The best and worst Ford Explorer years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Ford Explorers old enough to judge (2005–2022), the 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2022 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2011, 2013–2014 and 2016 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2022 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2011 Ford Explorer · 88.2 per 10,000 sold (3.4× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Electric power steering motor and module, typically around 56,880 miles; then power steering pump, rack and lines.
2013 Ford Explorer · 116.0 per 10,000 sold (4.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Power steering pump, rack and lines, typically around 96,000 miles; then electric power steering motor and module.
2014 Ford Explorer · 79.7 per 10,000 sold (3.1× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Exhaust manifold, studs and leaks, typically around 35,000 miles; then electric power steering motor and module.
2016 Ford Explorer · 98.5 per 10,000 sold (3.8× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 80,000 miles; then power steering pump, rack and lines.
Years with the fewest complaints
2005 Ford Explorer · 14.6 per 10,000 sold (0.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 80,000 miles.
2007 Ford Explorer · 12.3 per 10,000 sold (0.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 84,150 miles.
2009 Ford Explorer · 5.6 per 10,000 sold (0.2× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 95,000 miles.
2022 Ford Explorer · 12.6 per 10,000 sold (0.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Sunroof and panoramic roof, typically around 50,000 miles.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Ford Explorer year: 25.8 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Ford Explorer?
Among Ford Explorers old enough to judge (2005–2022), the 2013 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 116.0, about 4.5× a typical Ford Explorer year. The 2011, 2014 and 2016 also stand out.
What is the best year for the Ford Explorer?
The 2009 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Ford Explorers from 2005–2022: 5.6, against 25.8 for a typical year. The 2005, 2007 and 2022 are also well below typical.
What goes wrong on the 2013 Ford Explorer?
The most-reported problem on the 2013 Ford Explorer is power steering pump, rack and lines, typically around 96,000 miles.
Why aren't the newest Ford Explorer years ranked?
The 2023–2026 haven't been on the road long enough. Newer cars have fewer complaints mainly because they're newer, so ranking them would flatter them.
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Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.