Vehicle 1

FORD Explorer

0 complaints · 0 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Highlander

2,122 complaints · 44 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: The Explorer has 0 complaints and 0 recalls over 10 years, while the Highlander has 2,122 complaints and 44 recalls. The Highlander's top issue is power train (649 complaints). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
FORD Explorer
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota Highlander
no category wins
CategoryFORD ExplorerToyota Highlander
Total Complaints
All years combined
0
✓ lower
2,122
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
0
✓ lower
44
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
0
✓ lower
115
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
0.0
✓ lower
212.2

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

FORD Explorer

No component data available

Toyota Highlander

1. POWER TRAIN649
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER340
3. SERVICE BRAKES263
4. ENGINE241
5. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM207
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Ford Explorer has zero complaints and recalls over 10 years, while the Toyota Highlander averages 212.2 complaints per year. This suggests the Explorer may have fewer reported issues, but low complaint volume doesn't guarantee long-term reliability.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize a model with minimal reported problems, the Ford Explorer appears cleaner. If you prefer a vehicle with a longer track record and are willing to investigate common issues like power train or brake complaints, the Highlander might still be acceptable after a thorough inspection.

Key Differences
  • Ford Explorer: 0 total complaints vs Toyota Highlander: 2,122 complaints over 10 years.
  • Ford Explorer: 0 recalls vs Toyota Highlander: 44 recalls.
  • Toyota Highlander's top issue is power train (649 complaints), which is absent in the Explorer.
  • Toyota Highlander has 115 crash complaints; Ford Explorer has none.
⚠ Watch on FORD Explorer
  • No complaints or recalls may indicate low reporting, not necessarily flawless design.
  • Check for any hidden service bulletins or common issues not captured in NHTSA data.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Highlander
  • High number of power train complaints (649) could indicate transmission or drivetrain problems.
  • Service brake complaints (263) suggest potential braking system issues.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Obtain a vehicle history report for any accidents or title issues.
  • Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.
  • Check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
  • Test drive both vehicles, paying attention to transmission smoothness and brake feel.
  • Review owner forums for common problems not reflected in NHTSA data.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

FORD ExplorerToyota Highlander
2026
0
1
2025
0
7
2024
0
38
2023
0
157
2022
0
210
2021
0
451
2020
0
289
2019
0
458
2018
0
253
2017
0
258
FORD Explorer vs Toyota Highlander — comparison facts
Comparison
FORD Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
FORD Explorer total complaints
0
Toyota Highlander total complaints
2,122
FORD Explorer total recalls
0
Toyota Highlander total recalls
44
FORD Explorer avg complaints/year
0.0
Toyota Highlander avg complaints/year
212.2
More reliable overall
FORD Explorer
Toyota Highlander top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

FORD Explorer Reliability & Problems

0 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota Highlander Reliability & Problems

2,122 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific FORD Explorer or Toyota Highlander?

Run a free VIN check to see that exact car's accident history, open recalls, and title records.