Is the Ford Explorer reliable?
44% of the 30 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 53/100 — it scores noticeably below average.
30
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections53/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10044%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 56%Across 30 used Ford Explorers we inspected, this model scores noticeably below average — average condition 53/100 vs 61 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.
What we found
Most common faults
Oil leaks · Engine
67%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
57%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
37%
Abnormal noise · Engine
27%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
27%
Share of inspected Ford Explorers where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 7%
Good 37%
Mediocre 23%
Poor 33%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
80%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
3%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
27%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 24%
More on Ford
Transit
69 cars · 66% good
F-150
123 cars · 55% good
Escape
40 cars · 55% good
Mustang
65 cars · 46% good
Fusion
37 cars · 44% good
F-250
27 cars · 34% good
Other Ford models we've inspected — or see the full Ford profile.
Straight from recent Ford Explorer reports
2014 Ford Explorer · 208k mi — flagged: signs of recent repair, fault codes recently cleared, cracked or torn suspension bushings. Inspected Jul 16.
2014 Ford Explorer · 106k mi — flagged: fuel trim out of range, powertrain control module, key fob. Inspected Jun 17.
The bottom line
The story on a used Explorer is simple: the engine usually decides the deal. Oil leaks and out-of-range fuel trim show up so often that your first moves should be a cold start, a look underneath for seepage, and a scan that reads live trims instead of a clean-code printout. Fresh paint is the norm, so do not treat a shiny body as proof of care. If you hear abnormal noise or see oil, walk. If the motor is dry and quiet, still negotiate hard—excellent cars are scarce and a lot of these sit in mediocre or worse condition, with tires and leftover error codes as extra bargaining chips.
FAQ
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What are the most common problems on a used Ford Explorer?
The items we flag most often are oil leaks (67%), fuel trim out of range (57%), active error codes (37%). Have these checked before buying.
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Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 27% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.
Thinking of buying a Ford Explorer? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 30 inspections · updated Oct 1, 2026
