Ford Explorer vs Jeep Liberty
For 2005–2012 models, the Ford Explorer has 30.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 56.1 for the Jeep Liberty. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2012), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Ford Explorer
30.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
45% fewer than the Jeep Liberty
- Complaints
- 3,251
- Sold
- 1,058,501
- Recall campaigns
- 7
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 3
Most complaints: 2011. Fewest: 2005, 2007 and 2009. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 82,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 78,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 77,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 88,300 mi
-
Water leaks and seals
Typically around 60,000 mi
Jeep Liberty
56.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.8× the Ford Explorer’s rate
- Complaints
- 3,942
- Sold
- 702,059
- Recall campaigns
- 11
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2006 and 2008. Fewest: 2009 and 2011. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Tank, lines and filler
Typically around 64,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 101,956 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 57,255 mi
-
Control arms, ball joints and bushings
Typically around 120,000 mi · repair $230–$700
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 88,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Explorer or the Jeep Liberty?
For 2005–2012 models, the Ford Explorer has 30.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Jeep Liberty has 56.1, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Explorer?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Explorer is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 82,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Jeep Liberty?
The most-reported problem on the Jeep Liberty is tank, lines and filler, typically around 64,000 miles.
Which Ford Explorer and Jeep Liberty years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Explorer: 2011; Jeep Liberty: 2006 and 2008.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.