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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.

6.5

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$450
Average Mileage:
82,250 miles
Total Complaints:
268 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. Ford should recall based on 2002-2005 complaints (124 reports)
  2. Ford should fix it if reported,being it's a known defect!!! (75 reports)
  3. not sure (36 reports)
  4. part needs to be replaced (14 reports)
  5. replace (10 reports)
  6. re-initiate the charity repair solution (4 reports)
2005 Ford Explorer body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2005 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 10 of 14)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #88

Feb 012011

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

It's crazy how this happened. Thought someone hit me or I hit something. I'm a college student and don't have the money to fix it.

- mroeh20, Taylorsville, KY, US

problem #87

Dec 102010

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

I have noticed that many ford explorers had cracks below the rear window next to the FORD emblem. This made me catious when shutting the window/gate. Well that did not work. Florida does not get super cold but evidently with the cold weather (40 degrees) it was enough to crack the rear gate. It makes me made that I was so cautious only to wake up and find that the crack was caused by the cold. This is definately a production issue and FORD should recall the part. I have a Ford Excursion as well. I have been thinking about purchasing a Ford pick up but if Ford does not replace the part I will be looking at other makes. Ford should back their products and those of us that have backed them by purchasing their vehicle thru the years. ---Discouraging!!!!

- Rick S., Safety Harbor, FL, US

problem #86

Dec 222010

Explorer Eddie Bauer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

click to see larger images

cracked panel below the rear window cracked panel below the rear window cracked panel below the rear window

I think it is ridiculous that this is a continuing problem that is not being addressed. The crack happened from one day to the next for no reason. My car is always kept in my garage and my husband does an excellent job of keeping upto date with the maintenance of the vehicle. Why should I have to pay the dealer $600 to fix this mistake. As I can see from other complaints, this is an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed Ford.

- Wanda E., Tampa, FL, US

problem #85

Jan 222011

Explorer Eddie Bauer V8 4.61L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,259 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Have generally been very pleased with this SUV and have had very few problems over the years, but, this problem appeared to be a structural defect that should be the mfg responsibility regardless of the age of the vehicle. After researching my problem at this and other sites online it confirms that my problem is definitely not unique to my vehicle and will be following through with complaints to Ford and other Govt agencies.

- lstumpf, Louisville, KY, US

problem #84

Oct 232010

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

This is the only problem that I can see with my Explorer. I feel it should be a recall and fixed immediately by FORD. If not they could lose in the long run by loosing out on valuable customers!

- Yojuana L., Bamberg, SC, US

problem #83

Jun 212008

Explorer XLT 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,802 miles

click to see larger images

cracked panel below the rear window cracked panel below the rear window cracked panel below the rear window

I am placing this complaint in an effort to have this issue resolve once and for all. I first brought my vehicle to Ford in 2008 with a cracked back panel. Ford charged $354 for the repair which I paid at that time. Less than 12 months it cracked again. For a second time, I brought my vehicle to the dealer to see about repairing it again. They were requesting another payment of $354 to have it repaired again. Needless to say that I did not feel I should have to pay this money to begin with as is should have been covered under this warranty. The staff at the dealership was unwillling to work with me. My vehicle is still cracked and now has multiple cracks in this area. I am highly unhappy and dissatisfied with Ford and request your attention to have this resolve..I will think twice before buying a ford again.

Your prompt attention to this matter is appreciated. Thank you.

- magdaelene, Fort Myers, FL, US

problem #82

Nov 042010

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,607 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The problem in itself being so widespread & very expectant, if you own a explorer is enough for the problem to be addressed by FORD motor co.

- watersga, reidsville, ga, US

problem #81

Nov 222010

Explorer Limited 4.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,550 miles

click to see larger images

cracked panel below the rear window cracked panel below the rear window cracked panel below the rear window cracked panel below the rear window cracked panel below the rear window cracked panel below the rear window

I was thoroughly aggravated because I have always kept my vehicle in the garage until the last 5 months and as stated it has very low mileage. It has been very well maintained and has been a real pleasure to drive. I just cannot believe that Ford has had this problem for several years and has not fixed it. I have been observing these types of cars and have found that the Lincoln Navigator has the same problem, not sure of the year. I have thought about contacting individuals who have this type of problem and request that they too should complain. The are so many Americans buying foreign automobiles because of the poor quality of the American made products. The big companies like Ford should stand by their product and improve there quality before they loose any more customers.

I truely hope that these Ford problems are fixed without any expense to the customers and improve on the quality of their products.

