9.3

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,290
Average Mileage:
104,800 miles
Total Complaints:
27 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replaced with new engine (11 reports)
  2. not sure (10 reports)
  3. need to be rebuilt (6 reports)
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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #7

Mar 182007

Explorer LTD V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,798 miles

I found out that my Explorer was loosing coolant and thought I had a leak or faulty rad. My mechanic checked and did not find it, but suggested that he put some dye in the engine to check. Nope, it was not leaking out. A pressure test did not show anything unusual and he said it must be a very fine crack into one of the cylinders and I am burring the coolant. This was a manufacturing defect that Ford will not admit to. Nothing I could do but keep an eye out and top up my coolant and hope...he did suggest I sell the car, I should have listened. Then it happened on the highway, then engine died on a very cold morning. One of the cylinders seized. To make a long story short, I was lucky enough to find a new engine for a reasonable amount of $ and replace it. But that after spending over $5000 the problems just keep on coming.... After 3 Explorers no more Fords.

- freudsdad, Hamilton, ON, Canada

problem #6

Jan 232008

Explorer XLS 4.0L L6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 93,000 miles

The first of what would be MANY MANY problems with this piece of crap! No more Fords for me... EVER!

- petaccio, Honesdale, PA, US

problem #5

Mar 022009

Explorer Eddie Baur V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,000 miles

I bought this Explorer new and I have been the only owner. I babied it. This explorer is a P.O.S. Quality is not job one at Ford. I've had so many problems with this P.O.S. This was the last straw. So the P.O.S. blew a plug out which I hear is a common problem.

On top of this major issue, the paint started chipping off hood at like 50K miles, the rear hatch plastic piece cracked in half all by itself, the ECT sensor, ABS sensor, and O2 Sensors all went around 60K Miles, the vehicle constantly shakes at 70 mph, and the transmission started acting up at 75K miles.

I just got rid of this P.O.S. I paid $38K for this P.O.S. and got $5K for a trade. They do not hold value as every one knows that these things just fall apart at 90K or so miles. I have an Acura with 140k miles that still drives like new.

NEVER BUY A FORD!

- xxbillxx, Stratham, NH, US

problem #4

Dec 182008

Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles

Drove my explorer less than 10 miles parked it. Returned in the morning only to find the motor completely seized. No warning. Full of oil and coolant and the car operated normally.I have an extended warranty that in under on the miles but 4 months over time and ford would not give any help. Is any one else having a similar concern and what results did you have?

- romer, Glendale, CA, US

problem #3

Nov 012008

Explorer LX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

believe or not, 2003 ford explorer is now trash,computer failure and engine need to be taken off to be checked ,this will cost 5000.00 and may be more mentioned the dealership,best suggestion is to buy a used engine will cost 4500.

- Rafik A., Bridgewater, MA, US

problem #2

Oct 032008

Explorer LX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

I had no warning, no check engine light nothing. the engine is done, I either buy a new engine or I am just screwed. I am still paying payments on this vehicle.

- DeeAnn R., Green RIver, WY, US

problem #1

Nov 152007

Explorer LS 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

spark plug in 1st cylinder completely sheared off. has this happen to anyone else? had oil changed all the time. engine is done. not sure what to do, I'm past the three year warranty

- Paul H., swarthmore, pa, US