CarComplaints.com Notes: The previous generation of Explorer was so awful that the redesign in 2006 was greeted with much optimism. That didn't last long.
The transmission continues to be the Explorer's worst reliability problem. Owners report shifting hard & lunging, typically starting as low as 40k miles with a $1,600 average repair bill. On top of that, the radiator is prone to failure around 60k miles. Repairs for the radiator run $500 to $1,000 & many owners report they've had to replace the radiator multiple times for leaks, indicating a possible design defect in the OEM replacement parts.
Ford did make some significant changes to improve handling and safety. Electronic stability control was added in addition to side impact air bags, but beyond that this is a vehicle that should be avoided at all costs.
7.3
pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$960
Average Mileage:
51,200 miles
Total Complaints:
24 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
not sure (20 reports)
recall #09b11, fixed for free. (2 reports)
dealer is aware of problem and will replace (1 reports)
Long-term, ongoing problem. Still unresolved at this point. Driving along and suddenly transmission disengages. Engine "revs" when I press the gas pedal but doesn't engage the gear. Down-shifting or shifting to neutral and back doesn't help. Not safe at highway speed. Car will randomly re-engage within 30 seconds - 1 minute and lurch into gear. After 7 separate visits to the dealership the problem persists. I have a list of approximately 20 parts that have been replaced, fixed, reconditioned and computer/electronics have been reprogrammed each time. They even replaced my radiator, saying that it was possibly overheating and shutting down the whole electrical system....sounds suspicious when everything else on the car that is electronically controlled worked just fine. The "repairs" work for a week or so and then the problems return. Today I filed a complaint with Ford because the local Ford dealership/service department seems incapable or unqualified to repair my vehicle. I have maintained from the beginning that it needs a new transmission but they seem determined not to replace it. Good thing I have the extended warranty, huh?
The button on the shifter will not go in so the shifter will not come out of park. After I keep pumping the break pedal it will click and it will come out of park. Sometimes it takes 10 or 15 tries. It is very frustrating when you stop to get gas and there are people behind you waiting to pull up and your car won't come out of park. They think you're just being rude. If they've ever had a Ford they would probably realize it. My Explorer in the shop now and they just called. They are replacing the shifter. I took it in for this problem before the warranty ran out and they couldn't find the problem them. Now the warranty has run out and I have to pay 20% of the costs, Ford will pick up 80% -- at least Ford is paying something. We'll see if this takes care of the problem. One funny thing is that when the shifter is giving me problems, the problem with the door locks (in another complaint section) stops. When the door locks problems start, the shifter isn't a problem.
- V M.,
Salem, VA, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Long-term, ongoing problem. Still unresolved at this point. Driving along and suddenly transmission disengages. Engine "revs" when I press the gas pedal but doesn't engage the gear. Down-shifting or shifting to neutral and back doesn't help. Not safe at highway speed. Car will randomly re-engage within 30 seconds - 1 minute and lurch into gear. After 7 separate visits to the dealership the problem persists. I have a list of approximately 20 parts that have been replaced, fixed, reconditioned and computer/electronics have been reprogrammed each time. They even replaced my radiator, saying that it was possibly overheating and shutting down the whole electrical system....sounds suspicious when everything else on the car that is electronically controlled worked just fine. The "repairs" work for a week or so and then the problems return. Today I filed a complaint with Ford because the local Ford dealership/service department seems incapable or unqualified to repair my vehicle. I have maintained from the beginning that it needs a new transmission but they seem determined not to replace it. Good thing I have the extended warranty, huh?
- heathertexas, Granbury, TX, US