Which Toyota 4Runner years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2023 and 2025 as Avoid years for the 4Runner, based on complaint index and recall counts relative to other 4Runner years.

Which Ford Explorer years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2020 as Avoid years for the Explorer. No Explorer model year earns a Good or Best verdict because of heavy recall activity across the lineup.

Does the Ford Explorer have more complaints than the 4Runner?

Yes. NHTSA lists 16,668 total Explorer complaints across 21 model years (794 per model year) versus 2,124 total 4Runner complaints (101 per model year), though this is not adjusted for how many of each were sold.

Which SUV gets better fuel economy, the 4Runner or Explorer?

EPA data shows the Explorer averages 19.1 mpg combined across its model years versus 17.8 mpg combined for the 4Runner.

Why doesn't any Ford Explorer year get a Good or Best verdict?

Several Explorer model years carry verdict caps due to large numbers of recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit, such as 33 recalls in 2020 and 26 in 2021, which pull verdicts down even when the complaint index is lower.

Toyota 4Runner vs Ford Explorer: Which Years to Avoid

Toyota 4Runner years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2023 and 2025, with best years 2013, 2017, 2021 and 2024. Ford Explorer has no Good or Best year; its recall-heavy 2013-2017 and 2020 model years are its worst, and no Explorer year escapes a Caution or Avoid verdict.

Head to head

Toyota 4Runner

Model years: 2005–2025 (21)
NHTSA complaints: 2,124
Per model year: 101
Recall campaigns: 36
Years to avoid: 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2023, 2025
Best years: 2013, 2017, 2021, 2024
Top problem area: Structure & Body
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 17.8
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.0 ★

Ford Explorer

Model years: 2005–2025 (21)
NHTSA complaints: 16,668
Per model year: 794
Recall campaigns: 96
Years to avoid: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020
Best years: —
Top problem area: Structure & Body
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 19.1
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.9 ★

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	4Runner				Explorer
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2005	Avoid	425	5	16.5	Good	497	0	15
2006	Avoid	381	5	16.5	Good	630	1	15
2007	Caution	154	5	17	Good	208	1	15.5
2008	Caution	96	5	17	Good	148	1	15.5
2009	Good	22	6	17	Good	33	0	16
2010	Avoid	145	12	19	Good	115	1	16
2011	Avoid	163	10	19	Caution	1,197	6	19.5
2012	Caution	96	8	19	Caution	827	5	20
2013	Best	36	6	18	Avoid	2,234	11	19.5
2014	Good	77	7	18	Avoid	1,678	6	19.5
2015	Caution	86	9	18	Avoid	1,791	8	19.5
2016	Caution	79	8	18	Avoid	2,451	14	20
2017	Best	36	5	18	Avoid	1,691	13	20
2018	Good	58	5	18	Caution	731	7	20
2019	Good	65	4	18	Good	296	6	20
2020	Good	33	1	17	Avoid	1,218	33	23.5
2021	Best	36	1	17	Caution	426	26	23
2022	Caution	39	3	17	Caution	267	24	22
2023	Avoid	32	1	17	Caution	109	15	21
2024	Best	8	1	17	Caution	21	10	20.5
2025	Avoid	57	1	22	Caution	100	20	21

Complaint Index by year

Frequently asked questions

Which Toyota 4Runner years should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2023 and 2025 as Avoid years for the 4Runner, based on complaint index and recall counts relative to other 4Runner years.
Which Ford Explorer years should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2020 as Avoid years for the Explorer. No Explorer model year earns a Good or Best verdict because of heavy recall activity across the lineup.
Does the Ford Explorer have more complaints than the 4Runner?: Yes. NHTSA lists 16,668 total Explorer complaints across 21 model years (794 per model year) versus 2,124 total 4Runner complaints (101 per model year), though this is not adjusted for how many of each were sold.
Which SUV gets better fuel economy, the 4Runner or Explorer?: EPA data shows the Explorer averages 19.1 mpg combined across its model years versus 17.8 mpg combined for the 4Runner.
Why doesn't any Ford Explorer year get a Good or Best verdict?: Several Explorer model years carry verdict caps due to large numbers of recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit, such as 33 recalls in 2020 and 26 in 2021, which pull verdicts down even when the complaint index is lower.