Is the Ford Explorer reliable?
37% of the 29 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 53/100 — it scores noticeably below average.
29
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections53/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 60/10037%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 52%Across 29 used Ford Explorers we inspected, this model scores noticeably below average — average condition 53/100 vs 60 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
59%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
38%
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 3%
Good 34%
Mediocre 45%
Poor 17%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
79%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 76%
3%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
24%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
More on Ford
F-150
99 cars · 57% good
Transit
59 cars · 54% good
Escape
37 cars · 46% good
Mustang
58 cars · 38% good
Fusion
33 cars · 36% good
Other Ford models we've inspected — or see the full Ford profile.
Straight from recent Ford Explorer reports
2014 Ford Explorer · 106k mi — flagged: fuel trim out of range, powertrain control module, key fob. Inspected Jun 17.
2020 Ford Explorer · 51k mi — flagged: abnormal noise, steering pull. Inspected Jun 1.
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 (59%), active error codes (38%). Have these checked before buying.
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Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 24% 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.
Thinking of buying a Ford Explorer? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 29 inspections · updated Jul 12, 2026
