Ford Explorer 5th generation (2011–2019)
Generation-specific owner insights from 18+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
12,966
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2011–2019
85
recall campaigns
steering
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owner discussions about the 2011-2019 Explorer are mixed, with many owners describing the vehicles as generally reliable when properly maintained, while others report specific recurring problems.
10 problems reported (5 recurrent, 5 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentWater pump failure on 3.5L engine
Multiple owners identify the internal water pump as a known failure point that can destroy the engine, with one noting it is timing-chain driven and expensive to repair.
- RecurrentTorque converter shudder on 6F55 transmission
Owners report jerking or stuttering between 25-40 mph, with one diagnosing torque converter pressure issues via scanner. One owner suggests draining and refilling transmission fluid with Lucas stop slip as a temporary measure.
- RecurrentHeated seat element failure
Multiple owners report driver-side heated seats failing, with one noting the element is built into the seat cushion requiring full seat replacement at approximately $650 CAD. One owner reports the failure recurring after replacement.
+ 7 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentUSB port / Apple CarPlay connectivity issues
Owners report USB ports charging but not connecting to Apple CarPlay, with one noting the front port is flaky while the armrest port works. Suggested fixes include new cables, cleaning dust, and hard resets.
- RecurrentPTU (Power Transfer Unit) issues on AWD models
Owners mention PTUs going out and recommend fluid changes every 40,000-50,000 miles despite Ford's lifetime fluid claim.
- IsolatedHidden keypad lock issues
One owner reports the keypad requires pressing above the buttons to lock, noting thousands of similar complaints online.
- IsolatedRemote start intermittent cranking
One owner reports the remote start does a half crank then stops, with suggestions ranging from battery monitor reset to crank signal issues.
- IsolatedElectrical issues
One owner reports multiple electrical issues on a 2013 XLT at 197K miles, though no specific diagnosis is provided.
- IsolatedBattery drain / starting issues
One owner reports battery issues on a 2018, ultimately traced to a loose connection.
- IsolatedThrottle body problems
One owner mentions known throttle body issues on drive-by-wire systems that can mimic transmission problems.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Owners discuss the 2013 Limited, 2016 Limited, 2018, and 2019 model years without establishing a clear preference for one trim or engine over another. One owner notes the 2.3L EcoBoost in the 2019 XLT and asks about associated expenses, but no consensus emerges.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Volkswagen Atlas, Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.
Is a 2011–2019 Explorer right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
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Overall sentiment
Owner discussions about the 2011-2019 Explorer are mixed, with many owners describing the vehicles as generally reliable when properly maintained, while others report specific recurring problems. The most commonly cited concerns are the internal water pump on the 3.5L engine, torque converter shudder on the 6F55 transmission, and heated seat element failures. Later model years (2018-2019) are discussed as being more refined, but owners still warn about the water pump and PTU maintenance. Several owners express frustration with repair costs, particularly for seat heating elements that require full seat cushion replacement.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners cross-shopping the Explorer against the Volkswagen Atlas note that the Atlas has not been on the market long enough to establish a reliability track record. When compared to the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, some owners suggest those alternatives offer better reliability, though this view is not universal. One owner comparing a 2020 Explorer to a 2021 Atlas recommended the Atlas, while another advised avoiding both in favor of the Highlander, Pilot, Palisade, Telluride, or CX-9. No owners in the provided discussions directly compared the 2011-2019 Explorer to these competitors.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. Owners mention the 3.5L V6 and 2.3L EcoBoost engines, but no owner explicitly recommends one configuration over another for this generation. One 2016 discussion asks about EcoBoost versus standard V6 reliability, but the responses do not provide a definitive recommendation.
General recommendations
Owners advise checking whether the water pump has been replaced on 3.5L-equipped Explorers before purchase, as it is a known failure point. For AWD models, owners recommend changing PTU fluid every 40,000-50,000 miles rather than following Ford's lifetime fluid claim. Owners also suggest verifying maintenance history on higher-mileage examples. For the 2018 model year specifically, one owner notes the vehicle is otherwise solid apart from the water pump concern. No owners recommend avoiding specific model years within this generation, though several express wariness about the water pump across the 3.5L engine.
Remarks
Owners frequently note that the water pump is the single most important preventative maintenance item on this generation, and advise confirming replacement history before purchase. The torque converter shudder is described as common on the 6F55 transmission, with one owner suggesting the transmission fluid breaks down quickly and should be changed every 30,000 miles. Heated seat failures appear to be a widespread frustration due to the expensive repair design. Several owners mention that the 2020+ generation has its own distinct issues, and those should not be conflated with the 2011-2019 generation discussed here. Analysis based on approximately 18 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 299 | 6 | structure |
| 2018 | 734 | 7 | structure |
| 2017 | 1,706 | 14 | structure |
| 2016 | 2,481 | 15 | structure |
| 2015 | 1,807 | 9 | structure |
| 2014 | 1,679 | 7 | steering |
| 2013 | 2,235 | 12 | steering |
| 2012 | 829 | 7 | steering |
| 2011 | 1,196 | 8 | steering |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2019 · structure:bodycampaign 21V316000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
2019 · seats:front assembly:reclinercampaign 19V633000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
2019 · structure:body:roof and pillarscampaign 24V031000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
2019 · equipment:electrical:engine block heatercampaign 26V012000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
2019 · suspension:rearcampaign 26V101000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
2019 · structure:bodycampaign 26V448000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
2018 · seats:front assembly:reclinercampaign 19V633000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
2018 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 18V807000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engine. Due to an assembly error, the fuel pressure sensor may leak fuel.
2018 · structure:bodycampaign 21V316000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
2018 · structure:body:roof and pillarscampaign 24V031000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
2018 · equipment:electrical:engine block heatercampaign 25V685000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
2018 · suspension:rearcampaign 26V101000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
26 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.