Ford Explorer Years to Avoid [Detailed List]

Ford Explorer Years to Avoid – The Ford Explorer is a popular SUV that has been around since 1990. It has gone through many changes over the years, and with each new model, Ford has aimed to improve upon its performance and features.

Not every model of the Ford Explorer has been reliable or safe.

In this article, we will discuss the years of the Ford Explorer that are known to have issues, and why you should avoid them.

Overview of the Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that is designed for off-road and on-road use. It has been marketed as a family vehicle and is known for its spacious interior, good handling, and comfort.

Over the years, the Ford Explorer has gone through many changes, from the engine to the body style.

The current generation of the Ford Explorer was launched in 2020, and it comes with a range of features such as a hybrid engine, all-wheel drive, and advanced safety features.

Reliability is an essential factor to consider when purchasing a used car. While some models of the Ford Explorer are known to be reliable, others have had problems with their engines, transmissions, and suspension systems.

In the next section, we will discuss the years of the Ford Explorer that should be avoided.

List of Ford Explorer Years to Avoid

The following are the years of the Ford Explorer that should be avoided due to their known issues.

1991-1994 Ford Explorer

The first generation of the Ford Explorer was introduced in 1991. This model is known to have issues with its transmission, which can fail unexpectedly. The transmission problems can cause the car to stall, and it may even fail to start.

In addition, the suspension system of this model is known to be weak, which can cause problems with the car’s stability.

1995-2001 Ford Explorer

The second generation of the Ford Explorer was introduced in 1995. While this model was an improvement over the first generation, it still had its issues.

One of the most significant problems with this model is its tendency to roll over during sharp turns or in the event of an accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigated the issue, and Ford eventually had to recall the vehicles to fix the problem.

The other issue with this model is its weak suspension system, which can cause the car to bounce and vibrate excessively.

2002-2005 Ford Explorer

The third generation of the Ford Explorer was introduced in 2002. This model is known to have issues with its engine, which can fail unexpectedly. The engine problems can cause the car to stall, and it may even catch fire.

In addition, the transmission system of this model is known to be unreliable, and it may fail to shift gears properly.

2006-2010 Ford Explorer

The fourth generation of the Ford Explorer was introduced in 2006. This model is known to have issues with its transmission, which can cause the car to stall or not start.

The transmission problems can also cause the car to shift gears unexpectedly, which can be dangerous.

The other issue with this model is its weak suspension system, which can cause the car to bounce and vibrate excessively.

2011-2015 Ford Explorer

The fifth generation of the Ford Explorer was introduced in 2011. While this model is an improvement over the previous models, it still has some issues.

One of the significant issues with this model is its tendency to leak oil, which can cause the engine to fail.

The other issue with this model is its unreliable transmission, which can cause the car to shift gears unexpectedly or fail to shift gears at all.

2016-2019 Ford Explorer

The sixth generation of the Ford Explorer was introduced in 2016, and it comes with advanced safety features and improved handling.

It still has some issues that should be considered when purchasing a used car. One of the significant problems with this model is its unreliable transmission, which can cause the car to shift gears unexpectedly or fail to shift gears at all.

Another issue with this model is its tendency to experience problems with the climate control system, which can cause issues with the heating and cooling.

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Alternatives to the Ford Explorer

If you are looking for a reliable and safe SUV and don’t want to take any chances with the Ford Explorer, there are several alternatives that you can consider. Here are some of the options:

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that has been around since 1997. It is known for its reliability, good fuel economy, and spacious interior.

The current generation of the Honda CR-V comes with advanced safety features, a hybrid engine option, and an all-wheel drive.

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has been around since 1994. It is known for its reliability, good fuel economy, and off-road capabilities.

The current generation of the Toyota RAV4 comes with advanced safety features, a hybrid engine option, and an all-wheel drive.

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV that has been around since 2012. It is known for its stylish design, good handling, and fuel efficiency.

The current generation of the Mazda CX-5 comes with advanced safety features, a turbocharged engine option, and an all-wheel drive.

Do Ford Explorers have good engines?

Ford Explorers have had a mixed history with their engines. Some models, like the 2016 and newer, have been praised for their reliable engines. However, earlier models, particularly those from the 2000s, have had issues with engine failure and leaks.

It’s important to research specific models and years to determine their engine reliability.

Where is Ford Explorer ranked?

Ford Explorer’s ranking varies depending on the source and the year of the model being evaluated. In general, the Ford Explorer has typically ranked in the middle of the pack in the midsize SUV category in terms of performance, reliability, and overall value.

Are Ford Explorers good in snow?

Ford Explorers are generally considered to be good in snow due to their available all-wheel-drive system and other features like traction control. As with any vehicle, the quality of the tires being used also plays a role in the vehicle’s ability to handle snow and ice.

What is the defect in Ford Explorer?

There have been various defects reported with Ford Explorers over the years. Some of the most common include issues with the transmission, suspension, and air conditioning system. In some models, there have also been reports of engine failure and leaks.

What SUV compares to Ford Explorer?

Several SUVs can be compared to the Ford Explorer in terms of size, features, and performance. Some popular alternatives to the Ford Explorer include the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse, and Mazda CX-9.

Which is better Acadia or Explorer?

The answer to this question depends on the specific models being compared and the priorities of the buyer. Generally speaking, the Ford Explorer tends to offer better off-road capabilities and towing capacity, while the GMC Acadia has a more luxurious interior and better fuel economy.

It’s important to test drive both vehicles and compare features to determine which is the better fit for your needs.

Which is better Ford Explorer Limited or Sport?

Again, the answer to this question depends on personal preferences and priorities. The Ford Explorer Limited is more focused on luxury features and ride comfort, while the Sport model emphasizes performance and handling with a sport-tuned suspension and a more powerful engine.

It’s important to consider what features are most important to you and test drive both models to determine which better suits your needs.

Conclusion

The Ford Explorer is a popular SUV that has been around for decades. While some models of the Ford Explorer have been reliable and safe, others have had significant issues that should be considered before purchasing a used car.

The years of the Ford Explorer that should be avoided due to their known issues are 1991-1994, 1995-2001, 2002-2005, 2006-2010, 2011-2015, and 2016-2019.

If you are looking for a reliable and safe SUV, you can consider alternatives such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, or Mazda CX-5.

Remember to prioritize reliability and safety when purchasing a used car to ensure a good investment that will last for years to come.