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.
This vehicle has completely lost all electronic power, steering, and ABS while driving at freeway speeds for the 4th time now. DANGEROUS!!! I called Ford to let them know that this has happened 4 times now and it is a MAJOR safety issue! I also let them know that my family has worked at Ford for generations now and I would hope they would at least look at it and do something about this extreme danger. They told me all costs would be upon myself and that I can take it to a local dealership to get it looked at and fixed. WOW!!
The vehicles electronics completely shut off while driving at freeway speeds. Also lost power steering, and abs breaks. The engine was still running and would accelerate. Pulled over and shut car off and restarted it again a few minutes later and everything was fine. Kinda dangerous if you ask me!
I was almost sold on Ford until recently when I was with my family in my 2005 Ford Explorer. We were going approximately 45 miles an hour on a two lane road through the mountains when my Explorer decides to turn off. I had no where to turn off, no power steering, and very little braking power. Prior to replacing the Harmonic Balancer at 50K (Approximately $500.00) the vehicle had behaved the same way, randomly turning off while driving. The Ford shuttle just arrived, must go.
Just driving along at around 45-50 mph and the vehicle just dies and steering locks up. Almost rear ended and had no idea what to do. Service Engine light then came on and so I got it started again and took it immediately to the nearest auto shop. They get two codes that come up which they then in turn say that it is the throttle actuator and or the throttle sensor and/or the throttle body that needs replaced. However, none of these parts are available due to being on backorder. If this is happening to Explorers, Freestyles, Mustangs and many other makes and models maybe the throttle body assembly was made by the same mfg. which is now bankrupt from what I have been told. Recalls need to be put into place before someone dies!
I have two vehicles, same year, make and model that do the exact same thing. While driving the dash board goes dead and all of the gauges go to zero. Speedometer doesn't register, I can't tell when I need gas.
- Kenneth G.,
Goshen, NY, US
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I was driving about 40 mph, and my car just randomly died after all the dashboard lights flashed on. At the time I chalked it up to being low on gas, although according to the gauge I still had a few gallons left. This was the first of many times this occurred!
While driving all controls are lost, e.g. brakes, steering (can�t say about lights as my experiences were in the daylight only).
The car rolls under its mass. You can�t steer, you can�t brake!!!
When the car comes to a natural stop and you were lucky enough to survive the situation, Shift the gear from D to P and turn the ignition � you are back on the road again.. !!!
This car is still under warranty and had all its 5K maintenance serviced from the FORD workshop!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This vehicle has completely lost all electronic power, steering, and ABS while driving at freeway speeds for the 4th time now. DANGEROUS!!! I called Ford to let them know that this has happened 4 times now and it is a MAJOR safety issue! I also let them know that my family has worked at Ford for generations now and I would hope they would at least look at it and do something about this extreme danger. They told me all costs would be upon myself and that I can take it to a local dealership to get it looked at and fixed. WOW!!
- clouis, Detroit, MI, US