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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.

7.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$750
Average Mileage:
70,750 miles
Total Complaints:
48 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. Ford should replace poor paint (26 reports)
  2. not sure (10 reports)
  3. repaint (7 reports)
  4. take Ford to small claims court! (2 reports)
  5. keep buying touch up paint (1 reports)
  6. replace hood (1 reports)
2005 Ford Explorer body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2005 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 3 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #8

Jul 012009

Explorer XLS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

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

Ford has known for several years peeling paint is a problem and should have corrected it. You would think they would want to keep their customers satisfied.

- Linda B., Kingman, IN, US

problem #7

Jun 012007

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

The paint on the top of my SUV is peeling off. It was only two years old when I first noticed it. I have not had the money to have it fixed, but I'm sure it will not be cheap. It is so bad, it is even starting to rust. Ford should stand behind there vehicles.

- Tracy P., Murphy, NC, US

problem #6

Mar 142009

Explorer LX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,000 miles

I drive a 2005 Explorer, and the paint is peeling off of the roof in the grooves that are on the automobile! I discovered the problem on Saturday so I have not contacted anyone yet. I put touch up paint and clear coat on it for now, but it is only 4 years old! It should not be doing this. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD VEHICLE AGAIN! BUY FOREIGN!

- Jeff S., North Versailles, PA, US

problem #5

Oct 282008

(reported on)

Explorer LX 4.Ol

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,541 miles

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

This problem with the paint peeling off the roof is not an isolated incident. It appears that a lot of this type vehicle has a problem with paint peeling. I was also told that FOMOCO was not responsible for this problem. I intend to take this to small claims court if necessary. I will be using complaints listed here to help me in court. Thanks for the input. Also the side black panels are peeling ,but they all do this.

- vicbrauner, Lou, KY, US

problem #4

Jul 242008

Explorer XLS 6.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,600 miles

Had minor accident with lift gate - when getting that checked is when we saw the top of the roof is peeling. Have no idea how long it has been happening. First dealership said maybe Ford will help as it is just out of warranty. Second dealership says it will fix it with my tailgate repair - so I hope it will be resolved soon. I was prepared for battle......

- Stacey L., Madison, AL, US

problem #3

Jul 052008

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,907 miles

My 2005 Ford Explorer is killing me. It is 2008 and the paint is peeling off the roof like crazy. It has even started on the hatch. Furthermore, the hinges on the hatch are starting to rust already! I am so disappointed. This should not be happening on a 3 year old vehicle!

- brandon_barlow, Indianapolis, IN, US

problem #2

Jun 152008

Explorer Eddie Bauer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

My truck is beautiful, then this - whole top is peeling, showing bare metal. My dealer went out of business, and Ford consumer relation said it was out of warranty & to take to another dealer. I have an appointment but.........................

- Bill W., Uniontown, PA, US

problem #1

Feb 012008

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

I have an 05 Explorer and the paint on the roof is peeling/flaking off. Called the dealership and they said that it was not under warranty, sorry not covered. Now the paint is peeling off the back hatch. I think I am going to go and try to trade it in at the dealership and see what they say about trade in amount due to the paint, not that I want another Ford but I just want to say "See, you won't even take your own vehicle back due to the paint".

- Steven P., Grovetown, GA, US

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