8.3
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$2,170.00
Average Mileage:
106,878 miles
Total Complaints:
60 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (25 reports)
- replace the transmission (25 reports)
- rebuild transmission (9 reports)
- replace intermediate and overdrive servos in transmission (1 reports)
- replace the brake light switch (1 reports)
2012Feb 15
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Ok folks, I found a very simple and cost effective resolve for this O/D light issue.
Hopefully, it will work for you. Read a ton of horror stories and went to a few Ford stores and they diagnosed my problem without seeing it........wow, what a surprise.
Now that really made me feel very warm and fuzzy inside. Not to mention the cost of repair they pulled out of thin air. I do have a little intelligence, so, I checked out my brake light switch. It was very sensitive.......just barely touch it and the brake lights come on.
The Brake Light Switch does three major electrical tasks:
1.Turn on brake lights.
2. Kill the cruise.
3. Disengage the Overdrive. HMMMMMMMMMM
I found Ford did have an issue with this switch, but NOT with Explorer.(Same Part). Went to my local parts store, spent very little money and installed the switch, but did not do all the additional wire splicing, as it was not needed.
To this day....Fingers are crossed, The problem has vanished and ALL IS WELL.
Think about it.....Try it. Worked for me, Maybe it will work you. GL and GB
Update from Apr 20, 2012: For those of you who also complained of erratic shifting and or not shifting normally, I found the TPS failed. This is the Throttle Position Sensor that feeds info to your transmission via the computor. Cost is about $60.00 and is
"medium difficulty" to install. I replaced it and the shifting is normal now. I do not trust the Dealership to look for simple solutions that do not run up a large expense.(MY PERSONAL OPNION). I suggest to invest +- $30.00 in a Haynes or Chiltons manual at your local parts store for your vehicle as it does explain most issues and gives you removal and installation proceedures. It WILL NOT cover everything, but is very very handy to have. Also,I have found a free site called EasyAutoDiagnostics.com Both of these have saved me a LOT of money.
If your computer continously recieves eronious information, it will normally send out the same, usually causing premature failure. I recently retired from DuPont and my major task was to train my customers in "Customer Retention". Most large Manufactures have their own protocal, and do not accept outside advice. I have also been an ASE MASTER Body/Paint technician for years which demands knowledge beyond just Body and Paint. I really hope my simple fixes work for you also.
Update from Apr 24, 2012: After posting my comments, I received some feedback from others that have experienced complete failure of the transmission. I would like to share more on my experience, with no judgement towards the owners of these Explorers. My wife is the driver and travels 60+ Interstate miles per day for work. We, also, can not justify any additional major expenses. Having said that, when the O/D light began flashing, we also were informed the brake lights were on, (without appling the brakes). That is why I looked into the switch. (No mechanical issues yet). My thoughts are that the switch sent a signal to the PCM that the transmission should be in the highest gear (O/D) at freeway speed, and is not , triggering the warning lamp.
Utilizing my past experience, I found if the transmission is not in the correct gear for the speed, it can overheat and destroy itself. Same theory for the erratic, freewheeling, high reving shifting that followed the O/D light issue. (Check engine light on)The trottle position sensor relays information to the transmission via the PCM as to what gear it should be in. If this sensor has failed, sending inaccurate information to the transmission, I believe "Self destruct" mode kicks in.
Maybe, just maybe, I just got lucky with these repairs. So far, as of last night, no transmission issues. It may come home on a rollback this afternoon. If that is the case, we have, at least, extended it's demise for over 5,000 additional miles.
What I have shared will not repair a trashed transmission, but maybe will prolong it from destruction at a minimal cost.
2012Mar 25
Explorer XLT 4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 117,300 miles
As cars are built with less quality, I believe when I pay over $20,000 for a car and drive it lightly (never towed anything) than a transmission should last well over 250K. Online forums show this is not just an issue with me but lots of other Ford owners. Without a recall from Ford I am forced to get very little back when I go to another vehicle, because the dealer will screw me at trade in and I can't sell it personally knowing their is a transmission issue. PLEASE HELP
2012Feb 02
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 154,000 miles
just bought a 2003 ford explorer 2 weeks ago and on the way home from the dealer had a hard banging underneath and the O/D light was flashing. took it back to the dealer, they said the magnetic clutch coil was bad so they replaced the transfer case at no charge but just called and said its still doing it!!!!! its pretty bad i bought a vehicle 14 days ago and only got to go 20 minutes from the lot before i had problems! i dont know where we go from here, im a single mother with three kids working days and going to school at night who NEEDS A VEHICLE!!!! i want to get my money back and find something else. if theres this many problems with the transmission/transfer case now where am i gong to be in 6 months. i cant afford to buy 2 cars!!!!
