Ford Explorer
2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost. Makes 280 hp in Explorer V (2016-2019), 300 hp in Explorer VI (2020+), and 270 hp in Ranger (2019-2024). Head gasket remains the primary concern — Ford redesigned the block in 2020, replacing open coolant slots with drilled passages. Ranger applications are less affected than early Mustang/Focus RS blocks. Check intake valve carbon deposits every 50,000-60,000 miles.
Well-powered
280 hp from four cylinders — the 2.3 EcoBoost offers a good power-to-efficiency balance in the Explorer V. Strong low-end torque. Watch for the head gasket issue.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The most common and expensive 2.3L EcoBoost failure. The slotted groove block design (2015-2019) gives the head gasket insufficient sealing surface. Ford redesigned the block for 2020 with cross-drilled passages — failure rate dropped significantly.
Symptoms: Engine overheating, rapid coolant loss without visible leaks, white exhaust smoke, bubbling in coolant reservoir.
Wastegate clip or mechanism fails, boost pressure is no longer properly regulated. Can cause overboosting or power loss. Ford TSBs 16-0121 and 16-0122 address the problem.
Symptoms: Boost fluctuations, boost pressure warning, power loss under load, metallic rattling from turbo area.
Direct injection leads to carbon buildup on intake valves. Ford does not recommend scheduled cleaning, but deposits become noticeable at 40,000-60,000 miles. Walnut blasting costs $400-$800 and restores full performance.
Symptoms: Gradual power loss, rough idle, increased fuel consumption, occasional stumble at low load.
Spark plugs wear faster under turbo boost than in naturally aspirated engines. By 40,000 miles electrode gaps can widen, especially under wide-open throttle. Ignition coils occasionally fail simultaneously.
Symptoms: Misfires on acceleration, rough idle, check engine light, power loss.
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.