Ford Explorer Reliability Comparisons
You won't find Ford Explorer reliability information like this anywhere else. Actual repair frequencies, not just vague dots. So you can tell how much the Ford Explorer truly differs from competing car models in reliability.
These stats are promptly updated four times a year, to much more closely track Ford Explorer reliability as the cars age. Others tell you how reliable the Ford Explorer was a year ago, when the cars were a year younger and had 12,000 fewer miles on them. Only TrueDelta tells you how reliable the Ford Explorer has been recently.
See what people are saying about Ford Explorer reliabilityMore about the
Ford Explorer
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Ford Explorer Reliability through December 31, 2012
An asterisk (*) marks results based on small sample sizes.
General NotesHow do we select "competing car models"? Users of TrueDelta's car price comparison tool most often compare these cars to the Ford Explorer.Models and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.
Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
Ford Explorer Competitors' Reliability through December 31, 2012
An asterisk (*) marks results based on small sample sizes.
What People Are Saying about Reliability and the Ford Explorer
blog comments powered by DisqusWhat Our Members Are Saying about Ford Explorer Reliability and Durability
| Reliability and Durability of the Ford Explorer: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2007 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
No issues with the vehicle to date. Not even minor ones... |
| 2006 | 4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic RWD |
The expected life span of the vehicle is longer than most cars. It is built on a solid frame that will take a lot of abuse. |
| 2006 | 4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic RWD |
I have had good experience with this car. No major problems. |
| Reliability and Durability of the Ford Explorer: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2011 | 4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I've had issues with the MyFord Touch system (fixed by latest update). Got annoying wind noise coming from somewhere around the a-pillars, and the mirrors have had water in the signals since new. I haven't bothered getting this stuff fixed yet. |
| 2004 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
The SUV became a money pit in my 6th year of ownership. I've driven Fords all my life, and this was by far the worst I've ever owned. Internet research confirmed lots of owners were having similar problems: total brake jobs every 25k miles, front (50k) and real wheel bearings (67k), rear door trim bezel cracked 3x (fixed 1st time under warranty, I paid 2nd time, left as-is 3rd time), and the real killer - a complete tranny overhaul at only 67k miles. Ford knew there were problems w/ the tranny, but decided to stick it to the owners anyways. It was a great SUV to drive, but it cost me over $9k in maint/repairs in the last 3 years I owned this SUV. |
| 2004 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD |
Absolutely TERRIBLE transmission problems that Ford refuses to address. I won;t buy another Ford despite the fact I have 3 in my driveway now. |
| 2002 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
Bearings Bearings Bearings, Rear end has been serviced seven times all due to the CHEAP bearings that FORD uses and then refuses to stand behind their parts. |
| 2002 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
This truck has been the worst reliable vehicle I have ever owned, EVER! |
