9.3
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$2,847.00
Average Mileage:
90,306 miles
Total Complaints:
379 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replaced with rebuilt transmission (100 reports)
- replace transmission (72 reports)
- transmission needs to be recalled (71 reports)
- call Ford customer service and complain 800-392-3673 (61 reports)
- not sure (31 reports)
- local mechanic fixed, not giving dealer any more business (18 reports)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
2012Apr 14
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
Just bought this explorer in August of 2011. Was doing great until this morning. Started of to work and o/d light started blinking really fast and wouldn't shift into 3rd gear. I talked to a mechanic on the phone, he said this is a common problem and expect to pay about $3500 for a new transmission!!! I don't have that kind of money! Why with all the complaints and "it's a common problem" has this POS not been recalled??????
2007May 01
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Rebuilt Transmission 4/07
Replaced Transmission 1/10
Needs another transmission 8/11 -have not fixed
Needless to say my last Ford
2011Jan 01
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
Need I say more about having to have a rebuilt tranny put in my Explorer @ 95,000 miles??? This is redicuolus and should be considered a recall. SHAME ON YOU FORD!!! I hope your executives didn't buy a 2002 Explorer
2012Mar 19
Explorer XLT 4.8L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
A typical Ford transmission problem. After years of bad transmissions, why can't Ford get this right? A new transmission at 78K miles? We pay enough for these cars. Please...
2010Nov 01
Explorer LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 200,000 miles
I just want to say that my engine is still running fine at over 200,000, while the transmission was weak at 100,000 and then finally gave out all together. This is a major flaw that Ford has failed to address.
2012Feb 15
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 165,000 miles
This SUV didn't give any warning just sh*t the bed . Seeing as this is a sealed transmission and this had nothing to do with keeping up the maintenance, this should be on you ( FORD ) . Whatever possessed you to put this transmission in this vehicle, you should own up to your mistakes. I have NEVER had a transmission fail on me that I could do the maintenance on and if this tranny was one that I could have maintained then this wouldn't have happened ( Henry Ford must be rolling in his grave ). Too bad he isn't still around so he could fire all the dumb assess who came up with this transmission. This design fault is caused by the people who designed it not the ones who bought it or assembled it. It's just like that 2005 Freestyle ( which I also have) with the CVT transmission that none of your people know anything about ( but this is my next complaint ) . Your design team couldn't design a vehicle to save their own assess. Maybe they should get behind their vehicles and own up to these ass backwards engineers who created these disasters. Well as usual this will probably fall on deaf ears and nothing will be done for the consumers who fell for those bullshit commercials that praised these vehicles as being the best cars made.
Update from Mar 6, 2012: now all of a sudden my 4 wheel drive isn't working either and no codes are showing up for them either, gee the computer can't even diagnose these problems. Don't know what's going on but Ford needs to be held accountable for this dissaster of a vehicle. Again falling on deaf ears I'm sure , first our tax money bails out the automobile manufacturers and now due to their poor designs I'm paying again only out of my pocket personally . NEVER THOUGHT I'D PAY THIS MUCH FOR THIS VEHICLE , but I know Ford you don't care and probably NEVER will. As will I NEVER buy another ford product again.( your designers are idiots to say the least)
2012Jan 25
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
Went to dealer to check out trans., I thought it was fine, had not noticed anything. They told me the transmission was shot, unrepairable. new one costs 5,000. I was so happy with the Explorer, even was thinking aobut buying a new one, or an Expedition, not any more. I never heard of a trasnmission that cannot be maintained, fluid checked, and that has total failue, never even used it to pull a boat. Disgraceful. Ford does not stand behind their products. O well back to Japanese brands.
2010Oct 09
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 75,500 miles
My 2002 Ford Explorer that I had new started sticking in gears and would make this revving type noise but was not going anywhere. I had to come off the gas then it would go into the other gear. When i stopped again at a light or junction the same thing all over. Took it to Crown Ford here and they could not get to it for two days so I had to rent a vehicle. They then told me that I would need a new transmission and gave me a price of $2528. 87 to replace the old transmission and labor at $776.69, Plus the shop support of $15. then tax for a total of $3627.71. I had just put $600+ in new tires the week before and they told me i'd get $2000. on the trade in.
