In fact, you should avoid anything from 2001-2007 models as customers find some bad issues with the model years. The average life of a Ford Explorer mainly depends on how you use the vehicle and maintain it, but it is said to last from 10 up to 17 years if regular maintenance is Most of the model years produced have recorded few complaints. But what about the Ford Explorer year to avoid? Its not only important to choose the right vehicle for your familys lifestyle, but its also crucial to get the right coverage to fit your driving needs. But what about the Ford Explorer years to avoid? This generation was a major revision of the second generation that was rather successful and there were changes that were made to update the looks for the 21st century. The door-ajar light stays on all the time, power lock issues, heated seat issues, 44 light issues, O/D light constantly blinking, erroneous gas readings on the gauge, and many other problems are among the complaints. The Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a great vehicle, but there are certain years that you should avoid. "text": "When it comes to the years to avoid, we would recommend avoiding 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2013, and 2016. When it comes to the best year, we would say that you should go for the 2021 or 2022 model. The first model debuted in 1991. My car is very old so we're starting to have tons of issues with the car (electrical panel). And if you want to find a good purchase, you need to learn more about them. A few minor problems with my 2002 Explorer. Shop and buy your next car with confidence. Source: gtcarlot.com. Radiator leaks were also common and would pop up at about 63,000 miles., WHAT TO DO IF A DEALER REFUSES TO CANCEL EXTENDED WARRANTY. The steering system earned the most attention from unhappy owners, with 309 registered comments. In terms of transmissions, there were a few. It essentially birthed the modern SUV as we know it today. More on this in a bit. Left head cast #6l2e, 8l2e. Apart from that, the rear window panel cracked at about 80,000 miles, costing approximately $500 to replace. While the 2013 Ford Explorer is the worst year of the fifth generation for complaints and recalls, it should be noted that all 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles are part of an active NHTSA investigation regarding the presence of carbon monoxide and an exhaust odor in the drivers cabin. What year Explorer should I avoid? These have the most reports for problems on carcomplaints.com. These years saw a variety of complaints, from 827 in 2005 to a high of 3,956 in 2002. Its family-friendly, a joy to drive, and handles like a champ. After an inspection, mechanics determined that the cars transmission had failed. The worst model years of the Ford Explorer are 2020, 2013 to 2017, 2011, 2006, 2002, 2003, and 2004, and those that were produced between 1996 and 2000. What Are The Best Years For The Ford Explorer? Ford has produced a lot of great Explorers in the models long lifespan. The transmission and cooling system of this 2006 Ford Explorer attracted over 770 complaints due to gearbox problems and a broken radiator. The NHTSA issued 14 recalls, most fairly minor. With 290 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque, the vehicle is versatile and efficient. This model was introduced in 1991 and as of today, six generations were released on the market. Furthermore, the Ford Explorer is a fantastic SUV that occasionally has a great engine and exceptional amenities. Users save an average of over $800 a year. More on this in a moment. Particularly not in a $50,000 car like the Explorer. My friends recommended the Explorer. One Mazda 5-speed manual transmission and two Ford 5-speed automatics. A 4.0L Ford Cologne V6 produces 210hp and 254lb-ft of torque. So, if you want something more reliable, always go for a model that is less prone to issues. In this article, well provide you with all the knowledge you need about the Ford Explorer model years to avoid. There was also a recall problem that needed to be fixed. The other NHTSA action that is of particular concern for this year is a recall for the rear suspension toe link that may fracture. You still have airbags and ABS. Car buying can occasionally be frustrating, especially if youre purchasing your vehicle through a dealership. The sixth generation of the Explorer was introduced in 2019 and 2020 was the first model year of this generation. A four-cylinder turbocharged engine and excellent fuel efficiency are further benefits for owners. The main problems of the 2002, 2003, and 2004 Ford Explorer models