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Generation Guide · 2011–2019 Ford Explorer · 3-row midsize SUV

2011–2019 Ford Explorer Review: Should You Buy It?

4 min read

Also worth reading: 2006–2010 Ford Explorer Buying Guide, 2020–2025 Ford Explorer Buying Guide and Ford Explorer Buying Guide.

The 2011–2019 Ford Explorer covers the 5th gen generation from start to finish. Mechanically these years are the same car — same platform, same engine family, same failure points — so shop the individual car's condition and service history rather than chasing a specific model year. Change PTU fluid on AWD. 2016–2019 with Sync 3 are the picks of this gen.

Analyze a 2011–2019 Explorer Listing →
Quick Verdict
⭐ Overall verdict
4.2/5 · Very good
Reliability
4.1/5 · Very good
Known problems
MyFord Touch bugs (early cars), PTU (power transfer unit) failures on AWD, EcoBoost carbon buildup
Recommended?
Yes — a strong used buy
Better alternatives
The 2006–2010 generation is cheaper and simpler, with an older tech and safety package.
Maintenance
4.1/5 · Very good

Bottom line: Buy with caution — the car is competitive but has known weak spots to inspect for.

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Buy Score · 2011–2019 only
★★★★★4.2/5
Buy with caution — the car is competitive but has known weak spots to inspect for.
Reliability· 2011–2019 only
★★★★★4.1/5
Maintenance
★★★★★4.1/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★4.1/5
Parts availability
★★★★★4.7/5

This score covers 2011–2019 only. The model guide scores the Explorer across all generations.

Model-year changes

What's New in the 2011–2019 Explorer?

This generation launched in 2011: Unibody crossover, front-wheel-drive-based, EcoBoost V6 available. Mid-cycle updates landed in 2016, so later cars in the span pick up interior and tech revisions. Powertrain and core hardware carry over across the span, which is exactly why we cover the whole generation on one page instead of splitting near-identical years apart.

Engines
  • • 3.5L V6
  • • 2.0L EcoBoost I4 (early)
  • • 2.3L EcoBoost I4
  • • 3.5L EcoBoost V6
Transmissions
  • • 6-speed automatic
Reliability

How Reliable Is the 2011–2019 Explorer?

Across 2011–2019, reliability tracks the generation as a whole rather than any one model year. Early-build cars (2011–2012) carry the usual first-run risk, and late-run cars have had years of TSB and running fixes applied. The issues that actually decide whether a car is worth buying: MyFord Touch bugs (early cars); PTU (power transfer unit) failures on AWD; EcoBoost carbon buildup; Water pump internal to the engine on some V6s (expensive).

Known issues

Common Problems

Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.

  • ✓MyFord Touch bugs (early cars)
  • ✓PTU (power transfer unit) failures on AWD
  • ✓EcoBoost carbon buildup
  • ✓Water pump internal to the engine on some V6s (expensive)
Ownership

Maintenance Expectations

Expect Explorer maintenance costs typical of the 5th gen generation. Engines: 3.5L V6 / 2.0L EcoBoost I4 (early) / 2.3L EcoBoost I4 / 3.5L EcoBoost V6. Transmissions: 6-speed automatic. Budget for the usual service intervals (oil, brakes, cooling, transmission fluid) plus preventative work on the known-weak items above. Parts for a 2019 Ford Explorer are cheap and widely available.

Before you buy

Inspection Checklist

Focused on what tends to fail on the 5th gen generation.

Engine
Cold-start smoke, oil level and color, valve cover / cam-cover leaks, timing components if due.
Transmission
Shift quality from a cold start, TCC lockup smoothness, fluid color and smell.
Suspension
Bushings, ball joints, shocks/struts; listen for clunks over bumps.
Rust
Rocker panels, wheel arches, frame and suspension mounts; critical on trucks and SUVs in salt-belt states.
Cooling System
Coolant color, pressure test, radiator condition, water-pump seepage.
Electronics
Infotainment boot time, cameras, driver-assist calibration, power seats and windows.
Interior
Dashboard cracks in hot climates, seat bolster wear, headliner sagging.
Service Records
Verify recall completion, timing-belt/water-pump history, transmission service intervals.
The Verdict

Should You Buy a 2011–2019 Explorer?

