Ford Explorer: Years to Avoid and Best Years (Engine & Transmission)
Ford Explorer problems by model year, from 15,145 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. For each year: the share of complaints about the engine, transmission or fuel system, how many there were, and the recalls.
Worst years to avoid: 2020 (53%, 610 drivetrain complaints), 2010 (44%, 59 drivetrain complaints) and 2021 (44%, 184 drivetrain complaints). 4 of the 14 Ford Explorer years we score have an elevated engine, transmission or fuel-system complaint share.
Best years on this measure: 2011 (16%), 2012 (19%) and 2023 (19%). A low share means owners complained about other things more than the drivetrain, not that nothing ever fails.
The sharpest change between consecutive years is from 2019 (23%) to 2020 (53%), up 30 points. The complaint pattern shifts at that year, so check which year the car in front of you is.
By raw volume, the 2016 drew the most drivetrain complaints (716 of 3,921 across the scored years). Volume also tracks how many were sold and how long they have been on the road, which is why the share, not the count, sets the verdict.
Engine and transmission complaint share, 2010–2023
Share of relevant owner complaints about the engine, transmission or fuel system. 33% is elevated, 40% high, 60% very high. A dash means too few complaints to score.
Every Ford Explorer year
| Model year | Signal | Drivetrain share | Drivetrain complaints | All complaints | Rank (1 = worst) | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Explorer | high | 44% | 59 | 146 | 2/14 | 2 |
| 2011 Explorer | no elevated signal | 16% | 182 | 1,196 | 14/14 | 8 |
| 2012 Explorer | no elevated signal | 19% | 149 | 829 | 13/14 | 7 |
| 2013 Explorer | no elevated signal | 22% | 472 | 2,235 | 11/14 | 12 |
| 2014 Explorer | no elevated signal | 23% | 364 | 1,679 | 9/14 | 7 |
| 2015 Explorer | no elevated signal | 25% | 415 | 1,803 | 7/14 | 9 |
| 2016 Explorer | no elevated signal | 30% | 716 | 2,478 | 5/14 | 15 |
| 2017 Explorer | no elevated signal | 25% | 414 | 1,703 | 6/14 | 14 |
| 2018 Explorer | no elevated signal | 24% | 171 | 733 | 8/14 | 7 |
| 2019 Explorer | no elevated signal | 23% | 67 | 298 | 10/14 | 6 |
| 2020 Explorer | high | 53% | 610 | 1,226 | 1/14 | 35 |
| 2021 Explorer | high | 44% | 184 | 438 | 3/14 | 27 |
| 2022 Explorer | elevated | 38% | 98 | 269 | 4/14 | 24 |
| 2023 Explorer | no elevated signal | 19% | 20 | 112 | 12/14 | 15 |
What owners complain about most, all years
Categories as NHTSA files them, summed across the Ford Explorer years with data. A complaint can name more than one component, so the shares overlap. Red is engine, transmission or fuel.
Ford Explorer engine and transmission recalls: timeline
NHTSA lists 28 recall campaigns on the Ford Explorer involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 80 across the years we track. Each model-year page has the details. Whether a particular car still has a recall open depends on its VIN.