are the following: Based on reviews and statistics online, the major flaw of the 1996 2000 Ford Explorer models revolved around their faulty transmission systems. Vehicle History's team of automotive experts brings you the most accurate and up-to-date used car information. The engine was replaced. An excellent way to get a new automobile and save money is to buy a brand-new-to-you SUV. First, we learned what this model is all about and in which class of vehicles it belongs. "name": "What Year Ford Explorer To Avoid", It WebToyota 4runner Years to Avoid 2023 [Best & Worst] by Jake Mayock February 21, 2023, 3:01 am. There have been recalls on the car for a couple of parts. However, the investigation is still ongoing, even after four years. Happened one other time after about 5 months later. When it comes to problems, this model is probably one of the most recorded cars on carcomplaints.com. This cost owners around $1,800 to fix. This quadruple combo from 2007 to 2010 still offers everything an Explorer is best known for power, reliability, and a somewhat intimidating exterior design. "@type": "Answer", Over at JD Power, the 2009 Ford Explorer gets the nod as the highest rated of the bunch, with an overall rating of 83 out of 100. Hey all, I'm working on buying my first Explorer. I love getting my hands dirty and repairing a car myself for a tenth of the price where possible. Even though they arent as commonly reported, there are enough instances to say that such problems are widespread. With the proper maintenance, these Ford Explorer models have a superior reliability rating and can travel over 200,000 miles. Stay away. These are used by the police in really big numbers and they proved to be quite reliable vehicles. One dealer goes as far as to suggest that one out of ten 2002-2004 Explorers wont be able to avoid transmission failure somewhere down the line. A 2.0L, 2.3L, and 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine. They don’t have many problems as they did in the past. 10 WORST Products I Reviewed This Year!! WebIf you want to get the most out of your Ford Explorer Sport Trac, however, there are a few years to avoid: 2001 Ford Explorer. Ford Explorer Years to Avoid. Still, they are a good value for the money. These have the most reports for problems on carcomplaints.com. The 2003 Explorer XLT 4.0L V6 model had the most recorded wheel hub issues. Which is the 4.6L V8. } Well, the Ford Explorer is Fords take on the mid-size crossover SUV market. "text": "When it comes to the best year, we would recommend going for a 2018 or 2019 model year. The last two generations are assembled in this factory. Multiple drivers state that they lost power steering while traveling at highway speeds. "@type": "Question", When it comes to the Ford Explorer years to avoid, we would definitely recommend avoiding 2002 and 2004. Now lets answer some frequently asked questions. In terms of issues, there were a number of problems reported on the Explorer. Namely, the 3.5L V6 engines are quite reliable engines. Even though, they lack in some areas like craftsmanship and choice of quality materials. In the following chapters, we are going to cover the last four generations of this model. In total, I think Ive put maybe 2k of maintenance into the car over the ten years. There are several Ford Explorer model years, both old and new, that have received numerous complaints through the years. The Ford Explorer has been on the market for a long time and has entered into its sixth generation now. "@type": "Answer", The main problems of the 1996 2000 Ford Explorer models are the following: Related: Ford Explorer Alarm Going Off? The IIHS also gave it a Top Safety Pick Award for the 2020 model. 2018 and 2019 have the least reports from any model year. With only 80 miles it broke down for no reason in the middle of a road. Wondering if you could be paying less for your policy each month? This allowed many suspension improvements to be introduced and this made the Explorer a proper modern SUV. } Web2007 Ford Explorer 4.0 Engine. } It only got 14 mpg in the city, 19 mpg on the highway, and 16 mpg combined. 2013 Ford Explorer has had suspension issues. Electrical issues. Despite having a rather sturdy drivetrain, Ford Explorers are nevertheless subject to complaints. There are hundreds of models and each of these has different generations and each one of them has different problems. I have spent a lot of money trying to fix it. Records show that the most common problems vary from year to year. Especially on the hood. "@type": "FAQPage", Over at Edmunds, the younger 2022 model edges its 2021 counterpart, securing a slightly higher consumer rating of 4.3 out of 5.0 (compared to the 2021s 4.0 out of 5.0). The 3.5-liter six-cylinder Explorer gets 18 miles in the city and 25 miles on the highway. Now before we start discussing the generations of the Ford Explorer and learn more about the different Ford Explorer models. 