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:
Ford should recall based on 2002-2005 complaints (124 reports)
Ford should fix it if reported,being it's a known defect!!! (75 reports)
not sure (36 reports)
part needs to be replaced (14 reports)
replace (10 reports)
re-initiate the charity repair solution (4 reports)
Safercar.Gov - This is the site you need to file your complaint with, it is the national safety site for recalls and defects. The more people that complain the better. Call them @1-888-327-4236. I just filed mine today.
I called my local Ford dealer because I had an Extended warranty and was told it would have to be fixed at another location body shop. But, I was also told that it was not covered under any warranty. I was told I would get a call back in regards to price of repair and I have not heard a word. I do not think I should have to fix a crack on the exterior that was sitting in a driveway when it just cracked during a nighttime change in temperature while visiting family in Texas. And I regret buying an extended warranty.
The rear panel under the glass hatch has cracked good. It is a huge eyesore. Ford will only repair it if I pay for the parts and labor. It is clear that this problem is a defect that ford should own up to and place a recall on. The American auto makers can't really afford to lose anymore business to the foreign auto companies. I will never buy another FORD again!.
The back Hatch of my 2005 ford is severely cracked. Ford KNOWS this is an issue. When it rains moisture gets inside my explorer, the windows on the inside will completely fog up making it hard to see. I called my dealer, he referred me to the Ford company to complain. He's worked for Ford for 25 years and KNOWS this is a problem with the explorer. Ford says I would have to pay for their defective problem. However, if enough people called them to complain and this problem was documented by many (they need a large amount of complaints) they may issue a customer satisfaction coupon to have the vehicle fixed and Ford will pay for it. so everyone call 800-241-6372 and Complain! ask that this problem be documented.
Be aware though, after your complaint they will tell you that you have an award to buy a car at employee cost. I believe they call it the Vincent Certificate. I've owned fords for Many years and this is my last one, I'm tired of all the problems,the run around and no resolutions
I wanted to write and mention/complain that my Ford Explorer has a crack in the rear window panel (tail gate) that showed up. I live in Texas and thought at first it was from another car but it showed no other visible signs. I am thinking that the heat cauesd it. It is definitely noticeable and wondering how to fix it. I thought about getting glue and fixing it myself. If anyone has any btter advice or if it is a recall problem I would like to know how to get this resolved. Thanks.
I'm very upset about the large crack on the rear under the glass. It's a shame that nice vehicles have this. Just in our small town I have seen at least 10 Ford Explorers with this large crack. Every one that I've seen is dark in color. I've seen a white one and it does not have this crack. I'm worried that sooner or later it will start leaking inside when it rains. When the weather is hot the crack closes up that you can hardly see it. Late in the afternoon when the temperature drops and it gets cooler the crack opens up again.
Also there are two more complaints I have about my Explorer. The passenger door electric window on the drivers side hangs up and makes noise and jerks when you put the window down. Also when driving the vehicle makes a strange sound for just a few seconds. It sounds like a moan coming from the back. I dont know if it's from the air conditioning or what. It does not happen all the time, but it does concern me.
- ebert,
Deville, LA, US
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
My 2005 back panel cracked near the emblem. Read about hundreds of the same complaint. Called Ford and offered to pay half to fix it and suggested they recall it. Had no luck. Owned nothing but Ford since I started driving. Very disappointed that they are doing nothing about the problem it is an obvious design defect. And go figure in 2006 the design changed and tailgate is different.
My Explorer developed the same crack they all seem to develop. I took it to Bill Curry Ford in Tampa Florida, barely out of factory warranty and they would not fix it knowing the part is defective from Ford.
Just like the 250+ complains on the 2002 section, I am having the same problem. During a cold week the back panel cracked for no reason. Ford refuses to fix this.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I called my local Ford dealer because I had an Extended warranty and was told it would have to be fixed at another location body shop. But, I was also told that it was not covered under any warranty. I was told I would get a call back in regards to price of repair and I have not heard a word. I do not think I should have to fix a crack on the exterior that was sitting in a driveway when it just cracked during a nighttime change in temperature while visiting family in Texas. And I regret buying an extended warranty.
JR, Purcell, Oklahoma
- Jacqueline R., Purcell, OK, US