Ford Explorer: Owner & Buyer Guide
What breaks, what it should cost to fix at an independent shop versus a dealer, when routine service comes due, and what to check before you buy.
Last reviewed: July 2026Reviewed by a drivway-verified technicianTODO confirm trim/engine split — 2.3L EcoBoost turbo I4 (base/XLT/Limited), 3.0L EcoBoost turbo V6 (ST/Platinum), and 3.3L hybrid V6 (Limited Hybrid)
The short version
The 6th-generation Ford Explorer (2020–2025) moved to a new rear-wheel-drive platform and arrived with one of the industry's roughest launch years — around 30 recalls in 2020 alone, concentrated around the 10-speed automatic transmission, steering, and sunroof-related electrical complaints. This guide is a research skeleton: the known-issue list is sourced from owner and reviewer reports, but repair cost ranges and several other details are marked TODO pending follow-up research.
Reliability: Below average, especially early — the 2020 redesign had one of the roughest launches in the industry, with reliability widely reported as much improved by the 2023–2024 model years.
What owners like
- Rear-wheel-drive-based platform gives a more truck-like tow rating and available third-row space than most car-based midsize SUVs
- Wide powertrain spread — efficient 2.3L turbo I4, high-output 3.0L twin-turbo V6 in the ST, and a 3.3L hybrid option
- TODO confirm — generally favorable owner marks on interior tech/infotainment usability once software matured
- Later model years (2023+) report meaningfully fewer complaints than the 2020–2021 launch
What to watch
- 2020 launch year alone drew roughly 30 recalls — a first-model-year Explorer is a materially bigger gamble than a 2023+
- 10-speed automatic transmission drew widespread rough-shifting and hesitation complaints
- Reports of power steering failures and steering column noises on some units
- TODO confirm — panoramic sunroof water leaks tied to electrical short-circuit complaints
Common problems & what they should cost
Independent ranges reflect typical parts + labor at a competent independent shop. Dealer ranges reflect published estimator averages. Your quote depends on your area, parts choice, and related work.
10-speed automatic transmission rough shifting / hesitation
TODO confirm typical mileage of onset — widely reported from new on early buildsOwners describe jerky gear changes, delayed acceleration, and outright slippage, concentrated in early production. Ford has issued software recalibrations under service campaigns for some of these complaints. TODO — confirm current TSB/recall numbers and whether later model years resolved it in production.
Power steering failure / steering column noise
TODO confirm typical mileage — reported across multiple early model yearsA subset of owners report a sudden loss of power steering assist, along with vibration or cracking noises from the steering column. TODO — confirm whether this is covered by a specific recall for your VIN before assuming an out-of-pocket repair.
Panoramic sunroof water leaks / electrical short circuits
TODO confirm — reported across early model yearsWater intrusion around the panoramic sunroof has been linked to electrical short-circuit complaints in some owner reports. TODO — needs firsthand sourcing on repair scope and cost before publishing a figure.
Exhaust smell / possible catalytic converter or manifold weld issue (2020–2021 ST, 3.0L)
TODO confirm — reported during hard accelerationSome 2020–2021 Explorer ST owners have reported a burning/exhaust smell in the cabin during hard acceleration, discussed in connection with catalytic converter cracks or exhaust manifold welds. Note this is distinct from the long-running carbon-monoxide investigation into the prior (2011–2017) generation, which NHTSA closed in 2023 without a recall. TODO — confirm current recall/TSB status specific to the 6th-gen ST before publishing further detail.
Maintenance milestones
| Interval | What's due |
|---|---|
| Every 5,000–7,500 mi | TODO confirm Ford's official interval — oil & filter (synthetic), tire rotation, quick look-over. |
| ~30,000 mi | TODO confirm — cabin/engine air filters, brake inspection, multi-point check. |
| Every 3 years | Brake fluid — time-based, not mileage. |
| ~60,000 mi | TODO confirm — spark plugs (turbo engines are typically more plug-sensitive), coolant check, full brake service. |
Buying a used one? Check these first
A 20-minute inspection catches the issues that actually cost money on this generation. Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
- Check the VIN against Ford's recall database. The 2020 launch year alone carried around 30 recalls — confirm every campaign relevant to your specific VIN and model year has actually been completed, not just 'available.'
- Test-drive through stop-and-go conditions and a few hard-acceleration pulls. Feel for the jerky shifting/hesitation associated with the 10-speed automatic, and on ST/3.0L models, smell for any exhaust odor entering the cabin under hard acceleration.
- Turn the wheel lock-to-lock at low speed, engine running. Listen for cracking/vibration from the steering column and confirm power assist feels consistent — some owners report intermittent power steering failures.
- Inspect the headliner and sunroof drain area for water staining. Look for discoloration or a musty smell that could indicate a past panoramic sunroof leak. TODO confirm the specific inspection points once sourced further.
- Review full service records, not just a verbal summary. TODO confirm against Ford's official maintenance schedule once sourced — pay particular attention to any prior transmission-related service visits.
- For a 2020–2022 model, weight the price against a 2023+ example if budget allows. Reliability reports describe the Explorer as a much more solid buy from around the 2023 model year onward, once the launch-year issues above were largely worked out.
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Find a Ford technicianFrequently asked
Is the Ford Explorer reliable?
Mixed, and heavily dependent on model year. The 2020 redesign had one of the roughest launches in the industry — around 30 recalls in its first year, and Consumer Reports has rated 2020–2023 models as less reliable than the category average. Reports describe the 2024–2025 model years as notably more refined. TODO confirm latest reliability-index data before publishing a firmer verdict.
What are common Ford Explorer problems?
The most-reported issues on 2020–2025 (6th-gen) models are 10-speed automatic transmission rough shifting/hesitation, power steering failures and steering column noise, panoramic sunroof water leaks linked to electrical short circuits, and — on some 2020–2021 ST models — an exhaust smell during hard acceleration. TODO — add other model-specific issues once further researched.
Are Ford Explorer repairs expensive?
TODO — needs real independent-vs-dealer cost research; do not guess at figures here.
Does the Ford Explorer have a timing belt or timing chain?
TODO confirm and source before publishing — do not state definitively without verification.