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.
my vehicle has been making a loud wining or moaning sound
I am sick and tired of all the money I am putting into this vehicle to get this issue fixed. I have it in again today for this issue and again they want to changed my routers/wheel bearings. The problem is, every year they change at least one and every year it does not fix the problem. I take it to a Ford dealership. The very first year I took the vehicle in for this problem I was told that both front routers had to be changed. I could only afford the one so he fixed the side that it sounded where the howling was coming from. Luckily it was the right side and the noise went away. The mechanic said the other one also needs fixing eventually. The sound started coming back so I took the vehicle into a Ford dealership and they fixed the router that was suggested by the previous mechanic. That did not get rid of the noise. I then took it to another Ford dealership. Same thing, they wanted to change the routers/wheelbearings. Again it did not fix the noise. Today they want to do the same thing and the noise is now so loud that when I go at highway speed or a little faster the noise is so loud you cannot hear the radio. Why is it that a mechanic, not Ford authorized could fix the problem but a Ford authorized dealership cannot? They are hosing me for a lot of money. Should these routers/wheel bearings be wearing out like this every year?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
my vehicle has been making a loud wining or moaning sound
I am sick and tired of all the money I am putting into this vehicle to get this issue fixed. I have it in again today for this issue and again they want to changed my routers/wheel bearings. The problem is, every year they change at least one and every year it does not fix the problem. I take it to a Ford dealership. The very first year I took the vehicle in for this problem I was told that both front routers had to be changed. I could only afford the one so he fixed the side that it sounded where the howling was coming from. Luckily it was the right side and the noise went away. The mechanic said the other one also needs fixing eventually. The sound started coming back so I took the vehicle into a Ford dealership and they fixed the router that was suggested by the previous mechanic. That did not get rid of the noise. I then took it to another Ford dealership. Same thing, they wanted to change the routers/wheelbearings. Again it did not fix the noise. Today they want to do the same thing and the noise is now so loud that when I go at highway speed or a little faster the noise is so loud you cannot hear the radio. Why is it that a mechanic, not Ford authorized could fix the problem but a Ford authorized dealership cannot? They are hosing me for a lot of money. Should these routers/wheel bearings be wearing out like this every year?
- Donna B., Medicine Hat, AB, Canada