2012Feb 03
Explorer 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 129,235 miles
I have a 2003 Ford Explorer, this is the 2nd time around. First was about a year ago but I believe I was taken for a ride by the mechanic.. So Now I have had to have a rebuilt trans put in..This is BS.. Ford needs to have a recall on these and I will be calling Ford Customer Service line.. 1800-3923673 Come on when U-haul won't even rent a small trailer to you if you own a Explorer there is a problem...
2012Feb 12
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 89,000 miles
Does no one have an answer to this problem? I haven't even begun to proceed to taking it somewhere (hopefully) honest to get an answer to this problem. I am not very happy seeing everyone else's experiences here. Is there no real solution other than having to replace the transmission???? Why isn't this problem a recall if it is so prevalent? Anyone filing a class action lawsuit?
2012Jan 28
Explorer XLT 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
We are having the same problem as everyone else. O/D light started to flash along with check transmission. Took it to Ford dealer and got an estimate of about $3800 to fix. Right now this is our only vehicle we have to drive. I have two minor children and my husband just had a total knee replacement! I rely on my Explorer everyday for kids extra activities and to get my husband back and forth to rehab for his knee. Along with transportation to and from work! More bad news is...we are the second owner and still owe about $4500 on this vehicle. WOW what a mess FORD !!!! I can not believe that there are so many more people out there with the same problem. I could not and still can't believe on what I am reading. UNBELIEVABLE...This Ford Explorer was NOT built FORD TOUGH along with many others too. I do not plan to fix, just pray somehow we can get out from under it. We definitely will NOT buy another FORD!!!
2012Jan 17
Explorer XLS 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 83,224 miles
I have an 03 Explorer that the o/d light flashes and the automatic transmission seems to be skipping over 2nd gear. from a stop, it will wind out to about 4300 rpms and then shift hard into 3rd gear. there is no dipstick to check the fluid and a mechanic said it needs to be looked at by a transmission shop. I don't have the money for what I'm told would be around 1500.00 to rebuild. from what I've read on the net is, it seems to be a very common problem that ford won't recall to fix. according to the warranty book, there is no specific upkeep for this transmission I got suckered into buying a warranty contract about a year ago, I hope it's covered.
2012Jan 09
Explorer Eddie Bauer
- Automatic transmission
- 119,359 miles
119,000 miles is too soon for a modern car to have transmission problems like this. We need to get enough people to form a class action.
2011Dec 13
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 139,000 miles
This is the first major problem with this truck. Now the more I look on the net. I guess I am lucky. My tran. Lasted this long. 139,000 miles. Has any one had any luck getting Ford to pay to get this fixed? If so did you call Ford directly or go through the dealer?
2011Dec 17
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
There should be no way that a car with only this many miles should need a new transmission! We are really aggravated that Ford has not stepped up to have a recall because apparently from what we are reading, this is a very big problem! I am so angry that they have let this go on, that I probably will never buy another Ford!
2011Oct 22
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 96,000 miles
just like everbody else like the suv but dropping a new tranny in at 96k is bs ford needs to man up and face this issue having a family with 4 boys thought this would be a good suv can't afford to fix it don't know what to do now. also repaced both front wheel bearings and new ball joints less than a year ago
2011Dec 17
Explorer XLS 4.0L Flex
- Automatic transmission
- 106,000 miles
Same problem as everyone else. Beechmont ford recommended new transmission due to high mileage 106,000. Don't understand how this is considered high mileage when recommended service is not until 150,000. Always try to buy American but I give up, going to Toyota.
