What is the best year for a Ford Explorer?

The Explorer's complaint history is one of the most volatile in the three-row class. Avoid 2013-2015 (2,214, 1,666, and 1,728 complaints respectively — the exhaust fume intrusion era), 2017 (1,648 complaints), and 2020 (1,136 complaints at the sixth-generation launch). The 2024 Explorer (16 complaints, 10/10 safety, 0 severe) is the best year on record by a wide margin. The 2023 (94, 10/10, 7 severe) is also strong.

How much does Ford Explorer insurance cost?

Explorer insurance averages around $2,461/year — roughly $205/month.

Is the Ford Explorer or Chevrolet Traverse cheaper to maintain?

The Traverse is cheaper to maintain by $76/year — $656 versus $732 for the Explorer. But the Explorer has a higher reliability score (7 vs. 6), lower major repair probability (14% vs. 18%), and much lower repair frequency (24% vs. 43%). More expensive annually, but a meaningfully lower risk and visit-frequency profile.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Ford Explorer?

Repair frequency of 24% is the lowest in the three-row segment — a significant positive. For 2023 and newer models, the Explorer's dramatically improved complaint trajectory makes extended warranty unnecessary. However, the severe documented complaint spikes across 2013-2015, 2017, and 2020 make coverage essential for used models from those years.

Is the Nissan Murano expensive to maintain?

The Murano averages $507/year in maintenance — $66 below the midsize segment average of $573. However, repair frequency of 51% is well above the class average of 40%, meaning owners visit for unscheduled repairs more often than most midsize rivals. Major repair probability of 14% is slightly above the 13% segment average. Lower annual cost but higher visit frequency — a mixed profile.

What is the best year for a Nissan Murano?

From available data, 2024 (4 complaints, 10/10 safety, 0 severe) and 2023 (6 complaints, 10/10 safety, 2 severe) are exceptional years. Complaint data has significant gaps in our records between 2013 and 2022, so years in that range can't be fully assessed. Recent production shows very low complaint activity.

How much does Nissan Murano insurance cost?

Murano insurance averages around $2,418/year — roughly $202/month.

Is the Nissan Murano or Chevrolet Blazer cheaper to maintain?

The Murano is $14/year cheaper than the Blazer — $507 versus $521 — a negligible difference. The Blazer has a higher reliability score (8 vs. 7), lower major repair probability (11% vs. 14%), and much lower repair frequency (28% vs. 51%). On total maintenance value, the Blazer holds a meaningful advantage despite nearly identical annual cost.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Nissan Murano?

Repair frequency of 51% is the highest in the midsize segment. While the annual dollar cost is below average, the elevated visit frequency means more exposure to labor charges and potential additional repairs discovered during service. Warranty coverage is worth considering for used models to help contain those costs.

Ford Explorer vs Nissan Murano

Two three-row SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Nissan Murano to minimise 5-year ownership cost.

Buy the Nissan Murano if long-term reliability matters most.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Ford Explorer	Nissan Murano
Annual maintenance	$732	$507winner
5-year total cost	$3,660	$2,535winner
Reliability score	7 / 10	7 / 10
Major repair risk (5yr)	14%	14%
Cargo space	85.3 cu ft	—
Starting price (new)	$41,300winner	$41,670
Best years to buy	2010, 2023, 2024	2023

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Ford Explorer	Nissan Murano
RepairPal score	7 / 10	7 / 10
NHTSA complaints / 100k	452.2	166.8winner
Years to avoid	2011, 2013, 2014	2010, 2011, 2012
Value retained · 3 yr	72.5%winner	62.2%
Value retained · 5 yr	49.9%winner	47.3%
Value retained · 7 yr	39.6%winner	37.4%

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Ford Explorer	Nissan Murano
Engine	14.1%	5.7%winner
Electrical	4.1%winner	7.0%
ADAS	3.3%winner	5.9%
Brakes	1.7%winner	19.8%
Suspension	2.5%winner	5.1%
Steering	22.1%	2.2%winner
Fuel system	2.8%	1.1%winner
Tires/Wheels	1.6%	1.5%winner
Glass/Windows	3.0%winner	8.1%
Airbags	2.6%winner	9.5%

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Ford Explorer	Nissan Murano
Avg annual premium	$2,461	$2,418winner

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Ford Explorer

$732/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Nissan Murano

$507/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

The Explorer costs $732/year to maintain — $159 above the three-row segment average of $573. Repair frequency of 24% is well below the class average of 40% — the lowest in the three-row segment. Reliability score of 7 matches the segment average, and major repair probability of 14% is slightly above the 13% norm. Well above-average cost, but notably fewer unscheduled shop visits than class rivals.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →