Free used car buyer guide / Sixth generation / CD6 / 2020-2024
Ford Explorer common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
6.1/10
1 walk-away risk, 5 serious faults, 2 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: rear axle horizontal mounting bolt fracture and rollaway risk. Score methodology.
The 2020-2024 Explorer is at its best as a later CD6-platform family SUV with the recalls cleaned up, not as a bargain 2020 launch car with a stack of unresolved dealer campaigns. The expensive traps are the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt recalls, 10R60/10R80 harsh engagement and ratio-code repairs, 360-camera blue-screen recalls, hybrid high-voltage cable chafing on affected 2024 cars, and fleet-duty wear on Police Interceptor Utility examples. The safest configuration is a 2023-2024 2.3 EcoBoost or 3.0 ST with closed rear-axle/camera recalls, smooth cold transmission engagement and no former-police history. Owners should treat rear clunks and harsh 10-speed shifts as early intervention items, because both become much worse once the driveline or transmission has been driven while failing.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
Rear axle horizontal
Best years
2023-2024
Best buys
- 2023-2024 2.3 EcoBoost RWD/AWD with a clean rear-axle recall record and smooth 10-speed from cold.
- 2023-2024 Explorer ST if it is stock, not abused, and has no boost/oil leak or transmission history.
- Private-owner cars with 360-camera recall paperwork and full Ford service records.
Inspect hard
- 2020 launch-year Explorers: rear axle, transmission, camera, seat/restraint and roof/water checks all matter.
- 2020-2022 cars recorded as repaired for rear axle recall: verify no 25V166 incorrect-remedy issue remains.
- Former Police Interceptor Utility units: inspect suspension, PTU/AWD, idle hours and underbody wear.
Avoid
- Any Explorer with open 22V255, 23V675 or 25V166 rear-axle recall, rear clunk, or rollaway complaint.
- 10-speed cars with harsh Drive/Reverse engagement plus gear-ratio or clutch codes.
- Water-damaged cargo/roof area cars or hybrids with active HV cable warnings.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Ford Explorer viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Ford Explorer should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
2.3L EcoBoost turbo I4
2020-2024
BEST NORMAL BUY
The 2.3 is the sensible Explorer engine: enough torque for family use, lower heat load than the 3.0 ST, and less fleet-specific baggage than the hybrid/police versions. It still depends on the 10-speed automatic and the rear axle recall history. A smooth 2.3 with closed campaigns is the lowest-risk CD6 Explorer.
3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6
2020-2024
GOOD IF STOCK
ST and Platinum buyers get real performance, but the hot V6 adds turbo oil-line, boost-leak, front-cover and transmission stress. Modified STs are the ones to distrust. A stock ST with clean fluid history and no driveline clunk can be worth the extra fuel; a tuned one with harsh shifts is a repair queue with nice seats.
3.3L hybrid V6
2020-2024 depending trim/fleet
INSPECT CAREFULLY
Hybrid Explorers are often police/fleet adjacent or market-specific, so duty cycle matters as much as mileage. The 2024 cable-chafing recall makes VIN checking mandatory. If the high-voltage scan is clean and the car is private-use, the hybrid can be sensible; if it has idle hours and underbody damage, walk away.
3.3L naturally aspirated V6 fleet/police
2020-2024 fleet and Police Interceptor Utility
FLEET ONLY WITH PRICE DISCOUNT
This engine is not the problem; the work life usually is. Police Interceptor Utility examples can carry long idle hours, hard braking, curb strikes, wiring modifications and driveline wear. They need a lift inspection and a fleet-duty discount, not normal retail pricing.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2020
Launch year for the rear-drive-based CD6 Explorer. The model moved away from the previous front-drive architecture and introduced the 2.3 EcoBoost, 3.0 EcoBoost ST/Platinum and 3.3 hybrid/fleet mix with a 10-speed automatic.
Buyer: Approach 2020 as a high-documentation year. The car can be good, but only if rear-axle, camera, restraint/seat and transmission records are complete and the 10-speed behaves from cold.
Owner: Keep up with every recall letter. If your 2020 has a rear clunk or harsh Drive engagement, document it now instead of waiting for a bigger driveline claim.
2021
Second production year with running fixes but still inside the rear-axle bolt and camera recall population. Used examples may already show whether launch issues were solved properly.
Buyer: A clean 2021 is more attractive than a cheap 2020, but it still needs rear-axle recall proof. Check for camera blue-screen symptoms because those repairs often get deferred.
Owner: If the 10-speed has learned bad shift behavior, do not keep resetting adaptations without diagnosis. A module relearn cannot fix internal wear.
