Used Ford Explorer: Inspection checklist

Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 2,694 complaints across these 8 years; the 2020 drew the most.

Choose a model year

Problems that follow the Explorer from year to year

Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.

Area	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025	Total
Transmission	37	29	390	95	49	9		9	618
Electrical	43	15	128	30	26	8		11	261
Engine	81	16	44	20	10				171
Body and structure	249	125	29	18		7		3	431
Backup camera			61	23	9	4			97
Steering	17	6	24		8	10	2	5	72
Wipers and visibility		4					2	7	13

Explorer generations and updates

First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.

Sixth generation
2020–2023
Fifth generation
2011–2019
- 2018
- 2019
2016 update: Redesigned front fascia; Standard LED low-beam headlights; Restyled LED tail lamps

Mileages where Explorer problems start

From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.

Typical mileage	Problem	Year
2,000–7,038 miles	Early engine stall or seizure	2020
3,000–20,000 miles	Front strut and suspension noise	2023
3,000–18,000 miles	Exhaust or fuel odor in cabin	2018
6,900–25,000 miles	Transmission shifting and clutch failure	2021
9,000–13,000 miles	Startup smoke from turbos	2021
10,000–44,500 miles	Stalling and wiring harness faults	2023
11,049–15,500 miles	Internal engine failure	2021
20,152–36,000 miles	Stalling and no restart	2021
20,261–62,000 miles	Power steering assist failure	2018
28,000–36,000 miles	Rear camera blue screen	2021
29,000–65,000 miles	Backup camera blue screen	2020
33,000–52,000 miles	Exterior trim detaching	2021
40,000–50,000 miles	Windshield trim and gasket failure	2019
45,015–53,000 miles	Fuel pump failure	2019