Any differences bt 2013 and 2018/19?

[EmWatson]

I love my 2013 Explorer AWD but we've had costly repairs once we hit ~100,000 miles: PTU replacement, CV joints, AC issues and others that I'm forgetting the details of. The Service Engine light always comes on and no one is really sure why (may be an electrical issue) so when it comes on we now tend to ignore it, which isn't good. Now the Touch system and camera are glitching.

We're shopping for a new car and I really love the size of the Explorer. It is my favorite of the 3rd row mid-size SUVs but husband is leaning toward Honda. Our Odessey was near 200,000 miles before we encountered real problems. However, I think these AWD vehicles may have more problems in general so not sure if Explorer vs. Odessey is comparing apples to apples... thoughts?

Have there been any changes in design of Explorer that anyone's aware of that may have addressed some of these issues? Particularly the PTU (as that was the most costly.)

 

[peterk9]

I believe the 2018/19 Explorers are much the same. I also believe that the newer Explorers have an updated PTU although I can't vouch for any increased reliability. The 2020 Explorer which will be a redesign should be out in about a year. It will be rear wheel drive with AWD available. It will also have the longitudinally placed engine so hopefully that means the water pump will no longer be inside the engine. That has caused many expensive repairs which included in many cases an engine replacement.
2018+ have LED hi and lo beams. I suggest going to the Ford website to check out the 2018 models and perhaps use their Build & Price program to see what is available compared to what you have now.

Peter

 

[EmWatson]

Do any of the warranties cover the more costly repairs like PTU and water pump/engine replacements... especially at higher mileage? Our PTU didn't start evidencing issues until around 70,000-90,000, I think (although I've heard of others having problems very early on.)

 

[peterk9]

The PTU would be covered under the 5 year, 60K powertrain warranty. There is also the Ford ESP that you can purchase for different mileage figures. If you are thinking of going that route, see this thread; Ford ESP at dealer cost to forum members

Peter