2022
Trim changes expanded, including ST-Line positioning. Rear axle campaign exposure remains relevant and the 360-camera recall history continues.
Buyer: This can be a solid family-SUV year if private-owned. Avoid former fleet/police units unless the price reflects idle hours, suspension wear and underbody use.
Owner: Treat rear-camera faults as safety equipment, not an annoyance. A blue or black reverse image should be fixed before the next inspection or sale.
2023
Mature pre-facelift year before the 2025 refresh. NHTSA/Ford 23V022 camera recall covers certain 2020-2023 360-camera vehicles.
Buyer: This is one of the better years to target. Confirm 23V022 camera work, scan the 10-speed, and spend the inspection time on driveline feel rather than cosmetic trim.
Owner: Preserve the service file. A 2023 with closed camera and axle campaigns will be easier to sell than one with a dealer verbal promise.
2024
Final pre-refresh year in this guide. Hybrid cable chafing recall exposure appears for certain 2024 hybrid/police vehicles, while non-hybrid retail cars mostly carry forward the mature CD6 package.
Buyer: For non-hybrid 2024s, focus on price and clean scan data. For hybrids, do the high-voltage cable recall check before any road test.
Owner: If you own a 2024 hybrid, get campaign status in writing before long trips or fleet work. If you own a 2.3/3.0 petrol, the transmission and axle checks still matter even though the car is newer.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
Rear axle horizontal mounting bolt fracture and rollaway risk
Affects
Certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles, including vehicles subject to 22V255/22S27, 23V675/23S55 and 25V166 follow-up.
Symptoms
Rear bang or clunk, severe vibration, binding, loss of drive, roll in Park, recall records for rear axle bolt fracture.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 700-2,500 for rear axle bolt/bushing/cover work; EUR 4,000+ with collateral driveline damage.
Codes / scan clues
No guaranteed DTC; scan ABS/EPB/PCM and verify recall software status.
Root cause: Driveline torque can rotate the rear axle housing and fatigue the horizontal mounting bolt. A fracture lets the axle housing move and can disconnect driveline components.
Quick check
- VIN-check 22V255, 23V675 and 25V166.
- Accelerate moderately from a stop and listen for a rear clunk.
- Reverse slowly with steering angle and feel for binding.
- Inspect the rear axle bolt/bushing area on a lift.
- Confirm Park and parking-brake behavior on a mild slope.
Buyer note
This is the Explorer's walk-away recall cluster. If the rear axle history is unclear, the car is not ready for retail purchase.
Owner note
A rear clunk is not something to monitor for months. Have the axle mount inspected before towing, road trips or resale.
Fault 2
10R60/10R80 harsh engagement, delayed shifts and ratio-code failure
Affects
Mainly 2020 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility, with later TSB coverage across 2020-2023 10-speed applications.
Symptoms
Harsh Drive or Reverse engagement, hard 1-2/3-4 shift, delayed downshift, bang on coastdown, limp mode or MIL.
Typical repair cost
EUR 150-350 for reflash/relearn; EUR 1,500-3,800 for internal/valve-body repair; EUR 5,500-9,000 for replacement.
Codes / scan clues
P0729, P0731-P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6, P07F7, P2700-P2705.
Root cause: Ford TSBs identify clutch/control/internal 10-speed issues and calibration/adaptation repairs depending on build and codes.
Quick check
- Drive cold and hot; Drive/Reverse should engage without a bang.
- Use gentle and moderate throttle through all gears.
- Scan PCM/TCM for ratio, clutch and solenoid codes.
- Ask for TSB 21-2316/22-2428/23-2250-style invoices.
Buyer note
The 10-speed can be smooth when healthy. A harsh one with stored codes is not a calibration gamble; it is a repair quote waiting.
Owner note
Report hard shifts while they are repeatable and before adaptation resets hide the pattern. Keep software-update dates with the service file.
Fault 3
360-degree rear camera blue or black image
Affects
Certain 2020-2023 Explorer with 360-degree camera under 23V022/23S02, plus earlier VIN-specific camera campaigns.
Symptoms
Blue rear image, black screen, intermittent camera after Reverse, failed 360-camera view.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 250-1,000 for camera/module repair outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
IPMB/APIM camera communication faults.
Root cause: Ford/NHTSA chronology describes software/version and service-tool issues causing rear-camera blue images.
Quick check
- Engage Reverse at least ten times.
- Check rear-only and 360-degree views.
- VIN-check 23V022 and related camera recalls.
- Scan infotainment/body modules if image flickers.