2011Mar 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 131,000 miles
This was my complaint to Ford. I honestly think that we need all report it to the NHTSA and then go about starting a class action suit against Ford. Does anyone know how we can go about doing such a thing? There are over 1,000's of complaints in regards the 2002-2003 For Explorer’s having severe transmission problems that costs more than the cars are worth to fix, and most still have the problems. I think it’s outrageous how Ford can just ignore this issue, and not offer a recall fix to the problem. Oh unless there isn’t one, because Ford screwed up on these years and made faulty vehicles. I have always been a Ford owner, and hope to always be, but I guess that possibly I will have to be the one to start a class action suit for this problem again Ford. I know in this economy that this will hurt Ford tremendously. We have all started to contact the NHTSA and begun formal complaints about this issue as it is a safety issue will all of these models not just a handful.
2011Dec 30
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 109,000 miles
Found out a week after purchasing that this is a common problem on 02 and 03 Explorers. Was hoping mine was the exception, 8 months later I find out it is not the exception. You have to let off the gas to get it to shift from 1st to intermediate gear, the o/d off light is flashing and service engine soon light stays on, every where I read it claims the problem only gets worse until transmission completely quits. Told only solution is to overhaul or replace tranny, ranging from $1500 to $3000. Also stumbled across a web site, http://www.fordservoboretransmissionfixsolution.com/index.html, that claim they have a solution for it. Haven't tried it yet, may if Ford refuses to fix their obvious screw up. Ford owes its owners a recall, this is a manufacturers flaw that they should be obligated to repair. If ford doesn't make good on this (which they haven't and most likely won't) I will never purchase another Ford, and relay that to every one I know. Toyota makes good on their mistakes to their owners, as well as many other motor companies as should Ford. Very disappointed in Ford, I've always been a Ford person,but not anymore after this. Who could afford up to $3000 on a newly purchased vehicle? A transmission should not go out this soon, and/or sooner in a lot of cases I've seen.
2011Sep 11
Explorer Limited 4.3L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 96,000 miles
Driving home from a weekend trip, the check engine readout came on and the OD lite started flashing, I took my SUV to the Dealer the next day, The option is buy a rebuilt transmission for $3800 or have mine repaired for $2,200, I called Ford customer service about getting a good will repair or discount (Ford only owner for over 30 yrs) and was refused any help. I bought this SUV new and I have babied this car for the last 8 years it has less than 96,000 miles on and so far I have had the rear-end rebuilt, the dashboard replaced 2 times a wheel bearing replaced and I am not spending another dime on this lemon, anybody want to buy a 2003 Ford Explorer with less than 100,000 miles on it I am puting it up for sale, and buying a Honda,
2009Feb 11
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I had a 2000 Ford Explorer and the tranny went up at 75,000 miles. I still owed on it and couldn't afford the repair so I traded it in at the only place that would take it, The Ford Dealer. I got into a 2003 Explorer and wouldn't you know, the same thing happened 3 years later, the transmission. I had the transmission rebuilt and had the solenoid replaced also. After a $3000.00 repair bill I was driving my Explorer again! Well, this wasn't long lived. A year later the rebuilt transmission blew!! i was told that even if I put a brand new transmission in, the problem would be more than likely to re-occur! Ford was using the old Bronco II aluminum transmission and the rods were rubbing. Ford is very well aware that the aluminum transmission is not strong enough for the Explorer. So aware that they changed the design in 2004. Even though they changed the transmission there still is NO way to check the transmission fluid! I have been a loyal Ford owner since I started driving...not anymore! I have given Ford over $140,000.00 for the four Fords I have owned, you would think I would at least get a coupon for a free oil change for all this trouble! I got nothing, not even a response to the complaint I filed with Ford Motor Company. I am only 35 years old and I have a lot more cars to buy in my lifetime. I can promise you this...Ford will not see another penny of my money!!
2011Dec 07
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
Ok so here I go... My wife came home and said that the od light was flashing and it was shifting funny. So I took it out for a ride and noticed the problem right away. I also noticed that it just turned 86,000 miles so I thought that it may have been flashing for some kind of maint. Well I found this site and my jaw just dropped. This is crazy. We have 5 kids and she is out of work. We can't fix the car because we do not have the money... We are the 2nd owners and it has very babied miles on it.. It is a creampuff. We think that it is a shame that Ford will not stand behind this problem. I have never had any problems with fords in the past but I can absolute assure you that this will be the LAST Ford that we will ever buy.... Such a shame.. Put us in for any class action suite......
