Used 2010 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews
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Trying Again With a Newer Model
WNYFordGuy, 08/13/2015
2010 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
69 of 70 people found this review helpful
I bought this model used in Aug 2012 after finding it on the lot before it was advertised for sale. I wanted to trade in my '04 Explorer XLT after a mechanic told me the rear differential would fail 'soon'. The '04 was a money pit and I wasn't going to spend another cent on it, despite putting a rebuilt tranny into it at 67k miles. I'd read the '10 Explorer's reliability was much better (more like my '97 Explorer), and this vehicle, with only 23.5k on it, seemed like a steal. I've been very happy with it so far after 3 years, because... When I complained in a customer reply survey that the cheap wheel bearings used on this (needed replacement at 34.4k) and my '04 was outrageous and pushed me to look at non-Ford products, Ford reimbursed my expenses for the repair - even though it wasn't done at a Ford dealer! I've never formally complained to Ford before, but it paid off here. As another reviewer noted, the Goodyear OEM tires have no lifespan - almost shot after only 34.4k miles. I get around 15 MPG on my winter commuting loop, though this past winter with record cold resulted in 12 MPG in February. Summer round trips average between 17-21 MPG. Favorite Features: Extremely smooth ride. Roomy interior. Love the heated seats and mirrors for cold upstate NY winters. Thank goodness for the backup sensors. Six-CD changer works/sounds great, and I really like the steering-mounted audio system controls. I really like the Sirius satellite radio, too. My wife loves the dual-zone A/C. Suggested Improvements: I don't even bother to use the SYNC package. I think I will no longer buy upper-end trim lines in vehicles because I'm sick of paying for options/features I don't want/need. Plugging my iPod into the sound system without SYNC works fine for me. The headrests, and the seating position they forced, took some time to get used to, and the blind spots they create are enormous. I learned that if I adjusted the side-view mirrors much wider than usual, it helped.
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My suv
Guntoter, 09/23/2016
2010 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
28 of 29 people found this review helpful
They are very comfortable we have heated leather seats fuel mileage about 19.0 mpg we have 128,000 trouble free miles oil change every 7000 Spark plugs 1time since new very good auto will probably buy another later.
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2010 Ford Explorer for sale near you
3 of 126 listings
- Eddie Bauer 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,40026 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,966102 mi away
- Eddie Bauer 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,999112 mi away
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2010 Explorer long-term review!
golf, 04/05/2016
updated 12/05/2016
2010 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
56 of 60 people found this review helpful
Update from 70k to now 80k -- Bought XLT used in 2012 w/16384 mi. turned ~80k~! No problems to speak of. Been great! The 2010 is the last model year of this style before the new/current style came out in 2011, so you'd think most every problem was worked out by 2010 :>) I bought a battery 1/16 to rpl orig. One set of tires around 45k is all. MPG rating of 14/20 is wrong - I consistently get 17.5 mpg around town [ in New England] and strictly hwy is 23+mpg...! All around excellent SUV; comfort, 7 passenger, rear AC, 4WD etc... The 200hp V6 is a very good engine. What it 'might' lack in [V8-like] power, it makes up for in mpg and all other areas. And you feel safe driving it! AnFeels like a nice, good sized solid SUV that rides like a car! What's your life worth, right :>) Problem areas [typical at 70k+ on most any vehicle]: 1.>- On the 2010 Expl - If you smell antifreeze or notice ever so slight 'wetness' on top of engine at BASE of rad hose housing, it's because housing for the thermostat is made of plastic and where bolts to manifold, gasket leaks. There's a metal therm housing for sale, though what I did was simply add a small bottle of Stop Leak [pellets] to the radiator, think is about 12-16 oz.(?). No more small leak there. Note-Make SURE you shake bottle well and ENSURE the PELLETS go into the rad too-first time I tried it, I poured in half the bottle thinking that would do it, what didn't realize is none of the pellets went in-pellets heavy and sink to bottle bottom, SO drain/syphon 12-16 oz coolant out of the radiator [not overflow tank] and try stop leak. Prior to this, my rad CAP was bad [yes, really;>)] <$5 solved that-new cap. 2.> Common: Rear diff seal drips very slightly, forget specific name for it, costs about <$80? to have mech replace. 3.> People complain of 5 spd auto trans 'clunking' on occasion. For me it's been simply the re-engaging of the trans after 'coasting'. Ex. You're in traffic [5-20mph] you move up then coast, THEN gas again-that's when it '''may''' clunk''' back into gear - is in my case anyway, maybe 4x/yr. No problem with mine here at 80k. Change trans fluid, oil, and diff 80w gear and transfer case fluids, and coolant flush when needed and you ''should'' be good to go. Good luck.
