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.
Sorry I can't recall the exact part that went bad, but when this Explorer was just over 3 years old, the engine completely stopped running. My daughter was driving at about 40-50 mph when she said suddenly a bunch of lights started flashing and the engine died. Then, it wouldn't restart. Took it to the dealer for repair. They told me the part name, which I didn't recognize, then said it was basically the computer-type brain of the car that died. I'm feeling sick over how expensive that sounds and just when the 3-year warranty was over. Then they told me that part is covered for 10 years, so it was replaced for free. Whew! I felt very fortunate but still don't believe any major part should go out at 3-years old!
Is this the back of the line? All the lights keep coming on. I got my check gauges
light, service engine light, low oil pressure light and then bling, she stalls. I could
be going 70 mph. I could be going 30, but it does not care. Then it starts right
back up and then three days later, same thing. This thing is junk. Does anyone
even care? I had to replace all the brakes when it only had a few thousand miles
on it and now this. Looks like a stinkin Christmas tree every time I start it up and
take it anywhere.Five more years to pay on this heap of metal? You've GOT to be
kidding me. FORD = Forever Owing Radical Dollars.. and that's just to pay for
the parts and labor, not to mention the gas that it SUCKS. I knew I shoulda bought
another Chevrolet. I'm scared to even take this thing in for an estimate. Bankruptcy
court, here I come. Just join me up now, cuz I know your going to screw me. Some
one please, steal this thing and put me out of my misery.
- Kelly B.,
Fulton, NY, US
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Sorry I can't recall the exact part that went bad, but when this Explorer was just over 3 years old, the engine completely stopped running. My daughter was driving at about 40-50 mph when she said suddenly a bunch of lights started flashing and the engine died. Then, it wouldn't restart. Took it to the dealer for repair. They told me the part name, which I didn't recognize, then said it was basically the computer-type brain of the car that died. I'm feeling sick over how expensive that sounds and just when the 3-year warranty was over. Then they told me that part is covered for 10 years, so it was replaced for free. Whew! I felt very fortunate but still don't believe any major part should go out at 3-years old!
- Deb K., Caldwell, ID, US