Buyer note
Camera failure is not an engine problem, but on a three-row SUV it is safety equipment. It should work every time before you buy.
Owner note
Close this recall before sale. A blue screen on a viewing makes the car look neglected even when the drivetrain is good.
Fault 4
2024 hybrid battery cable chafing and HV short recall
Affects
Certain 2024 Explorer Hybrid / Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles; VIN status required.
Symptoms
Hybrid warning, no-start, reduced power, electrical smell, recall notice for HV battery cable chafing.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 1,000-3,500 for HV cable repair outside warranty; more with collateral damage.
Codes / scan clues
BECM/SOBDMC isolation, contactor or high-voltage system faults.
Root cause: Recall records identify high-voltage battery cable chafing that can create short/fire risk on affected vehicles.
Quick check
- Confirm the vehicle is hybrid, then run VIN recall lookup.
- Inspect HV cable routing and underbody for scraping or repair.
- Scan hybrid modules.
- Reject any active HV warning or burnt electrical smell.
Buyer note
This is irrelevant to most petrol Explorers and very relevant to the affected hybrids. Do not blur those together.
Owner note
If your hybrid is affected, finish the recall before fleet use or towing. HV cable faults are not wait-and-see maintenance.
Fault 5
2020 launch-year seat, restraint and airbag recall cluster
Affects
Selected 2020 Explorer production with seat recliner, airbag diffuser and restraint recalls by VIN.
Symptoms
Open safety recall, loose seatback, airbag/SRS warning, missing repair documents.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 400-2,000 for seat/airbag repair outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
SRS/RCM codes; airbag light must illuminate then go out.
Root cause: Multiple launch-year manufacturing and compliance issues affected selected vehicles rather than one universal mechanical defect.
Quick check
- VIN-check all open 2020 safety recalls.
- Cycle seatbacks and inspect for looseness.
- Confirm airbag light behavior at startup.
- Scan RCM/SRS if any warning appears.
Buyer note
A 2020 Explorer can be fine, but the safety-recall file must be boring. Missing restraint paperwork is a reason to pause the deal.
Owner note
Keep recall completion invoices with the car. Restraint-system uncertainty hurts resale more than most cosmetic flaws.
Fault 6
Water leaks around roof, windshield, sunroof or liftgate
Affects
Mostly owner/workshop-reported on 2020-2024 Explorer, strongest on early builds and panoramic-roof cars.
Symptoms
Wet headliner, damp cargo floor, musty smell, fogged glass, water stains at A-pillars, intermittent electrical faults after rain.
Typical repair cost
EUR 200-900 for seal/drain work; EUR 1,000-4,000 if carpet/modules corrode.
Codes / scan clues
Low-voltage or body U-codes if water reaches modules.
Root cause: Sealant or fit issues around roof rails, windshield, sunroof drains or liftgate can let water into trim and electronics. Evidence is owner/workshop led, not a clean recall.
Quick check
- Smell cabin and cargo area before the test drive.
- Lift cargo-floor panels and feel under carpets.
- Inspect headliner edges and A-pillars.
- Scan body modules if the car has intermittent electrical complaints.
Buyer note
Treat water as a price-killer on a modern Explorer. A damp cargo area can mean module trouble, not just a wet mat.
Owner note
Drying the carpet is not a fix. Find the leak path before corrosion turns a trim issue into electrical diagnosis.
Fault 7
PTU/AWD driveline noise and former-police wear
Affects
AWD 2.3/3.0 Explorers and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles, especially tow-use or high-idle examples.
Symptoms
Whine under load, groan in tight turns, vibration, burnt gear-oil smell, AWD disabled message, clunking that is not the rear axle bolt recall.
Typical repair cost
EUR 150-300 for fluid service; EUR 1,200-3,200 for PTU/transfer repair; EUR 1,000-3,000 for rear differential work.
Codes / scan clues
AWD/4x4 module overheat or clutch faults; often no generic OBD code.
Root cause: Heat, towing, idle-hour fleet use and missed fluid service stress AWD transfer/PTU and rear driveline components.
Quick check
- Drive tight circles in both directions.
- Accelerate from 20-80 km/h and listen for load whine.
- Inspect PTU/differential for leaks and burnt smell.
- On former police cars, require idle-hour and fluid-service records.
Buyer note
Former PIU Explorers need fleet pricing. Retail money for an idle-hour AWD truck makes no sense without lift inspection.
Owner note
If you tow or idle heavily, shorten driveline fluid intervals. Waiting for whine means the fluid conversation is already late.
