I’m looking at a 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum with 95,000 miles. It has the 3.5 V6 engine, and everything in the interior works. The price is $20,000. Coming from a Kia Forte, this would be my first step into a bigger vehicle. How reliable are these Explorers? Should I pull the trigger or look elsewhere?
I have a 2013 with 145k miles, and it’s been reliable overall. However, you NEED to ask if the water pump has been replaced. If not, that’s a $2,000 repair waiting to happen, usually between 100k-150k miles. Lower engine mounts also tend to wear out by 100k but are relatively cheap to replace. Definitely get a pre-purchase inspection before buying!
I have a 2017 Platinum with fewer miles, and it’s been great. No major problems so far, even with all the electronics. The interior is a highlight—I still love the dashboard design!
I’ve got a 2015 Explorer with higher miles, and I love it. That said, I had to replace the water pump shortly after buying it. The car is spacious, comfortable, and looks great, but keep in mind that maintenance costs can creep up.
My 2015 3.5 non-turbo Explorer has 221k miles and is still going strong. Regular maintenance is key, but the big repairs I’ve faced were related to bearings and suspension components. If this one has been taken care of, you should be fine.
Lots of maintenance is needed on these after 100k miles. Common issues include the transmission (expensive to repair) and water pump (can cost $4,000 to replace since the engine has to be removed). If you’re set on this car, make sure the Carfax shows regular maintenance and get a mechanic to check the transmission. Otherwise, consider a Toyota or Honda for better long-term reliability.
If you’re in a snowy climate, keep the undercarriage clean and rustproofed. Rocker panels tend to rust out around the 10-year mark if neglected.
I own a 2017 Limited, and it’s been great, but I’d recommend having the water pump, timing chain, and oil pump replaced if they haven’t been done yet. I’ve also had to replace two wheel hubs—those aren’t cheap ($700 per wheel). Otherwise, it’s a solid vehicle.
I have a 2016 Platinum with 123k miles, and the steering rack was replaced at 90k. When test driving, listen carefully for grinding noises while turning the steering wheel—they’re a sign the steering rack may need replacing.
I loved my 2017 Platinum, but I ended up trading it in because of persistent sunroof leaks. The water would fry the sunroof motor, leak into the passenger floorboard, and drip from the sunglasses holder. Not great if you live somewhere rainy like the Pacific Northwest.