Ford Explorer problems, recalls & best years
The deets on every Explorer from 1990 to 2027: 34,560 owner complaints and 302 recalls across 38 model years.
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2002 (3295), 2016 (2461), 2013 (2235). Best fuel economy: 24 mpg combined (2026).
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Problem areas across all years
Year by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Best mpg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 0 | 12 | – | |
| 1991 | 8 | 609 | 18 | |
| 1992 | 4 | 633 | 17 | |
| 1993 | 6 | 939 | 18 | |
| 1994 | 4 | 1207 | 18 | |
| 1995 | 5 | 843 | 18 | |
| 1996 | 6 | 1450 | 18 | |
| 1997 | 7 | 1731 | 18 | |
| 1998 | 9 | 1959 | 17 | |
| 1999 | 9 | 1348 | 18 | |
| 2000 | 9 | 952 | 18 | |
| 2001 | 6 | 375 | 17 | |
| 2002 | 4 | 3295 | 17 | |
| 2003 | 2 | 1131 | 16 | |
| 2004 | 0 | 1304 | 16 | |
| 2005 | 0 | 497 | 16 | |
| 2006 | 1 | 630 | 16 | |
| 2007 | 1 | 208 | 16 | |
| 2008 | 1 | 148 | 16 | |
| 2009 | 0 | 33 | 17 | |
| 2010 | 1 | 115 | 17 | |
| 2011 | 6 | 1197 | 20 | |
| 2012 | 5 | 829 | 23 | |
| 2013 | 11 | 2235 | 23 | |
| 2014 | 6 | 1679 | 23 | |
| 2015 | 8 | 1801 | 23 | |
| 2016 | 14 | 2461 | 22 | |
| 2017 | 13 | 1697 | 22 | |
| 2018 | 7 | 732 | 22 | |
| 2019 | 6 | 299 | 22 | |
| 2020 | 33 | 1230 | 24 | |
| 2021 | 26 | 441 | 24 | |
| 2022 | 24 | 268 | 24 | |
| 2023 | 15 | 110 | 24 | |
| 2024 | 10 | 21 | 24 | |
| 2025 | 20 | 102 | 24 | |
| 2026 | 14 | 39 | 24 | |
| 2027 | 1 | 0 | 23 |
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Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Ford Explorer.
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FAQ
What is the worst year for the Ford Explorer?
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2002 (3295), 2016 (2461), 2013 (2235).
How many recalls has the Ford Explorer had?
Across 1990–2027, NHTSA lists 302 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).