CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2002-2005 Explorer has a very well-established record of expensive transmission failure at under 100k miles. The Explorer has an enclosed transmission which is typically replaced with a rebuilt transmission at a cost of almost $3,000.
Adding insult to injury, the 2002-2005 Explorer also has a massive problem with the rear panel cracking. While it's a minor annoyance compared to transmission failure, ironically the crack usually goes right through the Ford logo.
Driving on the freeway with defroster on, had noticed in the past that vents would get stuck and not switch from windshield to feet to body when knob for settings was adjusted. Had tried to move it that morning and it would not shift over from blowing the heat on the windshield to blowing down at my feet. I flipped it a few times and gave up. Then I heard a loud bang like a gun had gone off in the car. I immediately took the car to a shop and I was told it was a rod that snapped in the dashboard and it was a common occurrence with Ford. I was told that it would cost over $800 to fix it! If this is common, Ford needs to issue a recall. Now the thing is stuck open at the windshield and since it's summer I can't turn on the air in the front at least for the comfort of my passenger. I am on disability so $800 + is not realistic for me to repair a $3,600 dollar car (KBB value for great condition)
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Driving on the freeway with defroster on, had noticed in the past that vents would get stuck and not switch from windshield to feet to body when knob for settings was adjusted. Had tried to move it that morning and it would not shift over from blowing the heat on the windshield to blowing down at my feet. I flipped it a few times and gave up. Then I heard a loud bang like a gun had gone off in the car. I immediately took the car to a shop and I was told it was a rod that snapped in the dashboard and it was a common occurrence with Ford. I was told that it would cost over $800 to fix it! If this is common, Ford needs to issue a recall. Now the thing is stuck open at the windshield and since it's summer I can't turn on the air in the front at least for the comfort of my passenger. I am on disability so $800 + is not realistic for me to repair a $3,600 dollar car (KBB value for great condition)
- alp2, Sacramento, US