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.
8.0
pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$900
Average Mileage:
140,400 miles
Total Complaints:
1 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
replace ignition coils and spark plugs (1 reports)
Engine made loud ticking noise on basically every cylinder, jumpy acceleration, and ultimately started misfiring. Initially random followed by solely the 8th cylinder. Replaced the ignition coils and spark plugs with motorcraft parts. Engine sounds and drives like its brand new. Would have done this 5,000 miles ago if I knew this would fix it.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Engine made loud ticking noise on basically every cylinder, jumpy acceleration, and ultimately started misfiring. Initially random followed by solely the 8th cylinder. Replaced the ignition coils and spark plugs with motorcraft parts. Engine sounds and drives like its brand new. Would have done this 5,000 miles ago if I knew this would fix it.
- Nathan H., Houston, TX, US