Update from Mar 30, 2011: I have been turned down that Ford will not fix my car through the extended warranty. I have contacted BBB and they have declined due to the mileage over 52K. A Ford Dealership Body shop has stated that this is an ongoing problem with the adhesive and will happen again once it is repaired. I don't think we should have to pay $600 to repair it when it is going to happen again and again. I have been in contact with several Explorer owners and taken pictures to send to the news stations here in AZ. Also, have joined a Ford Forum so we can join together and possible create a class action against Ford.

Update from Mar 20, 2012: I would like to get as many others that have the same problem to join together so we can start a CLASS ACTION against Ford, Lincoln and Mercury so they will repair the panels with minimal cost to customers.

- Dorthy O., Mesa, AZ, US

problem #80

Dec 022010

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,522 miles

I can not believe that Ford will not fix this problem. We take great care of our car with no scratches or dents, but now we have this big crack.

- kristinapass, Orlando, FL, US

problem #79

Dec 042010

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,000 miles

Ford is dead wrong for allowing this to go on. I see explorers everywhere with the same identical crack.

- Kathryn C., Houston, TX, US

problem #78

Nov 012010

Explorer XLT 6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Ford is a huge company!! I have seen many Ford Explorers with this same problem. There should at minimum be a full recall to fix this problem!!

- Shannon A., Byron, GA, US

problem #77

Nov 302010

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

I HAVE NOTICED JUST TODAY THAT I SAW 3 OR 4 EXPLORERS THAT HAVE THE EXACT SAME DAMAGE DONE TO THE SAME YEAR VEHICLE. I JUST THINK THEY SHOULD BE LIABLE FOR FIXING THIS PROBLEM. EVERYONE SHOULD COMPLAIN.. IT REALLY MAKES FORD LOOK BAD MY OPINION.... THANKS FOR LETTING ME VENT.....

- Tammy And Bobby I., Cornersville, TN, US

problem #76

Dec 252010

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

click to see larger images

cracked panel below the rear window

Found this crack on Christmas morning after a cold night. Just another in the of the long list of problems I've had with this Explorer. Bought it in 2006 with 21,000. Will never buy another Ford again!!!

- Sarah A., Richland, IN, US

problem #75

Dec 022010

Explorer Eddie Bouer V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

I was driving down the road and heard this loud crack. I thought something had fallen on my hood. It wasn't till the next day that I noticed the crack under the windshield in the back. It makes it hard to resell the Explorer.

- rebando, Sorrento, FL, US

problem #74

Dec 012010

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,200 miles

Whenever I am driving around, I notice a lot of Ford Explorer with this problem. Ford needs to wake up and fix it.

- Allison M., Sherman Oaks, CA, US

problem #73

Nov 252010

Explorer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,789 miles

Found the crack Thanksgiving day, took to Ford dealership 11-29-2010. They won't cover it under my extended warranty, took to insurance company and they will fix it. I should be happy, right? WRONG. This is a design flaw by Ford, they should repair it, the crack in the panel is 1/4 inch wide for water to flow in when it rains and short out electrical wires on liftgate. Whatever they say, it is a safety issue. I paid good money for this piece of garbage, plus a lot extra for extended warranty and all they do is shrug their shoulders.

- marleneparsons, Birmingham, AL, US

problem #72

Sep 012010

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,000 miles

I can't believe so many people have the same cracks on there lift gates and Ford does nothing about it. This is my third explorer, and probably my last. My husband works for Ford and he's plant is scheduled to close in 2011, hmmm wonder why?

- Penny W., Indianapolis, IN, US

problem #71

Mar 012010

Explorer LTD Chrome V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

When I noticed this even though I had bought the extended warranty the ford dealer stated it was not covered. Since then I have spoken with several explorer owners who have the same problem. You would think when you spend that much money on a car, they would fix it if more than a couple people have complained about this.

- Donna A., Va Beach, VA, US

problem #70

Nov 122010

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

Just found it cracked, as many complaints as there are, Ford is shooting themselves in the foot if they don't take responsibility for this.

- Lee R., Greenville, NC, US

problem #69

Oct 012010

Explorer LImited 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles

A recent early morning cold snap did the trick, the rear window panel to the left of the FORD emblem is now craked top to bottom. As I have read from other members with the same problem I'm sure Ford will treat me no differently and tell me "tough luck you will need to pay for the fix." I will go and see the dealer today and see how tough my luck is, or maybe they will surprise me!!

- Steve P., Charlotte, NC, US

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