Fault 8
3.0 EcoBoost oil leaks, turbo heat wear and modified-ST risk
Affects
2020-2024 Explorer ST and Platinum with 3.0 EcoBoost, especially tuned, tow-used or high-mileage cars.
Symptoms
Burning oil smell, oil residue near turbo/front cover, smoke after idle, boost whistle, underboost/overboost codes, harsh shifts after tune.
Typical repair cost
EUR 400-1,500 for leak reseal; EUR 1,500-3,500 per turbo-side repair depending access and parts.
Codes / scan clues
P0299, P0234, misfire and fuel-trim codes if the fault affects operation.
Root cause: The ST's hot twin-turbo package and performance use stress oil lines, seals, mounts and the 10-speed more than a 2.3 family car.
Quick check
- Inspect the hot engine bay for oil smell after road test.
- Check turbo area and undertray with a flashlight.
- Listen for abnormal turbo siren/whistle under boost.
- Reject tuned cars without stock calibration and maintenance proof.
Buyer note
A stock ST is a good used performance SUV. A tuned ST with oil smell and harsh shifts is not a bargain; it is two expensive systems under stress.
Owner note
Keep the car stock if resale matters. If tuned, save every oil, plug, transmission and boost-leak repair invoice because buyers will assume abuse.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- Ford VIN recall printout for 22V255, 23V675, 25V166 and camera recalls.
- 10-speed transmission invoices, calibration dates and any internal repair paperwork.
- Private/fleet history, idle hours and police-equipment decommission record if PIU.
- Hybrid HV recall proof for any 2024 hybrid.
Walk around
- Inspect rear axle area on a lift if possible.
- Check cargo floor, headliner and A-pillars for water staining.
- Look for oil residue around 3.0 EcoBoost turbo/front-cover areas.
- Inspect tyres for matching brand, size and wear on AWD cars.
In the car
- Cycle reverse camera and 360 view repeatedly.
- Confirm no airbag, ESC, AWD, hybrid or powertrain warning remains.
- Check infotainment, parking sensors, liftgate and all rear-seat controls.
- Read idle hours on fleet/police vehicles where available.
Test drive
- Cold Drive/Reverse engagement before leaving the lot.
- Moderate launch from stop to listen for rear axle clunk.
- Tight low-speed turns for AWD binding or groan.
- Gentle and firm 10-speed shifts up to motorway speed.
Scan tool
- PCM/TCM for 10-speed ratio, clutch and solenoid codes.
- ABS/EPB/AWD modules for rear axle and driveline context.
- APIM/IPMB for camera faults.
- BECM/SOBDMC on hybrids.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a 2023-2024 private-owner 2.3 or stock 3.0 ST with the axle and camera recalls closed and a 10-speed that behaves perfectly cold. A well-kept Explorer is a strong family hauler; the wrong one is a recall spreadsheet with three rows of seats.
Avoid: Avoid open rear-axle recall cars, harsh-shifting launch-year examples, damp-roof cars and former-police units priced like retail SUVs. There are enough Explorers on the market that you can be strict.
Quick answers
Ford Explorer buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Ford Explorer 2020-2024 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: Rear axle horizontal mounting bolt fracture and rollaway risk; 10R60/10R80 harsh engagement, delayed shifts and ratio-code failure; 360-degree rear camera blue or black image. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Ford Explorer years are the best to buy?
2023-2024 stand out in this generation. Buy a 2023-2024 private-owner 2.3 or stock 3.0 ST with the axle and camera recalls closed and a 10-speed that behaves perfectly cold. A well-kept Explorer is a strong family hauler; the wrong one is a recall spreadsheet with three rows of seats.
Which Ford Explorer should I avoid?
Avoid open rear-axle recall cars, harsh-shifting launch-year examples, damp-roof cars and former-police units priced like retail SUVs. There are enough Explorers on the market that you can be strict.
Is the Ford Explorer 2020-2024 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 6.1/10 (buy with checks). 1 walk-away risk, 5 serious faults, 2 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: rear axle horizontal mounting bolt fracture and rollaway risk.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Ford Explorer guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- NHTSA Explorer recalls by year
- NHTSA Explorer complaints
- Ford/NHTSA 22V255
- Ford/NHTSA 23V675
- NHTSA 25V166
- AP rear axle recall report
- Ford/NHTSA 23V022 camera recall
- Ford TSB 21-2316
- Ford TSB 20-2403
- Ford TSB 23-2250
- ExplorerForum 2020+ forum
- Ford Explorer reference
- ExplorerForum harsh shifting thread
- NHTSA Explorer recalls
- NHTSA recall lookup
- NHTSA 2024 Explorer recall API
- NHTSA complaints API Explorer