Years to avoid
Ford Explorer Years to Avoid
The 2020, 2021 model years stand out as the weakest in this Ford Explorer dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated June 2026
- Weakest year
- 2020
- Model average
- 67/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 1,066
- Recalls, weakest year
- 29
54/100 reliability
19-point range
33 crash · 11 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2020 Ford Explorer ranks last
The 2020 scores 54/100, rated mixed, versus a model average of 67/100. NHTSA data contains 1,066 owner complaints and 29 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Power Train (390), Unknown Or Other (136), Electrical System (128), Back Over Prevention (61). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2020 Ford Explorer record →Evidence by year
The weakest Ford Explorer model years compared
2020 Ford Explorer
- Complaints
- 1,066
- Recalls
- 29
- Crash reports
- 33
- Fire reports
- 11
Top issues: Power Train (390), Unknown Or Other (136), Electrical System (128)
View 2020 details →2021 Ford Explorer
- Complaints
- 354
- Recalls
- 22
- Crash reports
- 15
- Fire reports
- 4
Top issues: Power Train (95), Unknown Or Other (60), Electrical System (30)
View 2021 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Ford Explorer years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
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
Which Ford Explorer years should I avoid?
2020, 2021 score materially below the strongest Ford Explorer years in this dataset. The 2020 is the weakest at 54/100, with 1,066 owner complaints and 29 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Ford Explorer year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Ford Explorer year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2024 (73/100), 2025 (72/100), 2023 (71/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
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.