My GarageUsed Ford Explorer Buying Guide
The 5th-gen Explorer (2011–2019) had documented water-pump, PTU, and exhaust-manifold issues. The 6th-gen (2020+, RWD-based) is a much better long-term ownership pick.
Best Years to Buy
Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.
Refined platform; 10AT much improved.
Years to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
Water pump internal to timing cover on 3.5L (expensive); PTU (power-transfer-unit) failures; exhaust-manifold cracks.
Early build-quality complaints — later production much better.
Common Problems
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
- ✓Water pump internal to timing cover on 3.5L (5th gen)
- ✓PTU (power-transfer-unit) failure on AWD 5th-gen
- ✓Exhaust-manifold cracks (5th gen)
- ✓10-speed automatic early shifting issues (6th gen, addressed via software)
- ✓Interior electronics quirks
Maintenance Expectations
5th-gen Explorer ownership costs are elevated by the water-pump and PTU repair patterns.
6th-gen ownership is dramatically closer to F-150 for cost and predictability.
Inspection Checklist
What to verify on any candidate car.
Ownership Experience
- • Comfortable, spacious, well-equipped — a proper family SUV.
- • Real-world 18–22 mpg highway.
- • 6th-gen ride quality is a step up over the 5th-gen.
Should You Buy a Used Ford Explorer?
Prefer 2021+. 5th-gen only with documented PTU and water-pump condition.
Thinking About a Specific Explorer?
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- ✓Reliability analysis
- ✓Common problems
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- ✓Negotiation points
- ✓Inspection checklist
- ✓Final Verdict
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