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.
There is no transmission dipstick/filler tube. What The Ford?
My wife was in town on a Sunday and called to tell me that she noticed the transmission was leaking and she didn't want to drive any further. I headed the 40 miles into town to get her car running. The transmission/radiator coolant line fittings where leaking. I tighten them down. Ready to fill the transmission... what? Where is the transmission dipstick and filler tube? I web searched it on my phone. It has to be filled from below using a special ($20) nipple and suction/filler gun ($20) using a T35 bit. Having none of those, we limped back home going slow all the way. I bought the requisite tools (said nipple and gun) and then had to run the car up ramps so I can fill it from below WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING!!
What Ford executive thought this was a genius idea? What Ford engineer suggested removing the dipstick/filler tube? Were they given special compensation for creating dangerous situations for their customers and ensuring they could only get this done by a mechanic that had the $5k hoist? Then charge you $100 each time? As I understand it, most vehicles are sans the transmission and dipstick tube. What the Ford is going on? What an absolutely moronic idea.
Update from Apr 5, 2022: The Torx bit is T30, not T35.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
There is no transmission dipstick/filler tube. What The Ford?
My wife was in town on a Sunday and called to tell me that she noticed the transmission was leaking and she didn't want to drive any further. I headed the 40 miles into town to get her car running. The transmission/radiator coolant line fittings where leaking. I tighten them down. Ready to fill the transmission... what? Where is the transmission dipstick and filler tube? I web searched it on my phone. It has to be filled from below using a special ($20) nipple and suction/filler gun ($20) using a T35 bit. Having none of those, we limped back home going slow all the way. I bought the requisite tools (said nipple and gun) and then had to run the car up ramps so I can fill it from below WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING!!
What Ford executive thought this was a genius idea? What Ford engineer suggested removing the dipstick/filler tube? Were they given special compensation for creating dangerous situations for their customers and ensuring they could only get this done by a mechanic that had the $5k hoist? Then charge you $100 each time? As I understand it, most vehicles are sans the transmission and dipstick tube. What the Ford is going on? What an absolutely moronic idea.
Update from Apr 5, 2022: The Torx bit is T30, not T35.
- Kevin K., Weatherford, US