Is a used Ford Explorer a good deal?
Short answer: A used Ford Explorer can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It loses value faster than average: iSeeCars measures 49.7% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, which makes a used one a relatively better deal than new. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
Looking at a used Ford Explorer? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Depreciation and value retention
| Age | Depreciation | Value kept | Typical resale value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years | 27.2% | 72.8% | $27,999 |
| 5 years | 49.7% | 50.3% | $19,335 |
| 7 years | 61.3% | 38.7% | $14,880 |
| 10 years | 73.9% | 26.1% | $10,049 |
Its class (midsize SUV) averages 46.4% after five years; all vehicles average 41.7%. Source: iSeeCars, Ford Explorer resale value.
Recalls and complaints by model year
| Model year | NHTSA recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 6 | 299 | Structure (150), Power Train (35), Electrical System (20) |
| 2020 | 33 | 1230 | Power Train (495), Electrical System (184), Engine (115) |
| 2021 | 26 | 442 | Power Train (125), Engine (49), Electrical System (45) |
| 2022 | 24 | 270 | Power Train (61), Electrical System (39), Engine (30) |
| 2023 | 15 | 112 | Suspension (14), Electrical System (13), Steering (13) |
Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints APIs, pulled 2026-10-07. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Example recall campaigns
- 21V316000 (Structure:body): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.…
- 19V633000 (Seats:front Assembly:recliner): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped w…
- 24V031000 (Structure:body:roof And Pillars): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.…
- 26V012000 (Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater i…
- 26V101000 (Suspension:rear): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.…
Fuel cost
The EPA estimates $2,500–$3,550 per year in fuel for 2022 Ford Explorer versions (19–27 MPG combined across 9 configurations). Source: fueleconomy.gov (EPA/DOE).
Dealer add-ons to watch for
- Paint and fabric protection or ceramic coating packages
- VIN etching and "anti-theft" packages
- Nitrogen-filled tires
- Dealer prep, reconditioning or "certification" fees on top of the advertised price
- Market adjustment or "additional dealer markup" stickers
- Window tint, door-edge guards and all-weather mat bundles
- In the finance office: extended warranties, GAP, tire-and-wheel and key-replacement plans. All optional; get prices in writing
What to check before you buy
- Run the VIN through our free VIN check or NHTSA and confirm open recalls were repaired.
- Owners report problems most often with: Power Train, Electrical System, Engine. Ask for service records covering these and have a mechanic look at them.
- Get a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic.
- Compare the price against local listings of the same year, trim and mileage. Dealers price models like this with more room to negotiate.
- Read the FTC Buyers Guide on the window: it says whether the car is sold as-is or with a warranty (FTC).
- Ask for the full out-the-door price in writing before you visit.
FAQ
Is a used Ford Explorer a good deal?
A used Ford Explorer can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It loses value faster than average: iSeeCars measures 49.7% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, which makes a used one a relatively better deal than new. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
How much does a Ford Explorer depreciate?
iSeeCars estimates a Ford Explorer loses 49.7% of its value after five years (27.2% after three years, 73.9% after ten).
Does the Ford Explorer have recalls?
NHTSA lists 104 recall campaigns across the 2019–2023 model years combined (counted per year, so a campaign covering several years counts in each). Check any specific car by VIN: an open recall should be fixed free by a franchised dealer before you buy.
Which Ford Explorer year has the most complaints?
Among 2019–2023, the 2020 has the most NHTSA owner complaints (1230). Complaint counts also grow with sales volume and time on the road, so compare years, not models.
How much does a Ford Explorer cost to fuel per year?
The EPA estimates $2,500–$3,550 a year in fuel for 2022 versions, based on its standard mileage and price assumptions.
What dealer add-ons should I refuse on a used Ford Explorer?
Common ones are paint/fabric protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires, dealer prep fees and market adjustments. They are optional; ask for them to be removed or get an itemized out-the-door price.
Looking at a used Ford Explorer? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Data as published by each source; pulled 2026-10-07. All used car models