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.
No matter the engine temperature, the car would frequently give me issues starting. It was turn out but never fire up. Only after three tries and holding the accelerator pedal to the floor would it finally start. It would run rough for a few seconds and then even out and run normally. I had the starter inspection and battery changed but that didn't solve the problem. The vehicle had since been sold.
Service shops I've contacted say this is a fairly common problem, Ford is seriously going to lose my business for good if these kind of things keep on.
- Vincent B.,
Sumter, SC, US
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
No matter the engine temperature, the car would frequently give me issues starting. It was turn out but never fire up. Only after three tries and holding the accelerator pedal to the floor would it finally start. It would run rough for a few seconds and then even out and run normally. I had the starter inspection and battery changed but that didn't solve the problem. The vehicle had since been sold.
- ethanjwv, McM, WV, US