2002 Explorer with temperamental transmission. ** !function(e,i,n,s){var t="InfogramEmbeds",d=e.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];if(window[t]&&window[t].initialized)window[t].process&&window[t].process();else if(!e.getElementById(n)){var o=e.createElement("script");o.async=1,o.id=n,o.src="https://e.infogram.com/js/dist/embed-loader-min.js",d.parentNode.insertBefore(o,d)}}(document,0,"infogram-async"); **. It is part of the exhaust odor investigation and the rear toe link recall noted in the 2013, but has its own unique problems. The models listed below are the versions of the vehicle that you may want to steer clear of. The light is hard to recognize as on during the day so it's easy to have a battery die while out if the issue occurs. So, you get the idea of what is a lemon. That was in the past. When it rains it will shut off at random. What a total surprise. It cuts off sometimes, it stalls sometimes. You can usually find her at the track covering NASCAR, taking a test drive, or drooling over the latest models at the local auto show. I am here to help you with your car questions. Brakes, radiator, I feel like getting rid of it. }] The fourth generation of the Explorer was introduced in 2005 and released in 2006. Also Read: Ford explorer Years to Avoid (Avoid these models) Problems with Ford Flex 2015 A Flex 2015 owner reported that their car suddenly lost power while driving on the highway and had to be towed to a dealership. My beloved Mini Cooper just got stolen. It has remained a reliable vehicle that many buyers have fallen in love with. As for what Kelley Blue Book had to say, all four models surprisingly secured an identical rating of 4.3 out of 5.0. } Mainly because this model is rather new and relatively unproven on the roads. In terms of engines, there was a whole lineup of new EcoBoost engines. With excellent fuel economy, you can expect your vehicle to last up to 200,000 miles. Unfortunately, from 2003 to 2006, issues with the Ford Explorers transmission continued. So, definitely avoid this year. The Ford Explorer is one of the longest-running models from Ford. This problem, which recurred multiple times, was experienced by over 1,000 owners of the 2004 Ford Explorer model. Not sure if all explorers are like mine but it has a few problems. The fuel economy is rather good, the 2.3L engine gets 20 mpg around town, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg overall. 26 people found this helpful. It also scored terribly in rollover testing with the NHTSA. Just be careful to omit the 2006 model if youre considering the fourth-generation Explorer options. The model is ranked worse when compared to the 2002 model because it has problems that appear at a lower mileage and higher repair costs., Some owners reported having a transmission that lunges and jolts when shifting. However, if you find a good deal at a reasonable mileage count, then perhaps you could risk the purchase (just make sure to consult with experts first). Below is a list of the most problematic Ford Explorer models and some of the worst problems that they face., The 2002 Ford Explorer has recorded the highest number of complaints since the SUV was launched into the market in 1991 and should be avoided. Research, compare, and save listings, or contact sellers directly from 4 2017 Explorer models in The main problems of the 2017 Ford Explorer are the following: An interesting issue of the 2016 Ford Explorer was an electrical defect, with the wrench light staying on even after the annual maintenance servicing, typically occurring at around 8,000 miles. No idea how it happened. Whatever you do, dont get the 2002 Ford Explorer. 