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Transmission Problem
JMF, 08/05/2010
2010 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
44 of 48 people found this review helpful
Wish I had known Ford Explorers have transmission issues before I bought this vehicle. Loved it but immediately noticed that it was shifting at the appropriate time and when it did it was shifting very hard. Also makes a "clunk" sound when coming to a stop - again the transmission. So far the only thing the dealer can tell me is that they are waiting on Detroit to acknowledge the problem. Said they had this issue with 2 previous year models as well. Contacted customer care in Detroit and was told the vehicle was "functioning as designed". What? Will try to pursue resolution under the lemon law from here. Don't buy this vehicle!
Pleased with my purchase
Matt Fleener, 05/21/2020
2010 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought a used 2010 Explorer XLT 4x4 with the limited 4.6 L V8 and 17 inch rims. I've owned it for nearly 2 years now and other than replacing tires, battery and brake pads I haven't had any mechanical issues at all. The vehicle currently has over 165,000 miles on it and still runs strong. I don't treat it as a pavement princess either I take it off road regularly in the desert of Arizona and even had to do a dangerous river crossing in it. On the pavement it is what I would call a sleeper due to it's weight but still has enough acceleration to put passengers back in their seats. My final thoughts....it gets me ANYWHERE I need to go in relative comfort.
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The last and best Explorer 4X4
jblakus, 01/08/2012
2010 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
18 of 20 people found this review helpful
My Explorer has been on the road since 2/2011 with 16,200 miles. I got this model over the new 2011, because I want a true 4x4 Explorer. It drives smoothly and is very comfortable. The transmission is smooth in AWD and typical in high and low 4X4. The 3rd row sitting is nice to have, but I have never needed it yet .This is my second EB model and the features are better than ever. The only con is the gas mileage, but I knew about the lower mileage performance before buying it. If you want a true 4x4 Explorer, this is the model to get.
I looked for this model
David, 12/20/2017
updated 06/26/2019
2010 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
33 of 38 people found this review helpful
I have been a Ford person for most of my life...I last owned a 2012 Escape that was great except it could not tow my camper. We had to own two vehicles to accommodate the camper. I looked far and wide for something that would "do it all." The 2010 Ford Explorer fit the bill perfectly! I knew that the this was the last of the real SUV's and that the vehicle is mounted on a truck frame affording the support we would need for the camper (4500lbs). We looked high and low in July of 2017 and found our used, 2010 with 49,000 miles. The price was right and the dealer excellent. We drove 500 miles to view, drive and trade our Escape, We were so pleased with the ride back. Fuel economy, with the bigger 4.0 is surprisingly good at 22-23mpg at 70mph. The vehicle is a dream to drive and ride in even with my 6'4" frame. With the camper attached, the Explorer is more than powerful enough even up here in the Adirondacks with it's hills and valleys. We took the vehicle to a local Ford dealer, purchased the Extended Warranty, and was told that our Explorer was in excellent shape!
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My 2010 Explorer
bobbyabby, 09/29/2013
2010 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
My 2010 Explorer XLT has been awesome! I do not put a lot of miles on a vehicle (have 36,000 after 3 years) but I have only had to replace the battery & tires. I will say the Goodyear tires that came on the Explorer was almost bald after 35,000 miles- I was disappointed in the tires but replaced them with Michelin Tour brand and it rides even better, smooth as silk now. Leather seats & great lumbar support-excellent! Other than these issues the vehicle has no rattles and looks like new. The paint, body quality, interior, brakes etc. are excellent quality and I am more than happy. I plan to keep this one for 10 to 12 years total and have no doubt it will make it.
Great suv
great suv, 07/07/2010
2010 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought the car in March only thing I didn't like no leather seats. After shipping around found a leather kit had it installed looks just it came from the factory. Lots of room really quit engine not as fast as mustang gt I traded but it gets me there. Love the adjustable gas and break pedals. Did a lot of looking but I think overall the explorer was the best bang for the buck.
Love this car.
Leslie Hall, 03/04/2017
2010 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is my forth Explorer, and today I'm trading it in for my fifth. I'm sure everyone has a vehicle they are partial to, and the Explorer is mine. It has tons of room with easy to manage second and third row seating. I don't generally have other people riding with me, but the down side would probably be accessibility for passengers to get to the third row, the speedometer is located directly behind the steering wheel and is hard to see while driving, and the head rests on the back seats are so high I have a hard time seeing around them if pulling into traffic at an angle. The lumbar seats are a must for me, Sync/Bluetooth is invaluable for hands free phone conversations. I live the height of the vehicle and the feeling of being secure in a larger vehicle. I've had my current vehicle for four years now and it has never been to the shop for any repairs. I will miss this one, but the new one looks even better, can't wait to go take it for a spin.
