Ford Explorer Used: Common Problems & What to Check

If you're about to look at a used Ford Explorer, here's what actually matters: the common problems by generation, what to inspect, and how to avoid overpaying. Explorer-specific, honest, and to the point.

Quick verdict

The Explorer is a roomy, popular three-row SUV — but it's one where generation choice and inspection matter a lot, because its reliability record is bumpier than several rivals. The fifth generation (2011-2019) is haunted by an internal water pump on the 3.5L V6 that's expensive when it fails, plus a rear-suspension recall and cabin-fume reports. The sixth generation (2020+) had a rough launch with many early recalls and below-average reliability ratings through the early years. Pick the right year, inspect carefully, and it can still be a lot of SUV for the money.

Who it's a fit for: a buyer who wants three rows and space and is willing to inspect (or get help). If you prioritize set-and-forget reliability, cross-shop a Highlander or Pilot.

Generations and how to tell them apart

• 5th gen (2011–2019, unibody/FWD-based) — 3.5L V6 (NA and EcoBoost), 2.3L EcoBoost; this is where the internal water pump and rear toe-link recall live.
• 6th gen (2020+, rear-drive-based CD6) — complete redesign; 2.3L EcoBoost, 3.0L EcoBoost (ST/Platinum), hybrid. 2020-2021 were the rough years; 2024-2025 are more refined.

Known weak points and common problems

Internal water pump (5th-gen 3.5L V6) — the headline. Certain 3.5L V6 Explorers have a timing-chain-driven water pump mounted internally. When it fails, coolant can mix with the engine oil, leading to overheating and potentially severe engine damage — and the repair is labor-intensive and expensive (preventive replacement around 100,000 miles is often advised). On a 5th-gen V6, check for coolant loss without external leaks and ask whether the water pump was ever done.

Rear suspension toe-link recall (2011-2017). Ford recalled roughly 1.2 million Explorers for a rear toe link that could fracture, affecting steering/control. Verify this recall is closed by VIN.

Cabin exhaust/CO reports. Some 5th-gen Explorers had reports of exhaust fumes entering the cabin (the subject of NHTSA attention). Note any exhaust smell inside.

6th-gen launch issues (2020-2021). The redesign launched with many recalls and below-average reliability ratings through the early years: water leaks, oil consumption (2.3 EcoBoost and V6), and assembly-quality complaints. Verify recalls and inspect carefully on these years.

HVAC/electronics. Blend-door actuators (heat stuck/temperature control), SYNC glitches, and power-liftgate quirks appear across generations.

That's the Explorer in general. Want to know what to check on THE specific SUV you're going to see — its year, mileage and engine? Generate your free report on LemonProof and walk in with your homework done.

Engines and transmissions: which to look for and which to avoid

• 2.3L EcoBoost — common turbo four; check oil consumption on 6th-gen cars.
• 3.5L V6 (NA, 5th gen) — capable, but the internal water pump is the key risk; verify service.
• 3.5L EcoBoost (ST/older Sport) — strong performance; verify maintenance.
• Hybrid (6th gen) — verify the system and battery health.
• Transmissions: test-drive for smooth shifts (some 2016-2017 transmission complaints on 5th gen).

What to actually check on this car

Everything above is the Ford Explorer in general. Which of these issues actually matter for the exact car you're looking at — and the paperwork worth pulling, like the vehicle history report, title status, and an open-recall check — depends on its year, mileage, engine, and how it was driven. Instead of a one-size-fits-all checklist, LemonProof turns all of that into a tailored inspection list for your specific Ford Explorer: what to look at, what to ask the seller, and what to negotiate.

Is the price fair?

The Explorer's bumpier reliability reputation can keep used prices reasonable for the space you get — which is an opportunity if the specific car checks out. A fair price depends on generation, engine, trim, mileage, condition and region, so don't treat an exact figure as fact.

Walk in knowing the realistic range for that specific SUV and what to knock off for pending items (water-pump risk, open recalls, oil consumption, tires). LemonProof's report cross-references the model, year, miles and asking price and tells you whether the number adds up. Check whether the asking price is fair →

FAQ

Is a used Ford Explorer reliable? It's roomy and popular but its reliability is bumpier than several rivals, so generation choice and inspection matter. The 5th-gen internal water pump and the 6th-gen (2020-2021) launch issues are the main cautions.

What is the Ford Explorer water pump problem? Certain 5th-gen 3.5L V6 Explorers have an internally mounted, timing-chain-driven water pump. When it fails, coolant can mix with the oil and cause severe engine damage; the repair is labor-intensive. Check for coolant loss without external leaks and ask if it's been replaced.

Which Ford Explorer years should I avoid? The 2020-2021 sixth-generation cars had a rough launch with many recalls and below-average reliability; 2016-2017 (5th gen) drew transmission complaints. The 2018-2019 cars are often cited as steadier 5th-gen picks. Inspect any candidate carefully.

Did the Explorer have a recall? Yes — among others, roughly 1.2 million 2011-2017 Explorers were recalled for a rear toe link that could fracture, and the 2020 redesign had numerous recalls. Always check the VIN at NHTSA and confirm recalls are closed.

Related models: Toyota Highlander used · Jeep Grand Cherokee used · Ford F-150 used.