Ford Explorer
2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with gasoline direct injection (GTDI). 240 hp, 270 lb-ft. Compact turbo alternative to the V6 in the Explorer V. Prone to coolant intrusion through head gasket failure — open-deck design weakness. Repair often requires a complete long block replacement.
Sensible choice
240 hp turbo four-cylinder in a 2-ton SUV — enough to keep up with traffic but no thrill ride. Better on fuel than the V6. Coolant intrusion risk clouds the picture.
Engine Weaknesses 3
Design flaw: open deck coolant slots in the block give the head gasket insufficient sealing surface. Under boost and heat cycling, the gasket extrudes and coolant enters the combustion chamber. Fix usually requires long block replacement. Ford TSB 19-2172.
Symptoms: Unexplained coolant loss, white exhaust smoke, rough running on cold start, DTCs P0300-P0304, P1299.
Turbocharger can fail from bearing oil leaks or wastegate malfunction. Loss of power and increased oil consumption. With complete failure, the engine is barely drivable.
Symptoms: Whining noise on acceleration, power loss, blue exhaust smoke, boost pressure loss.
Direct injection means no fuel wash over intake valves. Carbon deposits restrict airflow, causing power loss and rough running. Walnut blasting every 50,000-60,000 miles is the recommended prevention.
Symptoms: Gradual power loss, rough idle, increased fuel consumption, occasional hesitation at low RPM.
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
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.
The electric power steering can fail intermittently — steering suddenly becomes heavy. NHTSA recall 14V286000 for 2011-2013 models. Software update and potential steering gear assembly replacement as the fix.
Cracked exhaust manifolds allow fumes into the engine bay and through the HVAC into the cabin. Worst under hard acceleration with recirculation mode on. NHTSA investigated 1.3 million vehicles. Ford TSB 16-0166, Customer Service Program CSP-17N03.
Ford recalls 412,774 Explorers model years 2017-2019 — rear toe links can fracture. NHTSA recall 26V101 / Ford 26S08. Cross-axis ball joint seizure causes excessive stress. Dealers replace with reinforced toe links at no cost.
The aluminum hood corrodes under the paint — iron particles from manufacturing attack the aluminum. Blistering and peeling along the hood edges. Particularly affects 2013-2016 models. Ford TSB 17-0062, but no official recall.
The blend door actuator behind the dashboard fails frequently — rhythmic clicking and incorrect temperature distribution result. Part itself is cheap ($70), but labor costs are high if the dashboard must be removed.
Liftgate motor or gas strut fails — tailgate no longer opens automatically or drops down. Common wear item starting around 50,000 miles.