Maintenance & repair cost
Ford Explorer Maintenance & Repair Cost
The Ford Explorer averages $732 a year in repair and maintenance costs, which is 28% above the typical midsize SUVs. Here is what that covers, how it ranks, and the problem areas most likely to drive the bill.
Data updated June 2026
- Avg. annual cost
- $732
- midsize SUVs average
- $573
- Reliability rating
- medium
- Segment rank
- #19 of 26
Repairs + maintenance, per year
28% pricier
RepairPal rating
midsize SUVs
Cost of ownership
How much does a Ford Explorer cost to maintain?
Independent repair data puts the Ford Explorer at about $732 per year in combined repair and maintenance spending. The average midsize SUVs runs about $573, so the Ford Explorer is 28% more expensive than a typical rival to keep on the road.
RepairPal rates the Ford Explorer's overall reliability medium and ranks it #19 of 26 in the midsize SUVs class. A lower cost usually tracks with fewer and less severe repairs, but it is an average across every model year.
What drives the cost
The problems most likely to show up on a repair bill
Across the model years we track, these are the most frequently reported Ford Explorer problem areas — the categories most likely to turn into a real expense:
Unknown Or Other
- Complaints
- 417
- Years affected
- 8
- Worst year
- 2020
Electrical System
- Complaints
- 262
- Years affected
- 8
- Worst year
- 2020
Power Train
- Complaints
- 618
- Years affected
- 7
- Worst year
- 2020
Engine
- Complaints
- 142
- Years affected
- 5
- Worst year
- 2018
How to read this
Averages describe the model — the VIN describes the car
Annual-cost and reliability figures come from independent repair data aggregated across many vehicles. They are a strong way to compare one model against another, but a single Ford Explorer can cost far more if it was neglected, wrecked, or has an open recall. Use the estimate to shortlist, then confirm the specific car with its VIN.
Source trail
Where this Ford Explorer data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Ford Explorer research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Ford Explorer research FAQ
How much does it cost to maintain a Ford Explorer per year?
A Ford Explorer averages about $732 per year in repair and maintenance costs across parts and labor, versus roughly $573 for a typical midsize SUVs. Actual cost depends on the year, mileage, condition and where it is serviced.
Is the Ford Explorer expensive to repair?
Compared with similar vehicles, the Ford Explorer is 28% more expensive to maintain than the midsize SUVs average, and its overall reliability is rated "medium".
Does a low maintenance cost mean a specific Ford Explorer is a safe buy?
No. A segment average describes the model, not one car. A cheap-to-maintain model can still hide a salvage title, odometer rollback, flood damage or unfinished recall work. Always run the VIN before you buy.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Ford Explorer you are considering.