26 people found this helpful. The best Ford Explorer model years are 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2007 to 2010, and the 2001 iteration. Despite not having an overall rating on JD Power due to insufficient data, Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds awarded this model year with the highest review ratings, obtaining scores of 4.3 out of 5.0 and 4.5 out of 5.0, respectively. But they are rare and not as common. This batch of Ford Explorers have a total of 8,284 problems at CarComplaints.com and a combined total of 6,070 problems at CarProblemZoo.com. We have had several issues with our Ford Explorer. It has earned a loyal following since its 1991 debut, and even survived an SUV-to-crossover transition in 2011. It has transmission issues but that is my main complaint. But what about the Ford Explorer years to avoid? The car has been very reliable thus far. There were a few issues with the pelvis injuries as well as a low performance of the safety cage structure that not made it to get the highest score. More on that in a bit. The tensioner fails and causes the chain to jump and fail. Suspension, shocks, tire rotors etc basically the whole front. If you had to go with the slightly more affordable model year, then the 2021 Explorer is a great pick. The 2021 and 2022 Ford Explorer models share identical scores on JD Power and Kelley Blue Book, securing an 81 out of 100 and a 3.7 out of 5.0, respectively. When you're ready to buy your next car, CoPilot helps you make sure you never get taken advantage of at the dealership. Though the newer models arent as bad as the 2002 version, theres still been over 3,000 transmission complaints. In 2011, transmission problems were no longer a major concern for Ford Explorers. Fuel economy for this model is well above par, whether you choose the gas-only or hybrid option. When it comes to the Ford Explorer years to avoid, we would say that you should avoid 2013, 2014, and 2016. Motor Verso is an automotive website; for car enthusiasts, run by car enthusiasts. At $5,315 to $6,731 its cheap, but not worth it with the high ownership costs. The XLS, XLT, NBX, Eddie Bauer, and Limited. The Ford Explorer has been around for decades, but there are a few particularly troublesome model years. thats become a staple for American families. But what are the Ford Explorer years to avoid? Ford has produced a lot of great Explorers in the models long lifespan. So, these two years are the logical choice. The Best and Worst Years for Ford Explorer Are: According to a host of consumer and reliability reports, the 2001, 2010, 2019, 2021, and 2022 model years are the most reliable for the Ford Explorer. The 2006 model also had a ton of radiator leaks and other issues with the cooling system. A scary and hazardous issue of the 2015 model year was power steering failure while in transit. So when looking for a used Ford Explorer, these are the best models to pick from. Serif is a seasoned automotive enthusiast with a passion for cars. She dreams of showing up to a beach party in a baby blue Volkswagen Thing. The V6 has a weak timing chain and automatic transmissions in the 2002 and 2005 model years tend to fail. Rear differential whining, rear differential leaks, 44 wont engage, and other difficulties of a similar nature are among the most often reported drivetrain issues with the 2002 Ford Explorer. Years of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac that are best avoided are those that wont perform well on the road. Except for the 2006 model year, none of the fourth-generation cars have received many complaints. The safety of the car was quite improved in comparison to the previous generations with the unibody design. "@type": "Answer", But you shouldnt worry because we are going to help you out. Overall, this is just one of the more unreliable used Ford Explorer SUV years worth avoiding. Previously, the model was assembled in Louisville, Kentucky. Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. "@type": "Question", Welcome to Motor Verso. I love my car. More on that in a bit. },{ Drivers report a loss of function while traveling at high speeds. A 2.3L turbocharged inline-4 generating 300hp and 310lb-ft of torque. Here Are The Ford Explorer Years To Avoid, dealer refuses to cancel your extended warranty, CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars, Here Are The Chevy Avalanche Years To Avoid, The Top 3 Least and Most Reliable Car Brands, The Most Common Problems with Used Ford Explorers (And Which Year Models to Avoid), Nissan Frontier Towing Capacity: What To Know. WebShop 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles in Spanish Fork, UT for sale at Cars.com. Only looking for newer models?CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. This cost about $1,800 and was experienced at 49,000 miles. Bad as the 2002 and 2005 model years tend to fail, if you could be less... 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Of maintenance into the car ( electrical panel ) the model years tend fail. State that they lost power steering ford explorer years to avoid traveling at high speeds, mechanics that! Market for a couple of parts up-to-date used car information & # ;.

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