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Ford Explorer vs. Ford Escape Reliability Comparisons

Ford Explorer Reliability vs. Ford Escape Reliability:
Ford Explorer Reliability vs. Ford Escape Reliability: - photograph by Michael Karesh

You won't find Ford Explorer or Ford Escape reliability information like this anywhere else. Actual repair frequencies, not just vague dots, to make it clear how much the Ford Explorer and the Ford Escape truly differ in reliability. These stats are promptly updated four times a year, to much more closely track Ford Explorer and Ford Escape reliability as the cars age. Others tell you how reliable the Ford Explorer and the Ford Escape were 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 and the Ford Escape have been recently.

See Ford Explorer vs. Ford Escape price comparison

See what people are saying about Ford Explorer reliability

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Ford Explorer

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Ford Escape

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Ford Explorer Reliability through December 31, 2012

An asterisk (*) marks results based on small sample sizes.

General NotesModels 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.

 

Year Make/Model Repair Frequencysuccessful repair trips per 100 cars per year Compared to all models for the same year  
2013 Ford Escape 30 Escapes, 3.8 months of data per Escape, average 3600 miles

Nearly all reported repairs for misaligned doors or door handles that can stick open in cold weather.74
100% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2012 Ford Escape 27 Escapes, 8.4 months of data per Escape, average 9000 miles32
40% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2012 Ford Explorer   19 Explorers, 9.3 months of data per Explorer, average 11000 miles

Small sample size. Join or 19 Explorers, 9.3 months of data per Explorer, average 11000 miles

Small sample size. sign in to view		 see reported repairs

 

2011 Ford Escape 36 Escapes, 10.1 months of data per Escape, average 17400 miles27
30% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2011 Ford Explorer   21 Explorers, 9.9 months of data per Explorer, average 19700 miles

Small sample size. Join or 21 Explorers, 9.9 months of data per Explorer, average 19700 miles

Small sample size. sign in to view		 see reported repairs

 

2010 Ford Escape 46 Escapes, 9.2 months of data per Escape, average 32600 miles48
50% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2009 Ford Escape 54 Escapes, 10.4 months of data per Escape, average 43900 miles

60
60% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2008 Ford Escape 58 Escapes, 9.4 months of data per Escape, average 56700 miles

Redesigned for this model year.29
20% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2008 Ford Explorer   11 Explorers, 9.3 months of data per Explorer, average 45900 miles

Small sample size. Join or 11 Explorers, 9.3 months of data per Explorer, average 45900 miles

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2007 Ford Escape 25 Escapes, 9.4 months of data per Escape, average 95500 miles66
60% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2007 Ford Explorer 29 Explorers, 8.5 months of data per Explorer, average 75900 miles78
70% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2006 Ford Escape 37 Escapes, 10.5 months of data per Escape, average 78900 miles71
60% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2006 Ford Explorer 27 Explorers, 9.3 months of data per Explorer, average 87100 miles86
80% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2005 Ford Escape 45 Escapes, 8.2 months of data per Escape, average 93500 miles

68
50% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs
2005 Ford Explorer   17 Explorers, 10.2 months of data per Explorer, average 73500 miles

Small sample size. Join or 17 Explorers, 10.2 months of data per Explorer, average 73500 miles

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2004 Ford Explorer   15 Explorers, 9.3 months of data per Explorer, average 89300 miles

Small sample size. Join or 15 Explorers, 9.3 months of data per Explorer, average 89300 miles

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2004 Ford Escape   14 Escapes, 8.4 months of data per Escape, average 106600 miles

Small sample size. Join or 14 Escapes, 8.4 months of data per Escape, average 106600 miles

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2003 Ford Explorer   13 Explorers, 8.8 months of data per Explorer, average 103700 miles

Small sample size. Join or 13 Explorers, 8.8 months of data per Explorer, average 103700 miles

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2003 Ford Escape 26 Escapes, 9.5 months of data per Escape, average 132900 miles

73
40% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2002 Ford Escape   20 Escapes, 7.8 months of data per Escape, average 101400 miles

Small sample size. Join or 20 Escapes, 7.8 months of data per Escape, average 101400 miles

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2002 Ford Explorer 27 Explorers, 9.2 months of data per Explorer, average 124300 miles58
0% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

 

2001 Ford Escape   14 Escapes, 9.1 months of data per Escape, average 120900 miles

Small sample size. Join or 14 Escapes, 9.1 months of data per Escape, average 120900 miles

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2000 Ford Explorer   15 Explorers, 5.4 months of data per Explorer, average 143000 miles

Small sample size. Join or 15 Explorers, 5.4 months of data per Explorer, average 143000 miles

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What People Are Saying about Reliability and the Ford Explorer

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What Our Members Are Saying about Ford Explorer Reliability and Durability

Reliability and Durability of the Ford Explorer: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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!

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What Our Members Are Saying about Ford Escape Reliability and Durability

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