Could not afford a new "used" one or anything so I had to go for it. I feel so screwed. Other people on here got theirs fixed for less. I did not think I would win with a trade in. I get 3yr 100,000 mile warranty. My ford has 75,500 miles on it. The newer ones they were showing me had almost as much miles on them.
2012Feb 09
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Ford needs to address the issues with the 2002 model year for the Explorer. This vehicle is garbage at best. Always had ford pickup trucks which were pretty good for reliability. The 2002 Ford Explorer is a disaster. It is the FIX OR REPAIR DAILY of all Fords. I know from reading about other owners that FORD Motor Company will do nothing about this vehicle. They cannot blame Firestone for this turd. I have never had to replace a transmission on any vehicle I have owned. On the Explorer it is Wheel Bearings Timing chains 4X4 control modules Coil springs that rust and break which could puncture a tire and cause a fatality. The transmission, window control modules and the list goes on. And once you put in the rebuilt tranny it will fail also. Ford Sucks as bad as the rest of them. No more for me. Buyer Beware the blue oval. P.S. I forgot about the exploding Pinto so the Explorer is #2
2012Feb 09
Explorer Eddie Bauer
- Automatic transmission
- 160,000 miles
Transmission problems in Ford Explorers are one of the most commonly complained about issues of any car on the road. With a typical repair cost over $2,000 it's easy to see why owners are so upset. One dealer even claims that 1 out of every 10 Explorer's from the early 2000 model years will have transmission failure at some point.
2011Dec 21
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 160,000 miles
I am a 42 year old single mother of 4 children, without a running vehicle and no money to fix my transmission. The o/d light came on blinked a few times and my transmission went out instantly on the street with no prior warning. I called the dealer and they ran a check and said it was the servo boar????? that had been recently made into the transmissions, and that the whole transmission needed to be replaced!!!!!!!!!!!! This is crazy and a money making scheme by FORD MOTOR COMPANY because you used to be able to fix this problem fairly easily until they changed design.
2011Feb 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
There is a definite problem when specific years/model become known for a consistent failure. It is even more irritating when Ford designs the unit to be unserviceable except for taking it to a Ford mechanic. Some car owners are that stupid, but many are not. I don't think a recall is necessary, but Ford should offer to replace the transmissions that have failed way too early in the life of the vehicle, or required multiple replacements.
2011Oct 01
Explorer Limited V8
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
Two used transmission's were purchased by mechanic, both were bad as well. He traded mine in for these, now they cannot locate my old transmission that was sent in as trade. Unable to locate an additional used transmission, because there are so many transmission failures with this vehicle. I cannot afford a new one. Regardless a new one cost almost what the vehicle is worth anyway. I still have 6 months until payoff. Very disappointed that Ford Motor Company has ignored an obvious defect. They could at the very least discount a new transmission. My next move is to call the customer service line, "daily".
2011Oct 10
Explorer XLS 6 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 155,970 miles
transmission started to slip in early may of 2011 had explorer serviced and didnt help after one week it started to do it again..you can not check the transmission fluid as you have to have a special tool. which i do not have.continue to drove it as it cost approximately 2800.00 to fix. this is a very big problem.no reason why the transmission shouldj have went.
2011Dec 21
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 208,082 miles
I purchased this vehicle new, upon retiring from the military based on past good experiences with Ford. A couple of years ago I had to replace the engine because, I was told, the timing mechanism had spun. Recently however, the OD OFF light has begun to occasionally light. Today, while driving to work the engine over revved (about 6000 rpm) and the car barely maintained previous speed going down hill. When I stopped for the light I was able to attain about 20 mph before the engine began over revving again. I was able to limp to work. I researched on the internet to find that this is a known issue but nothing is being done to correct it except to expect the customer to pay for a new transmission.
2010Aug 05
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 76,906 miles
I've seen a lot of post's for their transmission going bad. Just over 75k and I had to replace the transmission. For all the issues that I've had with transmission, rear springs breaking, leather seat ripping, a crack on the rear lift gate and a display that occasionally blinks, I will never buy a Ford again.
