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.
Last night I lifted the top half of my hatch to unload groceries. The driver's side hinge BROKE OFF slamming the whole thing right on top of my head. I went straight down on the ground and screamed for my husband to help me in the house. Today I feel sore from my head through my neck into my chest. I hate this vehicle and it is a safety hazard. I still owe quite a bit of money on it or it would be gone! Ford needs to review this issue. If I was an elderly person or a child, it could have easily injured me worse or killed me. I will be writing a formal complaint to the company. The transmission, broken visor and now this. I will never drive another Ford vehicle ever again!
We have a 2005 Explorer and the hinges that hold the glass hatch on the back are broken. Apparently this was recalled in at least 2003 and maybe 2002?? Anyway - I called the dealer today and they knew exactly what I was talking about and told me it would be $130 labor and $75 for the new parts. The frustrating thing is that they all said things like oh yeah - we know about that and Oh - they are known for breaking. There is not a current recall so I called Ford customer service and they said they have had lots of complaints and they will eventually probably issue a recall but it is not in the works yet and she had no timeline.
Anyone else having this problem? If so the more of us that call and report it the more documentation they have to move the recall further.
Even if you have already paid to have this fixed - still call and she told me to hang on to the receipt because when they do recall it we can be reimbursed so I wanted to pass that on as well.
Let me know your experiences - I would love to see how many of us have/had this problem.
My Explorer has 87,000 miles on it and we have been the only owners.
The right hinge broke a couple years ago, so I just quit opening the glass. Now the other one is broken and I'm concerned that the glass may fall out. I tried to get the hinges from an auto parts store, but they said it takes a special tool to install and that I'd have to go to the dealer.
- Eric S.,
Pleasant Dale, NE, US
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Last night I lifted the top half of my hatch to unload groceries. The driver's side hinge BROKE OFF slamming the whole thing right on top of my head. I went straight down on the ground and screamed for my husband to help me in the house. Today I feel sore from my head through my neck into my chest. I hate this vehicle and it is a safety hazard. I still owe quite a bit of money on it or it would be gone! Ford needs to review this issue. If I was an elderly person or a child, it could have easily injured me worse or killed me. I will be writing a formal complaint to the company. The transmission, broken visor and now this. I will never drive another Ford vehicle ever again!
- Angela S., Springfield, OH, US