2011Aug 05
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 124,600 miles
Purchased new in 2003, Ford Explorer. Now has 124,600 miles, problem is same as everyone else O/D light flashes and service engine soon light is on. Delayed shift to second, 4,000 rpm, I think it is actually shifting to 3rd gear. Transmission has always shifted well until now. At 30,000 miles I requested from Ford dealer to change trans fluid and filter, their response it is permanet fliid and never requires changing. I checked and there is no drain plug on transmission. That is probably why they quit. Ford should do a recall on these lousy units.Can you say class action suit. What did you do to resolve issue ? Repair or replace ? If replaced, same model trans ?
2011Jul 29
Explorer 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
I was on a 500 mile road trip when the o/d light started to flash. Pulled over and turned off the suv to get the light to go off. I started to drive again and the light came on again immediately. It was the middle of the night so I waited til morning and started to drive up the street to a repair shop and the o/d light started to flash again, and the check engine light came on and the transmission would not shift out of 1st into 2nd accompanied by high reving RPMs. After taking the suv to a repair shop the estimate to repair is between $2375-$2775. There were no other noticeable indications or warning prior to this problem. After researching and finding that Ford Explorers have had these same problems as much as they have had, and not stand behind their products really disgusts me. American Made really should mean something, but apparently it doesn't. And our government just stands on the sidelines and allow big business to continually abuse the american consumer. No wonder people aren't encouraged to spend money in this economy. FORD you have American consumers here crying out for your help with a product that you manufacture. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT? ARE YOU GOING TO HELP US? ARE YOU GOING TO ANSWER OUR CALL? You recognize that this is a manufacturers default. Please help!!!
2011Aug 02
Explorer XLT 4.3L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 106,565 miles
I can not understand why Ford has not sent out any recalls on this problem. I just had this sympton start today. I searched on the Internet and couldn't believe that there are 125 cases just on this FORUM alone.
I am affraid to bring it to my trusty transmission gurus, becasue i do not need a bill of $4,000 or so right now. I have never towed anything with it. I am the second owner and when I bought it the hitch had never been used.
It seems that I am the only Canadian with this problem. But reading all the other complaints with the same problem and reading that FORD knows of the situation, then I belive we should start a class action law suite.
It is my first FORD but I will not buy another one again. I would rather take my chances with one of the other Domestic car builders..
2010Jul 01
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 148,000 miles
OMG! I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORE THAT IS DRIVING ME CRAZY! First the o/d light flash and now the check engine light is one. It takes time for the truck to switch from first gear and go into second. I have to take my foot off the gas and that's when it will switch from first to second gear. I so not have the money for a new transmission. So I was told you can pay around $400 to switch out the gears. Sometimes that work and if not guess what you will need???? YUP A NEW TRANSMISSION. I am so mad at FORD right now. I will never purchase another FORD in my life!
2011Nov 04
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 152,000 miles
Absolutely no warning before transmission went out. Just bought this car before winter set in and now I'm back to walking or finding rides until we can get this fixed. Oh and don't have the money to do so right now.
2011May 24
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 127,000 miles
click to see larger images
I purchased this Eddie Bauer Explorer 11 months ago from Shawnee Mission Ford. It has been back to the service center every 4 weeks or less since I drove it off the lot. First was the HEGO sensor, then the wheel baring, next a transmission gasket, then other misc transmission issues (I don't have my records in front of me currently), and about 9 other major problems. The dealership refuses to right the wrong doing... the best they can offer me with this show stopper is an "estimated $4,800 replacement" which is completely unacceptable considering all else I've been through with Ford and this vehicle.
My warranty expired and they failed to make any mention of it. The sales rep and finance manager had left me with the impression that I was covered to 124,000 miles with what I had purchased... apparently this was not the case either.
If this was an isolated case where this was the only issue I'd ever had with this vehicle, I'd understand having to foot the bill for the repair, but taking into consideration that I can't even keep the thing out of the shop for more than one month at a time, I am an extremely unhappy Ford owner and a less than pleased Shawnee Mission Ford customer!!!!
2011May 26
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 116,000 miles
I am just adding this to the complaint I just filled out, I have an 03 Explorer and the O/D light keeps flashing when I get over 30 mph. I have been told that I do not have 2nd and 5th geer and that it will cost about $1500 and up to fix it and it's not fair to me or my 4 kids to be without a vehicle since I don't have the money to fix it.
