Ford Explorer — All Years

Reviewed by the 247VehicleCheck Data Team — automotive data reviewers

We have Ford Explorer specifications on file for 17 model years, 2010–2026, covering suv trims. Across those years EPA data lists 8 different engines. Combined fuel economy runs from 18 to 29 mpg (UK) depending on year, engine and transmission. 13 of the 14 rated model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating. Select a year below for full engine, fuel economy, dimensions and safety data.

Year	Engine(s)	Fuel	MPG (UK)	CO₂ g/km	NHTSA	Recalls	Complaints
2026	2.3L 4-cyl turbo / 3L 6-cyl turbo	Regular Gasoline	24–29	234	5★	0	39
2025	2.3L 4-cyl turbo / 3L 6-cyl turbo	Regular Gasoline	24–29	234	5★	20	102
2024	2.3L 4-cyl turbo / 3L 6-cyl turbo / 3.3L 6-cyl	Regular Gasoline	24–29	230	5★	10	26
2023	2.3L 4-cyl turbo / 3L 6-cyl turbo / 3.3L 6-cyl	Regular Gasoline	24–31	230	5★	15	112
2022	2.3L 4-cyl turbo / 3L 6-cyl turbo / 3.3L 6-cyl	Regular Gasoline	23–31	230	—	24	269
2021	2.3L 4-cyl turbo / 3L 6-cyl turbo / 3.3L 6-cyl	Regular Gasoline	23–32	232	5★	27	442
2020	2.3L 4-cyl turbo / 3L 6-cyl turbo / 3.3L 6-cyl	Regular Gasoline	23–34	230	5★	35	1229
2019	2.3L 4-cyl turbo / 3.5L 6-cyl / 3.5L 6-cyl turbo	Regular Gasoline	22–26	254	5★	6	298
2018	2.3L 4-cyl turbo / 3.5L 6-cyl / 3.5L 6-cyl turbo	Regular Gasoline	22–26	254	5★	7	733
2017	2.3L 4-cyl turbo / 3.5L 6-cyl / 3.5L 6-cyl turbo	Regular Gasoline	22–26	254	5★	14	1705
2016	2.3L 4-cyl turbo / 3.5L 6-cyl / 3.5L 6-cyl turbo	Regular Gasoline	22–26	255	5★	15	2478
2015	2L 4-cyl turbo / 3.5L 6-cyl / 3.5L 6-cyl turbo	Regular Gasoline	22–28	245	5★	9	1803
2014	2L 4-cyl turbo / 3.5L 6-cyl / 3.5L 6-cyl turbo	Regular Gasoline	22–28	243	5★	7	1679
2013	2L 4-cyl turbo / 3.5L 6-cyl / 3.5L 6-cyl turbo	Regular Gasoline	22–28	244	5★	12	2235
2012	2L 4-cyl turbo / 3.5L 6-cyl	Regular Gasoline	23–28	240	4★	7	829
2011	3.5L 6-cyl	Regular Gasoline	23–24	276	—	8	1196
2010	4L 6-cyl / 4.6L 8-cyl	Regular Gasoline	18–20	325	—	2	146

Best and Worst Ford Explorer Years: What the NHTSA Data Shows

Across the 13 Ford Explorer model years from 2010 to 2022 that have NHTSA data, the typical year has about 1196 owner complaints on file. These are the extremes:

Fewest owner complaints

2010 — 146 complaints, 2 recall campaigns
2022 — 269 complaints, 24 recall campaigns
2019 — 298 complaints, 6 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA

Most owner complaints

2016 — 2,478 complaints, 15 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA
2013 — 2,235 complaints, 12 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA
2015 — 1,803 complaints, 9 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA

Complaint counts are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and rise with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road, so treat them as a pointer for what to inspect, not a reliability score. Model years after 2022 are left out because they have had little time to accumulate reports. Always check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Engine History

4L 6-cyl — 2010
4.6L 8-cyl — 2010
3.5L 6-cyl — 2011–2019
2L 4-cyl turbo — 2012–2015
3.5L 6-cyl turbo — 2013–2019
2.3L 4-cyl turbo — 2016–2026
3L 6-cyl turbo — 2020–2026
3.3L 6-cyl — 2020–2024

Engines are those EPA lists for each model year; the MPG (UK) column shows the range across configurations where more than one exists.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What years is the Ford Explorer covered on this site?

We have data for 17 model years of the Ford Explorer, from 2010 to 2026.

What engines does the Ford Explorer come with?

EPA data lists: 4L 6-cyl (2010); 4.6L 8-cyl (2010); 3.5L 6-cyl (2011–2019); 2L 4-cyl turbo (2012–2015); 3.5L 6-cyl turbo (2013–2019); 2.3L 4-cyl turbo (2016–2026).

Which Ford Explorer year has the best fuel economy?

The 2026 model returns the highest combined MPG (UK) on record here, at 29 mpg on its most efficient configuration.

Does the Ford Explorer have a 5-star NHTSA safety rating?

Yes — the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating on record here.

Which Ford Explorer model years have the most recalls and complaints?

The 2020 model year has the most NHTSA recall campaigns on record (35), and the 2016 has the most owner complaints (2,478). NHTSA lists no recalls for 2026. Counts are from NHTSA as of 6 October 2026 and change over time; complaints are unverified owner reports.

What body style is the Ford Explorer?

The Ford Explorer is classed as an SUV on this site.

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Last updated: 8 November 2026