Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | −82% | 2 | Transmission | Good |
| 2017 | 9 | −29% | 2 | Body | Average |
| 2016 | 21 | 2.4× | — | Body | Caution |
| 2015 | 6 | −53% | — | Engine | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median Explorer Police Intercept year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford Explorer Police Intercept problems
Latest Ford Explorer Police Intercept recalls
Power train › Axle assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV, and 3.0L ST GAS vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Remedy: Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover, or update the electronic parking brake software. Repairs will be performed free of charge.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility and 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The affected vehicles contain windshield washer fluid that was contaminated with brake fluid.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush out the washer system, replacing the washer bottle neck, washer pump assembly, fluid level sensor and the front and rear wiper blades.
Seats › Mid/rear assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles. The affected vehicles may be missing the two front inboard attachments for the second row seats.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to verify that they have the second row seat attachment studs, installing them if not, free of charge. The recall began on August 14, 2017.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/supercharger
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge. The recall began on January 31, 2017.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford Explorer Police Intercept should you avoid?
2016 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Explorer Police Intercept years at the same age, led by body & structure problems in the 2016.
What is the best year for the Ford Explorer Police Intercept?
2020 has the fewest complaints compared with other Explorer Police Intercept years at the same age, followed by 2015 and 2017. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Ford Explorer Police Intercept problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the body & structure (9), engine & cooling (8) and steering (3). Body complaints peak in the 2016 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford Explorer Police Intercept had?
4 recalls across 2015–2020. The model year with the most is 2017. See all Ford Explorer Police Intercept recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.