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Ford Explorer Gas: which year should you buy?

Across the 2011 to 2026 model years, the public record is strongest on the 2024 (80/100). Every year below is scored on its own NHTSA complaint and recall history. Pick the year, not just the nameplate.

Best years to target

2024 80

Every model year, scored

Same math for every year (how we score). A neutral Unproven or Too New stamp means too few owner reports are on file to affirm the year, not that it’s clean.

202664/100
Too New

18 complaints · 0 recalls

202559/100
Caution

87 complaints · 19 recalls

202480/100
Buybest year

19 complaints · 10 recalls

202363/100
Caution

102 complaints · 15 recalls

202256/100
Caution

245 complaints · 24 recalls

202154/100
Caution

398 complaints · 26 recalls

202044/100
Caution

1,160 complaints · 33 recalls

201964/100
Caution

285 complaints · 6 recalls

201860/100
Caution

710 complaints · 7 recalls

201745/100
Caution

1,669 complaints · 14 recalls

201644/100
Caution

2,428 complaints · 15 recalls

201552/100
Caution

1,751 complaints · 9 recalls

201457/100
Caution

1,671 complaints · 7 recalls

201346/100
Caution

2,223 complaints · 12 recalls

201264/100
Caution

821 complaints · 7 recalls

201164/100
Caution

1,191 complaints · 8 recalls

Zeroing in on the 2024?

The full year-by-year verdict is free. When you’re ready to inspect and negotiate one specific car, the Full Report turns the 2024 Ford Explorer Gas’s complaint breakdown and recall list into an inspection-ready, shareable PDF.

Recalls, complaint breakdown & inspection checklist, all in a shareable PDF

Cross-shopping a different nameplate? Compare the 2026 Ford Explorer Gas head-to-head →

The fine print: each year’s verdict is computed from public NHTSA complaint and recall records for the Ford Explorer Gas as a model, not for any individual car. A well-kept example of a weaker year can outlast a neglected strong one. Informational only, so always get a professional pre-purchase inspection.