2011Oct 19
Explorer LX
- Automatic transmission
- 114,000 miles
Not sure what to do. people have had the problem 2,3,even 4 times with rebuilt trans. Would really like to find a different solution such as a different trans from a previous or later explorer? Ford really needs to step up and help find a better solution if they aren't going to take care of the problem.
2010May 12
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
This issue should be covered under a recall due to the fact they know this year model 1 in 10 have an transmission issue.
2011Aug 09
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
I think Ford should recall the transmissions and repair the ones that are having problems with it and repay the ones that have had the transmission fixed with proof
2011Sep 02
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
Ford I Mean Really,Have You Not Read Or Herd Enough About This Problem. Why Give Ford A bad Name. I Grew Up With Fords And Owned A 1996 Ford Explorer AWD Drove 4 12 yrs B4 I Had To Even Drop A Dime Into It. Why Do You Choose To Have People Suffer Over A Problem That You Really Should Step Up And Take Responsibility For. What More Can Be Said.....You Can't Blame The Driver. Do Understand This Is A Recall We All Have The Same Problems....Enough Said....
2011Dec 17
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
This is extremely frustrating. I am still paying for this car. I owe 5000.00 on it. I bought it a year ago and it had absolutely no problems and had been well taken care of. In fact, the engine is still in perfect shape, as per the read on the diagnostic machine. I have had no problems with this car until the transmission started acting up. One day it is fine, the next day, it is skipping and slipping out of gear, and then jamming into gear. It has 130,000 miles on it. It should not even need to be serviced until 150,000. We has the fluid checked, since it has no dip stick, we had to take it to a shop, and the fluid was not low. This is a faulty design made by ford and ford should be replacing it. I have owned four fords. Two were brand new off the dealer lot, the other two were used. This is the only one we have had an issue with, but it will the last. I will not be purchasing another ford product.
2011Aug 30
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 132,232 miles
THIS IS THE 4TH TRANSMISSION IN THIS VEHICLES LIFE!
I heard that these have weak transmissions, so before I bought one I found one that had the transmission overhauled already by the first owner @119,000 miles. (I bought the explorer with 122,000 miles on it). Had to overhaul it again at 130,000 miles and again at 132,000 miles. The most recent one was under warranty, but the tow bill was not covered. I still don't have it back yet. Both times the overhaul was done a very reputable transmission shop. I think the trans is just a bad design or something. This time they said it was a bad planetary gear set which was a Ford Part.
2011Nov 29
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 143,000 miles
I called the Ford customer service number and was told that it is a customer problem (I'm on my own). The thing about this that gets me is that it is a sealed transmission and there is no way of maintaining or monitoring the transmission on my own. Also, I understand that it has 143k miles but the scheduled maintenance is at 150k! Seriously, if I can't do anything to help it, it's Ford's issue!
2011May 01
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 140,000 miles
I'm still paying on a vehicle that doesn't move forward or backwards! With making payments on the loan I can't afford $2,000 for a new transmission. Called Ford, they said not enough people have made them aware of the problem so they don't have it listed as needing recall!!!!!
2011Oct 25
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 258,789 miles
I took my ford to a local Transmission shop. The owner stated this was a common problem on this make and model. He then gave me a quote and then called me in a couple of days and naturally it needed more work and money.
2011Nov 02
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 122,623 miles
This is a sealed transmission. The transmission isn't due for it's first service until 150,000 miles. Have never had any indications of a leak, so I assume the transmission is full, but can't check due to not having a dipstick.
2011Nov 01
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 215,000 miles
Truck sitting in the drive way won't go in drive, won't go in reverse, I have seen THOUSANDS of the same complaints, it is a crime that Ford won't own up to their mistake. single mother of 3 children, what am I supposed to do? This beyond sucks.
2011Jul 13
Explorer Limited 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
I purchased the Explorer from a long time Ford dealership mechanic. He told me that the transmission was rebuilt at the dealership in Jan/2010. I thought that was great. A "fresh transmission" a little more than a year old.
