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Ford · Full-Size SUV · 2011–2019

Ford Explorer 5

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

370 PS

3.5L EcoBoost V6 Twin-Turbo Benzin

Hidden athlete

Fun to Drive!

Generations

Engine Overview

The Ford Explorer 5 is available with 4 engine variants — from 243 to 370 hp.

2.0L EcoBoost I4 · Petrol· 240 PS
2012 2015
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.3L EcoBoost I4 · Petrol· 280 PS
2016 2019
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
3.5L V6 Ti-VCT · Petrol· 290 PS
2011 2019
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
Explorer Sport · Petrol· 365 PS
2013 2019
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Ford 2.0L EcoBoost I4 (Petrol, 240 PS) has the EcoBoost-2.0-GTDI (2.0L EcoBoost I4) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

The Ford 2.3L EcoBoost I4 (Petrol, 280 PS) has the EcoBoost-2.3-Gen1 (2.3L EcoBoost I4) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Ford 3.5L V6 Ti-VCT (Petrol, 290 PS) has the Duratec35-TiVCT (3.5L V6 Ti-VCT) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

The Ford Explorer Sport (Petrol, 365 PS) has the EcoBoost-3.5-TT (3.5L EcoBoost V6 Twin-Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Rear suspension toe link fracture

Major safety issue: the rear suspension toe link can fracture, causing loss of vehicle control. Multiple NHTSA investigations, 413,000 vehicles recalled (26V101). Cross-axis ball joint seizure puts excessive stress on the toe link until it breaks.

Symptoms: Clunking noise from the rear, abnormal handling, visibly misaligned rear wheels, loss of steering precision.
from 80,000 km
Ad Ford Explorer rear toe linkExplorer V rear toe link assemblyrecall 26V101 toe link
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
4,850 complaints · 2011–2019
Body & Paint
408
Engine
221 ⚠ 5
Interior
198
Steering
164 ⚠ 12
Exhaust
159

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Body & Paint (408 complaints)
⚠ Engine (221 complaints)
⚠ Interior (198 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 21 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford Explorer 5 (2011–2019) — 14 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, Body, Steering, HVAC.

Explorer (Duratec35-TiVCT, 2011–2019) — Be Careful: Internal water pump leak — coolant in oil, Cam phaser wear and rattle, Exhaust manifold cracks. Power: 290 PS.

Explorer (EcoBoost-2.0-GTDI, 2012–2015) — Be Careful: Coolant intrusion through head gasket failure, Turbocharger failure, Intake valve carbon buildup. Power: 240 PS.

Explorer (EcoBoost-3.5-TT, 2013–2019) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, Cam phaser rattle and wear, Internal water pump failure. Power: 365 PS.

Explorer (EcoBoost-2.3-Gen1, 2016–2019) — Be Careful: Head gasket failure, Turbo wastegate failure, Intake valve carbon deposits. Power: 280 PS.

What to watch out for with the Ford Explorer? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Ford Explorer 5 have? +
The Ford Explorer 5 has 14 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Ford Explorer 5? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: Duratec35-TiVCT (3.5L V6 Ti-VCT), EcoBoost-2.0-GTDI (2.0L EcoBoost I4), EcoBoost-2.3-Gen1 (2.3L EcoBoost I4), EcoBoost-3.5-TT (3.5L EcoBoost V6 Twin-Turbo). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the EcoBoost-3.5-TT (3.5L EcoBoost V6 Twin-Turbo).
Which Ford Explorer 5 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Ford Explorer 5 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 365 hp twin-turbo V6 in the Explorer Sport — a wolf in family clothing. Brutal torque, great sound, AWD standard. Cam phasers and timing chain are the Achilles heel.
Is the Ford Explorer 5 worth buying used? +
The Ford Explorer 5 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Ford Explorer 5? +
The Ford Explorer 5 is available with engine variants from 243 to 370 hp. Petrol: Duratec35-TiVCT (3.5L V6 Ti-VCT), EcoBoost-2.0-GTDI (2.0L EcoBoost I4), EcoBoost-2.3-Gen1 (2.3L EcoBoost I4), EcoBoost-3.5-TT (3.5L EcoBoost V6 Twin-Turbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee