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 THINK I HAVE NOW REPLACED EVERYTHING POSSIBLE ON THIS SUV
SOME THINGS MORE THAN ONCE. WHEN YOU READ COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEMS OVER AND OVER FORD SHOULD HAVE ISSUED SOME RECALLS OR SOMETHING; INSTEAD THEY WILL LOSE LOYAL CUSTOMERS LIKE ME WHO HAS ALWAYS PURCHASED FORD CARS AND SUV'S
A PIECE OF JUNK - I WILL BE PURCHASING A NEW CAR SOON AND THERE IS NO WAY ON GOD'S GREEN EARTH WOULD I BUY ANOTHER FORD
When we turn the steering wheel all the way like when making a u turn, it sounds like the car is breaking. Its like metal rubbing together somewhere. We took it back to the dealer a few times and of course they cant find anything wrong with it. We took it to other Ford dealers and they all say the same thing. This is not normal. But Ford doesn't care.
- Angela A.,
Moreno Valley, CA, US
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I THINK I HAVE NOW REPLACED EVERYTHING POSSIBLE ON THIS SUV
SOME THINGS MORE THAN ONCE. WHEN YOU READ COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEMS OVER AND OVER FORD SHOULD HAVE ISSUED SOME RECALLS OR SOMETHING; INSTEAD THEY WILL LOSE LOYAL CUSTOMERS LIKE ME WHO HAS ALWAYS PURCHASED FORD CARS AND SUV'S
A PIECE OF JUNK - I WILL BE PURCHASING A NEW CAR SOON AND THERE IS NO WAY ON GOD'S GREEN EARTH WOULD I BUY ANOTHER FORD
- Donna D., Mobile, AL, US