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Very reliable work horse
TJ, 04/10/2018
updated 10/13/2020
2010 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
My 2010 Ford Explorer is still going strong work 137000. Miles on it. Very dependable.
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Ford Explorer Limited
Britt, 01/28/2010
2010 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I went from an Expedition to an Explorer Ltd. and I have been really happy with it. It is fun to drive, has enough cargo room for my dog crates when I go to dog shows and has a lot of zip to it! So far my gas mileage has been around 17 mpg and that isn't all highway driving and it's been under freezing the whole month of January. The Explorer is very sure footed and handled very well in the snow without even putting it into 4 wheel drive. So far I like it a lot!!
3rd Explorer - 2010 by far the best!
Jen P, 01/09/2010
2010 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
The 2010 Explorer has been the best of my three, with better a quieter, better quality ride, better handling, and the new stuff like Sync and Sirius.
First new vehicle
sqwash53, 09/16/2010
2010 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
After years of vowing to never buy a new car I decided it was time. Has close to 6000 miles on it with no issues. I live in Germany so it's a monster over here but has no problem in the snowy winter here. Plenty of room for our 4 daughters and the sync is priceless. Drove it to Rome and was comfortable during the long drive. Just wish it got better MPG and had the option to get leather heated seats with the AWD. I love the exterior style (I hate cross overs)and the silver paint with black trim and 20" wheels complete the package. I'd buy it all over again.
Satellite radio and Tranny problems
LazyMazy, 06/30/2010
2010 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd brand new "Explorer" and I have to say I am very disappointed with the 2010. I have had it in the shop twice already for Satellite radio and 911 assist problems. I have also had it in for Transmission problems. I traded in my 2003 Explorer which had transmission problems for a 2010 that has transmission problems.
I am really happy
Ammar, 04/19/2010
2010 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
i am bought my new explorer XLT last month and i am very happy and amazed from overall experience, i am living in Dubai , and the AC is perfect in our hot weather, it offroads better than my jeep wrangler 2007 in the desert .
3rd Explorer and going
Richard, 05/13/2010
2010 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I start with a XL,then a XLT and now a Limited. I do not regret on each one. The best is the Limited
Great FORD!!
D, 05/03/2019
2010 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great SUV!! I can fit my 10'6 surf board IN my car no problem!! cargo versitility is outstanding!! gas mileage is about 15 but it stands tall so i can see everything! I have this car since 2012! i love this car! had a hot leak recently on my engine but that was fixed and just awesome! no mechanical problems
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spoiled
tim sturm, 12/29/2009
2010 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
When Ford said "no" to gov money I decided to buy Ford.period. Traded our Lexus 350 for 2010 EB Explorer. After 35 days or so and 2600 mi Ford is in for engine repair. Wanting our 2005 Lex back: more comfort, more storage space,more convenience in door storage pockets and center console,overhead handles,etc etc. Willing to pay more for better experience.Really wanted to report Ford was better Still waiting on repair...sorry
The best Explorer to date
Explorer, 09/23/2010
2010 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 12 people found this review helpful
Comfortable, goes anywhere, tows great, good steering, nicely equipped, good price. Much better vehicle than my brothers Rav4. His Rav4 is only averaging 18.8 mpg (ads say 24 mpg they are full of it) I am averaging 17.3 mpg and I am in a larger more comfortable vehicle, My Explorer is more comfortable under all conditions. There is no situation where I would take his Rav over my Explorer. They are both 2010 vehicles and Exp ~ $27000 Rav4 ~ $24000. I know people will say compare it to a Highlander but why the Explorer is the same size for less money so why spend 30000 plus and get exactly the same size vehicle. At least for my 3000 over the Rav I got a larger vehicle.
Cheap transmission
Fred, 09/21/2010
2010 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
12 of 23 people found this review helpful
2010 explorer 14,000 miles transmission seems to slip, i should have done more research before buying this car. I wanted to buy American but i should have bought foreign unfortunately.
Worst vehicle I have owned.
DwAyne , 11/03/2021
2010 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
Bought on eBay. It was Navy cop car with 66,000 miles. It had 16 codes on it. Had to replace computer. $2000. 500 miles later, the engine started rattling and there was hold in left valve cover. Worn timing chain guides. Recommended fix is installation of remanufactured engine. $7000. I will have to drive it until I am 120 to break even.
