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.
The middle buckle will not buckle. Worked fine in the beginning when I bought the car. However no one sits in the back ever. The one time someone did, they told me the seat belt wouldn't click in the holder....SERIOUSLY? NOT SAFE. Called Ford Mesquite and they told me that my car wasn't under warranty and that I shouldn't worry about it if no one sits back there.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The middle buckle will not buckle. Worked fine in the beginning when I bought the car. However no one sits in the back ever. The one time someone did, they told me the seat belt wouldn't click in the holder....SERIOUSLY? NOT SAFE. Called Ford Mesquite and they told me that my car wasn't under warranty and that I shouldn't worry about it if no one sits back there.
- Sydney E., Dallas, TX, US