Also worth reading: Ford Reliability Guide, Best Used Ford Models and Ford F-150 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.
Bottom line: Prefer 2021+.
Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.
Refined platform; 10AT much improved.
| Category | Rating | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 3.7/5 | Good |
| Reliability | 3.6/5 | Good |
| Maintenance | 3.6/5 | Good |
| Parts availability | 4.8/5 | Excellent |
| Ownership cost | 3.7/5 | Good |
Jump straight to the generation you're shopping.
Body-on-frame, revised suspension, refined V6/V8 options.
Unibody crossover, front-wheel-drive-based, EcoBoost V6 available.
Back to rear-wheel-drive-based CD6 platform, 10-speed automatic, hybrid added.
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.
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
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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.
What to verify on any candidate car.
Prefer 2021+. 5th-gen only with documented PTU and water-pump condition.
The 6th-gen Explorer (2020+) is a genuine reset — RWD-based platform, 10-speed automatic refined via updates, much fewer of the 5th-gen ownership headaches. The 5th-gen is serviceable but needs records-based buying.
Comfortable, spacious, well-equipped — a proper family SUV.
5th-gen Explorer ownership costs are elevated by the water-pump and PTU repair patterns.
2021+ (6th gen, post-2020 build-quality fixes) is the range we'd shop first. Refined platform; 10AT much improved.
The issues that come up most often are water pump internal to timing cover on 3.5L (5th gen), PTU (power-transfer-unit) failure on AWD 5th-gen and Exhaust-manifold cracks (5th gen). Each one is checkable during a pre-purchase inspection.
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