The short answer
EPA lists 6 engine versions for the Explorer across 2016–2026. Match the VIN to the right row before you compare prices.
A used Ford Explorer can be Ford Blue Advantage certified: Gold (up to 6 years old, under 80,000 miles; 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive plus 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain) or Blue (up to 10 years, under 150,000 miles; 90 days/4,000 miles). Swant Graber Ford is a Ford Blue Advantage dealer: Swant Graber Ford, 1697 E Division Ave, Barron, 715-537-9500.
Used Explorer: what EPA lists by model year
| Model year | Engines EPA lists | Transmissions | Combined MPG, 4WD/AWD | Combined MPG, 2WD (FWD or RWD) | NHTSA recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo; 3.5L 6-cyl; 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | 18–21 | 20–22 | — |
| 2017 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo; 3.5L 6-cyl; 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | 18–21 | 20–22 | 14 |
| 2018 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo; 3.5L 6-cyl; 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | 18–21 | 20–22 | 7 |
| 2019 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo; 3.5L 6-cyl; 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | 18–21 | 20–22 | 6 |
| 2020 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo; 3.0L 6-cyl turbo; 3.3L 6-cyl; 3.3L 6-cyl hybrid | 10-speed automatic | 19–25 | 24–28 | 33 |
| 2021 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo; 3.0L 6-cyl turbo; 3.3L 6-cyl; 3.3L 6-cyl hybrid | 10-speed automatic | 19–25 | 21–27 | 26 |
| 2022 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo; 3.0L 6-cyl turbo; 3.3L 6-cyl; 3.3L 6-cyl hybrid | 10-speed automatic | 19–25 | 20–27 | 24 |
| 2023 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo; 3.0L 6-cyl turbo; 3.3L 6-cyl; 3.3L 6-cyl hybrid | 10-speed automatic | 20–25 | 20–27 | 15 |
| 2024 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo; 3.0L 6-cyl turbo; 3.3L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 20–23 | 20–24 | 10 |
| 2025 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo; 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 10-speed automatic | 20–23 | 21–24 | 20 |
| 2026 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo; 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 10-speed automatic | 20–23 | 21–24 | — |
EPA lists the 2WD Explorer as front-wheel drive through 2019 and rear-wheel drive from 2020, when the Explorer was redesigned. MPG is EPA combined. "—" means EPA lists no version in that column, or (recalls) the year is outside our 2017–2025 NHTSA pull. Recall counts are campaigns for the model and year (all trims); a specific vehicle may not be affected.
Where the lineup changed
- 2020: adds 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.3L 6-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl hybrid; drops 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo; new transmission listing: 10-speed automatic.
- 2024: drops 3.3L 6-cyl hybrid.
- 2025: drops 3.3L 6-cyl.
What to check on a used Explorer
- Best EPA combined rating in the 4WD/AWD column: 25 MPG (2023, 3.3L 6-cyl hybrid). Winter mileage in northwest Wisconsin runs lower.
- Hybrid versions: EPA lists a hybrid Explorer in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023.
- Match the VIN to the right row. The engine is coded in the VIN and printed on the original window sticker; ask us to decode it.
- Recalls: per-year campaign detail is in our used Explorer recalls by year guide. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls on any used vehicle.
- Gold or Blue? A Ford Explorer up to 6 years old with under 80,000 miles can be Gold Certified; up to 10 years and under 150,000 miles, Blue Certified. Ask which tier a specific vehicle is in.
Ford Blue Advantage: which tier?
Swant Graber Ford is a Ford Blue Advantage dealer. Ford's tiers: Gold Certified is for Ford models no more than 6 years old with under 80,000 miles (172-point inspection; 12-month/12,000-mile Comprehensive and 7-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranties). Blue Certified covers vehicles up to 10 years old with under 150,000 miles (139-point inspection; 90-day/4,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty). Swant Graber Ford participates in the 14-day/1,000-mile Money Back Guarantee; Ford's conditions apply. Used vehicles that aren't certified get our coverage: 45 days / 5,000 miles powertrain, on used units 10 model years or newer with under 150,000 miles. See dealer for details.
Checklist
Before you buy a used Explorer
6 itemsYour ticks are saved only in this browser. Print or screenshot the list to bring it along.
Swant Graber Appearance Package, $1,399 (optional): Xzylon protection with a 7-year exterior/interior warranty against bugs, tar and road grime, paint protection, fabric protection, 5-year windshield protection and rustproofing for doors and body panels. It is never pre-installed or added to the price; we sell at invoice with no dealer add-ons. Package details.
