Saturday, August 8, 2026
RecallGazette

Vehicle problems, recalls & safety intelligence

Ford Explorer vs Mazda Navajo

Owner complaints, worst years and recall history side by side, from official NHTSA data. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Raw complaint counts are not adjusted for sales volume.

Ford Explorer

Total complaints
34,267
Avg per model year
857
Recall campaigns (all years)
116
Most complained year
2002 (3,294)
Top problems: Power Train, Structure, Steering

Mazda Navajo

Total complaints
110
Avg per model year
31
Recall campaigns (all years)
0
Most complained year
1994 (49)
Top problems: Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Tires, Power Train

Complaints by model year

YearFord ExplorerMazda Navajo
19941,20749
199393922
199263312
199160939
Method. Complaints are unique NHTSA reports per model year. A model that sold more units will naturally accumulate more complaints — compare the shape across years, not just the raw totals, and read the year pages for what actually fails.