What's Wrong with the 2nd Generation (1995–2001) Explorer?

Explorer owners have made 940 complaints about the 1995–2001 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 76th out of 94 Ford generations in overall reliability, with some transmission and engine concerns.

Compare With Other Explorer Generations

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

2nd Generation (1995–2001) Explorer Key Numbers

  1. 7 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 940 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 76th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 94 eligible generations.

Recent 2nd Generation (1995–2001) Explorer News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. A jury has blamed Ford for concealing dangers that could have prevented a 1998 Explorer rollover crash.

    According to the lawsuit, concerned Ford engineers wanted to change the design of the 1998 Explorer to stop rollovers. Ford refused and switched to computer simulated rollover tests instead. Ford will appeal the jury’s decision to award $151 million to an Alabama man who was paralyzed in a 2015 rollover crash.

    keep reading article "Jury Blames Ford for Covering Up Rollover Problems"