Explorerbuyer's guide

The Gen 5 Explorer is a large, capable three-row SUV that has generated a significant volume of owner complaints around transmission behaviour, coolant system failures, and AWD wear — particularly on earlier examples and any car that saw towing or high-mileage use. These are not reasons to avoid the model, but they are reasons to inspect carefully. A clean Gen 5 Explorer with service history is good value; an unscreened one is the used car market's most common expensive surprise.

This guide covers ten documented issues: transmission shudder or harsh shift, coolant leak or overheating, AWD and transfer case vibration, oil leak or consumption, infotainment and camera electrical faults, suspension knocks and tyre wear, brake corrosion or seized caliper, water leak or accident repair, ADAS and radar calibration fault, and the full recall and campaign status checklist. Each fault has a field check and a real repair-cost range.

Pre-2014 examples need the closest scrutiny; 2014-onward cars are generally the better buy when condition and history are equal. This guide works across the full Gen 5 range and gives you a definitive answer before any deposit is paid.