Is the Ford Explorer reliable?
40% of the 32 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 53/100 — it scores noticeably below average.
32
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections53/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10040%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 56%Across 32 used Ford Explorers we inspected, this model scores noticeably below average — average condition 53/100 vs 61 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.
What we found
Most common faults
Oil leaks · Engine
69%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
56%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
34%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
28%
Abnormal noise · Engine
28%
Share of inspected Ford Explorers where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 6%
Good 34%
Mediocre 28%
Poor 31%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
75%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
3%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
28%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 24%
More on Ford
Transit
70 cars · 67% good
F-150
125 cars · 55% good
Escape
40 cars · 55% good
Mustang
65 cars · 46% good
Fusion
37 cars · 44% good
F-250
27 cars · 34% good
Other Ford models we've inspected — or see the full Ford profile.
Straight from recent Ford Explorer reports
2020 Ford Explorer · 141k mi — flagged: abnormal noise, oil leaks, oil sludge. Inspected Oct 9.
2011 Ford Explorer · 92k mi — flagged: smoothness, oil leaks, battery condition. Inspected Oct 2.
The bottom line
Start under the hood, not at the paint. Oil leaks hit 69 percent of these Explorers, and fuel-trim issues, abnormal engine noise, and active error codes stack on top, which is why excellent examples are scarce and poor ones are common. Scan it live, ask if codes were recently cleared, and check the tires. If you already see leaks or hear noise, walk. A dry, quiet engine is the only one worth chasing, and even then you should negotiate as if engine work is in the near future.
FAQ
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What are the most common problems on a used Ford Explorer?
The items we flag most often are oil leaks (69%), fuel trim out of range (56%), active error codes (34%). Have these checked before buying.
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Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 28% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.
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Based on 32 inspections · updated Oct 11, 2026
