She’s looking at buying a Ford Explorer and is focused on models from 2019 to 2023. Any advice on which ones are the best and which to avoid?
Go for anything after 2020. That’s when they stopped putting the water pump inside the engine block, which was a terrible design. The pump was driven by the timing chain, and it usually fails somewhere between 80k and 120k miles. When it does, it often destroys the engine by mixing coolant and oil while overheating. I went through this, and replacing the water pump alone costs at least $2,000 if you’re not using a dealer mechanic.
@Jensen
Wow, thanks for the heads-up! We have a 2013 Explorer with 187,000 miles, and honestly, I’m surprised the water pump hasn’t failed yet.
Blair said:
@Jensen
Wow, thanks for the heads-up! We have a 2013 Explorer with 187,000 miles, and honestly, I’m surprised the water pump hasn’t failed yet.
You’re lucky! If you’re curious, here’s a link about the lawsuits related to those defective water pumps: https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/ford-class-action-lawsuit-and-settlement-news/ford-class-action-alleges-vehicles-contain-defective-water-pumps/
@Jensen
Quick question—does this issue affect the 2.3 or the V6 engines?
Zion said:
@Jensen
Quick question—does this issue affect the 2.3 or the V6 engines?
It’s the V6.
That’s rough. I just read about Ford recalling 91,000 Ecoboosts because the intake valves were cracking and wrecking the engines. At this point, it feels like the only safe choice from them is something with the 5.0.
Honestly, I’d suggest a Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander instead.
I know you’re asking about Explorers, but if reliability is the main goal, those two are way better choices. Explorers are just okay, and the 2020 models had lots of problems with the new design. Not sure how things improved after 2021, though.
@Kelley
Yeah, I’ve tried to talk her into one of those, but she refuses. She still believes American cars are the best. 