GradeFord Explorer Reliability Grade
Below-average reliability
Grade a specific Ford Explorer
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Ford Explorer earns a C- overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C+ for its engine and a C for its transmission. It ranks 17th of 23 midsize SUVs we grade. Its engine (C+) and transmission (C) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 12,957 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Ford Explorer reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Best years: 2007 and 2009
Years to avoid: 2002 (transmission slipping / rough shifting), 2013 (stalling / loss of power), 2016 (stalling / loss of power) and 2020 (transmission slipping / rough shifting)
Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.
How long does the Ford Explorer last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Ford Explorer vs. other midsize SUVs
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Murano | A | A | A |
| Toyota 4Runner | A | A | A |
| Buick Enclave | A- | B+ | A- |
| Toyota Highlander | A- | B- | B+ |
| Mazda CX-9 | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Subaru Outback | B+ | B | B |
| Chevrolet Traverse | B | C+ | B- |
| GMC Acadia | B | C | B- |
| Dodge Journey | B- | B- | B- |
| Honda Pilot | C | C+ | C+ |
| Nissan Pathfinder | B- | C | C+ |
| Subaru Ascent | B | C- | C+ |
| Chevrolet Blazer | C+ | C- | C+ |
| Dodge Durango | B- | C+ | C+ |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | C | C- | C |
| Volkswagen Atlas | C- | B | C |
| Ford Explorer | C+ | C | C- |
| Honda Passport | C | C | C- |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | D | C- | D |
| Kia Sorento | D | C- | D |
| Ford Edge | C | D | D |
| Hyundai Palisade | D | D | F |
| Kia Telluride | D | D | F |
Own a Ford Explorer?
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Rate your ExplorerFord Explorer reliability FAQ
Is the Ford Explorer reliable?
Below-average reliability. The Ford Explorer earns a C- overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C+ for its engine and a C for its transmission. It ranks 17th of 23 midsize SUVs we grade. Its engine (C+) and transmission (C) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 12,957 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Ford Explorer last?
We estimate a well-maintained Ford Explorer lasts around 160,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Ford Explorer?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Ford Explorer model years are 2007 and 2009.
What Ford Explorer years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Ford Explorer years to be most careful with are 2002, 2013, 2016 and 2020. The 2002 grades an F overall (engine C, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting. The 2013 grades a D overall (engine C-, transmission C-), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power, which a recall covers.
Is the Ford Explorer transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Ford Explorer transmission a C (below-average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Ford Explorer engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Ford Explorer engine a C+ (average reliability).