| Date | Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2013 | 13V109000 | fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly | 2013 |
| May 2013 | 13V227000 | fuel system, gasoline | 2013 |
| Sep 2015 | 15V605000 | fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting | 2016 |
| Dec 2015 | 15V812000 | fuel system, gasoline | 2013 |
| Mar 2016 | 16V183000 | engine and engine cooling: engine | 2016 |
| Dec 2016 | 16V925000 | engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: turbo/supercharger | 2017 |
| Nov 2018 | 18V807000 | fuel system, gasoline | 2018 |
| Aug 2019 | 19V575000 | power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl) | 2020 |
| Dec 2019 | 19V859000 | fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings | 2020 |
| Nov 2020 | 20V692000 | power train: axle assembly: axle shaft | 2014–2016 |
| Nov 2020 | 20V693000 | power train: driveline: driveshaft | 2020 |
| Nov 2020 | 20V730000 | fuel system, gasoline: storage | 2020 |
| Dec 2020 | 20V788000 | engine | 2020–2021 |
| Feb 2022 | 22V088000 | fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap | 2022 |
| Apr 2022 | 22V255000 | power train: axle assembly | 2020–2021 |
| Sep 2022 | 22V685000 | fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings | 2022 |
| Feb 2023 | 23V069000 | power train: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) | 2020–2022 |
| Feb 2023 | 23V070000 | power train: automatic transmission | 2022–2023 |
| Mar 2023 | 23V199000 | power train: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) | 2020–2022 |
| Aug 2023 | 23V597000 | engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: turbo/supercharger | 2023 |
| Oct 2023 | 23V675000 | power train: driveline: driveshaft | 2020–2022 |
| Aug 2024 | 24V598000 | engine | 2020–2022 |
| Aug 2024 | 24V635000 | engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical | 2021–2022 |
| Mar 2025 | 25V166000 | power train: driveline: driveshaft | 2020–2022 |
| Jul 2025 | 25V455000 | fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump | 2021–2023 |
| Oct 2025 | 25V685000 | equipment: electrical: engine block heater | 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
| Jan 2026 | 26V012000 | equipment: electrical: engine block heater | 2019 |
| Jun 2026 | 26V402000 | power train: automatic transmission | 2020–2021 |
52 other recalls (airbags, lighting, brakes and the rest)
| Date | Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2010 | 10V161000 | seats: front assembly: recliner | 2010 |
| Sep 2010 | 10E043000 | equipment | 2010 |
| Feb 2011 | 11V063000 | seats | 2011 |
| Jun 2013 | 13V270000 | latches/locks/linkages | 2013 |
| Jan 2014 | 14E001000 | steering | 2011–2012 |
| May 2014 | 14V286000 | steering: electric power assist system | 2011–2013 |
| Mar 2015 | 15V171000 | structure: body: door | 2011–2013 |
| Jul 2015 | 15V464000 | parking brake | 2015–2016 |
| Apr 2016 | 16V245000 | suspension: rear | 2014–2015 |
| Jun 2016 | 16V475000 | seats: front assembly: recliner | 2016 |
| May 2017 | 17V332000 | seats: front assembly: recliner | 2017 |
| Aug 2017 | 17E048000 | wheels: hub | 2011–2017 |
| Aug 2017 | 17V530000 | steering | 2017 |
| Nov 2017 | 17V767000 | seats | 2016 |
| Jun 2019 | 19V435000 | suspension: rear | 2011–2017 |
| Aug 2019 | 19V633000 | seats: front assembly: recliner | 2018–2020 |
| Sep 2019 | 19V651000 | seats | 2017 |
| Sep 2019 | 19V687000 | electrical system: wiring | 2020 |
| Aug 2020 | 20V497000 | air bags: critical fasteners | 2020 |
| Sep 2020 | 20V549000 | seat belts: rear/other: buckle assembly | 2020 |
| Sep 2020 | 20V575000 | back over prevention: sensing system: camera | 2020 |
| Jan 2021 | 21V014000 | visibility: windshield wiper/washer | 2020 |
| Mar 2021 | 21V154000 | suspension: rear | 2020 |
| Mar 2021 | 20V675000 | suspension: rear | 2013–2017 |
| May 2021 | 21V316000 | structure: body | 2016–2019 |
| Jul 2021 | 21V537000 | suspension: rear | 2013–2017 |
| Aug 2021 | 21V652000 | air bags: side/window: curtain | 2021 |
| Sep 2021 | 21V735000 | back over prevention: software | 2020–2021 |
