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 · 23 combined MPG · Part-time 4-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

Similar estimates

fuel-cost estimates are similar.

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

Public-record comparison

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

Record 2021 Ford Explorer 2020 Ford Explorer Difference
Total recalls 24 31 Explorer has 7 more recalls
Total complaints 382 1,134 Explorer has 752 more complaints
Crash / Fire / Injury / Death reports 13 / 5 / 12 / 0 33 / 10 / 27 / 0 Explorer has 40 more severity reports
Defect investigations 7 8 Explorer has 1 more investigations
Open investigations 0 1 Explorer has 1 more open investigations
Manufacturer communications 314 391 Explorer has 77 more communications
Recall completion reports 121 185 Explorer has 64 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 Mar 17, 2026 Similar
Latest complaint May 24, 2026 May 27, 2026 Explorer has newer activity
Top complaint categories Top 3
  • Power Train
  • Unknown Or Other
  • Back Over Prevention
  • Power Train
  • Unknown Or Other
  • Back Over Prevention
 Similar focus
Fuel type Gasoline Gasoline Same
Efficiency 23 combined MPG 23 combined MPG Same
Estimated annual fuel cost 15,000 miles / year $2,600 $2,600 Similar
Safety-rating records 2 2 Similar

Practical next steps

What to ask each seller

2021 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?

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?

What to inspect first

2021 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

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

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