Was 2010 a good year for Ford Explorer?

In short, 2010 was not a standout year for the Ford Explorer. It carried forward an aging, traditional SUV design and did not receive a major update, while Ford prepared a sweeping redesign for the next generation. The year was more about continuity than celebration for the Explorer line.

Context: Explorer in 2010

2010 fell in a period when the automotive market was shifting away from large, truck-based SUVs toward more fuel-efficient crossovers. The Explorer that year remained a carryover from the previous generation, relying on a traditional body-on-frame layout and familiar V6 power, with three-row seating and rugged capabilities but slower to embrace newer technology and interior quality seen in newer rivals.

Before discussing the specifics, here are the main factors that defined the Explorer’s position in 2010.

• No major redesign or facelift for the 2010 model year; the lineup continued on the existing platform without a fresh styling upgrade.


• Continued use of a traditional SUV layout, which contrasted with the rising popularity of unibody crossovers.


• Engine and drivetrain options centered on a V6 with either two- or four-wheel drive configurations, prioritizing capability over efficiency.


• Interior materials and tech features lagged behind newer crossovers entering the market, affecting perceived value for some buyers.


• Ford framed 2011 as the turning point year, signaling a new generation with a unibody design and improved efficiency.

Taken together, these factors help explain why 2010 did not represent a peak year for the Explorer, but rather a hinge point toward a dramatically refreshed future.

Reception and Market Perspective

From critics to consumers, the 2010 Explorer was viewed as solid and capable but aging. Reviewers praised its spacious interior and traditional SUV strengths, while noting drawbacks in refinement, fuel economy, and modern-era amenities when stacked against newer crossovers.

Before summarizing the reception, consider these high-level takeaways from 2010-era coverage and consumer feedback.

• Positive aspects included roomy seating, strong towing capability for its class, and ruggedness suited to traditional SUV buyers.


• Negative critiques centered on an aging cabin design, limited new-technology features, and fuel economy that lagged some competitors.


• Safety ratings were generally acceptable, but not highlighted as exceptional compared with the latest crossovers of the period.

Overall, the 2010 Explorer earned a reputation as a dependable option for buyers who valued space and durability, but it did not keep pace with the rapid improvements in efficiency, technology, and interior quality seen in newer rivals. The coming redesign would aim to address these gaps.

Path Forward: The 2011 Redesign and Beyond

The 2011 Refresh: A Break with the Old Platform

Ford introduced the 2011 Explorer as a new generation built on a unibody platform, shifting away from the traditional truck-based approach. The redesign brought improved fuel economy, a more car-like driving experience, updated interior materials and technology, and a more competitive position within the growing crossover segment. This pivot marked a clear departure from the 2010 model year and signaled Ford’s intent to align Explorer with modern SUV trends rather than remain a holdover from a previous era.

In the years that followed, the Explorer’s market performance benefited from the shift to a lighter, more efficient architecture, with emphasis on five- to seven-passenger practicality and updated technology. Buyers who valued efficiency and interior comfort found the newer Explorer offerings more aligned with mainstream crossovers, while still delivering the versatility that has long defined the nameplate.

Summary

2010 was a transitional year for the Ford Explorer rather than a peak. It reflected Ford’s strategic pause before a comprehensive redesign that would redefine the model as a modern, unibody crossover. For readers evaluating the Explorer’s history, 2010 stands as the year that bridged the old era and the new, setting the stage for a more competitive entry in the market from 2011 onward.

What year did Ford Explorers have transmission problems?

Specifically, models from 2002 to 2010 are considered the most problematic, primarily due to transmission failures and other expensive repairs. The 2002-2006 Ford Explorers have some of the worst reliability ratings of any year, with many owners reporting frequent repairs and poor performance.

What year Explorer to stay away from?

You should stay away from the 2002–2006 Ford Explorer models due to frequent and expensive transmission problems, engine issues, and suspension wear. Other years to avoid include the 2016 and 2020 models, which have reported issues with electrical systems, faulty parts, and transmission problems. 
Model years to avoid

• 2002–2006: The third generation is widely considered the least reliable due to significant transmission failures, engine problems (like timing chain issues), and premature suspension wear. The 2002 model year has the highest number of overall complaints, primarily for its transmission. 
• 2016: This model year has been criticized for issues like faulty fuel tanks and suspension components, as well as poor rearward visibility and lack of interior storage. 
• 2020: As the first year of the current design, the 2020 model is noted for a high number of recalls, particularly involving transmission problems that can cause stalling and power loss. 

Other years with potential issues

• 2011–2019: This generation has drawn complaints about electrical system problems. 
• Early 2021 models: Some 2021 models built in late 2020 and early 2021 had issues, though later models made in late 2021 are generally considered more reliable. 

What year is the Ford Explorer the most reliable?

The most reliable Ford Explorer years include 2009, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023. These models are praised for fewer complaints and strong reliability ratings, representing a good balance of dependability with modern features and technology. 
Recommended reliable years

• 2009: Often cited for its strong reliability in the fourth generation, with minimal complaints and a robust build. 
• 2018–2019: These are the final years of the fifth generation and are known for good dependability and a blend of modern technology, including advanced safety features. 
• 2022–2023: Part of the sixth generation, these models benefit from the latest technology and strong engine options, with the 2023 model showing early signs of high reliability. 

Other good options

• 2007–2008: These models are reliable choices from the fourth generation that saw refinements to the previous year's design. 
• 2021: This model from the sixth generation receives praise for its solid day-to-day reliability and user-friendly technology. 

Years to be cautious of

• 2002–2004: The third generation is known for engine and transmission issues, particularly the 2002 model year. 
• 2011–2016: Some models in the fifth generation faced criticism for electrical system issues and other problems, with the 2016 model being particularly noted for poor visibility and difficult rear seat adjustments. 
• 2020: The first year of the sixth generation received lower reliability scores than the subsequent years. 

How many miles can a 2010 Ford Explorer last?

According to MotorBiscuit.com, the average Ford Explorer can last anywhere from 80,000 miles to 200,000 miles.