Ford Explorer Pre Purchase Inspection Guide
Exhaust smell in the cabin, internal water pump, and AWD transfer unit.
This Explorer is car-based, not truck-based, and it drives much better than the old ones.
Two things matter most — exhaust smell in the cabin and the water pump inside the engine.
- 3.5L V6
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6
- 2.0L EcoBoost 4-cyl (2012–2015)
- 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cyl (2016+)
Owners of these years reported exhaust fumes getting into the cabin, especially under hard acceleration. It was investigated by federal regulators.
WE CHECK We drive it hard with the vents on and smell for exhaust inside the car.
On the 3.5 V6 the water pump sits inside the engine. If it fails, coolant can get into the oil and destroy the engine.
WE CHECK We check the oil for coolant, look at coolant level and colour, and scan for overheating history.
The transfer unit on all-wheel-drive cars runs hot, has no service interval, and can whine and fail.
WE CHECK We listen for whine on the road test and check for leaks underneath.
The 6-speed automatic can shudder or shift harshly as fluid ages.
WE CHECK We road test every gear and feel for shudder at light throttle.
Some of these years were recalled for door latches that could let a door open while driving.
WE CHECK We test every door latch and check the VIN for the recall.
Certain early cars had steering-related recalls.
WE CHECK We check every open recall and test the steering at low and high speed.
- Drive it hard with the vents on and smell for exhaust
- Check the oil for any sign of coolant
- Listen for transfer unit whine on AWD cars
- Road test the transmission for shudder
- Confirm the door latch and steering recalls
Each year has its own guide — the engines, the transmission, and what changed that year.
A TSB is a note the maker sends to dealers about a known fix. They are not recalls. We check the bulletins so we know what to look for:
Cold-start noise, drivability, and idle issues for this vehicle. We test for each.
Shift quality and transmission fluid updates. We drive every gear.
Locks, wipers, infotainment, and trim items. Small, but good to know.
Counts are pulled from NHTSA's public Manufacturer Communications file. Full bulletins stay with the maker — we use the summaries to guide the inspection.
What is the exhaust smell problem?
Why does the water pump matter so much?
Where do you inspect?
Do you pull recalls?
We'll check it first
Pre-tagged for the Ford Explorer. One call and a tech is on it.
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Pre-tagged for the Ford Explorer.
Buying a Ford Explorer? Let us check it first.
Engine-specific checks, a live recall pull, and a clear report.