SUVs & crossovers · Buyer's guide

Used Ford Explorer:
what to buy and what to skip

The Explorer is the default answer for families who need a third row and don't want a minivan, and there are enough of them on the used market that you can afford to be picky. You should be. The 2011–2019 generation has a driveline component that fails predictably and expensively, and a separate exhaust-odour problem serious enough that Ford was investigated over it. Neither is a reason to avoid the model — both are reasons to check specific things.

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Best years to buy

Generations where the known problems were already fixed and the price hasn't caught up yet.

2020–2023

The rear-drive-based sixth generation. Better to drive, better packaged, and it leaves the PTU problem behind entirely. Prices are still high but falling.

2016–2019

Late fifth-generation cars after the refresh. Well equipped, cheap now, and the PTU risk is manageable if the fluid was serviced. Verify that it was.

Years to avoid

Not "these are bad cars" — these are specific years with a specific, documented failure that costs real money.

2011–2013

First years of the fifth generation. PTU failures, MyFord Touch infotainment that barely worked, and the highest concentration of the exhaust odour complaints.

2002–2005

Transmission failures and rear suspension problems on the fourth generation. These are old, cheap, and mostly finished.

Common Ford Explorer problems

The failures that actually show up, and roughly what each one costs to put right.

01 Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure (2011–2019 AWD)

The PTU is the small gearbox that sends drive to the front wheels. Ford sealed it 'for life' with no drain plug, and the fluid cooks. When it fails it can seize and take the transmission with it. Replacement is $1,800–2,800. A fluid change every 30,000 miles largely prevents it — ask whether it's ever been done.

02 Exhaust odour in the cabin (2011–2017)

Exhaust fumes entering through the rear of the vehicle under acceleration. NHTSA investigated and Ford issued multiple TSBs, plus a free repair program for police-spec Interceptors. On a test drive, accelerate hard with the rear windows cracked and pay attention to what you smell.

03 Water pump failure (3.5L and 3.7L V6, internal)

The water pump is driven by the timing chain and sits inside the engine. When the seal fails, coolant goes into the crankcase rather than onto the ground — so you get no puddle warning. Repair is $1,500–2,500. Check the oil for a milky appearance.

04 MyFord Touch infotainment (2011–2015)

Slow, crash-prone, and a well-documented source of owner misery. Later software versions improved it. Not expensive, but test every function before buying — replacement units aren't cheap.

What a used Ford Explorer costs in 2026

Private-party asking prices for average-mileage, clean-title cars. Dealer retail runs roughly 15–25% higher.

Years	Typical price	What you're getting
2011–2015	$7,000–14,000	Only with PTU service history or a price that assumes you'll pay for one.
2016–2019	$14,000–24,000	The value zone. A well-maintained 2018 Limited is a lot of vehicle for the money.
2020–2023	$25,000–42,000	ST and Platinum trims sit above this. The rear-drive platform drives noticeably better than what it replaced.

What to check before you buy

Model-specific. Bring this list to the test drive.

Ask directly whether the PTU fluid has ever been changed on any 2011–2019 AWD car. 'It's sealed for life' is the wrong answer.
Accelerate hard from a stop with a rear window cracked and pay attention to any exhaust smell in the cabin.
Pull the oil dipstick and look for a milky, coffee-coloured film — that's the internal water pump.
Work through every infotainment function on 2011–2015 cars, including Bluetooth pairing and the reversing camera.
Check the third row folds and latches properly, and look for water staining in the rear cargo well from blocked sunroof or liftgate drains.

Ford Explorer questions

What is the Ford Explorer PTU problem?

The Power Transfer Unit on 2011–2019 all-wheel-drive Explorers was sealed with no service interval, and its fluid degrades from heat. Failures are common past 100,000 miles and cost $1,800–2,800, sometimes taking the transmission with them. Changing the fluid every 30,000 miles largely prevents it, so a documented fluid service is worth real money on a used Explorer.

Do Ford Explorers really leak exhaust into the cabin?

Some do. NHTSA investigated complaints on 2011–2017 models and Ford issued several technical service bulletins along with a free repair program for police vehicles. Civilian owners reported it far less consistently. Test for it yourself with a hard acceleration run and the rear windows slightly open.

What are the best years for a used Ford Explorer?

2020–2023 is the best overall vehicle and avoids the PTU issue. 2016–2019 is the value pick if the PTU fluid has been serviced. Avoid 2011–2013, which combines the worst of the PTU, infotainment and exhaust odour complaints.

Is the Explorer good for towing?

Up to 5,000–5,600 lbs with the tow package, which handles a small boat or a pop-up camper. The 3.5-litre EcoBoost versions are the strongest. Regular towing accelerates PTU and transmission wear on the 2011–2019 cars, so factor that into what you buy and how you maintain it.