The Triumph Explorer spans 1994–2018 with 6 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2017, 2013, 2012 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1994, 1995, 1996. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Triumph Explorer is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1994 to 2018 across multiple generations.
How to read a Triumph Explorer VIN — every digit explained
Every Triumph Explorer carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Triumph and the country it was built in (real Triumph codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Explorer.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- UKSAT · SMT
- Brazil97N
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Explorer, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Triumph Explorer have?
The Triumph Explorer has 6 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1994–2018. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2014 Triumph Explorer recalls 1
Structure:motorcycle:kickstand/center Stand
What's wrong. Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Explorer motorcycles manufactured November 1, 2011, to June 1, 2014. The side stand pivot bolt may fracture.
Risk. If the side stand pivot bolt fractures, the motorcycle may fall when parked on the side stand, increasing the risk of injury to someone nearby.
Fix. Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side stand pivot bolt and lock nut, free of charge. The recall began January 5, 2015. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph's number for this recall is SB518.
2013 Triumph Explorer recalls 2
Equipment:other:labels
What's wrong. Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd. is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Explorer and Explorer XC motorcycles. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating data on the certification Label is incorrect. Thus, the motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Part 567, "Certification."
Risk. The incorrect label could cause the operator to overload the motorcycle which may result in handling issues and/or tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Triumph will notify owners and replace the labels with corrected GVWR data, free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2013. Owners may contact Triumph at 1-678-854-2010 for more information.
Structure:motorcycle:kickstand/center Stand
What's wrong. Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Explorer motorcycles manufactured November 1, 2011, to June 1, 2014. The side stand pivot bolt may fracture.
Risk. If the side stand pivot bolt fractures, the motorcycle may fall when parked on the side stand, increasing the risk of injury to someone nearby.
Fix. Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side stand pivot bolt and lock nut, free of charge. The recall began January 5, 2015. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph's number for this recall is SB518.
2012 Triumph Explorer recalls 2
Equipment:other:labels
What's wrong. Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd. is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Explorer and Explorer XC motorcycles. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating data on the certification Label is incorrect. Thus, the motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Part 567, "Certification."
Risk. The incorrect label could cause the operator to overload the motorcycle which may result in handling issues and/or tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Triumph will notify owners and replace the labels with corrected GVWR data, free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2013. Owners may contact Triumph at 1-678-854-2010 for more information.
Structure:motorcycle:kickstand/center Stand
What's wrong. Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Explorer motorcycles manufactured November 1, 2011, to June 1, 2014. The side stand pivot bolt may fracture.
Risk. If the side stand pivot bolt fractures, the motorcycle may fall when parked on the side stand, increasing the risk of injury to someone nearby.
Fix. Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side stand pivot bolt and lock nut, free of charge. The recall began January 5, 2015. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph's number for this recall is SB518.
2011 Triumph Explorer recalls 1
Structure:motorcycle:kickstand/center Stand
What's wrong. Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Explorer motorcycles manufactured November 1, 2011, to June 1, 2014. The side stand pivot bolt may fracture.
Risk. If the side stand pivot bolt fractures, the motorcycle may fall when parked on the side stand, increasing the risk of injury to someone nearby.
Fix. Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side stand pivot bolt and lock nut, free of charge. The recall began January 5, 2015. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph's number for this recall is SB518.
Best and worst years for the Triumph Explorer
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 25 tracked years, the worst years are 2017, 2013, 2012 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1994, 1995, 1996.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 Explorer | — | Best | |
| 1995 Explorer | — | Best | |
| 1996 Explorer | — | Best | |
| 1997 Explorer | — | Average | |
| 1998 Explorer | — | Average | |
| 1999 Explorer | — | Average | |
| 2000 Explorer | — | Average | |
| 2001 Explorer | — | Average | |
| 2002 Explorer | — | Average | |
| 2003 Explorer | — | Average | |
| 2004 Explorer | — | Average | |
| 2005 Explorer | — | Average | |
| 2006 Explorer | — | Average | |
| 2007 Explorer | — | Average | |
| 2008 Explorer | — | Average | |
| 2009 Explorer | — | Average | |
| 2010 Explorer | — | Average | |
| 2011 Explorer | — | Average | |
| 2012 Explorer | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 2013 Explorer | Fuel/propulsion System | Avoid | |
| 2014 Explorer | — | Average | |
| 2015 Explorer | — | Average | |
| 2016 Explorer | — | Average | |
| 2017 Explorer | Wheels | Avoid | |
| 2018 Explorer | — | Average |
What are the most common Triumph Explorer problems?
