 |
| 2021 | 40/100 |
| 2020 | 9/100 |
| 2019 | 86/100 |
| 2018 | 60/100 |
| 2017 | 32/100 |
| 2016 | 13/100 |
| 2015 | 34/100 |
Not especially. It scores 34 out of 100, below average for midsize SUVs; the 2019, 2023 and 2024 scored better.
It scores 34 out of 100 against other midsize SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is below average. Based on 1,813 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $4,745 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
About $16,709 over 5 years: $3,094 in lost value, $4,745 in repairs and $8,870 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $14,499 today.
Of the years we rate, the 2024 scores best (88/100) and the 2020 worst (9/100).
9 recalls on record with NHTSA.