Ford Explorer 6th generation (2019–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 126+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
2,533
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2019–2026
151
recall campaigns
power train
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment for the sixth-generation Explorer is mixed and heavily dependent on model year.
17 problems reported (2 very frequent, 6 recurrent, 9 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentInfotainment/SYNC freezing, blank screen, unresponsive screen, or need for frequent resets
- Very frequentApple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity problems, often traced to cables or the media hub
- RecurrentTransmission failure or replacement, including cracked torque converter
+ 14 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentHeated seat failure, typically the heating element
- RecurrentCamera issues, including intermittent or blue backup camera
- RecurrentElectrical faults and warning lights, sometimes traced to battery, alternator, or a failed module
- RecurrentRattles and noises, including mystery rattles, rear shock knocking, and seat movement noise
- RecurrentParts backorder delays for warranty repairs
- IsolatedTransmission cooler seepage contaminating coolant
- IsolatedRear differential or AWD system binding, clunking, or shuddering
- Isolated4WD/AWD fault errors
- IsolatedPower fold mirror grinding or failure
- IsolatedRoof leak not caused by sunroof drains
- IsolatedSeat presets changing or seat moving unexpectedly
- IsolatedButton fading or peeling on interior controls
- IsolatedAC system issues, including blowing heat only at launch and refrigerant leaks
- IsolatedWater pump concerns on the 3.5 and 3.7 engines
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal favors the ST trim for its power, brakes, and feature content, and the 2021 model year for reported reliability, but no single version is broadly agreed upon.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Mazda CX-9.
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Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment for the sixth-generation Explorer is mixed and heavily dependent on model year. Early examples, particularly the 2020 model, draw sharp criticism for transmission failures, infotainment glitches, and a long list of minor electrical and trim problems, with several owners reporting buybacks or repeated dealer visits. Later model years, especially 2021 and 2025, receive more positive comments, with some owners reporting flawless powertrains past 100,000 miles and describing the ST as powerful, comfortable, and fun to drive. A recurring theme is that the engine and transmission are often praised while electronics, infotainment, and general build quality are the main sources of frustration. Several owners explicitly advise buying one with a warranty.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners generally position the Explorer as more powerful and fun to drive than the Honda Pilot, which some describe as underpowered and minivan-like, and they note the Explorer is roomier than a 4Runner. However, when reliability is the priority, owners repeatedly steer toward the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Mazda CX-9, calling the Explorer and Atlas subpar in that regard. Against premium rivals like the X5 and Q7, owners suggest buyers frustrated with quality issues could easily go elsewhere. Some owners acknowledge the Honda will likely hold resale value better and last longer, while noting the Explorer may cost less to own over five years due to lower fuel costs.
Recommended configurations
Owners who want performance speak positively of the ST with the Street Pack and its larger brakes, while noting the 21-inch tires are expensive to replace. Several owners recommend the V6 over the four-cylinder for reliability, and one owner advises changing the PTU fluid on AWD models. Multiple owners recommend buying with a warranty given the range of reported issues. Beyond these points, insufficient owner data is available to recommend specific configurations.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who prioritize power, space, and driving feel and who are willing to accept electronic and build-quality quirks, ideally with a warranty in place. Owners repeatedly warn against first-year 2020 examples, citing transmission failures and numerous minor issues, and suggest later model years are calmer. Inspection advice from owners includes checking for transmission and infotainment behavior, verifying recall and software updates have been applied, and confirming the rear differential mount and suspension components are sound. Owners also advise confirming all open recalls are addressed before purchase on newer models.
Remarks
A notable share of discussion centers on the 2020 launch, when owners and industry observers reported chassis, transmission, and air-conditioning problems, missing trim, and wrong wheels, along with buybacks. Several owners note that the sixth generation moved to a completely different drivetrain setup from the prior generation, which they cite as a reason for early teething issues. Some owners report the 2025 model has been quiet so far with no major issues beyond routine maintenance. Fuel octane is a recurring topic, with owners noting the ST runs fine on 87 octane but produces less power, and that premium is recommended for maximum performance. Analysis based on approximately 126 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 39 | 14 | unknown or other |
| 2025 | 104 | 20 | electrical system |
| 2024 | 27 | 10 | unknown or other |
| 2023 | 112 | 15 | unknown or other |
| 2022 | 270 | 24 | power train |
| 2021 | 449 | 27 | power train |
| 2020 | 1,233 | 35 | power train |
| 2019 | 299 | 6 | structure |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2026 · visibility:windshieldcampaign 25V730000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 205, "Glazing Materials."
2026 · enginecampaign 25V828000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair, and 2025 Maverick vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
2026 · trailer hitchescampaign 25V687000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
2026 · visibility:windshieldcampaign 26V024000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
2026 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 26V121000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction when driving through curves in the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2026 · seat beltscampaign 26V159000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
2026 · visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:fan/motorcampaign 26V202000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative.
2026 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 26V205000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer and Mustang vehicles. The engine piston circlips may have been incorrectly installed during manufacturing, which can result in piston failure and engine damage, leading to a loss of drive power.
2026 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 26V343000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
2026 · seats:mid/rear assemblycampaign 26V451000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
2026 · seats:front assembly:power adjustcampaign 26V470000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
2026 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 26V532000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine. The engine connecting rod bearings may seize, which can result in engine failure.
63 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.