Ford Explorer Years to Avoid
Which Explorer years are problematic - and which are worth buying used.
Years to Avoid at a Glance
- - 2011-2013: Transmission failures, exhaust fume intrusion, MyFord Touch issues
- - 2014: PTU (power transfer unit) failures widespread
- - 2020: First year of new generation - quality control issues
Ford Explorer Reliability by Year
| Year | Verdict | Key Issues |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-2024 | Buy | Best modern Explorer years - bugs worked out |
| 2021 | Buy with inspection | Good year but verify PTU and transmission |
| 2020 | Avoid | First-year launch problems, build quality complaints, exhaust fumes recall |
| 2016-2019 | Best Used Value | Solid gen 5 years, watch PTU fluid at 30k intervals |
| 2015 | Caution | Transition year - PTU issues continued from 2014 |
| 2011-2014 | Avoid | Exhaust intrusion recall, PTU failures, transmission shudder, terrible MyFord Touch |
| 2006-2010 | Acceptable | Gen 4 - simpler, reliable if maintained; dated tech |
Why the 2011-2014 Explorer Is the One to Avoid
The fifth-generation Explorer launched in 2011 with a front-wheel-drive-based platform and EcoBoost engines. It looked modern but had serious issues:
- Exhaust fume intrusion: Carbon monoxide seeping into the cabin through door seals - prompted NHTSA investigation and Ford recall
- PTU failure: The power transfer unit (AWD system) fails without regular fluid changes - Ford did not specify change intervals initially
- Transmission shudder: 6-speed SelectShift rough/delayed shifts
- MyFord Touch: Infotainment system was among the worst-rated of its era
Common Explorer Repair Costs
| Repair | Cost | Extended Warranty? |
|---|---|---|
| PTU (power transfer unit) rebuild | $1,400 - $2,200 | Yes |
| Transmission rebuild | $3,200 - $4,800 | Yes |
| EcoBoost timing chain | $1,100 - $1,800 | Yes |
| Turbocharger replacement | $1,200 - $2,000 | Yes |
| Transfer case | $1,200 - $2,000 | Yes |
| Third-row power seat motor | $400 - $700 | Yes |
Bought a Used Explorer?
Even the "good" Explorer years can develop PTU and transmission issues over 80,000 miles. Extended warranty coverage for a used Explorer runs $90-$130/month.
Get Explorer Warranty Quotes →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable Ford Explorer year?
2016-2019 are considered the most reliable used Explorers. The platform was mature, the worst bugs were fixed, and pricing is reasonable. Verify PTU fluid change history.
Is the 2020 Ford Explorer a good buy?
Approach with caution. The 2020 was the first year of the new rear-wheel-drive-based platform and had widespread build quality and recall issues. The 2021-2022 are much better.
What is the PTU on a Ford Explorer?
The Power Transfer Unit distributes torque to the rear wheels on AWD models. It requires fluid changes every 30,000 miles that Ford initially did not list in the maintenance schedule. Neglected PTUs can fail catastrophically, costing $1,400-$2,200 to repair.