8.3
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$2,389.00
Average Mileage:
92,861 miles
Total Complaints:
130 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace with rebuilt transmission (49 reports)
- not sure (45 reports)
- complete overhaul recommended (16 reports)
- rebuilt transmission installed (7 reports)
- new shift kit & solenoid body (5 reports)
- new valve body installed and possible more repairs (3 reports)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
2009Jun 15
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
click to see larger images
My problem is basically the same ,why did ford build this seal trans fist of all.They're not the only mechanics that can fix the problem. Had i known about this type vehicle ,i would have never got in it.My od flashes ,service light is on ,1st gear is taking to long to shift and i am problem 129 on the complaint list .Guy , gals we need to do something about this issue.To much money is beening paid out and is taking food ,out of my kids mouth about a problem that is very difficult to handle .Folks we need closure ,and the only way is to become a unit of one to establish a class action law suit on all ford product issues.But first let's start with the chief complaints a Lemon transmission.
2011Jun 15
Explorer 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 135,000 miles
First the O/D lights began to flash at which time I began to panic but the engine light goes out. So I decided to do some research and discovered this is a common occurrence to which FORD refuses to address. Truck can neither move forward or backward now. I was told that I need to replace the converter. $$$$ Ready for a trade. Definately not another Ford
2012Jan 03
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
I have been a faithful Ford customer having owned Maverick, Fairlane, Falcon, Explorer, Expedition, Galaxy 500, Taurus, etc. I bought a 2003 Ford Explorer brand new. I'm the only driver and never towed anything. My OD light came on at 103,000 miles and transmission had trouble shifting gears. I was alarmed after checking the internet at the number of people complaining about their transmission going out. I called Ford and told them what was going on, asked for a goodwill repair, and after they refused, a goodwill discount repair. Both the Customer Relations and the "supervisor" read from a sript, and treated me with indifference. A transmission specialist said that Ford mis-bored the Servos and it was a bad design. He did a rebuild, put sleves in the Servos, and said that was what should have been done in the first place. Beware if you buy an early 2000 Ford with the factory transmission still in the car.
I wont be one of those customers who say I will never buy another Ford, but I will certainly shop with competitors from here on out. I am no longer a loyal customer!
2010Nov 19
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 145,000 miles
145,000 miles and o/d light starts flashing, check engine light and check tranny light comes on. $2600.00 and a rebuild later, and it still happens! Mechanic replaced the pressure solenoid, again, and all was well for a few months. (I say "all was well" loosely, as it still clunked and shifted hard on occasion). Then, CLUNK, it happens again! Mechanic rebuilds entire transmission, AGAIN, and a day and half later, o/d light flashes, check engine and tranny lights come on and it wont shift properly. Frustrating!!!! The mechanic came highly recommended and has a good rep. 30 years exp. He is totally upside down in this thing and has honored his guarantee. We are both out $$$$ and time, and the problem still exists. It is setting in his garage at this very moment. My advice to anyone else with this problem...Take the $2600 and put it towards another car!!!
2011Dec 09
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
My 03 explorer flashing o/d hard to get it in second gear unless I let go of gas and let it switch other than that all gears works fine . I love this truck but damn, since april 11 so many problems .. Door ajar issue (fixed) ball joints need replacement ,recently change both inner rods ,then back window hitch broke (recalled from ford) then heat seat went bad, I can't afford a new tranny , I stared a petition in changed.org to have ford recall 2000-2005 explorer with od lights this is BS. This is my last ford and no more ..I been doing research and I don't know if a sensor or oil change . So many possibilities . I have a job and kids I need my truck . So please if anyone knows something let.me know like I said it runs fine but so confused..
