Midsize SUVs · U502 generation
Good choice Above average
It scores 60 out of 100 for reliability compared with other midsize SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $16,702 to own, including $3,525 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Ford Explorer.
Reliability
60/100
Above average
Repairs, 5 years
$3,525
at 12,000 mi a year
Fuel, 5 years
$9,273
22 mpg, $3.40/gal
Price today
$18,297
$16,102 – $20,493, estimate
Recalls
7
on record
Owner complaints
734
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 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
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 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard sea
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engine. Due to an assembly error, the fuel pressure sensor may leak fuel.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
These links go to independent sites. We don't earn anything from them.
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 |
No. It scores 60 out of 100, one of the more reliable midsize SUVs of 2015–2024.
It scores 60 out of 100 against other midsize SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is above average. Based on 734 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $3,525 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
About $16,702 over 5 years: $3,904 in lost value, $3,525 in repairs and $9,273 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $18,297 today.
Of the years we rate, the 2024 scores best (88/100) and the 2020 worst (9/100).
7 recalls on record with NHTSA.