Ford Explorer Common Problems

A vintage SUV offering simple utility and off-road fun, but prepare for the common ailments of a first-generation design and a three-decade lifespan.

A classic SUV for the enthusiast or budget-conscious, but only for those ready for hands-on maintenance and potential significant repairs.

A venerable SUV requiring a discerning eye and a commitment to maintenance, but rewarding for the DIY enthusiast.

A capable, vintage SUV that offers great value but carries a moderate risk of powertrain and cooling system issues.

A utilitarian, budget-friendly SUV that requires vigilance against its well-known age-related weaknesses.

A budget-friendly utility vehicle with known, often expensive, Achilles' heels that demand careful pre-purchase inspection.

A capable, inexpensive workhorse that demands meticulous inspection and a readiness for common, potentially costly repairs.

A capable SUV, but only for the mechanically inclined or those prepared for predictable, costly repairs.

A capable but deeply flawed SUV with several high-cost failure points that demand a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a substantial repair budget.

A tempting budget SUV that often becomes a money pit due to critical drivetrain weaknesses.

A tempting utility vehicle that too often devolves into a financial black hole due to critical powertrain and suspension liabilities.

A capable, budget-friendly SUV plagued by significant transmission and rust concerns, demanding meticulous pre-purchase inspection and a repair budget.