The most-reported Triumph Explorer problems are Wheels (1 reports), Power Train (1 reports) and Fuel/propulsion System (1 reports) — out of 3 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Wheels 1 Read
When following the factory-recommended tire pressure of 32psi, the front tire - a metzeler tourance next 120/70r19 - experiences abnormal wear typical of underinflation/overloading and begins to delaminate once it reaches a certain point, thus causing a potentially hazardous situation. I am positive i have been within the factory spec because the bike is equipped with a tpms system and it has never alerted me of a low front tire. I have also verified the on-dash reading with a known mechanical gauge. I tried to pursue the issue with triumph who only replied that tires are not warrantable and that i should be happy with the mileage i got out of it. Even when i pointed out that there is no reason a properly-inflated tire should wear like that and that the rear tire showed none of the same issues, they refused to discuss it. I also exchanged emails with a rep from metzeler who concurred that the wear pattern indicated underinflation/overloading, but also not warrantable. He did, however, suggest that triumph's spec was a compromise for both on- and off-road riding and that a higher pressure of 36psi might be more appropriate for on-road riding. Lastly, every image in the owner's manual of the tpms readout shows 36psi for the front and 42psi for the rear as opposed to the specifications of 32/39. In my experience doing technical documentation, you always want to include screenshots that reinforce correct settings. That alone makes me question triumph's specification. My issue isn't with metzeler, it's with triumph for 1) introducing a potential safety hazard by not recommending the correct tire pressures for the bike's intended usage and 2) refusing to address this safety issue when presented with evidence of it occurring. I am not the first person to complain about it to triumph here in the us and in the uk.
Fuel/propulsion System 1 Read
Ecu shuts throttle butterflies and therefore stalls engine with no idle. Very dangerous when rider of the motorcycle is attempting to accelerate. This happens after riding then slowing to stop. The engine just shuts off and must be restarted. I have heard there was a recall to remedy ecu parameters that were too tight. However, the dealer is unable to find anything concerning this nor can they fix it.
Power Train 1 Read
The bolt on the shift assembly (threaded from bottom /up) came off. The shift assembly arm came off when in motion and i was unable to change gears. Motorcycle was stuck in gear with no ability to shift.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Triumph Explorer specifications & dimensions
The 2018 Triumph Explorer. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Triumph Explorer window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Triumph Explorer cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Explorer holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Triumph Explorer tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Triumph Explorer get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Triumph Explorer have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Triumph Explorer cost to own?
A Triumph Explorer depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Check what a used Explorer is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Explorer loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Explorer ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Triumph Explorer safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Explorer yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Triumph Explorer last?
A well-maintained Triumph Explorer typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Triumph Explorer’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Explorer’s VIN free →All Triumph Explorer model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Triumph Explorer — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
| 2017 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
| 2016 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
| 2015 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
| 2014 Explorer | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2013 Explorer | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2012 Explorer | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2011 Explorer | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2010 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
| 2009 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
| 2008 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
| 2007 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
| 2006 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
| 2005 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
| 2004 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
| 2003 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
| 2002 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
| 2001 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
| 2000 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
| 1999 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
| 1998 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
| 1997 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
| 1996 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
| 1995 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
| 1994 Explorer | 0 | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Explorer?
By owner-complaint volume, 2017, 2013, 2012 drew the most reports. 1994, 1995, 1996 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Explorer have?
6 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1994–2018. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a Explorer last?
A well-maintained Explorer typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Explorer reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Explorer is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Triumph Explorer warranty?
New Triumph models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Triumph dealer.
Where is the Triumph Explorer made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Explorer's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Triumph may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Explorer have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.