2011Aug 22
Explorer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
Does anyone know if there's a class action suit set up to resolve this issue
2011Jun 03
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 66,000 miles
Same problem everyone else has, son saw the flashing od on the way home from prom, I saw the service engine light, pulled cables from battery to clear, light was on in 2 days. Contacted Ford Dealer, couldn't get us in for 3 days (wonder why, too many other trannys). FInally got in, called 5 hours later, they wanted 3890 for a rebuilt or some unspecified amount to try and rebuild, also wanted to replace my front brakes, said a caliper was stuck (they replace the brakes constantly, no issue 3 months back when they last had the car). Anyone want to buy an Explorer for parts ;-0, I'm done with ford, bought my wife a Mazda while I was waiting for the appointment.
2011Aug 28
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
Transmission started slipping at the end of July. Took it to a transmission shop and they thought at first it was the gear linkage but it turns out it wasn't. Could not find anything wrong at the time so we brought it home. Then transmission started not going into gear and then the o/d light started flashing then the service engine light came on. Took it back to the transmission shop and now they are saying it needs a new transmission at the cost of 2200.00. This is on top of the clanking that happens when you turn your air conditioning from cold to hot and the cracked rear panel under the back glass. Will not buy another Ford.
2011Aug 02
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 133,000 miles
Same as everyone else. O/D light started flashing!!! Check engine light comes on. Took it to a local garage and ran the codes. Says solenoids are bad. In my case my transmission hasn't acted up. It shifts normal but even after reset of Computer the O/D and Check Engine light comes on. North Carolina will fail me on my emissions test because Check engine light is tied into transmission failure. I suspect either an electrical problem or solenoids are failing. Ford Garages near Military Bases here in North Carolina will rip your wallet apart. Not looking forward to the trip.
2011May 01
Explorer XLT 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
I have had this Explorer since October 2010. I have had to replace the transfer case $800 plus dollars first then the o/d light started flashing then check engine light came on now transmission needs replaced and the lift gate is cracked. All of these problems are common problems reported on several websites and made known to Ford but obviously this isn't a concern to them. My transmission will cost me $2200 to replace and a huge inconvenience at that, and why would anyone ever not put a dipstick on a vehicle so the transmission fluid can be checked?????????? I have spoken with several people and am preparing to file a class action lawsuit. If you are interested feel free to email me at longmindy24@yahoo.com THANK YOU TO ANYONE WILLING TO HELP
2011Apr 13
Explorer XLT 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
Anyone wanting to become part of a class action Lawsuit against Ford Motor Company please email or call me with your information. I need to retain an attorney but have to have enough people willing to become part of this suit. I will follow up with everyone on a weekly basis or daily if I need to until we get this ball rollin. Please help yourself and the others that are struggling with these cars with no help from Ford, Please email me @longmindy24@yahoo.com or call 240-727-4459
Thank You
Mindy
2011May 14
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 87,000 miles
would not shift from 3rd to o/d' o/d light started flashing. check engine light came on. called transmission place and they said it would cost 14 to 1900 dollars to fix. he said servo broke in transmission. my husband and i are on social security and so is our son .
we cannot afford to fix and still owe $9000 on this car.
the dealer who sold it to us is no longer in business
we may have to have it repossessed and ruin our credit
.
2011May 13
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 113,000 miles
In reading on the internet there is a history of problems with this vehicle and the transmission. If that wasn't enough as soon as we got the car out of the shop my wife drove it to an automated car wash and the drying mechanism blew of a section below the rear window. No fault to the car wash.
2011May 15
Explorer Limited V6
- Automatic transmission
- 111,000 miles
We got this explorer 9 months ago. We needed it for the room with kids,dog,etc. Well bam 3 days ago the O/D light starts flashing and the transmissions starts shifting really hard and hesitating. We are like everyone else right now and cant just run right down to ford and say hey give me a new tranmission. We have looked online for a transmission and the cheapest we have found is $1100.00! Well let me just right a check! NOT! This is the only vechile we have at the moment and as you all know no one will take a truck on trade with a bad tranny.