The vehicle was purchased at 8:00 pm on Tueaday, July 12, 2011. I drove it home, no problems. Wednesday morning I had $600 worth of new tiers put on it. My wife and daughter went shopping in it Wednesday afternoon. She called me at 2:30 to tell me that something was wrong with the transmission. I had them stop and pull over. I went to meet them ad drove the vehicle. The transmission shifted very hard from first into second gear, then stuck in second and would not shift again. The Overdrive light and check engine light were flashing on the dashboard. So less than 20 hours after purchasing the vehicle, I am having to spend another $3,500 to replace the transmission.
I SUPPORT A FORD RECALL OF THIS PIECE OF CRAP!!!!
2011Oct 22
Explorer XLT 4.01
- Automatic transmission
- 157,000 miles
The problem of the OD indicator light blinking and it associated problem of transmission failure is no secret to Ford. Ford's " anything but assume responsibility for it's defective products. Ford is still making and selling Pintos - just new names and sizes.
2008Apr 01
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
2002 Transmission failed in April 2008 was slipping gears, hard to shift gears, and went into gear with a big clunking sound. Did research and found this was a lemon transmission. I was out of warranty and I replaced with a Ford Dealer installed rebuilt transmission that I was told would not have the same problem, because for released another transmission. Well here am 40,000 miles later and the same thing happen and my 3 year/100,000 mile warranty for the rebuilt transmission is out of date by 2 months. Taking this complaint to the top, because I am not paying for this a second time!!!! Very disappointed that Ford has not recalled this transmission. I am also concerned about reports of the 2002 explorer moving while in park, I have 2 young kids and this is a real concern. FORD MAKE THIS RIGHT!
2010May 01
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I, too, am fed up with Ford. I keep only because it is paid for and I don't want to take on any more payments. At a cost of around $36,000 new, you would think Ford would pay a little more attention to the drive train.
2011Oct 10
Explorer XLT 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 134,033 miles
I'm an international student at US. My parents together earn around 400 if calculated into USDs every month, and they gave me 5000 to buy this SUV for school commute.
I'm a very careful driver and the car kept running good till Monday night, just in a sudden the odo meter overshoot 3000 all the time and letting go of gas pedal won't help. Sometimes it struggled and made it to gear up, and it feel like someone kicking really hard at the back of my car.
Though it was random to happen on a modestly operated vehicle and internet tell me oh it's not random. Local mechanic reports over $2000 bill to either rebuild or find a replacement from junk yard. And personally they advised me to just salvage it and buy another car.
What am I supposed to do? I live on a $1100+ monthly university scholarship, no other income, illegal to work off campus, pay heavier taxes to federal and state governments than US citizens for this scholarship income, yeah and our school registration fee raised to compensate the damn bad economy, being thrifty all the time and buck by buck saved a total of $800. Someone tell me how am I supposed to get this fixed.
So yes, I'm broken, not by economical depression, not by disabling injury, nor by stock market mis-investment, but by a poorly designed car with a not-makers-business defect in the richest country of the world.
2011Sep 17
Explorer EB 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 114,000 miles
THE TRANNY SHOULD NOT FAIL AT 114000 MILES. ITS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE SERVICED UNTIL 150000 SO FORD NEEDS TO MAKE GOOD ON THEIR PRODUCTS. IN THE LAST YEAR I HAVE REPLACED TWO WINDOW REGULATORS AND THE 4X4 CONTROL MODUAL SO I'M SEEING SIGNS THAT I NEED TO DUMP THIS CAR AND GET A NEW ONE
2005Jan 05
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 45,000 miles
1st Ford ever and LAST! Ford would not stand behind this car despite admitting it was a premature failure. How many of us out there have had transmission problems with the '02 Explorers? I think we should do a class action lawsuit. No wonder my mechanic calls them "Exploders"!!!
2008Dec 18
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 138,054 miles
This transmission gave out in less than 36,000 miles and in only 18 month after the last replacement. Please call ford to complain so they will issue a recall at 800-392-3673. If we don't stand united and force them to recall, you and thousands more will waste your hard earned money.
2007Feb 08
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 102,383 miles
Please call ford at 800-392-3673. The more complaints the better results and hopefully a recall. But you have to call ford to complain or they will never issue the recall. Please call them.
