Midsize SUVs · U502 generation
Smart buy Well above average
It scores 86 out of 100 for reliability compared with other midsize SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $15,795 to own, including $2,303 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Ford Explorer.
Reliability
86/100
Well above average
Repairs, 5 years
$2,303
at 12,000 mi a year
Fuel, 5 years
$9,273
22 mpg, $3.40/gal
Price today
$19,772
$17,400 – $22,145, estimate
Recalls
6
on record
Owner complaints
300
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 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer 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
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 |
No. It scores 86 out of 100, one of the more reliable midsize SUVs of 2015–2024.
It scores 86 out of 100 against other midsize SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is well above average. Based on 300 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $2,303 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
About $15,795 over 5 years: $4,219 in lost value, $2,303 in repairs and $9,273 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $19,772 today.
Of the years we rate, the 2024 scores best (88/100) and the 2020 worst (9/100).
6 recalls on record with NHTSA.