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.
Wouldn't be too noticeable of problem normally ...but, we were volunteers with the US Forest Service and lived on top of a Georgia mountain. There were times where it didn't feel like the poor chirping, wheezing, anemic thing would make it to the top. Old ladies in mini-vans were passing us and giving us the central digit. It went like a Banshee on the way down, though. We thought that the V8 with Advance Trac etc. would laugh at a mountain road. Not quite.
Internet indicated that it was a common problem with Ford cam positioner. Clearly must be a user fault.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Wouldn't be too noticeable of problem normally ...but, we were volunteers with the US Forest Service and lived on top of a Georgia mountain. There were times where it didn't feel like the poor chirping, wheezing, anemic thing would make it to the top. Old ladies in mini-vans were passing us and giving us the central digit. It went like a Banshee on the way down, though. We thought that the V8 with Advance Trac etc. would laugh at a mountain road. Not quite.
Internet indicated that it was a common problem with Ford cam positioner. Clearly must be a user fault.
- James P., Charleston, SC, US