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.
In 2007 I purchased a 2005 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer series with 36,000kms on it. It was approximately a year to a year and a half later I noticed the paint peeling on the roof. Over the years the paint has bubbled and peeled all over the vehicle especially the quarter panels, rocker panels, back doors, lift gate etc. I am in need of a new vehicle but I will have to spend money on a new paint job in order to sell the old one. I am not going to get any more money for the explorer but no one will ever buy it looking like this. It is a shame that such an expensive vehicle was given such a inexpensive paint job. I am sure when people see me driving around and look at the paint it will make them think twice about buying a Ford.
It is a shame when you pay so much for a vehicle and there are a number of complaints about the paint coming off. Nobody is admitting there is a problem from the company, so it won't be fixed for free. When you want to have confidence that you made a good choice purchasing a vehicle and things like that happens, you don't want to buy another one. They need to take responsibility for their problems which seem to be several different problems with this year, make, and model. I want it fixed for free! The paint started bubbling on the roof and came off and the paint on another part of the Explorer chipped off.
I have noticed that several Ford explorers have the same paint defect, namely, on the right rear quarter panel, under the fuel filler inlet. Explanations to my inquiries range from the ridiculous to the sublime, with no plausible answer. I had that area painted, only to see the bubbling reappear.
- Allan A.,
Syracuse, NY, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
In 2007 I purchased a 2005 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer series with 36,000kms on it. It was approximately a year to a year and a half later I noticed the paint peeling on the roof. Over the years the paint has bubbled and peeled all over the vehicle especially the quarter panels, rocker panels, back doors, lift gate etc. I am in need of a new vehicle but I will have to spend money on a new paint job in order to sell the old one. I am not going to get any more money for the explorer but no one will ever buy it looking like this. It is a shame that such an expensive vehicle was given such a inexpensive paint job. I am sure when people see me driving around and look at the paint it will make them think twice about buying a Ford.
- Pam L., EMERYVILLE, Canada