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No confidence SUV
Exploring Something Else, 04/17/2020
2010 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 10 people found this review helpful
Bought Explorer 1 yr ago in 2019 with 158K on it. Looked great and drives good. Lots of power and seating for 7 passengers. Wanted to drive kids to school and to pull a 5500lb trailer for camping. Does that, roomy and tows well. Soon after I bought it, things start to break down. One thing after another within weeks of each other. Thankfully nothing major like engine, tranny, or transfer case. But a Ford trained mechanic told me about flaw in the camshaft pulleys that tend to go on the 4.6L V8 engine around 200K. SUV gave me not much confidence at all. I though the AWD and snow tires will keep us safe in the winters but I was feeling the back end sway on the highway. This was the only vehicle I felt scared while driving with white knuckles. I'd rather drive my RX7 rear wheel drive and drift around the snow or my old Jeep Liberty than this Ford. This was my first Ford and most likely my last. I have owned Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Jeep, and Chevy. You get what you pay for, so might as well pay more and get a Toyota.
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I got a LEMON
Charlyn, 09/15/2010
2010 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 14 people found this review helpful
We've been having a lot of electrical problems. We bought the car in April 2010 and had the first problem less than a month after. ABS Module no communication has been our problem. Problems include: Service RSC (roll stability control), interior signal lights not working, automatic pedal, DVD player, media sync, phone sync. Brought it into the shop I believe a total of 7 times and its still in the shop for the DVD and Sync system not working. A regional engineer worked on our car twice. Trying to get my problem resolved, I want my money back! Don't buy a Ford!
A very nice SUV!
Jesse Scott, 12/20/2020
updated 06/22/2023
2010 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Comfortable, spacious and pleasant to drive.
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Surprise
Jim, 09/13/2022
2010 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Never would know that it's a 6 cylinder until you open the hood. Gets out and moves quickly and handles great
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30k miles in 5 months no problem
Barba 999, 06/21/2023
2010 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I’m an Uber XL driver this truck is the best roomy low noise cabin it feels like a boos on the road !
LIFE NOT MORE THAN 100,000 KMS
shajan, 03/15/2011
2010 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
13 of 46 people found this review helpful
i was driving Japanese Four wheel drives. when i decided to buy an american car, i bought FORD EXPLORER 2007. immediately after 100,000 kms it started giving problems. first with the air conditioning system and had to replace the evaporator. at 115,000kms some cable system had to be replaced. then started the gear to slip and had to get it repaired. now again the air condition system started giving problems. the repairs are so expensive that i had already spent Dhs. 25,000/= on these repairs. am not at all happy with the vehicle. and shall never purchase any american vehicles.
Not good as an old car (2023)
Used Ford Owner, 07/20/2023
2010 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I'm sure it was great in its prime, but as a 13 year old car, it has a lot of issues. For one, a few vehicle owners experience their keys getting stuck in the suv and need to open up the console under the gears tick to fix it. Another issue I experienced is with the transmission, I bought the car 8 months ago from a mechanic and in those 8 months the transmission has pretty much killed itself, which also isn't uncommon for the car. The vehicle just seems to have never ending issues
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It sucks
William, 02/06/2018
2010 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 8 people found this review helpful
The SUV drops valve way to fast. It you don't go and buy aftermarket accessories then you dont get any. The vacuum leaks all the time for the heater. The gas mileage is horrible for being a 6 cyl. The hubs go out very offen. Very proof design by for.
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Used car purchase
David Stewart, 10/05/2016
2010 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 9 people found this review helpful
We received a good deal, not great but OK.
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Tons of problems
Singerb, 12/31/2019
2010 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 10 people found this review helpful
This car has had issue after issue...
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2010 Design Quality Problems
Farmerswife, 06/03/2010
2010 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1st NEW vehicle in January. It has been in the shop 4 times. Problems with a high pitch noise coming from the gas pedal, power steering, Vacuum intake noise under passenger side, and a loose rattling noise in dashboard. Ford Engineers say the high pitch noise and vacuum are a design problem. Service dept has fixed power steering and working on rattle, not sure what engineers are working on. I love my explorer but the noises are driving me crazy. Hope Ford Engineers can recall or fix the intake problems of the noises.
Bring it back!
Ed, 02/12/2018
2010 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great vehicle--Bring it back!
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Rides nice, too many repairs
MichiganGuy, 06/02/2024
2010 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ok so it's older vehicle. Over $4500. In repairs in 4-1/2 yrs, New radiator, 3 out 4 wheel bearings, left, right rear axle bearings, total rebuild of rear suspension.. Should of spent more money, bought a Toyota!. Next time I Will. After 2 junk jeeps, 1 junk Kia, 1junk Equinox. Done with American made trash. And my father spent 26 yrs at Oldsmobile factory!.
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Sot Gasaholic!
Eddie Explore, 05/04/2023
2010 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Good vehicle overall but a lot of interior wind noise @ 40 mph plus. Could be the sound of the 4.0 liter engine sucking mass volumes of fuel to burn. Lucky if It gets 12 mpg but it does crank up and transport consistently