Buying a Retired Ford Police Interceptor Utility: Years, Engines, Recalls and Prices (2026)
What a used Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Explorer) sells for at government auction, the differences between the 2013-2019 and 2020+ generations, the recalls to check, and what to inspect before you bid.
The Ford Police Interceptor Utility (PIU) is the police version of the Ford Explorer, built since model year 2013. A retired one sold for a median of $4,008 at U.S. government auctions over the last 12 months, and the middle half sold for $1,944 to $5,762, across 678 sales.
| Item | Median sale | Middle half sold for | Sales (12 months) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Ford Explorer (Interceptor Utility) | $4,008 | $1,944 to $5,762 | 678 |
| Ford Police Interceptor | $2,448 | $1,334 to $4,063 | 1,199 |
"Ford Police Interceptor" covers listings that don't say which body style they are: Utility, sedan, or Crown Victoria.
Prices by Model Year
Ford Police Interceptor Utility sales in the 12 months to October 2026:
| Model years | Median sale | Sales |
|---|---|---|
| 2011-2014 | $1,958 | 66 |
| 2015-2018 | $2,730 | 351 |
| 2019 and newer | $5,075 | 184 |
The second generation started with model year 2020.
The Two Generations
2013-2019 (first generation)
- Engines: 3.7L V6 (304 hp) as standard, with AWD. A 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 (365 hp, AWD) was added from late 2013.
- Police equipment from the factory: column shifter, heavy-duty alternator, larger radiator and bigger brakes.
Both the 3.7L and the 3.5L EcoBoost have the water pump inside the engine, driven by the timing chain. A failed pump seal is widely reported to leak coolant into the oil, which can ruin the engine. Check the oil for a milky look and the coolant level before you bid.
2020 and newer (second generation)
- Engines: 3.3L V6 hybrid (318 hp combined, the standard engine at launch), 3.3L V6 gas (285 hp), or 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp).
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic. AWD is standard on all of them.
- Hour meters: recent units have an engine-hour meter and a separate idle-hour meter as standard. Ask for both readings if the listing doesn't show them.
- Ford rates it for a 75-mph rear impact. Some units were ordered with ballistic panels in the front doors.
Recalls and Programs to Check
Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at a Ford dealer after the vehicle leaves government service.
| Model years | Campaign | Problem |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-2017 | Ford program 17B25 | Exhaust can enter the cabin through holes left by police equipment installs. Dealers sealed the rear of the vehicle, updated the A/C calibration and checked for a damaged exhaust manifold. |
| 2013-2017 | 20V-675 (Ford 20S62) | Rear toe link can fracture in high-corrosion states, reducing steering control. |
| 2020-2021 | 22V-255 (Ford 22S27) | Rear axle bolt can break. The driveshaft disconnects and the vehicle can roll in Park without the parking brake. |
| 2020-2022 | 24V-598 (Ford 24S52) | 3.3L hybrid and gas units built before June 2, 2022: connecting rod bearings can wear until the engine fails, and leaked oil and fuel vapor can catch fire. The fix is a software update, an inspection, and a new engine if needed. |
The 17B25 program closed in 2018. On a 2013-2017 unit, look for unsealed holes in the cargo floor and rear panels where equipment was removed.
What to Inspect
- Engine and idle hours. Patrol vehicles idle for long periods, so hours tell you more than the odometer.
- Holes and wiring. Light bars, radios, consoles and partitions come off before sale and leave holes and cut harnesses.
- Rear seat. Units used for transport often have a hard plastic rear seat.
- Title. Some listings are sold for parts or with no title. Read the listing terms before you bid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a used police Explorer at auction?
The median Ford Police Interceptor Utility sold for $4,008 at U.S. government auctions over the last 12 months. 2019 and newer units sold for a median of $5,075.
Which engine is best in a retired Police Interceptor Utility?
On 2013-2019 units the 3.7L V6 was standard and the 3.5L EcoBoost was the high-output option. On 2020 and newer units, check the 24V-598 recall status of any 3.3L before you bid. The 3.0L EcoBoost is the high-output option in the second generation.
Do retired police Explorers have AWD?
Every 2020 and newer Police Interceptor Utility has AWD. On 2013-2019 units, the 3.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost came with AWD. Check the listing to confirm.
Where are retired Police Interceptor Utilities sold?
Mostly on GovDeals, Public Surplus, PropertyRoom and state surplus programs. Police auctions near you lists what is for sale now, and the Interceptor Utility price page shows recent sales by state.
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