Used Ford Explorer

What to know before buying: Ford Explorer

From 3 press tests · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The 1996–2002 Explorer is described as well equipped and comfortable around town, with some off-road ability, but unsuitable for regular heavy towing.[3]one source1996–2002 review range
• The 1996–2002 models feature electronically controlled Control Trac 4WD, independent front suspension, a leaf-sprung rear axle and disc brakes with ABS.[3]one source1996–2002 review range
• The Explorer EV CFV is a European electric crossover on the MEB platform, offered with rear- or all-wheel drive.[2]one sourceExplorer EV CFV

Typical faults

• On a manual 1996–2002 Explorer, the clutch may be a weak point under heavy towing; one cited owner had to replace it.[3]one source1996–2002 review range

  4.0 V6 OHV

• A cited 2001 XLT suffered automatic-transmission failure at 128,000 km after heavy towing; the source considers the unit insufficiently strong for that use.[3]one source1996–2002 review range

  128 000–128 000 km · 2001–2001 · 4.0 V6 SOHC

• The source reports automatic-transmission problems and rear-mounted timing chains that are costly to replace if they break.[3]one source
• An owner of a 1999 XLT reported a faulty thermostat at 95,000 km.[3]one source1996–2002 review range

  95 000–95 000 km · 1999–1999

• Early production of the new generation reportedly had chassis, transmission, climate-control and suspension issues, plus damaged supplied parts and trim.[1]one source

Which engine and version to take

• For the Explorer EV CFV, the source identifies no systemic motor or reduction-gear fault, so the 125 kW RWD, 210 kW RWD and 250 kW AWD versions can be chosen by power and drivetrain needs.[2]one sourceExplorer EV CFV

What to avoid

• Avoid the manual 1996–2002 version for heavy towing: the source identifies its clutch as a weak point.[3]one source1996–2002 review range
• The automatic 1996–2002 version is also a poor choice for regular heavy towing because the source considers its transmission insufficiently strong for that load.[3]one source1996–2002 review range

What to check at the inspection

• On a 1996–2002 vehicle, test the clutch or automatic shifts and establish whether it was used for heavy towing.[3]one source1996–2002 review range
• Check the timing-chain condition and service history: the source warns that the chains sit at the rear of the engine and are costly to replace if they break.[3]one source
• When inspecting an Explorer EV CFV, diagnose the high-voltage battery, test charging and check the thermal-management system.[2]one sourceExplorer EV CFV
• On an Explorer EV CFV, inspect the 12 V system, software version and fault memory, and confirm that OTA or workshop updates were completed.[2]one sourceExplorer EV CFV
• On an early new-generation example, carefully inspect the chassis, transmission, climate control, suspension, parts and trim because launch-production issues were reported in these areas.[1]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]actualidadmotor.com — Ford Explorer aizkavēsies negaidītu kvalitātes problēmu dēļ · press
2. [2]autoradars.lv — Ford Explorer EV CFV (2024+): problēmas un riski | AutoRadars · press
3. [3]carsguide.com.au — Ford Explorer Problems & Reliability Issues · press

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