Ford Explorer
Registered from 1997 to 2025.
About this model
The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by the Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year. The first five-door SUV produced by Ford, the Explorer, was introduced as a replacement for the three-door Bronco II. As with the Ford Ranger, the model line derives its name from a trim package previously offered on Ford F-Series pickup trucks. In 2020, the Explorer became the best-selling SUV in the American market.
From the Wikipedia article Ford Explorer, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
What fails its inspection
Great Britain's MOT record for the 2000 4.0 petrol. 23 of 102 tests failed, 23%.
Better than 78% of 2000 cars. The typical one fails 27%, across 390 models with enough tests behind them to say.
| Where | Share of failures | Failed tests |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 57% | 13 |
| Body and structure | 39% | 9 |
| Lights and electrics | 39% | 9 |
| Suspension | 35% | 8 |
| Visibility | 26% | 6 |
| Exhaust and emissions | 17% | 4 |
The defects inspectors cite
- Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value
- A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
- Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
- A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
- A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
- Body, cab or chassis excessively corroded at a mounting point
Before you buy one
Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.
- Brakes — 57% of its failures
- Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value
- A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
- Suspension — 35% of its failures
- A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
- The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
- Exhaust and emissions — 17% of its failures
- Exhaust system leaking or insecure
- Lights and electrics — 39% of its failures
- A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
- Body and structure — 39% of its failures
- Body, cab or chassis excessively corroded at a mounting point
- The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
- Visibility — 26% of its failures
- Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
Recalls
Filed by the manufacturer with a regulator. A recall is repaired free of charge, whoever owns the car now.
A12/00555/22
Corrosion of the bearing pin in the bearing bush can increase the frictional resistance of the bearing to such an extent that the vertical forces occurring are absorbed by the track rod itself. As a result, the track rod of the rear suspension system may break reducing the steering control of the vehicle and increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00789/24
The A-pillar trim may not be fastened correctly. it may come loose and fall onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/02543/23
A faulty part within the high-voltage battery cells could cause the battery to short-circuit and cause a fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/0475/16
The interior door handles may crack, allowing the handle return spring to become unseated and not return to the fully closed position. In extreme circumstances this could allow the door to open unintentionally, posing a risk to vehicle occupants and other road users.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/1812/13
It may be possible over time for the fuel delivery module in the fuel tank to develop a crack that could result in a fuel leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Recall of the product from end users
SR/00177/26
Incorrectly tightened fastener screws may loosen or fail, which can affect vehicle handling, braking, steering control, or wheel guidance, increasing the risk of accidents. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
SR/01371/26
The rear axle joints may not have been tightened to the required torque during assembly. If an affected joint comes loose completely, the driver may notice a misalignment of the steering wheel when driving straight. In severe cases, the joint may fail without warning, resulting in a rear wheel losing directional control. Although the brakes remain functional, this instability could increase the risk of accidents. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
SR/03066/25
The seat belt's retraction mechanism does not work properly. This may result in a loose roll and insufficient tension of the seatbelt, increasing the risk of an injury in the event of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
2 more campaigns have been filed against this model. A dealer can check by VIN which apply to one car.