| Sep 2021 | 21V746000 | suspension: rear | 2011–2013 |
| Nov 2021 | 21V870000 | suspension: rear | 2021 |
| Jun 2022 | 22V454000 | structure: frame and members | 2022 |
| Jan 2023 | 23V022000 | back over prevention: sensing system: camera | 2020–2023 |
| Apr 2023 | 23V305000 | back over prevention: display function | 2020–2022 |
| May 2023 | 23V342000 | back over prevention: sensing system: camera | 2020–2023 |
| Sep 2023 | 23V626000 | electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery | 2020–2022 |
| Oct 2023 | 23V686000 | back over prevention: display function | 2023 |
| Jan 2024 | 24V031000 | structure: body: roof and pillars | 2011–2019 |
| Feb 2024 | 24V091000 | suspension: front: macpherson strut | 2023 |
| Mar 2024 | 24V188000 | back over prevention: sensing system: camera | 2020 |
| Nov 2024 | 24V852000 | equipment: other: labels | 2020–2023 |
| Feb 2025 | 25V093000 | seat belts | 2020–2021 |
| Mar 2025 | 25V159000 | back over prevention: software | 2020–2023 |
| May 2025 | 25V347000 | structure: body | 2016–2017 |
| Jun 2025 | 25V393000 | seats: mid/rear assembly | 2020–2023 |
| Jun 2025 | 25V442000 | back over prevention: software | 2020–2023 |
| Oct 2025 | 25V695000 | back over prevention: sensing system: camera | 2015 |
| Feb 2026 | 26V101000 | suspension: rear | 2017–2019 |
| Mar 2026 | 26V117000 | visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor | 2020–2022 |
| Mar 2026 | 26V123000 | back over prevention: software | 2020–2023 |
| Mar 2026 | 26V159000 | seat belts | 2020–2023 |
| Jul 2026 | 26V448000 | structure: body | 2016–2019 |
| Jul 2026 | 26V451000 | seats: mid/rear assembly | 2020–2023 |
What the free pages leave out on the Ford Explorer
- The mileage where it happens, for the model year you are looking at.
- What the repair costs, to price into your offer.
- Cleaner alternatives: similar cars with a better record.
- Up to 15 owner reports, with the ones about your car's own engine first.
- What to ask the seller and what to check on the test drive.
- Open recalls on the actual car, by VIN.
Questions people ask about the Ford Explorer
What are the worst years for the Ford Explorer?
On engine and transmission complaints, the worst Ford Explorer years are the 2020 (53% of relevant complaints, high), the 2010 (44% of relevant complaints, high) and the 2021 (44% of relevant complaints, high). 4 of 14 scored years are elevated in all.
What are the best years for the Ford Explorer?
On engine and transmission complaints, the best Ford Explorer years are the 2011 (16%), the 2012 (19%) and the 2023 (19%). That describes the model year; any one car still needs an inspection.
Does the Ford Explorer have engine problems?
In some years. Across the 14 scored years, 3,921 of 15,047 relevant NHTSA complaints (26%) concern the engine, transmission or fuel system; the largest drivetrain category is engine. The years with an elevated share are 2010, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Is the Ford Explorer reliable?
On the engine and transmission it depends on the year: 4 of 14 Ford Explorer years we score have an elevated complaint share and 10 do not. Pooled across those years, 26% of relevant complaints are about the drivetrain, against a 33% line for an elevated signal. Complaint data does not measure overall reliability, so pick the year first, then inspect the car.
Are there transmission or engine recalls on the Ford Explorer?
Yes. NHTSA lists 28 recall campaigns involving the engine, transmission or fuel system across the Ford Explorer years we track, out of 80 in total: 25V685000 (Oct 2025, 2016–2023), 26V012000 (Jan 2026, 2019), 26V402000 (Jun 2026, 2020–2021), and earlier ones. Whether a car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Have the VIN?Paste it and get the full report for that car. First report free, then a 30-day pass covers a whole car search.
Check a VINExperimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across model years, not the condition of any individual vehicle. Model years with fewer than 25 complaints are not scored.