Within 2011–2019, condition and maintenance history beat model year almost every time. Later cars in the span are typically the most sorted; earlier cars are the cheapest way into the generation. If a 2011–2019 Ford Explorer passes a pre-purchase inspection with the known weak points checked, it's a defensible used buy. Strengths in this generation: Sport is quick, Roomy 3-row, Comfortable ride.

Best for: Buyers cross-shopping the whole 5th gen generation of the Ford Explorer rather than one specific model year.

Better alternatives

Consider Instead

The 2006–2010 generation is cheaper and simpler, with an older tech and safety package. The 2020–2025 generation brings newer powertrains and driver assistance at a higher price.

← 2006–2010 Explorer2020–2025 Explorer →

People Also Ask

Is the 2011–2019 Ford Explorer reliable?

Verdict rates it 4.1/5 for reliability and 4.2/5 as a buy. The faults that decide a given car are listed below — check those, not the badge.

What engine does the 2011–2019 Ford Explorer use?

The 5th gen generation offered 3.5L V6, 2.0L EcoBoost I4 (early) and 2.3L EcoBoost I4. Which one you buy matters more for long-term cost than trim level does.

Is the 2011–2019 Ford Explorer worth buying today?

It scores 4.2/5 as a used buy, with running costs at 4.1/5. Worth buying when the car has records and clears an inspection covering its engine, transmission and suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2011–2019 Ford Explorer reliable?
Reliability comes out at 4.1/5 in our scoring for this generation. Treat that as the starting point and let the car’s own records and inspection result decide the rest.
Should I buy a 2011–2019 Ford Explorer?
Buy one when it comes with records and passes an independent inspection. On this year the deciding factors are condition and history, not mileage or trim.
What are the common problems on the 2011–2019 Ford Explorer?
MyFord Touch bugs (early cars); PTU (power transfer unit) failures on AWD; EcoBoost carbon buildup; Water pump internal to the engine on some V6s (expensive)
Is the 2011–2019 Ford Explorer expensive to maintain?
Running costs rate 4.1/5 for this generation, with parts easy enough to source. Budget for the generation-specific repairs listed above rather than for routine servicing.
What's new in the 2011–2019 Explorer?
It sits in the 5th gen generation (2011–2019). The generation section above covers what changed and when.
What engines and transmissions did the 2011–2019 Ford Explorer come with?
Engines: 3.5L V6, 2.0L EcoBoost I4 (early), 2.3L EcoBoost I4, 3.5L EcoBoost V6. Transmissions: 6-speed automatic.
What should I inspect on a used 2011–2019 Ford Explorer?
Engine: Cold-start smoke, oil level and color, valve cover / cam-cover leaks, timing components if due. Transmission: Shift quality from a cold start, TCC lockup smoothness, fluid color and smell. Suspension: Bushings, ball joints, shocks/struts; listen for clunks over bumps. Rust: Rocker panels, wheel arches, frame and suspension mounts; critical on trucks and SUVs in salt-belt states.
Who is a 2011–2019 Ford Explorer best for?
Buyers who want this generation's specific combination of 3.5L V6 or 2.0L EcoBoost I4 (early) and 3-row midsize suv practicality, bought on records rather than on the lowest odometer reading.
Should I consider a different year instead?
Worth comparing against the adjacent years in this generation (2010) and 2020 — pricing often moves more than the mechanical difference does.
Generation guide

Ford Explorer Generations

Jump straight to the generation you're shopping.

  1. Generation 1

    4th gen · 2006–2010

    Body-on-frame, revised suspension, refined V6/V8 options.

    2006–2010 Explorer guide
  2. Generation 2

    5th gen · 2011–2019

    Unibody crossover, front-wheel-drive-based, EcoBoost V6 available.

    2011–2019 Explorer guide
  3. Generation 3

    6th gen · 2020–2025

    Back to rear-wheel-drive-based CD6 platform, 10-speed automatic, hybrid added.

    2020–2025 Explorer guide

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