Factors impacting safety:
* Extent of damage: Minor dents and scrapes are easily repairable. However, significant frame damage, especially involving twisting or bending in critical areas (like the unibody's structural members), might compromise the vehicle's structural integrity and safety. This is particularly true for impacts that affect the crumple zones designed to absorb energy in a collision.
* Repair shop expertise: Frame repair requires specialized equipment and highly skilled technicians. A shop without the proper tools and training might not be able to restore the frame to its original strength and alignment. Improper repairs can lead to instability, handling problems, and greatly increased risk of injury in a future accident.
* Repair methods: Modern unibody frames (which Explorers have) are complex. The repair method must be correctly chosen and executed. This may involve welding, pulling, and precise measuring to restore dimensions and alignment.
* Parts availability: Ensuring access to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or equivalent high-quality replacement parts is crucial. Using substandard parts can weaken the repair.
In short:
If the frame damage is minor, a reputable shop with frame repair expertise should be able to safely repair it. However, significant damage often makes the repair cost-prohibitive and potentially unsafe. If you're unsure, it's best to have the damage assessed by multiple reputable mechanics, including those specializing in structural repair, before deciding on a repair. They should provide a detailed assessment of the damage and the viability and safety of repair. If the cost of repair approaches the vehicle's value, it might be wiser to consider the vehicle totaled.
