Ford Explorer

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 12 model years from 1,074 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

83%

Total Tests

1,074

Highest Pass Rate

1999 (81%)

Years Covered

About the Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer was MOT tested 1,074 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 12 model years (1997 to 2016), with an average pass rate of 83%. That's slightly above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1999 model has the highest pass rate at 81% from 203 tests. The 1998 model has the lowest at 66%. The 15 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Ford Explorers pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1997) averages 104,130 miles, while the newest (2016) averages 89,490 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3500cc)

£1,958

Road Tax

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£3,153

Per month£263/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2016 details

How reliable is the Ford Explorer?

vs average of all models+1% (82% avg)

vs Ford brand average-2% (85% avg)

Best to worst year spread15 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Ford Explorer by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2016	88%	32	89,490 mi
2014	89%	44	97,646 mi
2013	89%	61	84,193 mi
2012	100%	38	84,961 mi
2005	89%	92	72,400 mi
2004	78%	69	77,520 mi
2003	88%	49	93,976 mi
2002	73%	33	83,397 mi
2000	73%	158	91,142 mi
1999	81%	203	114,067 mi
1998	66%	197	109,272 mi
1997	76%	98	104,130 mi

Questions about the Ford Explorer

Is the Ford Explorer reliable?

Across its 12 model years in our data (1997 to 2016), the Ford Explorer averages an 83% MOT pass rate, from 1,074 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1999 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 81%.

Which year Ford Explorer has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1999 Ford Explorer has the highest MOT pass rate at 81%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 66%, a 15 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.