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.
My God!!! These built Ford tough Explorers aren't all they're cracked up to be. (Yah, my tailgate is cracked too.) Sorry no pun intended. I was told it's due to opening the hatch too much, pressing down to close it in the wrong location, maybe the sun was too high in the sky, or it was night time so blame the moon. Was a GM guy for a long time and now I'm wondering which of the two evils I should go with..... on the snap lets just run to an import... can't be any worse and a longer warranty to boot.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
My God!!! These built Ford tough Explorers aren't all they're cracked up to be. (Yah, my tailgate is cracked too.) Sorry no pun intended. I was told it's due to opening the hatch too much, pressing down to close it in the wrong location, maybe the sun was too high in the sky, or it was night time so blame the moon. Was a GM guy for a long time and now I'm wondering which of the two evils I should go with..... on the snap lets just run to an import... can't be any worse and a longer warranty to boot.
- firesprayer, Monkland, Ontario, Canada