What is the best year for a Ford Explorer?

Judged on complaint rate, severity, and safety scores across its own history, the Ford Explorer's strongest year is 2024 — 17 complaints, a 10/10 safety score, 1 severe issue. 2010 also rate well. Recent years show fewer complaints partly because they have spent less time on the road. The weakest years by those same measures are 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2020 — worth closer inspection before buying, not an automatic pass. Verdict: 2024 is the strongest pick.

How much does Ford Explorer insurance cost?

Full-coverage insurance for the Ford Explorer averages $2,461 a year, about $205 a month (industry average). That is more than the three-row segment average of $2,396. Actual rates vary by trim, location, and driving record — compare quotes before buying.

Is the Ford Explorer or Chevrolet Traverse cheaper to maintain?

Maintenance runs $732 a year on the Ford Explorer versus $656 on the Chevrolet Traverse. Reliability scores are 7.0/10 and 6/10. Unscheduled repairs average 0.24 versus 0.43 times per year. Verdict: the Chevrolet Traverse is the cheaper of the two to run.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Ford Explorer?

The chance of a major repair in a given year is 14%, so roughly 86 in 100 owners will not face one — above the three-row segment norm of 13%. Reliability sits at 7.0/10. Verdict: generally skip it, with one exception — a powertrain warranty is worth it on the 2011 model year.

Ford Explorer Maintenance Cost

Ford Explorer maintenance costs. Full year-by-year breakdown, common problems, and which years to buy or avoid.

Last verified July 2026

$732

Annual maint.

7/10

Reliability

14%

Major repair risk (5yr)

$2,461

Avg. insurance / yr

// RELIABILITY BY YEAR

Which year Explorer should you buy?

Green is safe, red means major known issues. Tap any year.
Years scored against Explorer's own complaint record — not against other SUVs.

2010 Ford Explorer

Fourth generation (U251)

Engine: 4.0 L Cologne SOHC V6 (210 hp); 4.6 L Triton SOHC V8 (292 hp)

Transmission: 5-speed automatic (V6); 6-speed automatic (V8)

Recommended

Low complaint volume relative to the model's own average. High NHTSA safety score.

NHTSA recall 10V161000, 10E043000 issued.

2 recalls on record. Affected systems:

Seats
Equipment

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks on the Explorer

Top issues ranked by share of total NHTSA complaints.

Unknown or other

Common

Years affected: 2010–2025

Steering, fuel system, gasoline, electrical system

Common

Years affected: 2010–2025

Power train

Common

Years affected: 2010–2025

Electrical system

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2025

Vehicle speed control, service brakes

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2025

Visibility

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2025

Fuel/propulsion system

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2023, 2025

Air bags

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2025

Suspension, power train, electrical system

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2025

Service brakes, fuel/propulsion system

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2023, 2025

// EXTENDED WARRANTY

Is a Explorer extended warranty worth it?

Worth considering. The Ford Explorer has an above-average major repair probability for the segment — a warranty is worth pricing before you buy, especially on higher-mileage examples. If you want to minimise risk, stick to the 2010, 2019, and 2022. Pay particular attention to 2011, 2013, and 2014 model years.

// NEW VS USED

Buy new or save on a used Explorer?

The Explorer holds 73% of its value after 3 years — in line with the three-row SUV average.

73%

Value retained · 3 yr

50%

Value retained · 5 yr

40%

Value retained · 7 yr

New Explorer

$41,300

MSRP including destination charge for base trim

Used Explorer

$21,400

KBB Fair Purchase Price, 2023, national average, good condition, ~36k miles

Avg. maintenance / yr$732

Major repair risk (any year)14%

Avg. insurance premium / yr$2,461

MPG combined (City/Hwy)21

Value depreciation after 3 yr$10,576

// HEAD TO HEAD

How it compares

Chevrolet Traverse

$656/yr maint · 6 reliability

Full comparison

Jeep Grand Cherokee

$666/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full comparison

More Three-row SUVs

Chevrolet Traverse GMC Acadia Honda Pilot Hyundai Palisade Kia Sorento All Three-row SUVs →

// FAQ

Common questions

The Ford Explorer averages $732 a year in maintenance. That is $159 above the three-row segment average of $573. Owners bring it in for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.24 times per year, below the three-row segment at 0.4. Its reliability score is 7.0/10. Verdict: costlier than the segment, budget accordingly.

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 →