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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 6 of 14)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #168

Aug 082010

Explorer Sport

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

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

Not taking advantage of easy fixes (Visor issue also) causing loyalty to decline. Six Fords later, we have just purchased a Toyota.

- Don J., Allen, Texa, US

problem #167

Jan 012010

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

I hate the way it looks!! And I see it on so many Ford Explorers on the road!! I think if that many people have the same problem it's obviously Fords problem to fix. Also I think it effects the latch. Sometimes when I try to close it the latch stays engaged and the window bounces off of it and wont close. I have to push the release button several times to disengage the latch hook! Frustrating!!! I do hate to say it around my car, but I will never buy another Ford!! Cause this is definitely not the only problem I'm having with this car! See other complaints...Check engine light on, gas gauge stopped working, tire pressure sensor fault light on all the time.

- nsmithart, Fair Oaks, CA, US

problem #166

Jul 272012

Explorer XLT V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

This panel piece flew off the back of my car and broke into many pieces when I was going through a car wash this morning. I don't know how it didn't hit the truck behind me. It was not cracked as I've seen other people saying. It just started making a loud rattling noise and then a loud pop noise and flew off. Very scary and dangerous!! How is this not the responsibility of Ford to fix this known defect?? The guy at the car wash told me he has seen this a million times with Explorers but Ford won't recall because they don't consider it a safety hazard!! How is a piece of your vehicle flying off and disintegrating not a safety hazard??

- jlrbowler, Wylie, TX, US

problem #165

Oct 152011

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

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

Definitely feel that if this is a known defect Ford should stand behind their product and replace it at no cost to the customer. Both of my vehicles are from Ford and am very happy with both. Although this is not a safety concern, I do take pride in how my vehicles look. This defect makes my vehicle look as if it is abused and not taken care of. Ford should definitely take care of their loyal customers. Come on Ford...step up!

- Brian L., Mexico, MO, US

problem #164

Jun 172011

Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

My 2005 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer has been meticulously maintained. If FORD claims to be about quality, then they should conduct a recall and make the necessary repairs.

- mrwsta, Belleville, IL, US

problem #163

Jun 192012

Explorer XLT 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,000 miles

We just bought this car used today and didn't notice the crack in the applique panel until actually viewing the vehicle (the online photos you couldn't really see it). Of course we bought it as a third vehicle and got it for a great price so I wasn't too surprised to see it on a vehicle that is 7 years old and has 113,000 miles on it, but since I do a lot of the repairs myself to the vehicles in our household ( we also own a 2003 Ford Expedition) I figured I'd fix it myself. I first went on line to see if I could even get the part ( yes, I can for $163.33) and thought I'd surf other sites and that's when I came across this complaint forum. Now after reading about 100(figured I wouldn't read anymore because they all were saying the same thing) I've decided I'll wait on replacing this part because it sounds like if I replace it, it will just do the same thing again. Is it the emblem causing the stress and then finally causing the fracture???? That is a good question and you all are right. Ford should fix this issue at their expense. My husband and I had a run in about almost 20 years ago on a 1996 F150. Thank god we were parked and just getting into the truck, when I closed my door and my husband's airbag blew for no reason. Ford took the truck for weeks trying to get it to repeat what it had done. They never did figure out why it did it but did say it was from me slamming the door closed(my side didn't have an airbag). And yes, I'm not a big burley woman. I'm only 5'6" and weigh 125lbs. so if they think that I'm am strong enough to set off an airbag just by closing my door, I would say, don't hold your breath on seeing any resolution to this issue on their behalf either. It's unfortunate that a corporation as large as they are, can't take responsibility for something that is an obvious defect. Shame shame on you FORD!

- Jodie B., Plano, TX, US

problem #162

Apr 282012

Explorer XLT V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,176 miles

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

if ford does not fix this problem i will never buy a ford product again!!!!! wife wanted a ford escape will not buy if ford does not back-up it's product

- pck1955, Norwood, PA, US

problem #161

Apr 242012

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,909 miles

With thousands of complaints about the cracking in the hatch below the window, Ford should REALLY mean the Quality is Job 1 and repair this obvious defect.

- richmondkid, Richmond, TX, US

problem #160

Dec 142011

Explorer Advance Trac RSC 6Cyl 4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles

I really don't see how Ford doesn't want to do any call backs on any of the Ford Explorers that are having trouble with the back panel that is cracking. ford is such a big corporation with millions and they don't want to take any responsibility in what is happening to our means of transportation especially for the ones who can't afford to go ahead and buy a new car or the money to fix it.

I am very concern that water can start accumulating inside and then what am I suppose to do. Ford should take full responsibility.

- Pedro R., Orlando, FL, US

problem #159

Jan 162012

Explorer 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,000 miles

I noticed a crack occured overnight while the vehicle was parked. The temperature was cold (Near freezing). Since then I have noticed many other explorers on the road that has the crack in the same location. Why hasn't Ford recalled these vehicles to replace the broken panel? If they do not I am unlikely to purchase another Ford vehicle.

