Looking to get some opinions on the Ford Explorer. What’s your experience with it?
The 2.0 engine in the 2015 is too small for the Explorer. Kia reliability is also not great these days.
Phoenix said:
The 2.0 engine in the 2015 is too small for the Explorer. Kia reliability is also not great these days.
Thanks! Do you have any recommendations for which engine is better for the Explorer? We have a 2014 F-150 and love the 5.0, but I’m unsure about the Explorer engines.
@Hale
The 5.0 has its own issues in the F-150, like piston scraping and oil consumption. For the Explorer, the naturally aspirated engines are solid. The 2.3L is good, and the 3.5L twin-turbo has great power but might develop cam phaser and chain problems later. Still, it’s great for trips.
Phoenix said:
The 2.0 engine in the 2015 is too small for the Explorer. Kia reliability is also not great these days.
Honestly, I wouldn’t trust Korean cars these days. Kia, Hyundai, Genesis… all seem to be going downhill.
The Explorer has a 95% passenger survival rating in crash tests according to NHTSA.
Skye said:
The Explorer has a 95% passenger survival rating in crash tests according to NHTSA.
Good to know, thanks! I’m driving a Civic now, so most SUVs feel safer. This is definitely something to think about.
I just started working as a tech at a Ford dealer. The Explorer has its issues like any car, but it seems pretty reliable overall. Avoid the Escape and Bronco Sport—they’re terrible. The regular Bronco and Edge are decent but have common EVAP problems.
@Mai
How’s the Maverick holding up? Any reliability problems you’ve noticed?
Tatum said:
@Mai
How’s the Maverick holding up? Any reliability problems you’ve noticed?
Not really, just some recalls here and there.
@Mai
Thanks for the insight! Are there any specific Explorer engines or years you’d recommend avoiding?
Hale said:
@Mai
Thanks for the insight! Are there any specific Explorer engines or years you’d recommend avoiding?
Haven’t seen any major patterns yet, but the APIM (center stack) can have issues, and transmission seals sometimes leak. Just keep up with regular maintenance.
@Mai
That’s good to know. Some cars really are just junk, though. I had a VW Tiguan once that stalled on train tracks—terrifying experience. I’m hoping to find something reliable for work mileage.
@Mai
Funny how the Maverick, which shares a platform with the Escape and Bronco Sport, seems way more reliable.
@Mai
The Sport looks nice, but I don’t like what they did with the Escape.
Phoenix said:
@Mai
The Sport looks nice, but I don’t like what they did with the Escape.
Yeah, the Bronco Sport looks good, but it’s still junk.
Phoenix said:
@Mai
The Sport looks nice, but I don’t like what they did with the Escape.
Yeah, the Bronco Sport looks good, but it’s still junk.
Haven’t had any issues with ours yet.
@Phoenix
That’s good to hear!
Go for the FWD 3.5L with the 6F50 transmission. Even better if the water pump has already been replaced and the front cover resealed.
Davi said:
Go for the FWD 3.5L with the 6F50 transmission. Even better if the water pump has already been replaced and the front cover resealed.
Agreed. I had a 2018 AWD Sport—no major issues except the roof rails, which were fixed under recall. Reliable overall, but I’d still recommend getting an extended warranty.