Ford Explorer Years to Avoid
Every Explorer model year ranked by owner complaints filed with NHTSA, with recalls and the top problem for each year.
Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Which Explorer years should you avoid?
The 2016, 2013 and 2015 Explorer have the most NHTSA complaints. Adjusted for how long each year has been on the road, the 2009, 2010 and 2008 models have the fewest problems.
Complaints by model year
Total complaints. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing.
Every year at a glance
| Year | Complaints | Per year | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 42 | 42 | 14 | Electrical |
| 2025 | 103 | 52 | 20 | Electrical |
| 2023 | 111 | 28 | 15 | Electrical |
| 2022 | 269 | 54 | 24 | Transmission |
| 2021 | 444 | 74 | 26 | Transmission |
| 2020 | 1,233 | 176 | 33 | Transmission |
| 2019 | 299 | 37 | 6 | Body |
| 2018 | 733 | 81 | 7 | Body |
| 2017 | 1,700 | 170 | 14 | Body |
| 2016 | 2,461 | 224 | 15 | Body |
| 2015 | 1,807 | 151 | 9 | Body |
| 2014 | 1,679 | 129 | 7 | Steering |
| 2013 | 2,236 | 160 | 12 | Steering |
| 2012 | 829 | 55 | 7 | Steering |
| 2011 | 1,197 | 75 | 8 | Steering |
| 2010 | 115 | 7 | 2 | Transmission |
| 2009 | 33 | 2 | 1 | Acceleration |
| 2008 | 148 | 8 | 3 | Electrical |
"Per year" divides complaints by the years since that model year went on sale, so new and old years compare fairly. Highlighted rows have the most complaints.
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Common questions
What is the worst year for the Ford Explorer?
The 2016 Explorer, with 2,461 complaints. Its most reported problem area is the body.
What is the best year for the Ford Explorer?
Among years with at least three years of owner reports, the 2009 Explorer has the fewest complaints per year on the road.
Which Ford Explorer years should I avoid?
Be most careful with the 2016, 2013 and 2015 models. Check service records and recall work before buying.