2011May 01
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
This is the 6th time I had to repair the transmission. The first 3 times were under warranty since when my new explorer had 3000 miles the transmission stop working, had to be replaced. It happends for 2 more times after that. I called the Ford offices and called DACO and I couldn't do anything since nobody helped me with the problem. Since that time I had to change the tranmission 3 more times. It is almost once per year. That is why it cost me around 18000 since everytime I had to replace with a new transmission.
2011Mar 16
Explorer 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
I was told by several mechanics that this is a common problem with this year make and model. The new one should last about two years before it has to be replaced again! That is really something I look forward to! If Ford knows about this, and I don't see how they can't, why don't they fix it. I will never ever buy another Ford product!!
2011Jun 22
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 130,738 miles
This is absolutely ridiculous. Why won't Ford recall these damn things if they know they've produced a defective transmission? It failed without any warning. Not to mention the idea of a sealed transmission (in an SUV) is stupid in itself. How do I know the fluid level? How do I know if it's burnt/needs replacement? My vehicle has been regularly maintained in and out. It still failed. Now I need to find a source of RELIABLE transportation. FORD- IF YOU'RE READING THIS, I'D FIX THIS ISSUE IF I WERE YOU, AND AVOID THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT.
Update from Jul 5, 2011: * Also* After the removal and dis-assembly of transmission, with re-use of components salvagable, the cost is $3440.21 (For replacement of defective components, broken components, and updated components, with labor alone at $1147). Serviced at AAMCO Transmission.
2011Jun 01
Explorer LXS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
This is the damn 3rd trans I have put in this car. I just spent 1,700 on a rebuilt. I have called Ford but they refuse to do anything about it.
HOW CAN WE FILE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT? I'M WILLING TO DO ANYTHING
I CAN BE REACHED AT
MRKBSMITH@GMAIL.COM
6783341016
2011Jun 07
Explorer LXT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 160,000 miles
After having my 2002 Ford Explorer for 1 year, it began to make loud clunking noise when shifting gears. I was not able to repair at that time. Within 6 more months, it would not shift after second gear. So, I put the car in a local repair shop and had the transmission rebuilt for $1800. That was a year ago, now my transmission has is going in out. This is ridiculous and i will NEVER buy FORD again!
2011Mar 31
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 114,954 miles
You gotta love the internet...if ever there was a force that could bring people together with common problems and let them know they were not alone, its the internet. Im sitting here reading these complaints and laughing to myself because ive experienced the same things... transmission failure, crack in the plastic piece on the tail gate. I know my little rant probably wont get ford to change anything anyway, but here goes.
I was a new father and I was driving in a snow storm in early 2005 with my daughter and it was so bad that I vowed to myself if we lived thru this I would get a four wheel drive. I was always a BMW guy but I thought, forget it... I thought "Im a father now so I need something more dependable". So I thought... why not buy a ford explorer. I gave Ford the benefit of the doubt since they redesigned the 2002 Explorer to get over that pesky tipping over problem, which they did a nice job of blaming firestone anyway. I figured, domestic cars arent sexy but they will be dependable.
Well obviously Im an idiot. I bought Fords "quality" schtick... The transmission never sounded right but two and a half years after I bought it, with 160kms (100 miles on it) the thing just crapped out. It would go in first gear but would not switch out of it. I went to have the tranny fluid replaced at a lube shop and they told me that Fords they couldnt do because there is no dipstick. So I take it to the local Ford dealership (terrance ford in burlington,ontario...yeah i named them, they can sue me), and they proceed to change the tranny fluid (thats 250 bucks) but then tell me that the tranny is toast. So I ask, "wouldnt you have known before you charged me 250 bucks that you were replacing fluid in a Piece of Sh*t (henceforth POS) tranny"? The gal I talked to from the dealership tells me "yeah, that doesnt sound right" and said she would call me back. You guessed it, never got a call back.
So then I take my POS Explorer to an independent shop (after the dealer tells me that in addition to ripping me off for the $250 tranny fluid job, they now want 5 grand for a factory built tranny... before labor). So the independent takes it apart and tells me that my first problem was the tranny fluid level was to low... the same tranny fluid that just got replaced by the Ford dealer that is supposed to know their asses from a hole in the ground! It makes me wonder whether they actually ever changed the fluid. So this guy tells me its going to be 3800 bucks. So i basicallly eat it, pay the guy and hope for the best. This was 2008.