2011Aug 01
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
Another one here!!! o/d light flashes , check engine light comes on ,, auto zone tells me the code that comes up is pressure control solenoid b .. i cant believe everyone else is having this same issue.. obviously its a faulty design... i cant believe its going to cost me so much money for a car that's worth less then 9,000 dollars... no way to check the transmission fluids either, this sounds like a smart design by ford
2011May 24
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 163,140 miles
Let me begin by SCREAMING $4050, for the exact same problem that everyone here has been describing. O/D light blinking off and on, then service engine light comes on and the car rivals up after 30 mph. UGHHHH!!! I am seriously disappointed that Ford has not recalled this and so many of us loyal Ford customers have to suffer and come out of our pocket whether it be to fix the problem or purchase another vehicle. I will never purchase another Ford again based on the treatment I received regarding this issue. My husband is in the military deployed and they wouldn't even offer me a decent discount, I was out of a vehicle for an entire week and had to depend on others for transportation because Ford does not provide loaner vehicles. If there is a Class Action Lawsuite please email me at crystaldlife@gmail.com.
2010Dec 01
Explorer XLT 4.2L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 102,000 miles
First my "check engine" light illuminated sometime in mid June 2010. I have had it check out-tune up; filter changed, the electrical system revamped-the engine light came on again in November. In December is when the vehicle started cutting off while driving....I can feel the sluggishness in the transmission-how it would get loud then channels down to some since of normalcy then the O/D lights began to flash at which time I began to panic but the engine light goes out. So I decided to do some research and discovered this is a common occurrence to which FORD refuses to address. Which lead me to this forum. Class action suit, yes I’m on board with that! By the way, this is my third explorer.
2011Mar 15
Explorer Eddie Bauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
i BOUGHT THIS suv NEW,HAD ALL THE SERVICES ON TIME AND ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING ALONG MY O/D LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH THAN THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON.wHEN I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP THEY TOLD ME THAT I COULD HAVE IT REBUILDED OR GET A NEW ONE,THE REPAIRMAN DIDN'T THINK IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEAL TO REPLACE WITH THE SAME KIND OF TRANSMISSION , HE SAID I WOULD BE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN, HE SAID SOMETHING ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION WAS MADE OF ALUM. AND RODS RUBBING, AND HE ALSO SAID FORD WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM THATS WHY THEY CHANGED THE DESIGN. THIS IS THE LAST STRAW WITH FORD AND ME , I'M GOING TO BUY ME A TOYOTA
2011Mar 05
Explorer Eddy Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 76,000 miles
I can not understand why you should have to replace a transmission at 76000 miles on a explorer. I have never towed anything with it. I am the second owner and when I bought it the hitch had never been used. This is my 2nd explorer and my last. My 94 went to 145000 before I had to get the transmission rebuilt, so I did not have a problem with that. I will not buy American car or truck again! Ford need to learn how to built a transmission.
2010Oct 01
Explorer 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 96,000 miles
I cannot believe what I am reading. I have a 2003 Explorer with the same problem. O/D light flashes and the check engine soon light is now lit. I am getting a hundred different answers on how to get this fixed, non of which are cheap or have any kind of guarantee to them. I cannot afford such an expensive repair and I only have highway miles on my vehicle. What do I do?? I have children and a job that relies on me every day. I called Ford and they wouldn't help me at all and had the nerve to e-mail me a questionnaire form after that to see how my experience was. You know what I wanted to tell them. My family owns two Fords at this time and it will be the last.
2011Mar 07
Explorer XLT/XL
- Automatic transmission
- 82,188 miles
I HATE THIS TRUCK! loved it at first...door sensors went bad, battery dead after like a week of having it, by reverse sensor doesn't work...all which worked when i purchased it. now the transmission is out and get this i have had it for 6 months and 3 weeks and the powertrain warranty expired 3 weeks ago!!!! This is truly BS. i would love to sue the pants off the people for continuing the sale of this model knowing that it is a problem. When i went to the dealership they never even mentioned that this was a possibility of problem that would occur. needless to say i will never buy another one!
2011Jan 20
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 55,560 miles
Ours is a one driver explorer, & although it's a 2003, it has only 55,560 miles on it. There is absolutely no reason for the transmission to go out on the vehicle. Ford is apparently aware of the problem, but won't fix it. The vehicle owner has to foot the bill!! We have driven explorers since 1996, and we're about to leave the Ford "family" for good. It's really bad when a company knows about the problem & refuses to help the owner. I wish they'd gone bankrupt and stayed there. Unfortunately, they have come out on top, and have, in the process, become totally unconcerned about the "lowly customers" who put them there.
