Ford Explorer Problems: 13 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2000-2024 model years · 5,447+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 5,447+ owner reports, the 2000-2024 Ford Explorer has 13 documented known issues, with 8 rated critical. The most serious are Exhaust Fumes / Carbon Monoxide Cabin Intrusion ($0-$500 repair), 3.5L Internal Water Pump Failure ($1,500-$8,000 repair), Rear Axle Mounting Bolt Fracture ($0-$2,500 repair), Electric Power Steering Failure ($1,700-$3,700 repair), 5R55W/5R55S Transmission Servo Bore Wear Causing Flare, Slip, and Delayed Reverse ($900-$3,500 repair), Timing Chain Cassette and Guide Failure on 4.0L SOHC V6 ($1,800-$4,500 repair), Cruise Control Deactivation Switch Brake Fluid Leak and Underhood Fire Risk ($0-$250 repair) and Throttle Body Failure on 4.6L V8 Causing Wrench Light, Limp Mode, and Sudden Loss of Power ($350-$900 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Exhaust Fumes / Carbon Monoxide Cabin Intrusion with 1,500 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at .

All 13 Known Issues

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When Issues Typically Appear

Cruise Control Deactivation Switch Brake Fluid Leak and Underhood Fire Risk

0K-200K

PTU (Power Transfer Unit) Failure

24K-36K

Liftgate Applique Panel Cracking and Liftgate Glass Hinge Corrosion/Separation

40K-140K

Throttle Body Failure on 4.6L V8 Causing Wrench Light, Limp Mode, and Sudden Loss of Power

50K-130K

5R55W/5R55S Transmission Servo Bore Wear Causing Flare, Slip, and Delayed Reverse

70K-160K

Timing Chain Cassette and Guide Failure on 4.0L SOHC V6

70K-180K

Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Failure Causing Growling Noise and ABS Concerns

80K-170K

050K100K150K200K mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Explorer problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 5,447+ owner reports, the 2000-2024 Ford Explorer has 13 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Exhaust Fumes / Carbon Monoxide Cabin Intrusion, 3.5L Internal Water Pump Failure, Rear Axle Mounting Bolt Fracture. Of these, 8 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Ford Explorer reliable?

The 2000-2024 Ford Explorer has 13 known issues documented across 5,447+ owner reports. 8 issues are rated critical: Exhaust Fumes / Carbon Monoxide Cabin Intrusion and 3.5L Internal Water Pump Failure and Rear Axle Mounting Bolt Fracture and Electric Power Steering Failure and 5R55W/5R55S Transmission Servo Bore Wear Causing Flare, Slip, and Delayed Reverse and Timing Chain Cassette and Guide Failure on 4.0L SOHC V6 and Cruise Control Deactivation Switch Brake Fluid Leak and Underhood Fire Risk and Throttle Body Failure on 4.6L V8 Causing Wrench Light, Limp Mode, and Sudden Loss of Power. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Explorer problems?

Repair costs for known Ford Explorer issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Exhaust Fumes / Carbon Monoxide Cabin Intrusion, typically costs $0-$500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Ford Explorer is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Ford Explorer. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2000-2024 Ford Explorer with 13 documented issues from 5,447+ owner reports.