Vehicle 1

Toyota Highlander

2,122 complaints · 44 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

FORD Explorer

0 complaints · 0 recalls

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

Toyota Highlander vs FORD Explorer: The Highlander has 2122 complaints (212.2/year) and 44 recalls, with top issues in power train and brakes. The Explorer has zero complaints and recalls. Buyers should weigh the Highlander's documented issues against the Explorer's lack of data. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

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

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Toyota Highlander

1. POWER TRAIN649
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER340
3. SERVICE BRAKES263
4. ENGINE241
5. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM207

FORD Explorer

No component data available

🤖
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 the Highlander's data reflects real-world usage.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize a long track record with known issues you can inspect, the Highlander offers transparency. If you want a vehicle with no reported complaints, the Explorer is appealing, but verify its history thoroughly as zero complaints may indicate low reporting.

Key Differences
  • Toyota Highlander: 2122 total complaints vs Ford Explorer: 0.
  • Highlander has 44 recalls; Explorer has 0.
  • Highlander's top issue is power train (649 complaints); Explorer has no top issues.
  • Highlander has 115 crash complaints; Explorer has 0.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Highlander
  • Check for power train problems, especially transmission or drivetrain issues.
  • Inspect service brakes and engine for reported failures.
⚠ Watch on FORD Explorer
  • Zero complaints may indicate low owner reporting; get a professional inspection.
  • Verify recall history and service records to ensure no hidden issues.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Obtain a vehicle history report for both models.
  • Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.
  • Test drive to feel for transmission or brake issues on the Highlander.
  • Check for open recalls on the Highlander via NHTSA.
  • For the Explorer, contact previous owners or dealers for any unreported problems.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

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

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Toyota Highlander Reliability & Problems

2,122 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

FORD Explorer Reliability & Problems

0 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Toyota Highlander or FORD Explorer?

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