2011–2024
Ford Explorer years to avoid
By Hari Vinayak · Updated 2026-06-12
Quick answer
Ford Explorer years to avoid: 2011–2017, 2020. Best used years: 2018–2019, 2021+. The internal water pump is the Explorer's defining risk — ask directly if it was done. Soft resale makes a documented Explorer a value play; an undocumented one a gamble.
Years to avoid
2011–2017
Water pump buried inside the engine (a $2,500+ failure that can take the engine with it), plus transmission and PTU complaints.
2020
Famously rough launch year of the new generation — early build quality and transmission issues.
Best years to buy
2018–2019
Last of the old platform with the kinks known and prices soft.
2021+
Post-launch fixes applied; still verify the 10-speed shifts cleanly.
The bottom line
The internal water pump is the Explorer's defining risk — ask directly if it was done. Soft resale makes a documented Explorer a value play; an undocumented one a gamble.
Year guidance narrows the search, but every used car is its own story. See the full used Ford Explorer buyer check for known issues, mileage guidance, and what to verify before you visit.
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