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.
I bought this auto used and within one month I am on my second major problem. Just had the Radiator replaced and not the head gasket is leaking coolant. Garage says that the head gaskets will need replaced . I haven't had it fixed but should be around $1100.
Car ran hot ONCE, 5,000 miles out of warranty a few years ago, cracked heads, cost $3400 to fix. Ford dealer couldn't determine WHAT caused it, but sure it wasn't covered by warranty. Car ran hot ONCE 3 weeks ago, stopped dead before I could get to dealership. Cracked heads again, now want between $4,000 and $5,000 for new engine. They don't recommend fixing the engine since it's the second time. Blue book value for this vehicle in excellent condition is just $5,000...don't know what to do...can't see putting his much money in it but need a vehicle to drive. We bought it new, we're older, don't hot-rod the car, it's never been wrecked, all maintenance done on schedule. I am so disappointed in this vehicle. My last car was a 1997 Ford Explorer, It had 225,000 miles on it when I bought the '06. Kept it because we'd never had any trouble with it at all. Oil changes, maintenance check ups and tires were the only expenses. My niece is still driving it!
There was no warning that this problem was about to occur. No warning lights, no spike in temperature, nothing. Riding along, loud noise, pull over and red and green fluids pouring from under the car. I performed all of the maintenance and upkeep on the car, like I was supposed to. And the dealer had a nerve to try to sell me another one! You have got to be kidding me.
because of the radiator leak I now have a blown head gasket. I have been told this is going to cost any where from 1300.00 to 1600.00 to fix that I don't have by the way. Also this may take up to a week to repair so I will have to rent a vehicle to run my route or miss work which I cant afford to do since I will have to pay to have my vehicle repaired.
Horrid service from the dealership service department. It MIGHT be covered under the warranty. We MAY cover this. Right now, a week before Christmas, looking at a week's worth of repair at minimum with only 5 days of rental car coverage IF they decide to call it warranty work. Second major repair in the 16 months I have owned it with less than 60k miles on it. Will never buy another Ford
- unhappywithford,
Sacramento, CA, US
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Had radiator replaced 3 months (at a cost of $1,100) and only about 2,000 miles ago and then my car temperature gauge started jumping. First it would jump up to hot and then start coming down, but it would make a weird humming sound when it did. I took it to a Ford certified mechanic who said it was the thermostat and charged me $150 to replace that.
Two days later it started doing the same thing. I took it back to the same Ford certified mechanic who told me they couldn't figure out what was wrong with it and treated me like an I was an idiot. Finally I took it to a mechanic referred to me by a friend. Within 30 minutes they called me back and told me I had two blown head gaskets. They also recommended replacing the timing belt cartridge because this vehicle is known for having problems with that as well.
Because this is a warranty claim, I had to take my Explorer back to the Ford Certified mechanic (who had misdiagnosed my car twice) to be fixed and he told me Ford will only pay for the head gaskets because that is all that is strictly necessary.
My husband and I have been Ford loyal our whole lives - that is all we have EVER owned but I am having serious doubts whether I will ever buy another Ford product after the experiences I had with this vehicle.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I bought this auto used and within one month I am on my second major problem. Just had the Radiator replaced and not the head gasket is leaking coolant. Garage says that the head gaskets will need replaced . I haven't had it fixed but should be around $1100.
- Chris P., Johnstown, PA, US