2010Oct 01
Explorer EddieBauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
The first problem I notice with my 2003 Ford Explorer was paint peeling on front bumper Talked to a dealer they could not help, they have seen a few of those was the answer. I am still stuck with, don't know what to do besides paying paying to get it fixed. The molding under the back windshield wiper blade was split even before I bought the dam Vehicle.
2011Jan 08
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 131,300 miles
well this started about two weeks ago. No one can tell me what it is. They said it was the speed sensor and that it would be $636 to replace it. I called a parts store and they said that the part was only $47.00. So why so much then? So i called another transmission place and he said it sounds like the transmission and that they could rebuild the transmission for me. But with only 6 month guarantee. He suggested that i just put a new transmission in it. Well who has that kind of money? I think Ford should be responsible for it and fix their mistakes. And it's like you just can't afford to go buy a new Ford every time one tears up on you... But if some one knows how to fix the problem please let us know.We are having the same problems every one else is with the o/d off blinking on and of and the trans slipping and no way to check trans fluid which did not know that at the time i bought it please please let us know thank you
2010Nov 01
Explorer XLT 4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,500 miles
Well just like every other owner of this car, my transmission is having honorable shifting problems and ford doesn't care. With all the problems with this car I don't know what to do with it!!
2011Jan 14
Explorer XLT Limited V6
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
Same problem as everyone else. O/d light started flashing, followed by the transmission light. Will be looking into a class action lawsuit. If anyone knows of one already established for this issue, please let me know.
First paint peeling on hood, then the passenger side window quit working, now this....o/d light and transmission problems. Ford needs to recall the transmission....it is obvious that it is junk. With no way to check your tranny fluid you are bound to have nothing but problems. Screw you FORD!! My heart goes out to all of you with this same problem. We shouldn't have to deal with this!!!
2010Aug 09
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 57,000 miles
I have purchase 3 Ford Explorer in the last 20 years, I have never had a transmission problem with any of them but the 2003. I still have my 1997 it has over 175000 miles without a transmission problem. The 2003 that I bought brand new just like the 1997 has a transmission problem at 69000 miles. Just think I was going to buy a new 2010 Explorer before this happen, no way now.
2010Oct 14
Explorer XLT
- 92,000 miles
A transmission should not need a complete rebuild at 92K miles. This is ridiculous. I have a 1969 Mustang with the original engine and transmission (knocking on wood right now). How is it that 40 years ago they knew how to build a better product. I was planning on buying another ford within a year or so. Will definitely be rethinking that.
2010Oct 01
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 66,900 miles
I have a 2003 Ford Explorer with 66,900 miles on it. It started having trouble being sluggist and some vibration then the o/d off light started blinking. I have had all my work done at the dealer where purchased. Even light bulbs. I have wonderfully maintained my Explorer and get all recommended maintenance. It is currently at the dealer getting a rebuilt transmission. Despite the dealer contacting Ford and their local rep, Ford once again won't do anything. Fortunately, since I'm a great customer, the dealership is reducing my cost by $650.00 which is really nice. Like the dealership. Hate Ford.
I simply won't buy any model of Ford ever again in my life. (I've also had multiple repairs on the A/C and have the dreaded crack in the panel below the rear window which Ford also won't take responsibility for). Ford really needs to step up and do something. This problem is so common and if they don't want to offer help, perhaps they should stop making vehicles...
2010Oct 06
Explorer LTD V6
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
This is a Gripe, a rant and a yell!!! big corp continues to rob us at every turn.
My 2003 Ford Explorer started today acting up with the "boom" that felt like my entire engine hit the earth. then my O/D light came on. its amazing the amount of people who have had this issue, but only one person got it fixed....and is still having problems. AMAZING! DIVIDE AND CONQUER and they will never come together for ONE cause!
Update from Nov 15, 2010: Everybody on this site seems to have the same issue with the Ford Explorer. I have 123k miles on my truck and had the Service light come on and the O/D light. I got it fixed by company here in Washington DC and they fixed with new drums, sensors, solenoids, clutch, rear wheel drive for $2100. Right now works great!
