Compare two vehicles

Spot recall, complaint, investigation, and fuel-cost differences before you trust the listing. No VIN required to start.

Vehicle A

Gasoline · 23 combined MPG · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

Vehicle B

Gasoline · 20 combined MPG · Front-Wheel Drive

No VIN required to compare

More recall homework

2020 Ford Explorer

has more recalls listed.

More complaint activity

2020 Ford Explorer

has more complaint records.

Open investigation signals

2020 Ford Explorer

has more open investigations.

Lower estimated fuel cost

2020 Ford Explorer

may cost less to fuel.

Short answer: Explorer needs more recall homework, Explorer has more complaint activity, Explorer has more severity reports, Explorer has more open investigation signals and Explorer has the lower fuel-cost estimate. Confirm the exact VIN before buying.

Public-record comparison

Rows show model-year records, not exact VIN status.

Record 2020 Ford Explorer 2019 Ford Explorer Difference
Total recalls 31 5 Explorer has 26 more recalls
Total complaints 1,134 279 Explorer has 855 more complaints
Crash / Fire / Injury / Death reports 33 / 10 / 27 / 0 2 / 0 / 5 / 0 Explorer has 63 more severity reports
Defect investigations 8 2 Explorer has 6 more investigations
Open investigations 1 0 Explorer has 1 more open investigations
Manufacturer communications 391 140 Explorer has 251 more communications
Recall completion reports 185 22 Explorer has 163 more reports
Warranty programs 0 0 Similar
Service campaigns 0 0 Similar
Software notices 0 0 Similar
Canadian recall records 0 0 Similar
Latest recall Mar 17, 2026 Feb 20, 2026 Explorer has newer activity
Latest complaint May 27, 2026 May 27, 2026 Similar
Top complaint categories Top 3
  • Power Train
  • Unknown Or Other
  • Back Over Prevention
  • Structure
  • Unknown Or Other
  • Power Train
 Different
Fuel type Gasoline Gasoline Same
Efficiency 23 combined MPG 20 combined MPG Different
Estimated annual fuel cost 15,000 miles / year $2,600 $3,000 Explorer about $400 less
Safety-rating records 2 2 Similar

Practical next steps

What to ask each seller

2020 Ford Explorer

  • Can I get the VIN to confirm exact recall status?
  • Do you have repair orders for listed recall work?
  • Has the vehicle had power train and unknown or other repairs?
  • Can an independent mechanic inspect it?

2019 Ford Explorer

  • Can I get the VIN to confirm exact recall status?
  • Do you have repair orders for listed recall work?
  • Has the vehicle had structure and unknown or other repairs?
  • Can an independent mechanic inspect it?

What to inspect first

2020 Ford Explorer

  • Power Train: shifting, hesitation, driveline noise, leaks
  • Unknown Or Other: service records, warning lights, and test-drive behavior
  • Back Over Prevention: service records, warning lights, and test-drive behavior

2019 Ford Explorer

  • Structure: water leaks, body repairs, doors, corrosion
  • Unknown Or Other: service records, warning lights, and test-drive behavior
  • Power Train: shifting, hesitation, driveline noise, leaks

Always get an independent mechanic inspection.

Do not buy on model-year data alone.

Confirm the exact VIN before purchase and check for new updates.

Learn what a VIN check can and cannot show