What is the best year for a Ford Explorer?

The Explorer's complaint history is one of the most volatile in the three-row class. Avoid 2013-2015 (2,214, 1,666, and 1,728 complaints respectively — the exhaust fume intrusion era), 2017 (1,648 complaints), and 2020 (1,136 complaints at the sixth-generation launch). The 2024 Explorer (16 complaints, 10/10 safety, 0 severe) is the best year on record by a wide margin. The 2023 (94, 10/10, 7 severe) is also strong.

How much does Ford Explorer insurance cost?

Explorer insurance averages around $2,461/year — roughly $205/month.

Is the Ford Explorer or Chevrolet Traverse cheaper to maintain?

The Traverse is cheaper to maintain by $76/year — $656 versus $732 for the Explorer. But the Explorer has a higher reliability score (7 vs. 6), lower major repair probability (14% vs. 18%), and much lower repair frequency (24% vs. 43%). More expensive annually, but a meaningfully lower risk and visit-frequency profile.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Ford Explorer?

Repair frequency of 24% is the lowest in the three-row segment — a significant positive. For 2023 and newer models, the Explorer's dramatically improved complaint trajectory makes extended warranty unnecessary. However, the severe documented complaint spikes across 2013-2015, 2017, and 2020 make coverage essential for used models from those years.

Is the Nissan Armada expensive to maintain?

The Armada averages $550/year in maintenance — $234 below the fullsize segment average of $784, by far the lowest in the class. Major repair probability of 13% is well below the 15% norm. Reliability score of 7 is above the segment average of 6. Repair frequency of 42% is slightly above the class average of 40%. On cost and reliability, the Armada outperforms the fullsize class significantly.

What is the best year for a Nissan Armada?

The Armada has maintained consistently low complaint counts throughout its production. The 2024 model (4 complaints, 8/10 safety, 0 severe) is the best on record. The 2023-2024 window is the strongest. Earlier years from 2010-2015 also showed very low activity — under 50 complaints annually. Note that complaint data has gaps in our records for 2016-2019 and 2022.

How much does Nissan Armada insurance cost?

Armada insurance averages around $2,642/year — roughly $220/month. Toward the higher end for fullsize despite its favorable maintenance costs.

Is the Nissan Armada or Chevrolet Tahoe cheaper to maintain?

The Armada is cheaper to maintain by $194/year — $550 versus $744 for the Chevrolet Tahoe, nearly $1,000 in savings over five years. The Armada also has a lower major repair probability (13% vs. 16%). The Tahoe has lower repair frequency (30% vs. 42%) and stronger resale value. On pure maintenance cost, the Armada wins decisively.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Nissan Armada?

Major repair probability of 13% is well below the fullsize class average, and reliability score of 7 is above it. The lowest-risk ownership profile in the fullsize segment. Extended warranty isn't strongly warranted — self-insuring is the better financial choice.

Ford Explorer vs Nissan Armada

Two three-row SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Nissan Armada to minimise 5-year ownership cost.

Buy the Nissan Armada if long-term reliability matters most.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Ford Explorer	Nissan Armada
Annual maintenance	$732	$550winner
5-year total cost	$3,660	$2,750winner
Reliability score	7 / 10	7 / 10
Major repair risk (5yr)	14%	13%winner
Cargo space	85.3 cu ft	97.1 cu ftwinner
Starting price (new)	$41,300winner	$60,900
Best years to buy	2010, 2023, 2024	2014

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Ford Explorer	Nissan Armada
RepairPal score	7 / 10	7 / 10
NHTSA complaints / 100k	452.2	104.8winner
Years to avoid	2011, 2013, 2014	2010, 2011, 2013
Value retained · 3 yr	72.5%winner	58.5%
Value retained · 5 yr	49.9%winner	43%
Value retained · 7 yr	39.6%winner	32.8%

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Ford Explorer	Nissan Armada
Engine	14.1%	6.1%winner
Electrical	4.1%winner	14.3%
ADAS	3.3%winner	6.1%
Brakes	1.7%winner	12.9%
Suspension	2.5%winner	2.7%
Steering	22.1%	4.1%winner
Fuel system	2.8%winner	4.8%
Tires/Wheels	1.6%	—winner
Glass/Windows	3.0%winner	3.4%
Airbags	2.6%winner	15.0%
Seatbelt	—winner	4.1%

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Ford Explorer	Nissan Armada
Avg annual premium	$2,461winner	$2,642

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Ford Explorer

$732/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Nissan Armada

$550/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

The Explorer costs $732/year to maintain — $159 above the three-row segment average of $573. Repair frequency of 24% is well below the class average of 40% — the lowest in the three-row segment. Reliability score of 7 matches the segment average, and major repair probability of 14% is slightly above the 13% norm. Well above-average cost, but notably fewer unscheduled shop visits than class rivals.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →