UsedCarWise
2020 Ford Explorer
2020 model shown · Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain

Midsize SUVs · U625 generation

2023 Ford Explorer: reliability, problems and cost to own

Smart buy Above average

It scores 76 out of 100 for reliability compared with other midsize SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $17,065 to own, including $2,008 in repairs.

Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Ford Explorer.

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Reliability

76/100

Above average

Repairs, 5 years

$2,008

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$8,500

24 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$27,768

$24,436 – $31,100, estimate

Recalls

15

on record

Owner complaints

113

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.

Where repair money is likely to go

Engine & cooling$686
Transmission & drivetrain$543
Driver-assist & stability$166
Electrical system$156
Body, glass & interior$135
Steering$94

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

Get a vehicle history report →Check for accidents, title problems and odometer rollbacks before you buy.Compare insurance quotes →Insurance is a big part of the cost to own, and it varies a lot by car.Check used-car loan rates →Get pre-approved before visiting a dealer so you can compare their offer.

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Other years of the Ford Explorer

Of the years we rate, the 2024 scores best (88/100) and the 2020 worst (9/100).

YearReliability
2027Not rated yet
2026Not rated yet
2025Not rated yet
202488/100
202376/100
202255/100
202140/100
20209/100
201986/100
201860/100
201732/100
201613/100
201534/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2023 Ford Explorer a year to avoid?

No. It scores 76 out of 100, one of the more reliable midsize SUVs of 2015–2024.

Is the 2023 Ford Explorer reliable?

It scores 76 out of 100 against other midsize SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is above average. Based on 113 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $2,008 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2023 Ford Explorer cost to own?

About $17,065 over 5 years: $6,557 in lost value, $2,008 in repairs and $8,500 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $27,768 today.

What are the best years of the Ford Explorer?

Of the years we rate, the 2024 scores best (88/100) and the 2020 worst (9/100).

How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Explorer have?

15 recalls on record with NHTSA.