Ford Explorer Years to Avoid
The Ford Explorer has long been one of America’s most popular SUVs, loved for its spacious interior, rugged design, and versatility. Since its debut in 1991, the Explorer has evolved to meet the needs of families, adventurers, and commuters alike. However, not every model year has been as successful as Ford might have hoped. Some years are infamous for their mechanical problems, making them costly and frustrating for owners. In this guide, we’ll delve into the Ford Explorer years to avoid, outlining common issues and providing advice on what to look for when purchasing a used model.
Overview of Ford Explorer’s Legacy
Since its introduction, the Ford Explorer has been a leading choice in the midsize SUV market. Early models, starting in the 1990s, set the stage for the SUV boom in America. Over the decades, the Explorer evolved in terms of design, performance, and technology, offering a combination of off-road capability and family-friendly features.
While the Explorer has consistently ranked high in terms of sales, it hasn’t been without its flaws. Certain model years are notorious for reliability issues that have plagued drivers with expensive repairs and safety concerns. Understanding these problematic years is crucial for anyone considering a used Ford Explorer.
Why Certain Ford Explorer Years Are Best Avoided
While the Ford Explorer has built a reputation as a dependable vehicle, some years have been plagued with frequent issues such as transmission failures, engine stalling, and electrical problems. These problems often lead to high repair costs and safety concerns, tarnishing the SUV’s otherwise strong legacy.
Certain models have higher recall rates, more customer complaints, and an overall lower reliability score. Below, we’ll discuss the specific years you should avoid, the issues commonly faced by owners, and why these particular years are notorious in the automotive community.
Worst Ford Explorer Years to Avoid
2002 Ford Explorer
The 2002 Ford Explorer is infamous for its transmission problems. Many owners reported that the transmission failed at around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, leading to costly repairs. The issue was so widespread that transmission shops often had long wait times due to the high number of 2002 Explorers needing service.
Additionally, this model year suffered from rear suspension problems, causing excessive wear and tear on the suspension components. Drivetrain issues were also common, leading to a noisy ride and reduced stability at higher speeds. All of these issues combined made the 2002 Explorer one of the worst years for long-term reliability.
Key issues with the 2002 model:
- Transmission failure at low mileage
- Rear suspension problems
- Drivetrain noise and instability
2003-2006 Ford Explorer
The 2003-2006 Ford Explorers continued the trend of transmission failures, a critical issue that persisted year after year. These models were notorious for differential problems, which caused whining noises from the rear and, in some cases, led to complete drivetrain failure. This was especially concerning for owners who frequently towed or used the SUV for off-road purposes.
Cooling system failures were another common complaint, often leading to engine overheating and the need for expensive repairs. The repair costs for transmission and cooling system issues made these years costly to own, and many drivers found themselves trading in their vehicles prematurely due to these recurring problems.
Key issues with 2003-2006 models:
- Recurring transmission issues
- Differential and drivetrain failures
- Cooling system malfunctions
2011 Ford Explorer
The 2011 Ford Explorer marked a redesign that introduced a sleeker, more modern look, but it also came with a host of new problems. One of the most common complaints was power steering failure, which made the vehicle difficult to control and raised significant safety concerns. Many drivers experienced electrical issues, with the MyFord Touch infotainment system being particularly prone to freezing or malfunctioning.
Additionally, engine stalling was a frequent issue for this model, with many owners reporting that the SUV would stall without warning, creating a dangerous situation on the road. Despite the design improvements, the 2011 Explorer’s reliability problems led to numerous recalls and customer complaints.
Key issues with the 2011 model:
- Power steering failure
- Electrical problems with the MyFord Touch system
- Engine stalling at various speeds
2016 Ford Explorer
The 2016 Ford Explorer faced a unique issue: exhaust fumes leaking into the cabin. This problem led to complaints of headaches and nausea among drivers and passengers, creating serious safety concerns. Although Ford attempted to address the issue with a service bulletin, many owners found the problem persisted.
Transmission shuddering and hesitation were also common problems with this model, particularly in the EcoBoost engine versions. The combination of poor performance and safety concerns made the 2016 model a year to avoid for prospective buyers.
Key issues with the 2016 model:
- Exhaust fume leaks into the cabin
- Transmission shuddering and hesitation
- Problems with Turbo EcoBoost engines
Common Problems Across These Years
While the specific issues mentioned above were unique to certain model years, some problems were more widespread and impacted multiple versions of the Ford Explorer. These issues should be carefully considered if you’re in the market for a used Explorer.
