Best Years to Buy a Used Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a popular used car choice, but certain model years have documented issues worth knowing about — including exhaust fumes entering cabin. Here's a breakdown of the best and worst years to buy.
Known Issues — Ford Explorer
- 2011–2017: Exhaust fumes entering cabin — carbon monoxide via defective rear door seals [High severity]
- 2011–2017: Power steering failure — loss of assist on electric power steering [High severity]
- 2011–2015: 6-speed transmission shudder and delayed engagement [Medium severity]
Best Years to Buy
Based on documented issues, the cleanest years for the Ford Explorer are: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026. These model years avoid the most common documented failure points and represent the best value for used buyers.
Years to Avoid
Exercise extra caution with model years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 due to documented high-severity issues. If buying one of these years, have a pre-purchase inspection done and verify any known repairs have been completed.
- 2011–2017: Exhaust fumes entering cabin
- 2011–2017: Power steering failure
What to Inspect Before Buying
- Run a VIN report (Carfax or AutoCheck) to check for accidents, title issues, and odometer rollbacks
- Ask specifically about Exhaust fumes entering cabin — verify it has been addressed
- Verify all open recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls using the VIN
- Have an independent mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection ($100–$200)
- Ask for service records — consistent maintenance history is the best reliability indicator
Check Repair Costs Before You Buy
See repair cost estimates, known issues, and a pre-purchase inspection checklist for any by model year.
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