My husband call the National Highway Safety Deptarment and complained. They said in 4 to 8 weeks we will get paper work to fill out and if there are enough complaints there will be a lawsuit! I also called Ford customer care with no luck. They took my complaint and said it would be looked at by ford. Well Big Deal! So call complain do what you need to do,because ford is not standing by there Built Ford Tough! I have always loved ford untill now, I will not buy another ford knowing that they are so sorry to not address the problem!Please let me know if there are any lawsuits going on thaks!
2011May 10
Explorer XLT 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 96,000 miles
O/D Light flashing, Service Engine soon light on and Tranny is slipping bad out of first gear. I have never missed an oil change and take great care of my truck. I am very disappointed. UNBELIEVABLE
2010Sep 01
Explorer
- 38,000 miles
I have owned (8 Ford vechicles and currently own (2) Explorers. So I have been a loyal customer. However, my 2003 Ford Explorer only had about 38,000 miles and the transmission had to be replace. This was the worst ever and then to know that hundreds of other Ford Explorers have the same problem. Why isn't there a recall?
May there should be a class action suit.
2011Apr 23
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
Apparently, this transmission problem is common in Ford Explorers, however, I was never informed of this!!!!! I will NEVER buy another Ford vehicle!!!!
2011Mar 18
Explorer Limited V6
- Automatic transmission
- 140,000 miles
I bought a 2003 Ford Explorer Limited used in 2007 and have had nothing but problems with it. After having spent more than $3,000 in the past nine months on various problems--including a valve and wheel bearings, my transmission now needs to be replaced at a cost of $3,600. The O/D light keeps flashing and the transmission slips when I accelerate. Ford should have recalled this transmission, judging from the number of complaints I've seen. I still owe money on the vehicle and it has drained my savings. I am done with this vehicle and I am done with Ford, which is a shame because I have owned Fords for 40 years and WAS one of their biggest supporters. What's more, I bought a brand new 2000 Explorer and never had any problems with it in the seven years I owned it. My son has a 1995 Explorer that still runs. The 2003 was definitely a lemon.
2011Mar 20
Explorer XLT 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 43,496 miles
So we were driving along the same stretch of highway as we were 6 months ago when or engine seized and this time without warning we heard this big clunk and then the truck jerked us all forward and the O.D light started blinking. As we had a very bad experience when the engine seized in this same SUV only 6 months ago costing $4000 to repair, we pulled over and called CAA right away. After redding the owners manual and talking to the tow truck driver we knew we made the right decision.Our children were terrified when it broke down the first time as we were stranded on the QEW and our cell phone was dead so we had to walk to a phone, 3 kms.Now this with the transmission and after reading all he crap on this site and hearing that ford wont do anything about it I am pissed. This is bullshit, I am contacting a lawyer. I would rather pay the 3500 to a lawyer and make ford pay for the new transmission and possibly help others with the same problem in the process!!!!!!
2011Feb 23
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 98,650 miles
One day on my way to work in my very nice 2003 Ford Explorer the O/D light started to flash. The next day I took it to a transmission expert and found out that the transmission had to be repaired at the cost of $2000.00+. I went on the internet and found that this has been a know problem with this type of vehicle. I spoke to a representative from Ford Motor Company and found that they will not stand behind this problem. I know of two other people with this type of vehicle who are also experiencing the same problem. I think that as long as Ford has said that they are aware of the problem they should stand behind there product and pay at least half of the cost. This vehicle has always been taken care of with regular maintenance and has only 98600 miles. This is the second Explorer I have owned and I will never buy another Ford now that I know they are just in it to make money and won't stand behind there product.
2011Jan 27
Explorer XLS 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
Recall and reimburse customer for their out of pocket expenses to fix the transmission problem
2011Feb 02
Explorer XLT 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 102,000 miles
Like every other day, I started the SUV a few minutes before I had to leave to let it warm up because NY is cold, and then left to run some errands. I realized right away that the truck sounded a little funny when accelerating, so the radio went off so I could listen. I found that when shifting from first to second, in this automatic vehicle, the overdrive was kicking on prematurely. Then the O/D light started flashing. I came home and started researching it and found hundreds of complaints, so here I am, in the same boat as everyone else, about to look up numbers to transmission specialists because the dealer is definitely not going to make any money off of my with this one.
