Ford

Explorer (5th)

2011-2019 · Midsize SUV · 14 engines
Best Engine Recommended (4.8)
12,511 NHTSA Complaints
33 Recalls
56 Fire Reports
233 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

3406

14.6L 6-cyl / 240 hp
Recommended (4.8)
2 complaints 1.0 per year Diesel
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
2

Known Issues

Steering Issues (2 complaints)

Also found in

FORD Explorer (2011-2019)FORD Escape (2008-2012)FORD Escape (2013-2019)

8V-71

9.3L 8-cyl / 245 hp
Recommended (4.8)
2 complaints 1.0 per year Diesel
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
1
engine
1
cooling
1

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (1 complaints)
Engine Issues (1 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

FORD Explorer (2011-2019)

LEA - Flex Fuel (Gas/Alc), Aluminum, High Output

2.4L 4-cyl / 162 hp
Recommended (4.8)
2 complaints 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
1
transmission
1
steering
1

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (1 complaints)
Steering Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

FORD Explorer (2011-2019)CHEVROLET Captiva (2012-2012)CHEVROLET Captiva (2015-2015)CHEVROLET Equinox (2010-2017)CHEVROLET Caprice (2011-2017)GMC Terrain (2010-2017)CHEVROLET Captiva (2014-2014)CHEVROLET Captiva (2013-2013) +1 more

IZZ-FE

1.8L 4-cyl / 126 hp
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

GMC Yukon (2007-2014)TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)FORD Fusion (2006-2012)TOYOTA Corolla (2014-2018)JEEP Liberty (2002-2007)DODGE Grand Caravan (2001-2007)TOYOTA 4Runner (2000-2002) +22 more

R18Z1

1.8L 4-cyl / 143 hp
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
1

Known Issues

Steering Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

FORD Explorer (2011-2019)BMW X5 (2007-2013)MAZDA Mazda3 (2004-2009)HONDA Accord (2013-2017)FORD F-150 (2009-2014)HONDA Civic (2012-2015)HONDA Civic (2016-2021)ACURA TSX (2009-2014)

2AR-FE

2.5L 4-cyl
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
1

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)TOYOTA Avalon (2013-2018)TOYOTA Scion Fr-S (2013-2013)TOYOTA Scion Fr-S (2014-2014)TOYOTA Scion Tc (2014-2014)TOYOTA Scion Tc (2013-2013)CHEVROLET Suburban (2007-2014) +27 more

LL8

4.2L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
1
fuel system
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (1 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET T-Series (2007-2007)GMC Suburban (2003-2003)GMC L Series (2003-2003)CHEVROLET Trailblazer (2000-2000)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)CHEVROLET HHR (2006-2011)GMC Savana (2002-2002)CHEVROLET S/T Blazer (2003-2003) +74 more

Naturally Aspirated

2.0L 4-cyl / 152 hp
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

wheels tires
1

Known Issues

Wheels/Tires Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

FORD Explorer (2011-2019)SUBARU Crosstrek (2018-2023)SUBARU Crosstrek (2013-2017)

LM7

5.3L 8-cyl
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
1

Also found in

GMC Suburban (2003-2003)GMC Yukon (2007-2014)CHEVROLET Avalanche (2006-2006)GMC L Series (2003-2003)CHEVROLET C4500 (2006-2006)CHEVROLET C/K Pickups (2002-2002)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)CHEVROLET HHR (2006-2011) +103 more

Ford

4.0L 6-cyl / 210 hp
Recommended (4.5)
7 complaints 1.8 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
2
safety systems
1
steering
1
electrical
1
body
1

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (2 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)
Steering Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

FORD Crown Victoria (2000-2011)KIA Optima (2011-2015)FORD Fiesta (2011-2019)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)FORD Explorer (2000-2000)MERCEDES-BENZ GLC-Class (2016-2022)HONDA Pilot (2009-2015)FORD Fusion (2006-2012) +53 more

2.3L GTDI

2.3L 4-cyl Turbo / 280 hp
Recommended (4.4)
6 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
2
electrical
2
steering
1
other
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (2 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (2 complaints)
Steering Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

FORD Explorer (2011-2019)

3.5L GTDI

3.5L 6-cyl Turbo / 365 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.3)
331 complaints 82.8 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
111
other
67
engine
36
steering
34
safety systems
22

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (111 complaints)
Engine Issues (36 complaints)
Steering Issues (34 complaints)

Also found in

FORD Explorer (2011-2019)FORD Expedition (2018-2025)FORD F-150 (2015-2020)LINCOLN MKT (2010-2019)

GTDI

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 240 hp
Avoid (1.7)
1,557 complaints 222.4 per year Gasoline
9 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
353
body
341
engine
284
other
245
safety systems
131

Known Issues

Steering Issues (353 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (341 complaints)
Engine Issues (284 complaints)

Also found in

LINCOLN Aviator (2020-2025)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)FORD Expedition (2018-2025)LINCOLN Nautilus (2019-2025)LINCOLN MKX (2016-2016)LINCOLN MKX (2018-2018)LINCOLN MKX (2017-2017)FORD F-150 (2015-2020) +15 more

Ti-VCT

3.5L 6-cyl / 290 hp
Avoid (1.0)
10,598 complaints 769.1 per year Gasoline
46 fire reports 3 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
2967
body
2487
engine
1603
other
1594
electrical
777

Known Issues

Steering Issues (2,967 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (2,487 complaints)
Engine Issues (1,603 complaints)

Also found in

FORD Explorer (2011-2019)FORD Explorer (2002-2005)FORD F-150 (2009-2014)SUBARU Forester (2014-2018)FORD Explorer Sport Trac (2001-2005)FORD Expedition (2007-2017)FORD Ranger (2000-2011)FORD Police Interceptor (2013-2019) +1 more

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Ford Explorer regardless of engine variant.

