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.
8.7
pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$330
Average Mileage:
72,350 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
rear wheel bearing assembly replaced (2 reports)
front bearing hub failed. replaced as unit (1 reports)
From time of purchase. brought back to dealer, said there was no issues. as time went on had to repair - very dangerous. only got worse each and every time VEHICLE was in use.
I bought this $38,000 Explorer new in the spring of 2006 and it has been nothing but trouble. The stereo started making terrible banging and popping sounds and had to be replaced under warranty the summer of 2007. The sensor on the shifter went bad causing the shifter to stick in park (this was a recall). Now, at a little less than 30,000, the passenger side rear wheel bearing went out and the wheel nearly fell off. I took it to the dealer feeling confident that they and or Ford would honor this under warranty. Well, I was wrong. I had to have it fixed since it was not safe to drive as it was. Needless to say, this will be my last Ford (and I have been a loyal Ford buyer for 30 years!) Oh yes, the transmission is also exhibiting the hard shifting that has been reported repeatedly on this site too. What a piece of trash.
Grinding/whining when turning the steering wheel turned out to be a failing front wheel bearing/hub assembly. Only special tool required is a large socket for the front axle nut.
Bearing assemblies run around $200. I found one from a small shop for $100.
- Jes H.,
Monroe, NC, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
From time of purchase. brought back to dealer, said there was no issues. as time went on had to repair - very dangerous. only got worse each and every time VEHICLE was in use.
- Thomas C., Staten Island, NY, US