Ford Explorer: Years to Avoid & Common Problems

The Ford Explorer years to avoid cluster into three stretches: the Firestone tire era of the late 1990s, the 2002 model year specifically, and a steering-and-structure run from 2013 to 2017. The worst is the 2002 Explorer, with 4,096 NHTSA complaints — 5.28x the model's average complaint rate — driven mostly by transmission failures.

Key Takeaways

• The 2002 Explorer is the worst year on record: 4,096 complaints, a 5.28x complaint rate versus the model average, with transmission issues accounting for 1,584 of them (38.7%).
• 21 individual model years, spanning 1991 through 2020, are flagged in VehicleVerdict's data as years to avoid.
• The 1990s Explorer was defined by the Firestone tire recall — tire and wheel complaints made up 36% of all 1997 complaints (776 of 2,150).
• An electric power steering defect triggered a 179,027-vehicle recall (14V-286) covering 2011-2013 Explorers, and steering stayed the top complaint category through 2014.
• Across its full history, the Explorer has logged 42,886 total complaints, 150 recalls, and 155 NHTSA investigations.

Which Explorer Model Years Should You Avoid?

The Explorer's worst years fall into three periods: the Firestone tire recall era of the late 1990s, the 2002 model year, and a steering-and-structure stretch from 2013 to 2017. In total, 21 individual model years — spanning 1991 through 2020 — show a complaint rate well above the Explorer's average or multiple open NHTSA investigations. The eight worst offenders, ranked by complaint rate:

• 2002 — 4,096 complaints (5.28x model average), primarily transmission-related
• 2016 — 3,004 complaints (3.87x model average), primarily body and structure recalls
• 2013 — 2,781 complaints (3.58x model average), primarily steering-related
• 1998 — 2,374 complaints (3.06x model average), primarily tire and wheel failures
• 2015 — 2,187 complaints (2.82x model average), primarily structure and steering-related
• 1997 — 2,150 complaints (2.77x model average), primarily tire and wheel failures
• 2014 — 2,038 complaints (2.63x model average), primarily steering-related
• 2017 — 2,010 complaints (2.59x model average), primarily body and structure recalls

The remaining flagged years — including 1996, 1999, 2004, 2011, and 2020 — carry smaller but still elevated rates. You can see the Explorer's full year-by-year breakdown on the Explorer hub page, or compare it against other models on VehicleVerdict's most-complained model years ranking.

What's the Most Common Ford Explorer Problem?

There isn't one single problem — the leading complaint category has shifted by era. Tire and wheel failures topped the list every year from 1991 through 2000, peaking at 36% of all complaints in 1997, tied to the Firestone Wilderness AT and Radial ATX tread-separation recalls that covered more than 14 million tires nationwide. Transmission complaints then took over as the top category in 2002 and 2004, steering problems dominated from 2011 to 2014, and body-and-structure complaints (trim, roof rail covers, suspension toe-links) led every year from 2015 to 2018. See the worst transmission problems ranking for how the Explorer stacks up against other models.

Why Does the 2002 Explorer Have Such a High Complaint Rate?

Transmission problems drove the 2002 Explorer's record complaint rate. Of its 4,096 total complaints, 1,584 (38.7%) involved the transmission — the highest single-component share of any Explorer model year. NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation, later upgraded to an engineering analysis (EA09-013), after identifying 883 reports of drivers struggling to shift into Park and 200 alleged incidents of unintended vehicle movement, resulting in 85 alleged crashes. One owner described the automatic transmission failing "with no warning at all," causing the truck to shake and swerve into a curb. The investigation eventually closed without a recall tied to that specific defect, though the 2002 model year did receive 10 recalls covering other systems, including a speed-control switch with a fire risk. For background on how these agency reviews work, see VehicleVerdict's guide to NHTSA investigations.

Are Ford Explorer Steering Problems Common?

Yes — steering was the top complaint category for the 2013 and 2014 Explorer, and similar reports kept surfacing through 2016. In 2013, steering accounted for 836 of 2,781 complaints (30.1%), tied to a 179,027-vehicle recall (14V-286) covering 2011-2013 Explorers with electric power steering. Ford's own defect description explains that "an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear" could cause "a loss of the motor position sensor signal," shutting down power assist; the remedy required a software update or, in some cases, a full steering-rack replacement. A 2016 owner reported a similar failure years later, writing that the steering "would just swerve you off the road and loose full control while driving." For help decoding language like this, see VehicleVerdict's guide to reading a recall notice.

Is There a Good Ford Explorer Year to Buy?

Yes. Among years not flagged as years to avoid, 2009 stands out with just 49 total complaints, one recall, and zero open NHTSA investigations. More recent years like 2019 (327 complaints) and 2022 (339 complaints) also look comparatively clean, though they haven't been on the road as long, so their complaint history is still developing. Whichever year you're considering, it's worth checking that specific VIN against NHTSA's records before buying — see VehicleVerdict's guide on how to research a used car's NHTSA history.

How VehicleVerdict Calculates "Years to Avoid"

VehicleVerdict flags a model year as one to avoid when its complaint rate runs significantly above that model's own average across all years, when NHTSA has multiple open investigations tied to that specific year, or both. The 2002 Explorer, for example, is flagged for rate alone (5.28x average, zero open investigations), while the 2020 Explorer is flagged for both an elevated rate and an active investigation. Full details on how ratios, recalls, and investigations factor into these rankings are on the methodology page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year Ford Explorer should I avoid the most?

The 2002 Ford Explorer has the highest complaint rate in the model's history — 4,096 complaints, or 5.28 times the model average. Transmission problems drove the total, making up 1,584 of those complaints (38.7%), including widespread reports of rough shifting and difficulty moving the shifter into Park.

Is the 2016 Ford Explorer reliable?

Not especially. It logged 3,004 complaints (3.87x the model average) and 14 recalls. Body and structure complaints made up 19% of the total, largely tied to A-pillar trim, roof rail cover, and rear suspension toe-link recalls. Some owners also report costly water pump failures on the 2.3L turbocharged engine.

What was the Ford Explorer tire recall about?

Firestone Wilderness AT and Radial ATX tires fitted to 1990s Explorers were prone to tread separation at highway speed, prompting a recall covering more than 14 million tires. Tire and wheel complaints made up 32-36% of all complaints in years like 1997 and 1998, the highest single-component share in the Explorer's complaint history.

Does the Ford Explorer have transmission problems?

Yes, particularly in 2002, 2004, and 2020. The 2002 model prompted an NHTSA investigation into 883 reports of difficulty shifting into Park and 200 alleged unintended-movement incidents. A 2020 recall (20V-692) also covered a failing front drive axle bracket that could cause a loss of Park function.

What is the safest Ford Explorer year to buy?

Among years not flagged as years to avoid, 2009 stands out, with just 49 complaints, one recall, and zero open investigations. Recent years like 2019 and 2022 also show comparatively low complaint counts, though they haven't been on the road long enough to fully reveal their long-term track record.