Is the Ford Explorer reliable?
36% 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: 61/10036%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 53%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 3%
Good 33%
Mediocre 47%
Poor 17%
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: 23%
More on Ford
F-150
112 cars · 56% good
Transit
61 cars · 55% good
Escape
37 cars · 46% good
Mustang
60 cars · 38% good
Fusion
35 cars · 37% 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
These Explorers lean heavily toward tired engines, with oil leaks showing up on two-thirds of them and fuel-trim problems nearly as common, so start every look by checking for seepage, listening for noise, and scanning for codes before you even talk price. The 80 percent repaint rate means shiny panels often hide that mechanical wear rather than prove careful ownership, giving you solid grounds to negotiate aggressively or walk if the leaks and trims are already out of line. Prioritize the cleanest mechanical example you can find over cosmetic freshness, and treat any active codes or abnormal engine sounds as deal-breakers unless the discount clearly covers the coming work.
FAQ
?
?
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.
?
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.
Book an inspection
Based on 30 inspections · updated Aug 1, 2026
