Head-to-head reliability
FORD Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
How the FORD Explorer and Toyota Highlander compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
FORD Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: The Explorer averages 491.9 complaints per year and has 169 recalls, while the Highlander averages 235.6 complaints per year and has 45 recalls. Both have crash-related reports and injuries, but the Highlander has 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Explorer or Toyota Highlander more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a popular three-row SUV with a high complaint volume—about 492 per year over the past decade—and 169 recalls, suggesting frequent trips to the dealer for fixes. Owners report a wide range of issues, from structural problems like exploding glass roofs to power train failures that can cause loss of drive or reverse. With 138 crash-related complaints and 167 injuries, the data indicates that some failures may have serious consequences. Living with an Explorer means staying on top of recalls and being alert for transmission, engine, and electrical gremlins.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV with roughly half the annual complaint rate of the Explorer—about 236 per year—and far fewer recalls (45). However, owners describe troubling power train issues, especially with the 8-speed automatic transmission, which can stall or fail internally. Brake problems where the pedal goes to the floor and fuel odors are also reported. Despite fewer complaints overall, the Highlander has one death and 138 injuries in crash-related reports, so some defects can be severe.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Explorer | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,919 | 2,356 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 169 | 45 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 138 | 129 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 491.9 | 235.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 167 | 138 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
FORD Explorer
- 01STRUCTURE1,196
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER992
- 03POWER TRAIN912
- 04ENGINE567
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM481
Owners report the glass roof (panoramic sunroof) shattering unexpectedly while driving, with no apparent cause. This can send glass into the cabin and startle the driver, creating a safety hazard.
Complaints include transmissions that fail to engage reverse or drive, sometimes accompanied by a loud pop and rear-end wobble. Another report describes improperly installed engine camshaft roller finger followers that can cause engine failure. These issues can leave you stranded or cause loss of control.
Some owners report the driver's seat memory moving on its own while driving, which could distract the driver and increase crash risk. Engine-related complaints also include the camshaft roller finger follower defect that may lead to engine stalling or damage.
Electrical problems appear in the top five complaint categories, though specific examples in the sample include a 360-degree camera system that was missing or malfunctioning despite being part of the advertised package. Such defects can affect visibility and parking safety.
“The glass roof exploded while traveling down the road. No cause for failure present.”
Toyota Highlander
- 01POWER TRAIN765
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER378
- 03SERVICE BRAKES279
- 04ENGINE255
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM220
The 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) is a recurring trouble spot. Owners report stalling on the highway, failure to engage reverse or drive, and internal transmission failure, often requiring replacement. This can happen at low mileage and poses a serious safety risk.
Several drivers say the brakes sometimes don't engage until the pedal is nearly to the floor, with a dashboard warning flashing. This has nearly caused accidents, making it a critical concern for anyone test-driving or owning the vehicle.
Owners notice a strong fuel vapor smell from the rear driver's side, especially after long drives or on hot days. The odor can enter the cabin through the vents, which is unpleasant and potentially indicates a fuel leak or EVAP system issue.
Some complaints describe a loud bang while driving, as if the car was hit, with no external cause found. This suggests possible structural or suspension noises that could signal a hidden defect.
“Detailed Description of the Incident: I am reporting a recurring powertrain safety issue regarding the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) in my vehicle. [Symptoms] During cold-start conditions (outside temperatures below 30°F), the vehicle consisten…”
“The vehicle started stalling out randomly on the highway even with it being automatic, after getting home and parking it , it would not back up or drive . Took it to Toyota dealership and they said it’s an internal failure of the transmission which is a UA80…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
FORD Explorer — 169 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.3L Hybrid engines. The 12-Volt battery cable may chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generat (BiSG) and short circuit.
The risk: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install a tie strap between the battery cable and high voltage cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement…
The risk: 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.
The fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
The risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford'…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2…
The risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations ca…
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Toyota Highlander — 45 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner…
The risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charg…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or d…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's nu…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The third row center seat belt roof anchor may have been installed at an incorrect angle, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant.
The risk: A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reinstall the seat belt anchor with a new bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA16.
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
The risk: A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's nu…
Buyer analysis
FORD Explorer or Toyota Highlander: which should you buy?
The Toyota Highlander has fewer complaints per year (about 236 vs. 492) and far fewer recalls (45 vs. 169), so on paper it appears less troublesome. However, the Highlander's reported power train and brake issues can be severe, including transmission failure and brake pedal fade. The Explorer's higher volume means more chances for problems, but many are structural or electrical rather than immobilizing.
Key differences
- The Explorer has more than double the annual complaint rate (491.9 vs. 235.6) and nearly four times as many recalls (169 vs. 45).
- Explorer owners frequently report structural issues like exploding glass roofs, while Highlander owners more often report power train and brake problems.
- Highlander complaints include transmission stalling and brake pedal failure, which can be sudden and dangerous; Explorer complaints include transmission engagement failures and engine defects.
- The Explorer has 0 deaths and 167 injuries in crash-related reports, while the Highlander has 1 death and 138 injuries, showing that both can be involved in serious incidents.
- Inspect the panoramic sunroof for cracks or signs of stress, and ask if it has ever shattered or been replaced.
- Test the transmission thoroughly: shift into reverse and drive multiple times, listen for pops, and feel for hesitation or wobble when braking.
- Check for transmission shudder or delayed engagement, especially when cold, and ask if the 8-speed automatic has been serviced or replaced.
- Test the brakes at low speed to ensure the pedal doesn't sink toward the floor, and look for any dashboard brake warning lights.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle and confirm they have been fixed.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds, reversing, and braking from different speeds to feel for transmission or brake issues.
- For the Explorer, open and close the sunroof and inspect the glass for any chips or cracks; for the Highlander, sniff for fuel odors near the rear after driving.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially any transmission fluid changes or brake repairs, and have a trusted mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection.
- Check the complaint history for the exact model year you're considering, as some years may have more reports than others.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | FORD Explorer | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 38 | 0 |
| 2025 | 101 | 10 |
| 2024 | 21 | 42 |
| 2023 | 110 | 182 |
| 2022 | 267 | 259 |
| 2021 | 430 | 523 |
| 2020 | 1221 | 317 |
| 2019 | 298 | 489 |
| 2018 | 730 | 267 |
| 2017 | 1703 | 267 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific FORD Explorer or Toyota Highlander in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
- FORD Explorer total complaints
- 4,919
- Toyota Highlander total complaints
- 2,356
- FORD Explorer total recalls
- 169
- Toyota Highlander total recalls
- 45
- FORD Explorer avg complaints/year
- 491.9
- Toyota Highlander avg complaints/year
- 235.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Highlander
- FORD Explorer top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Toyota Highlander top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN