# Ford Explorer 2011–2019 Pre-Purchase Checklist | CarCaseFile

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> Printable pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2011–2019 Ford Explorer: the generation-specific checks that separate a good one from someone else's problem.

Case file · FORD-EXPLORER-2011-2019 · Field document

# Ford Explorer 2011–2019 · Pre-purchase checklist

Bring this to the inspection. Every check below is specific to this generation's documented failure modes, not generic used-car advice.

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Check 01

On any V6: pull the oil cap and dipstick and look for a milky, coffee-with-cream film. That's coolant in the oil from a failing internal water pump. Walk away if you see it.

Check 02

Check the coolant level and look for unexplained coolant loss; the water pump weeps internally, so there may be no puddle under the car.

Check 03

On AWD cars: sniff for a hot, burnt-gear-oil or 'propane' smell after a drive and look for dark fluid leaking on the passenger side near the back of the engine. That's a classic dying PTU.

Check 04

Run the A/C and heater and pay attention to any exhaust odor in the cabin, especially under hard acceleration with windows up. That's the long-running CO-odor complaint.

Check 05

Drive it from a rolling stop and through 1–2 gear changes; feel for a hesitation-then-harsh-bump shift, the known 6F50 valve-body symptom.

Check 06

Run the VIN through NHTSA and a Ford dealer for open recalls. Rear suspension toe-link and exhaust/odor service actions are common on these.

Check 07

Watch for the door-ajar warning staying lit with all doors shut (a known nuisance fault) and any 'steering assist fault' message.

Walk-away signals

2011 (first model year, most teething bugs) · 2013 (highest complaint volume of the generation) · 2016 (transmission and odor complaints peak)

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