Steering Issues (3,360 complaints)
steering serious
Body/Trim Issues (2,939 complaints)
body serious
Engine Issues (1,928 complaints)
engine serious
Electrical System Issues (878 complaints)
electrical serious
Transmission Issues (690 complaints)
transmission serious

Recalls (33)

26V101000Feb 19, 2026serious
Suspension

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.

26V012000Jan 14, 2026serious
Equipment

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

25V347000May 22, 2025serious
Structure

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.

25V695000Oct 12, 2025serious
Back Over Prevention

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

25V685000Oct 9, 2025serious
Equipment

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

24V031000Jan 18, 2024serious
Structure

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

21V746000Sep 21, 2021serious
Suspension

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. These vehicles may be equipped with a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part that could seize, and result in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.

21V537000Jul 14, 2021serious
Suspension

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.

20V675000Dec 2, 2021serious
Suspension

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.

21V316000May 4, 2021serious
Structure

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.

20V692000Oct 10, 2020serious
Powertrain

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.

19V633000Aug 27, 2019serious
Seats

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

19V651000Nov 8, 2019serious
Seats

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with power front seats. The seat frames may have sharp edges.

19V435000Oct 5, 2019serious
Suspension

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

18V807000Nov 13, 2018serious
Fuel System

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engine. Due to an assembly error, the fuel pressure sensor may leak fuel.

17V767000Nov 28, 2017serious
Seats

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 F-150 and Explorer vehicles. Loose power seat adjuster pivot bolts may cause the front seat cushions to detach and not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash.

17E048000Aug 27, 2017serious
Wheels

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.

17V530000Aug 27, 2017serious
Steering

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles. The steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach.

17V332000May 21, 2017serious
Seats

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism. In the event of a crash, the seat back frame may not restrain the occupant due to having inadequate welds. As such, these vehicles may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202a, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

16V183000Mar 30, 2016serious
Engine & Cooling

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured November 25, 2013, to January 25, 2016, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured October 20, 2014, to January 28, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters. These engine block heaters have elements that may overheat while plugged in.

16V475000Jun 27, 2016serious
Seats

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Explorer and F-150 vehicles equipped with a manual recline driver's seat. The seat back frame may have insufficient welds which may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

16V245000Apr 25, 2016serious
Suspension

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured January 17, 2014 to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links that may fracture.

16V925000Dec 21, 2016serious
Engine & Cooling

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.

15V605000Sep 27, 2015serious
Fuel System

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured on July 24, 2015. During vehicle production, the fuel tank attachment bolts may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the fuel tank straps may fracture and the fuel tank could separate from the vehicle.

15V464000Jul 23, 2015serious
Parking Brake

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015, Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 21, 2015, and 2015-2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015. The affected vehicles have a parking brake that may not fully engage when applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

15V171000Mar 23, 2015serious
Structure

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.

15V812000Feb 11, 2015serious
Fuel System

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.

14V286000May 28, 2014serious
Steering

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist.

14E001000May 31, 2014serious
Steering

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain replacement steering gears installed on model year 2011-2012 Explorers as service parts in September 2013 and January 2014. The affected gears may lock, preventing the driver from being able to steer the vehicle.

13V227000May 30, 2013serious
Fuel System

Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.

13V109000Mar 26, 2013serious
Fuel System

Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and model year 2013 Explorer vehicles manufactured July 19, 2011, through March 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the fuel tanks may have a marginally sealed seam in the side of the tank. As a result, the fuel tanks may not provide the expected strength in the event of an impact. The tanks may also leak.

13V270000Jun 25, 2013serious
Latches/Locks/Linkages

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Ford Explorer, Taurus, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured November 29, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, with sufficient door openings and closings, the child safety locks may change from an activated position to a deactivated position without notice.

11V063000Feb 1, 2011serious
Seats

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 EXPLORER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 15, 2010, THROUGH DECEMBER 13, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SECOND ROW 60% SEATS WITH MANUAL RECLINER MECHANISMS THAT MAY HAVE COMPONENTS THAT ARE OUT OF DIMENSIONAL SPECIFICATION. THESE SEATS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS."

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2011-2019 Ford Explorer problems?

The 2011-2019 Ford Explorer has accumulated 12,511 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Steering, Body/Trim, Engine. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Ford Explorer engine is most reliable?

The 2011-2019 Ford Explorer was offered with 14 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2011-2019 Ford Explorer a good used car?

The 2011-2019 Ford Explorer can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 12,511 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011-2019 Ford Explorer have?

The 2011-2019 Ford Explorer has 12,511 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2011-2019 Ford Explorer?

There are 33 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Ford Explorer?

Before buying a used Ford Explorer, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Steering, Body/Trim, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 12,511 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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