The AM radio has a strange noise issue and the vehicle was taken in several times after the initial purchase. The problem was eventually temporarily fixed by replacement of the entire antenna system. However, it has been bad again for over a year. I plan to take it in for repair again but it will probably be out of warranty. I may have to file with Strategic Legal Practices on their class action suit in order to get satisfaction.

The noise is a loud jerking static sound that constantly goes in and out.

In May I purchased a 2013 Explorer Limited (10.5K miles) that was loaded with options. After a couple of days I realized there was something wrong with the radio. Contrary to the majority of people in this age of FM and Satellite I like to listen to local news, weather and talk shows on AM. I took it to Ford a week later and the only issue was the antenna was a little loose. They also suggested getting an AM amplifier. Another week and the reception hasn’t improved significantly.

I called Ford Customer Service Relations and they suggested I get a second opinion. So off to another Ford dealer, the service manager suggested it could be the radio, the cable between the radio and antenna, the antenna or bad grounds. This was encouraging but again they couldn’t find problems. The AM and FM reception fades in and out very quickly and seems to be very sensitive. There have been other owners with the same issue. I passed these onto Ford for their technical personnel to review and the answer was that it was “an undesirable characteristic of the vehicle”. So I just purchased Fords top of the line SUV with problematic radio reception with no answers and no one seems committed to help resolve this issue.

My last response to Ford: I appreciate your quick response. I don't believe going back to the dealer is going to accomplish anything. They're going to tell me the same thing again. My whole point is that we need to look at the problem and determine if there is anything in the design of the audio system that causes this problem. I can't believe Ford would produce a radio in which the reception can be this bad. Maybe the "Ford specifications" needs to be looked into. What would you do if you spent over $30,000 for a top of the line SUV and couldn't listen to the radio?

The last response from Ford: Thank you for your reply. I apologize that my original response did not resolve your concerns.

Feedback such as yours allows us to examine our practices and policies to ensure that we meet or exceed the expectations of our customers in the future.

On behalf of Ford Motor Company as a whole, we regret the circumstances which caused you to write. We hope that we might have the opportunity in the future to restore your confidence in our products and service.

Thank you for contacting Ford Motor Company.

Update from Nov 30, 2016: My Explorer was in the body shop being fixed after an accident. I had a 2017 ford fusion rental car and I had no issues with the reception of the AM radio. Not sure what's different between the two, but either there's still something wrong with my 2013 Explorer or ford figured out something in the 2017 Fusion.