Please everyone, go to the following sites and register your complaints.
http://www.autosafety.org
2011Feb 14
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 117,000 miles
yea on 2/13/11 my o/d light starts flashing tranny is now slipping i took it to ford they said it was tranny failure and it had to be replaced for 3,860 i ask to get it rebuilt they said no so why doesn't ford know if tranny falling apart help the owners on repairs but they don't care they said they would have to put it on dig to find out why its doing it they knew why it was flashing when i came in ford needs to do a recall on them big time for real a class actin suit big time
Update from Feb 18, 2011: yay ford after i spent 2,012 bucks my tranny wont fail now thanks ford for ur ford tough built tranny yay
2011Feb 13
Explorer 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 143,000 miles
Well another that is probably going to join the club my o/d light started flashing this morning. I called ford but since its sunday i have to wait till tomorrow to take it. but after reading all this complains im not going to give them my 90 dollars. In the mean time im not going to drive it. My explorer is in good condition never had a problem with it till now. ive always took good care of it, gave it good maintenance im really disappointed in ford after reading all these complaints .I'll have to wait till tomorrow. im going to take it to a different shop to see what they tell me. I'll post again tomorrow what they told me.
2011Feb 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 93,548 miles
MY LIGHT IS FLASHING NOW AND I'M LOOKING TO SEE WHAT IT IS.. i SEE IT IS SIGNIFICANT IN THAT I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE A TRANSMISSION SOON!!! I DON'T NEED THIS BILL RIGHT NOW
2010Mar 26
Explorer LX 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 50,997 miles
Transmission fluid and filter were replaced at 25,000 and 50,000 miles.I always maintained my vehicles to avoid problems. Not the case with this garbage! I will never get screwed by Ford again. Last Ford I will ever buy! I traded my 96 Windstar in because it had problems prematurely. I thought the Explorer would be a more durable vehicle. Never again! Ford will continue to lose market share with this obvious disregard for long term brand loyalty. Repeat customers used to be the foundation for a strong company. I guess they don't care. Plenty of suckers out there, eh?
2010Sep 22
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 99,000 miles
My 2003 Explorer has the same issues as the ones listed. Passenger window quit working then the service engine & ABS lights came on. Now the OD off light flashes and the transmission is slipping between 2nd & 3rd gear. Mine also as the crack under the back window. The only other car that I've had this much trouble with was a 1994 Ford Taurus. Ford is definitely loosing my confidence!!
2011Jan 15
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 79,449 miles
mY O/D OFF LIGHT IS FLASHING TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC HE SAID IT WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION CENTER THEY SAID THE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REBUILT AT THE COST OF $1,500.00. I DO OT KNOW IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL OF THESE PROBLEMS WITH THESE TRUCKS IF SO WOULD SOME ONE TELL ME.
2011Jan 14
Explorer XLT Limited V6
- Automatic transmission
- 137,000 miles
Same complaint as everyone else. My 2003 ford explorer o/d light started flashing followed by a check transmission light. This is B.S,!!! Ford needs to step up to the plate and issue a recall. I will be doing my own research about finding/starting a class action lawsuit.
First the paint on my hood started peeling, then the passenger side window quit working and now this. Will NEVER buy a ford again...nothing but problems!! If anyone hears of a lawsuit that has already been established, please let me know. Thanks! Good luck to everyone who is going through this same problem. It's not fair! screw you ford!!!!!!!!
2011Jan 08
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 127,000 miles
OD (overdrive) light blinking in dash, od button not working. Then "Service Engine Soon"
light turned on. Higher RPM's in engine than usual. Revs higher when accelerating from 0 to 30mph. I took to Ford Dealer, where the vehicle was purchased and exclusively serviced since July 2003 when i purchased it new for $36,000.
Now, I am told by Ford that I need a new transmission because I have no 2nd or 5th gear! and the Int servo failed and case bore damaged. They will repair this for the discounted fee of $3,600! A local repair shop will do it for $2,700.
This should not be for car that is only 7 years old!
This is my 2nd Ford Explorer and I was planning on buying a 3rd next year. Now, I will not consider it unless Ford Motor Company recalls this transmission.
2012Apr 07
Explorer
This will be the second time since I have had this car that the transmission has failed. First, at about 25,000 miles. I had a rebuilt engine put in as well at about 140,000 miles.
Gerry C.
Andover, NJ, USA
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