So here we are not even three years and less than 25K kms later, and the thing craps out on me. Same thing that happened last time and that everyone on this site has said ... OD light starts blinking, Check transmission light goes off and the POS will not get out of 2nd gear. I take it to another shop, and lo and behold, it needs another rebuild. Now I wonder today, whether its worth it to put another 3500 bucks into a truck that isnt even worth 3500 bucks. I do ok for a living, but I dont make enough to keep up with the problems with the ford explorer POS. I expect certain problems to creep up with any car.... and most of them I will live with. Heated seats dont work, CD player is shot, power window track breaks... i can deal with all that. If its important enough, i have it fixed. If not, I live with it. I take a commuter train into work so I really just need a car to go about 8kms a day. But this POS cant even handle that task. I wanted a car for my wife that had 4wd for those snowy days... sadly the POS explorer isnt reliable enough to trust my family with.
I agree that the transmission problem should be addressed as a recall item for Ford. I think there should be a class action on this. And Im sure there are alot more people out there with these same problems but just have not found this site or are just too busy with their lives to really make Ford stand up for its product. Im hopeful, but I think its highly unlikely. Ford could really give a sh*t about the vehicles that they have already swindled people into buying. They are having enough problems getting people to buy into the current years vehicles. Yes, they are in better shape than GM or Chrysler, but you have to ask yourself what corners are they cutting that made them be in better shape than those companies.
At the end of the day, Im probably to blame for my mistake buying the Ford "Quality is job 1" line.... my 2002 Ford Explorer POS was made at a time when Ford was probably making more money from financing vehicles, than from actually making them. Now if u make more money financing them, why would you give a flying f*ck about the quality of the product you put on the road. And if they didnt give a sh*t about their products then...they sure as hell arent going to give a sh*t about them 8 years later.
Incidentally, I found my error almost reaching a level of comedy when I looked at this website different sections and how often the Ford Explorer was there...
Current Problem Trends, last 90 days - Ford Explorer is mentioned 5 times in the top 10
Worst Vehicles - 3 of the top 10 worst are Ford Explorers, with the dubious distinction of #1 going to... you guessed it, the 2002 Ford POS Explorer.
Most Problematic Vehichles - 3 of the top 5 are Explorers, again #1 to the 2002 Explorer
Worst Complaints - another 3 Explorers in the top 10, all tranny problems.
20 most often reported complaints - 5 of the top 10 are Ford Explorers... wow! way to own the podium guys!
Well, I guess we Ford POS Explorer owners should take some comfort in that when we made a mistake, we do it BIG, buying possibly the worst thing to come out of Detroit since the Edsel.
As you may have guessed, I wont be buying another explorer. I wont be buying another Ford. I dont think I will be buying another domestic (or at least anything made by UAW membership). I have also took pleasure in informing anyone who asks, the continuous issues and expense we have faced with our Ford Exploder, at every chance i get. When we needed a new car I bought my wife a 2009 Hyundai Sonata... Its not very sexy, but it is extremely reliable, easy on gas, and is not too bad in the snow either.
Im not sure if this site was around back in 2005 when I made my error in judgement, but Im glad its around to caution others, and to help in making firms more accountable for their products. I think this site must be consulted first for anyone who is thinking about buying a used car. This site can offer real stories from actual owners of vehicles to stay away from, as opposed to the limited data offered by say, a Consumer Reports. If I may make a suggestion, this site should also have section that shows the opposite... the best vehichles, with the least complaints, and the fewest issues. This would help to highlight the companies that are making the very best vehicles out there, and who actually care about their name.
It would be nice to see some lists that Ford didnt make!
2011Feb 01
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 135,000 miles
If Ford knew there were issues with the transmissions, even though not necessarily a safety issue, a customer service letter offering discount/free parts to owners would go along way towards building customer support and rapport.
