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.
To start off, I will not be buying another Ford. I switched due to major issues with Chevrolet cars, looks like Toyota it is! Bought the vehicle from a family friend, was great for first month. Then issues started. Front drive shaft, sway bars, wheel bearing, exhaust manifold bolts, exhaust donut. Then it began making an extremely loud grinding/vibration at around 45mph. It currently is doing it at (30-35, 40-45, 50-55) and have spent near a thousand in trying to find the problem. I then took the vehicle on a trip with a 1,200lb four wheeler in tow. Had the issue at all speeds. I wish Ford would figure things out as this thing is crap! Found over $35,000 in dealer repair sheets for this vehicle prior to our ownership! They were hid in the vehicle, and our friends were not aware of this as they only owned it for a month. I can't believe that a car company can show such little care for the consumer.
$40,000 purchase price
$36,000 in repairs
=$75,000 (0.36/mi, .11/mi more than going over on a lease) Think I will lease future cars so they can have the piles of crap back!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
To start off, I will not be buying another Ford. I switched due to major issues with Chevrolet cars, looks like Toyota it is! Bought the vehicle from a family friend, was great for first month. Then issues started. Front drive shaft, sway bars, wheel bearing, exhaust manifold bolts, exhaust donut. Then it began making an extremely loud grinding/vibration at around 45mph. It currently is doing it at (30-35, 40-45, 50-55) and have spent near a thousand in trying to find the problem. I then took the vehicle on a trip with a 1,200lb four wheeler in tow. Had the issue at all speeds. I wish Ford would figure things out as this thing is crap! Found over $35,000 in dealer repair sheets for this vehicle prior to our ownership! They were hid in the vehicle, and our friends were not aware of this as they only owned it for a month. I can't believe that a car company can show such little care for the consumer.
$40,000 purchase price
$36,000 in repairs
=$75,000 (0.36/mi, .11/mi more than going over on a lease) Think I will lease future cars so they can have the piles of crap back!
- Kyle P., Mountian Iron, MN, US