- Craig H., Granbury, TX, US

problem #158

Jun 022011

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

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

If it is a defect in the car and they clearly know it is they should fix the problem. When I go to have my car washed they dont want raise the back for fear the glass might fall out.

- Judy W., Houston, TX, US

problem #157

Sep 072006

Explorer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,000 miles

Now have 3 cracks one on each side of the emblem and one behind the emblem.

This should be a Ford recall 9 out of 10 2002 to 2005 Explores have this problem.

I have been a Ford customer for over 45 years and have just purchased my first non Ford SUV. Ford has lost but another customer.

- geo05cad, Boynton Beach, FL, US

problem #156

Dec 212007

Explorer XLT 6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

All you hear over and over is how we should purchase American made cars but when I purchased my Explorer I never realized that Ford would ignore such a noticeable defect. I can drive around my area and notice how many other Ford buyers have this same defect. The dealers are not interested in helping and of course the BIG Ford company isn't interested either as they already made their money off of us. Why should they going to have to spend their money on satisfying their customers. Next time, I'm buying foreign!

NEVER AGAIN FORD!

- jlva, Midlothian, VA, US

problem #155

Mar 022012

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

Based on volume of complaints, should be recalled by Ford.

- Roy T., Concord, NC, US

problem #154

Mar 052012

Explorer Eddie Bauer V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

With the problems Ford has had in the past, one would think the company would jump all over this. I saw over 150 complaints just on this website. How many Ford owners are not publicly complaining about this? I've been a dedicated Ford owner for many years, but this problem is making me think twice about purchasing another Ford, which I was planning on doing soon.

- soccersue, Midland, MI, US

problem #153

Dec 152011

Explorer XLT 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,000 miles

CRACKS IN CENTER PORTION OF TAILGATE APPEARED LATE FALL. ONE VERTICAL CRACK ON RIGHT SIDE, FOLLOWED RECENTLY BY ANOTHER CRACK ON THE LEFT. WINDOW STILL WORKS, BUT AM SURE PROBLEMS ARE COMING.

NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN I AM NOTICING OTHER SIMILAR MODEL FORD EXPLORERS.

MANY WITH IDENTICAL TAILGATE CRACKS. PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE WIDESPREAD. EXPENSIVE REPAIR

- carlyle, Pensacola, FL, US

problem #152

Nov 032011

Explorer XLT 4.6L Sohc V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

This Ford Explorer model is a lemon! My rear panel is cracked, and I'm having transmission problems.

- Wanda H., Chapin, SC, US

problem #151

Dec 152011

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

Ford sucks!! I have had nothing but problems from the day I got this explorer. Then this crack on the lift gate. I will never but another ford. Rear end problems, ac problems, window not working, middle rear seat belt never worked, and the cd player never worked had it replaced and the new one doesn't work. Will just quit running when using cruise control. If you are thinking of buying a ford, I would say my money!

- Amy F., Gulfport, MS, US

problem #150

Feb 022012

Explorer Eddie Bauer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

This is my third Explorer, and the second one for the rear panel to crack. Ford fixed the first one because the SUV was still under warranty, unfortunately, not the case for this one. My Ford dealer says it will cost $1500 to repair. They said I could take it to a body shop to fill the crack in, but that it probably woudn't hold. I can't justify a $1500 repair for a six year old vehicle. I'm getting ready to trade vehicles this summer and don't think it will be another Ford. I'm afraid to find out how much the trade-in value is going to be impacted. I've written directly to Ford, but don't have any high expectations for any help. From the complaints I've read on this site, looks to me like Ford just doesn't care about its customers any more. It's very depressing to someone who has been a Ford owner for over 35 years. I may be an old dog - but I can learn new tricks - Look for me at the NON-FORD dealers this summer.

Update from Mar 5, 2012: I'm even madder now. I received a three sentence form letter back from Ford Co saying 'Feedback from our customers is important to us, and helps us to provide higher quality vehicles and improved service to our customers. We recognize that we must meet the needs of the buying public if we are to be successful in today's competitive market. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us." Letter doesn't even reference the problem - just a generic form letter. Guess I shouldn't be surprised. I'll be buying elsewhere this summer.

- Jack And Linda B., Roby, MO, US

problem #149

Apr 152011

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,000 miles

Had never heard of this till my wife came home and showed it to me. Now I see it on every other Explorer I pass. It is obviously a manufacturer's defect and should not be the responsibility of the consumer to pay for the repair notwithstanding how old the vehicle is. THIS IS NOT FAIR WEAR AND TEAR, BUT A DEFECT IN DESIGN. While not a safety issue, if FORD truly wants to be the number one car company then they need to continue to do the right things such as repair obvious manufacturing defects.

- Gary M., Springfield, VA, US

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