Ford Explorer Reliability Issues: What Families Need to Know

The Ford Explorer is one of the most popular 3-row family SUVs in America. The current generation shifted to a rear-wheel-drive platform, significantly improving its towing capacity and driving dynamics.

However, the Explorer has had a rocky reliability history, particularly in the early years of the current generation (2020-2021) and with the water pumps on the previous generation (2011-2019).

Standard Maintenance Costs

Ford parts are plentiful and cheap, making routine maintenance highly affordable.

• The Works (Oil change, tire rotation, inspection): $70 - $100
• Brakes and Rotors: $500 - $700
• Spark Plugs (V6): $300 - $400

Critical Ford Explorer Failure Points

1. The Internal Water Pump (2011-2019 3.5L V6)

If you are buying an older Explorer with the 3.5L naturally aspirated or EcoBoost V6, beware of the water pump. Ford mounted the water pump *inside* the engine, driven by the timing chain. When the water pump fails (and they frequently do around 100,000 miles), it dumps coolant directly into the engine oil, instantly destroying the engine if you don't catch it immediately. Even if you catch it, replacing the water pump is a 12-hour labor job. (Cost: $1,800 - $2,500).

2. The 10-Speed Transmission Clunk (2020+)

The new generation Explorer uses a 10-speed automatic transmission co-developed with GM. Many owners of 2020 and 2021 models complain of harsh, jerky shifts, especially between gears 1, 2, and 3. Ford has released several software TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) to smooth out the shifting, but it remains a common complaint.

3. Sync 3 & Sync 4 Screen Glitches

The large portrait-oriented screens on higher trims are prone to lagging, freezing, or losing Apple CarPlay connection. Software updates over the air (OTA) have improved this, but early models were heavily bugged.

Leasing vs. Buying a Used Ford Explorer

**Buying Used:** If you are buying a 2011-2019 Explorer, the internal water pump is a ticking time bomb that requires a massive repair budget. If you buy a 2020-2021 model, you risk dealing with first-year production gremlins and jerky transmissions.

**Leasing New:** Ford has ironed out the vast majority of the bugs on the newest Explorers. By leasing, you get the incredible power of the refined EcoBoost engines, the massive interior space for your family, and zero worries about water pumps or transmission rebuilds.

You simply load the family up, enjoy road trips with complete peace of mind under warranty, and return it in three years. See our [Ford Lease Deals](/brand/ford) to find the perfect family hauler.

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