2010Oct 13
Explorer LX
- Automatic transmission
- 102,000 miles
well let me just say that this car is a royal pain in the ass not only did I have to just replace the transmission this is the SECOND ONE SINCE I HAVE owend the car on was 2 and 1/2 years ago. ARE YOU SERIOUS. Ford really need to do something about this issue what a pain in the ass. The o/d light flickerand the dealership says dont worry about only for me to find out when that happens you are not supposed to drive it way to go dealership you just cost me 3,000 dollars are you happen. Just keep screwing the public. I like my explorer but let me tell you next year i will be getting rid of this thing and i PROBABLY WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER FORD........
2011May 01
Explorer Limited V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
This is the 2nd time I've had the transmission replaced , it was done also in 07. I will never buy a ford again.
2011Feb 15
Explorer Limited 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 117,000 miles
As a member of the Armed Forces, I needed a vehicle that could get me where I need to go, whether it was to get me to training, get home for the holidays, or even just to work. Unfortunately, my 2002 Ford Explorer did not provide the longevity I desired. I loved it too! It looked nice, drove well, and dealt with terrible road conditions like a champ. That is, until the transmission completely failed. Almost 3,000 dollars later, she is up and running again. I will not be making this mistake (buying a Ford) and will continue to talk all those I know looking for a car into avoiding Ford. If they can take responsibility for this OBVIOUS failure, I would happily stay with Ford. Until then, they are useless.
2011Feb 04
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
After reading many of your complaints im actually happy with the 120,000 miles i got out of my explorer. i bought the suv in 2007 with 57,000 on it. ran great until january of 2011. replaced 1 wheel bearing ($115), 3 motors and regulators in the windows ($600), fuel pump ($550), and now the tranny went out with a quote of $2200 to fix. Saying that, the vehicle ran great and like many of you i had no warning what so ever. it just quite on me. i have always been a fan of ford and loved ford products. i previously owned a 2001 ford f-150 and loved it. no problems. i currently own a 2008 ford fusion and have had no issues. but i would imagine this issue with the transmission would be taken care of by ford via recall!!!!! Thanks ford. and also thanks for making me a CHEVY man now!!!!
2010Dec 28
Explorer LTD V6
- Automatic transmission
- 62,500 miles
We had a 1996 Ford Explorer XLT with well over 150,000 miles and NEVER had one problem out of it. So we thought we were making a dependable purchase by buying a 2002 Ford Explorer LTD. WRONG... After whining a bit the OD light started blinking, the service transmission light came on and it is not driveable....at all. After reading all the complaints regarding the early 2000 Explorer transmission problems, why has Ford not had a recall. At least a civil action suit should be filed against Ford on behalf of us disgruntled Ford owners.
2011Mar 15
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 153,256 miles
MY NAME IS JEFF ,I HAVE 02 EXPLORER ITS BEEN A GREAT SUV ,BUT THE TRANSMISSION IS OUT.AND IVE HAVE LEARNED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROB.AS A SINGLE DAD RAISING TWO KIDS.MY MONEY FUNDS ARE VERY LOW ,I HAVE TALKED TO MANY MECHANICS.THEY ALL SAY THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH EVERY EXPLORER 02/03.I CAN NOT FIND ONE FOR A FAIR PRICE.NOT ANY WHERE.THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS TO WORK AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX A COMMON PROBLEM THAT THESE EXPLORERS HAVE.I'M SURE AND KNOW I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS COMPLAINED.I THINK ITS BULL THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS VERY VERY COMMON PROBLEM.I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE TRANSMISSION AND THE WORST.HOPE THERE IS SOME HELP OUT THEIR FOR SOMEONE LIKE ME THAT WORKS VERY HARD TO SUPPORT MY FAMILY.
2010Mar 04
Explorer XLT 4.0L
My first car that I bought new. Most likely last Ford I will buy. They put out a defective transmission and are not willing to do anything about it. The explorer was a few thousand less than the trail blazer and I wish I would have spent the additional money on the front end since I spent more than the difference before even getting to 100,000. This vehicle is a lemon. Had to replace the rear end at the same time as tranny. I have taken dozens of pictures of the cracked rear window that is also standard failure on all explorers and mountaineers of this era.
Tim O.
Colorado Springs, co, USA
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