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.
At about 5500 miles my unlock on the keyfob and the lock switches inside started working only intermittently. And the radio would not shut off when the key was out of the ignition and the door was opened. Sometimes it held my groceries hostage because I couldn't get the hatch unlocked. Fortunately, it happened when I was dropping it off for repair, or I'm sure I would have gotten a "could not duplicate" and be sent on my way. They replaced some module in the computer system. That hasn't happened again, but now (at 11000 miles) my rear windows work intermittently. So I will have to take it in again. I also had transmission problems at 8000 miles for which they replaced the solenoid. And I think it's screwing up again as well. There's no excuse for having this many problems with a vehicle with so few miles on it. Never again will I buy a Ford. Ever.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
At about 5500 miles my unlock on the keyfob and the lock switches inside started working only intermittently. And the radio would not shut off when the key was out of the ignition and the door was opened. Sometimes it held my groceries hostage because I couldn't get the hatch unlocked. Fortunately, it happened when I was dropping it off for repair, or I'm sure I would have gotten a "could not duplicate" and be sent on my way. They replaced some module in the computer system. That hasn't happened again, but now (at 11000 miles) my rear windows work intermittently. So I will have to take it in again. I also had transmission problems at 8000 miles for which they replaced the solenoid. And I think it's screwing up again as well. There's no excuse for having this many problems with a vehicle with so few miles on it. Never again will I buy a Ford. Ever.
- tbonekatz, Haltom City, TX, US