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.
9 days after purchasing this vehicle it caught fire while I was driving it on the interstate coming thru the state of Alabama. After being repeatedly told by the dealer that it had went through a rigorous safety test and everything should be ok on the vehicle. Well the fire started and exploded away from the motor. Now can someone tell me what was safe about that? I had a 64 year old women in the vehicle who recently had a stroke now what if we weren't able to get her out? All material possessions could have been replaced but that life is not replaceable.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
9 days after purchasing this vehicle it caught fire while I was driving it on the interstate coming thru the state of Alabama. After being repeatedly told by the dealer that it had went through a rigorous safety test and everything should be ok on the vehicle. Well the fire started and exploded away from the motor. Now can someone tell me what was safe about that? I had a 64 year old women in the vehicle who recently had a stroke now what if we weren't able to get her out? All material possessions could have been replaced but that life is not replaceable.
- dgoldsberry13, Madison, WI, US