Transmission Problems
Transmission issues are perhaps the most notorious problem for older Ford Explorers. From 2002 through 2006, transmission failure was a recurring nightmare for owners, often requiring complete replacements that cost thousands of dollars. Even in newer models, such as the 2016 version, transmission hesitation and shuddering were frequent complaints.
The failure of the transmission often occurred at relatively low mileage, making these vehicles unreliable and expensive to maintain. Repairing or replacing a transmission can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the severity of the damage.
Electrical and Infotainment Issues
As Ford integrated more advanced technology into the Explorer, electrical problems became more frequent. The MyFord Touch infotainment system, first introduced in the 2011 model, was a significant source of frustration for owners. The system often froze, malfunctioned, or failed to respond, leading to recalls and software updates.
Power steering issues, especially in the 2011 model, also fell under the umbrella of electrical malfunctions. These issues sometimes required full steering assembly replacements, which added to the cost of repairs.
Engine and Drivetrain Issues
In models like the 2003-2006 Ford Explorers, drivetrain and differential failures were widespread. This resulted in loud noises, vibration, and even total loss of control at higher speeds. Combined with engine stalling issues in the 2011 version, these reliability problems significantly impacted the driving experience and safety of these vehicles.
Drivetrain repairs can be particularly costly, often requiring specialized parts and labor that drive up the total cost.
Safety Concerns
Safety concerns have been a major issue with certain Explorer models. The 2016 version, for example, faced serious scrutiny due to the exhaust fume leaks that could potentially cause carbon monoxide poisoning. The airbag recalls in several models also raised questions about the overall safety of these vehicles.
For owners concerned about safety, the combination of mechanical failures and poor crash test performance in some years led to a general lack of confidence in these particular models.
Ford Explorer Models with Improved Reliability
While some Ford Explorer years are best avoided, there are several model years with strong reputations for reliability. The 2010, 2017, and 2020 Ford Explorers, for example, offer a much better balance between performance and dependability.
- 2010 Ford Explorer: This model benefited from the lessons learned in earlier versions, with fewer transmission issues and a more refined driving experience.
- 2017 Ford Explorer: By 2017, Ford had significantly improved the Explorer’s design and reliability, addressing many of the issues with earlier models. Enhanced safety features and improved engine performance were key upgrades.
- 2020 Ford Explorer: The 2020 model brought a complete redesign with advanced technology, improved fuel efficiency, and a more reliable transmission. Owner reviews suggest that Ford successfully addressed most of the recurring issues seen in earlier years.
How to Avoid Buying a Lemon
Purchasing a used Ford Explorer can be a smart move if you do your research. Here’s how to avoid buying a lemon:
- Get a Vehicle History Report: Services like Carfax or AutoCheck will provide details about the car’s history, including accidents, recalls, and service records.
- Check for Recalls: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website can tell you if the vehicle has any outstanding recalls.
- Pre-Purchase Inspection: Always take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic for a thorough inspection before buying.
- Test Drive: Pay close attention to any unusual noises, vibrations, or issues with the transmission during the test drive.
- Review Service Records: Ensure that the vehicle has been properly maintained by its previous owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the worst year for the Ford Explorer?
The 2002 Ford Explorer is generally regarded as the worst due to its transmission issues, but other problematic years include 2003-2006 and 2011.
How reliable is the Ford Explorer?
While some years have had significant reliability issues, newer models (especially 2017 onwards) have greatly improved in terms of dependability, technology, and performance.
Are there any common issues with recent Ford Explorers?
Some newer models have experienced software glitches or minor electrical issues, but nothing as serious as the problems found in older versions.
Is it worth buying a used Ford Explorer?
Yes, if you choose a reliable year and ensure it has been well-maintained. Models from 2010, 2017, and 2020 offer the best combination of performance and reliability.
Conclusion
The Ford Explorer remains one of the most popular SUVs in the market, but it’s important to be aware of the problematic model years. Avoiding the 2002, 2003-2006, 2011, and 2016 models can save you from significant repair costs and safety concerns. On the other hand, newer versions of the Explorer have corrected many of these issues, making them a safer and more reliable option for prospective buyers.
When shopping for a used Explorer, always do your research, check the vehicle’s history, and consider having it inspected by a professional. By taking these steps, you can find a Ford Explorer that suits your needs without the headaches that come with the problematic years.