At a glance
Recall campaigns by model year
| Model year | Campaigns | Components named most (campaigns) |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 14 | Suspension (4), Structure (4), Seats (2) |
| 2018 | 7 | Structure (3), Seats (1), Fuel system (gas) (1) |
| 2019 | 6 | Structure (3), Seats (1), Equipment (1) |
| 2020 | 33 | Rear camera / backover (9), Powertrain (7), Seat belts (3) |
| 2021 | 26 | Rear camera / backover (7), Powertrain (5), Engine (2) |
| 2022 | 24 | Rear camera / backover (6), Powertrain (5), Fuel system (gas) (3) |
| 2023 | 15 | Rear camera / backover (6), Equipment (2), Seats (2) |
| 2024 | 10 | Equipment (2), Seats (2), Rear camera / backover (2) |
| 2025 | 20 | Powertrain (3), Engine and cooling (3), Seats (3) |
The campaigns that cover the most model years
| NHTSA campaign | Component | Model years covered (2017–2025) | What NHTSA says could happen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24V852000 | Equipment | 2020–2025 | Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash. |
| 25V393000 | Seats | 2020–2025 | A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury. |
| 25V685000 | Equipment | 2017–2018, 2020–2023 | An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 26V159000 | Seat belts | 2020–2025 | A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 26V451000 | Seats | 2020–2025 | A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 25V442000 | Rear camera / backover | 2020–2024 | A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. |
| 26V123000 | Rear camera / backover | 2020–2024 | An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V022000 | Rear camera / backover | 2020–2023 | Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Newest campaigns (filed in 2026)
Recalls keep arriving years after a vehicle is built. These were filed with NHTSA in 2026, so a used vehicle checked last year may need a fresh look:
- 26V470000, filed July 21, 2026: Seats, model years 2025. Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
- 26V448000, filed July 14, 2026: Structure, model years 2017–2019. A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 26V451000, filed July 14, 2026: Seats, model years 2020–2025. A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- 26V402000, filed June 24, 2026: Powertrain, model years 2020–2021. Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 26V371000, filed June 9, 2026: Powertrain, model years 2024. A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
- 26V343000, filed May 27, 2026: Engine and cooling, model years 2025. A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Sources: https://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/recallsByVehicle?make=ford&model=EXPLORER&modelYea · https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/trans/139/04/6/a · https://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/recallsByVehicle?make=ford&model=EXPLORER&modelYea · https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/trans/139/04/6/a
What to check on a certified Explorer
EPA lists 6 Explorer engine versions across 2016–2026; the 2020 model year switched to a 10-speed automatic. Year-by-year engines and recalls: used Ford Explorer guide.
More questions
How many recalls does the Ford Explorer have?
For 2017–2025 model years, NHTSA lists 77 distinct recall campaigns as of Oct. 11, 2026. 2020 has the most (33). Counts change as new campaigns are filed.
Which used Explorer year has the fewest recalls?
In NHTSA's data, 2019 has the fewest (6). Newer model years have had less time to collect recalls, so a low count isn't proof a year is better.
Are recall repairs free on a used vehicle?
Yes. Safety-recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer of that brand, regardless of who owns the vehicle. Ours: Swant Graber Ford.
Does a high recall count mean the vehicle is unreliable?
Not on its own. Recall counts don't reflect how many vehicles each campaign covers or how serious it is. Check whether the specific VIN's recalls are done, and look at service records and a pre-purchase inspection.
Does Swant Graber Ford sell certified used Explorers?
Yes, qualifying Explorers as Gold or Blue Certified.
Used Ford Explorer recalls by model year, 2017–2025
NHTSA's recall database lists 77 distinct safety-recall campaigns that cover at least one 2017–2025 Ford Explorer model year, as of Oct. 11, 2026. 2020 has the most (33); the components named most often are Rear camera / backover, Powertrain, Suspension and Fuel system (gas).
Questions
Can a used Ford Explorer be Ford Blue Advantage certified?
Yes, if it meets Ford's rules: Gold Certified for Ford models up to 6 years old with under 80,000 miles; Blue Certified for vehicles up to 10 years old with under 150,000 miles. Swant Graber Ford is a Ford Blue Advantage dealer.
What MPG does a used Explorer get?
EPA combined ratings in our 4WD/AWD column run 18–25 MPG across 2016–2026, depending on engine and year. Real winter mileage is lower.
Does Swant Graber Ford offer the Money Back Guarantee?
Yes. Swant Graber Ford participates in Ford Blue Advantage's 14-day/1,000-mile Money Back Guarantee. Ford's conditions apply: return the vehicle within 14 days or 1,000 miles of the original sale date, whichever comes first, in the same condition as sold.
Next steps at Swant Graber
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge): 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford: 1697 E Division Ave, 715-537-9500. Search new or used inventory, or see shop near you for model-by-model answers.
