Compare two vehicles

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

Vehicle A

Gasoline · 20 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

2021 Ford Explorer

has more recalls listed.

More complaint activity

2021 Ford Explorer

has more complaint records.

Open investigation signals

Similar activity

Open investigation counts are similar.

Lower estimated fuel cost

2021 Ford Explorer

may cost less to fuel.

Short answer: Explorer needs more recall homework, Explorer has more complaint activity, Explorer has more severity reports 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 2022 Ford Explorer 2021 Ford Explorer Difference
Total recalls 23 24 Explorer has 1 more recalls
Total complaints 233 382 Explorer has 149 more complaints
Crash / Fire / Injury / Death reports 17 / 1 / 11 / 0 13 / 5 / 12 / 0 Explorer has 1 more severity reports
Defect investigations 5 7 Explorer has 2 more investigations
Open investigations 0 0 Similar
Manufacturer communications 250 314 Explorer has 64 more communications
Recall completion reports 114 121 Explorer has 7 more reports
Warranty programs 0 0 Similar
Service campaigns 1 0 Explorer has 1 more service campaigns
Software notices 0 0 Similar
Canadian recall records 0 0 Similar
Latest recall Mar 17, 2026 Mar 17, 2026 Similar
Latest complaint May 27, 2026 May 24, 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 20 combined MPG 23 combined MPG Different
Estimated annual fuel cost 15,000 miles / year $3,000 $2,600 Explorer about $400 less
Safety-rating records 2 2 Similar

Practical next steps

What to ask each seller

2022 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?

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?

What to inspect first

2022 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

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

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