What are the worst Ford Explorer years?

Q: What are the worst Ford Explorer years?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints per year on the road, the worst Ford Explorer years are 1997, 1998, 2002, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020 - complaint rates far above this model's median. The years with the fewest problems relative to time on the road: 2001, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2023.

Ford Explorer: best and worst years

Every model year, ranked by owner complaints reported to NHTSA relative to time on the road. Click a year for its problems, recalls and trouble codes.

Years to avoid: 1997, 1998, 2002, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020

Complaint rates far above this model's median, even after adjusting for time on the road.

Held up best: 2001, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2023

The fewest complaints relative to years on the road - at most half the model's median rate.

2026too new to judge38 complaints · 14 recalls 2025too new to judge102 complaints · 20 recalls 2024too new to judge21 complaints · 10 recalls 2023solid year111 complaints · 15 recalls 2022267 complaints · 24 recalls 2021430 complaints · 26 recalls 2020worst year1,223 complaints · 33 recalls 2019298 complaints · 6 recalls 2018731 complaints · 7 recalls 2017worst year1,694 complaints · 14 recalls 2016worst year2,458 complaints · 15 recalls 2015worst year1,797 complaints · 9 recalls 2014worst year1,679 complaints · 7 recalls 2013worst year2,235 complaints · 12 recalls 2012829 complaints · 7 recalls 20111,197 complaints · 8 recalls 2010solid year115 complaints · 2 recalls 2009solid year33 complaints · 1 recalls 2008solid year148 complaints · 3 recalls 2007solid year208 complaints · 3 recalls 2006630 complaints · 4 recalls 2005497 complaints · 3 recalls 20041,304 complaints · 4 recalls 20031,131 complaints · 7 recalls 2002worst year3,295 complaints · 10 recalls 2001solid year375 complaints · 12 recalls 2000952 complaints · 15 recalls 19991,348 complaints · 15 recalls 1998worst year1,959 complaints · 14 recalls 1997worst year1,731 complaints · 12 recalls 19961,450 complaints · 11 recalls 1995843 complaints · 12 recalls 19941,207 complaints · 7 recalls 1993939 complaints · 9 recalls 1992633 complaints · 7 recalls 1991609 complaints · 11 recalls

Ranked by complaints per year on the road (age capped at 12 years), so older years do not lead just because they have been around longer. Years under 3 years old are not judged - they have not had time to show their problems. Rates are relative to this model only and are not adjusted for sales volume.