Which Ford Explorer years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2020 as the Explorer years with the most reported problems, led by 2016 with a complaint index of 100 and 14 recall campaigns.

Which Toyota Highlander years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023 as the Highlander's weaker years, with 2021 topping the list at a complaint index of 100 and 517 complaints.

Does the Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander have more complaints?

The Explorer has 15,150 total complaints (947 per model year) versus the Highlander's 3,549 total (222 per model year), and the Explorer also carries more recall campaigns, 93 versus 39.

Which SUV gets better fuel economy?

The Toyota Highlander averages 22 mpg combined across its model years versus 20.3 mpg combined for the Ford Explorer.

What are the top problem areas for each SUV?

For the Explorer, Steering (23%) and Structure & Body (22%) lead complaints. For the Highlander, Transmission & Powertrain (23%) and Engine (14%) lead complaints.

Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: Which Years to Avoid

Ford Explorer logs 15,150 total complaints and 93 recall campaigns across 2010-2025 (947 per model year), with 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2020 worth avoiding. Toyota Highlander shows far fewer complaints (3,549 total, 222 per model year, 39 recalls), but 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023 still stand out as its weaker years. Totals aren't sales-normalized.

Head to head

Ford Explorer

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 15,150
Per model year: 947
Recall campaigns: 93
Years to avoid: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2020
Best years: 2010, 2019, 2023, 2024
Top problem area: Steering
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 20.3
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.9 ★

Toyota Highlander

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 3,549
Per model year: 222
Recall campaigns: 39
Years to avoid: 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023
Best years: 2011, 2014, 2016, 2025
Top problem area: Transmission & Powertrain
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 22.0
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.8 ★

Year by year

Complaint Index is relative within each model (0 = that model’s best year, 100 = its worst). Complaints and recalls are raw counts.

Year	Explorer				Highlander
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2010	Best	113	1	16	Good	214	10	20
2011	Caution	1,197	6	19.5	Best	181	5	20
2012	Good	827	5	20	Good	182	2	20
2013	Avoid	2,234	11	19.5	Caution	207	3	20
2014	Caution	1,678	6	19.5	Best	135	4	21
2015	Avoid	1,791	8	19.5	Good	192	1	21
2016	Avoid	2,451	14	20	Best	110	2	21
2017	Caution	1,691	13	20	Caution	267	3	22.5
2018	Caution	731	7	20	Caution	265	4	22.5
2019	Best	296	6	20	Avoid	482	3	22.5
2020	Avoid	1,218	33	23.5	Caution	315	4	23
2021	Good	426	26	23	Avoid	517	4	23
2022	Good	267	24	22	Avoid	249	5	23
2023	Best	109	15	21	Avoid	181	9	24
2024	Best	21	10	20.5	Good	42	7	24
2025	Good	100	20	21	Best	10	4	24

Complaint Index by year

Ford Explorer

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Toyota Highlander

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Frequently asked questions

Which Ford Explorer years should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2020 as the Explorer years with the most reported problems, led by 2016 with a complaint index of 100 and 14 recall campaigns.
Which Toyota Highlander years should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023 as the Highlander's weaker years, with 2021 topping the list at a complaint index of 100 and 517 complaints.
Does the Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander have more complaints?: The Explorer has 15,150 total complaints (947 per model year) versus the Highlander's 3,549 total (222 per model year), and the Explorer also carries more recall campaigns, 93 versus 39.
Which SUV gets better fuel economy?: The Toyota Highlander averages 22 mpg combined across its model years versus 20.3 mpg combined for the Ford Explorer.
What are the top problem areas for each SUV?: For the Explorer, Steering (23%) and Structure & Body (22%) lead complaints. For the Highlander, Transmission & Powertrain (23%) and Engine (14%) lead complaints.