Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2026, owners filed an average of 781 complaints per model year about the Ford Explorer and 219 about the Toyota Highlander.
Side by side
| Ford Explorer | Toyota Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2026 | 2006-2026 |
| Owner complaints | 16,393 | 4,608 |
| Complaints per model year | 781 | 219 |
| Recalls | 104 | 45 |
| Years to avoid | 20132014201520162017 | 20192021 |
| Best years | 200720192022 | 200720092016 |
| Most common problem | Steering | Transmission |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 19-24 mpg combined (2026) | 24-35 mpg combined (2026) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Explorer | Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 3,532 | 296 |
| Body | 3,203 | 375 |
| Engine | 2,532 | 539 |
| Transmission | 1,979 | 921 |
| Electrical | 1,263 | 560 |
| Driver assistance | 845 | 195 |
| Brakes | 438 | 649 |
| Fuel system | 756 | 336 |
Questions about the Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
Which is more reliable, the Ford Explorer or the Toyota Highlander?
Between 2006 and 2026, the Ford Explorer has 5 years to avoid and the Toyota Highlander 2. The Toyota Highlander has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Toyota Highlander drew fewer complaints per model year (219 vs 781), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Explorer or the Toyota Highlander?
From 2006 to 2026, the Ford Explorer was covered by 104 recalls and the Toyota Highlander by 45.
What years of the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander should you avoid?
Ford Explorer: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Toyota Highlander: 2019 and 2021.
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