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.
Jan, 2017 the transmission began to slip. It is now shifting hard into second. I let the car warm up in the morning or after it has been sitting. I noticed that the slipping lessened when I let it warm up but the shifting into second is pretty noticeable at getting a little harder as time has passed. No money for a new or rebuilt one, plus the repair is worth more than KBB even in the great condition I have kept the car in.
Getting real tired of your crappy transmissions Ford! My explorer tranny sucks. My bosses '10 F-150 tranny shifts like crap. My co-workers '05 F-150 is on his 3rd transmission.
THOUGHT THESE KIND OF ISSUES WERE MORE TOWARDS DODGE VEHICLES.THOUGH. IT IS WHAT IT IS NOW JUST BITING MY TIME TILL I CAN AFFORD TO GET IT FIXED AND FIND A RELIABLE TRANSMISSION SHOP.
HERE I AM AGAIN! FORD, YOU SUCK! YOU DON'T STAND BEHIND WHAT YOU MAKE AND YOU MAKE IT SO DIFFICULT TO WORK ON THE 2005 FORD EXPLORER....NO ACCESS TO TRANSMISSION FLUID! SORRY, I AM DISABLED AND DON'T HAVE THE FORD NAME AND CAN'T JUST GO BUY ANOTHER TRANSMISSION. THIS WAS VERY POOR ENGINEERING. MY TRUCK HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS EVERYONE ELSE IS HAVING ALSO. DO YOU THINK YOU COULD MAKE THINGS RIGHT FOR ALL OF US! THERE SHOULD BE SEVERAL RECALLS AND/OR CLASS ACTION SUITS. THIS IS SO FRUSTRATING! I TOOK EVERY DIME I HAD TO BUY THIS TRUCK AND NOW I HAVE NOTHING TO SHOW FOR IT.
- Lisa B.,
Pittsburgh, PA, US
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This vehicle has a transmission that there is no dip stick for. I cannot check level and cannot add transmission fluid. Therefore I can't change the fluid either. What idiot at Ford came up with that?
The automatic (overdrive with advanced trac) developed an annoying habit of "slam shifting". This disturbing little nasty happens whenever it wants. Slow speed pulling away from a traffic light or accelerating into a merge lane from an entry ramp etc. It feels like someone is bumping into the rear of your vehicle. Seat belts minimize the effect.
Internet says that the problem is the shift servo/solenoids. They, of course, are NOW housed INSIDE the transmission. They are also a clustered unit and the whole bank gets replaced in one fell swoop.
No, the problem is not low transmission fluid etc. By the way .. even if it were - there is no way to check or replace trans. fluid ... this is a sealed transmission. Ford dealer can add fluid with special tools.
Same problem as everyone else, took to the dealership less then a yr old and was told they couldn't find a problem. Well after 7 yrs of trouble and nursing the transmission finally bit the dust. It's sad that Ford knows about this problem and ignores it. After being a loyal Ford owner for more then 30 yrs. this will be my last Ford. The last 7 yrs have been hell with this car....afraid to take it out of town....unable to use it for anything other then getting to and from work. Do yourself a favor avoid buying Ford products.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Jan, 2017 the transmission began to slip. It is now shifting hard into second. I let the car warm up in the morning or after it has been sitting. I noticed that the slipping lessened when I let it warm up but the shifting into second is pretty noticeable at getting a little harder as time has passed. No money for a new or rebuilt one, plus the repair is worth more than KBB even in the great condition I have kept the car in.
- alp2, Sacramento, US