Thinking about buying a 2014 Explorer… What should I know?

Hey everyone, I’m thinking about getting a used 2014 Ford Explorer. Just wondering what I should expect in terms of common issues, years to avoid, and any recalls. I had a ‘98 Explorer Sport back in the day and loved it. Thanks for any advice!

They’re decent as long as you stay on top of maintenance.

Stick to a regular servicing schedule and make sure you replace the water pump and timing set when needed.

Here’s what I’d suggest:

  • Transmission and PTU fluid every 30k miles.
  • Rear differential every 60k.
  • Water pump and timing set around 100k.

@Zed
Agreed about the PTU. Mine failed on my 2012 at 90k miles and cost $1,800 to fix. Now, on my 2017, I pay $60 every 30k miles to have the old fluid replaced. It’s worth it.

Payton said:
@Zed
Agreed about the PTU. Mine failed on my 2012 at 90k miles and cost $1,800 to fix. Now, on my 2017, I pay $60 every 30k miles to have the old fluid replaced. It’s worth it.

I learned this lesson the hard way. Didn’t do it regularly, and my PTU failed around the same mileage. The cost to fix was brutal.

@Mal
Yeah, skipping it can get expensive fast. It’s definitely one of those things you don’t want to ignore.

Sounds like dealing with a GX470 timing belt… basically need to take apart the whole front of the engine.

How many miles does the one you’re looking at have? Also, make sure to take the water pump advice seriously.

Pat said:
How many miles does the one you’re looking at have? Also, make sure to take the water pump advice seriously.

It has 103k miles. So, I’d need to do the timing chain and water pump soon?

@Jai
That’s a judgment call. From what I’ve seen, they usually start to leak around 130k-150k miles. Keep an eye on the weep hole—if you see coolant leaking, it’s time to act fast. If you ignore it, the antifreeze can mix with your oil and ruin the engine. Fixing it usually costs $3,000 to $3,500. Definitely keep that in mind as part of your budget for maintenance.

@Pat
Is it really that much to fix even before it starts leaking? Or is that cost only if it’s already leaking?

Jai said:
@Pat
Is it really that much to fix even before it starts leaking? Or is that cost only if it’s already leaking?

It’s about the same cost either way. The water pump is internal and requires tearing down the front of the engine to get to it.