3012194908
2010Aug 06
Explorer Limited 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 94,000 miles
I took my car in multiple times while still under warranty and complained of poor shifting and issues with the transmission. Twice they fixed solenoids and still didn't run right. Then when I am about to leave on a road trip the O/D light starts blinking and shifting erraticly. I take it in and they inform me of a huge list of issues and say I need a complete overhaul of my transmission.
My Ford dealership said they tried to get Ford Warranty to cover out of warranty since I had come in with transmission issues so many times. Ford DENIED the coverage and I had to pay out of pocket over $3,000.
We are a FORD family with over 8 Fords over the years... LOYAL! Yet left to fend for our selves.... FORD needs to cover this and the rear cracked door issues on this model. RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2010Sep 25
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,003 miles
Im having the same issue as Im seeing people describe on this side. my o/d light started to flash. Then my check engine light came on. Then I noticed that my car started taking a longer time to get out of first gear. I knew something big time was wrong. LIke most thing, I google it first...and thats when I saw all of you having the same issue. I was hopeful at first because I thought that because it was a big issue that there would be some type of beneficial recourse for us. After reading all of the other complaints, I doubt that very much.
So now, like the rest of you, Im going to have to get my transmission serviced....great. Ford needs to do something for us. At the very least, give us a really good trade in to get a new model without the problems. I paid alot for this truck so Im stuck with it...Lucky me. Once I get it serviced Ill update this. Until then Im going to contact ford and see what noise I can make over there...Ill update the site with that info also. Good luck folks
2010Sep 20
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
so i guess im another on the list!! last week the o/d light starts flashing and then the next day the check engine light came on. took it to FORD and they wanted $75 just to tell me what's wrong with it. so i drove a mile down the road to advance auto and they hooked it up for free and told me that it was the solenoid d (something in the transmission). I called the ford company and complained, maybe if enough of us do MAYBE they will do something, if not i still think we should make it a pain for them!!!!! there number is 800-392-3673. then call the national highway and traffic safety administration (they help more) and file a complaint on ford 800-424-9393!!!
2010Sep 24
Explorer XLT 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
ford should take car of this transmission. it had 78000 on it never used hard,no towing,no kides,one driver. roley701
2010Aug 01
Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 58,000 miles
It's a shame that Ford knows this particular model year has issues and will not offer to repair the problem
2010Sep 11
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
Same problem here, O/D light flashing, service engine soon light came on later that same day. RPM's all of a sudden go up, but car won't pick up. Car jolts and makes a screech sound occasionally. Not sure what is wrong yet or the repair cost, but I did research and found this site, now I'm worried.
2010Sep 03
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 74,000 miles
O/D Light came on during a trip - took it to the mechanic - estimate of $4100 to repair. The car is a 2003 and only has 75,000 miles - ridiculous to have to put in a whole new transmission! Ford lost another customer!
2010Apr 07
Explorer LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 128,000 miles
OD light flashes and Check engine light flashes. Transmission jumps and truck is barely drivable. Took it to a dealer and was told I needed a complete transmission overhaul which costs about $3,700. Too many people with this issue. There should be a recall. So if you know of someone who has a Ford and has experienced problems please tell them to speak up and register their complaint by calling 800 392 3673. Be ready to provide VIN number and other identifying information. I was told they record every complaint thus creating the data base that could be the determining factor in a recall. If we never speak up then Ford wont know anything is wrong.
2010Sep 01
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 122,000 miles
Identical problem that everyone else is reporting here. O/D light starts flashing, check engine light comes on, trans starts slipping, etc. Already had the transmission rebuilt at 60,000 miles. If anyone starts the Class Action suit, please let me know. I cant really afford to have this fixed right now and am wondering how long I can drive it before it quits totally but have no choice to do that until I can get the money to have the repair done. Ford, please acknowledge you have a problem
2010Aug 31
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 109,000 miles
I wish I knew about these sites before purchasing a FORD the acronym for F ound O n R oad D ead! The OD light came on, brought in to Stop and Go Transmissions, apparently the transmission harnes is deterioated, 2nd gear and 5th are not good and the list goes on. I also have the crack in the back gate! Based on the enormous amount of complaints against the 2003/2004 Ford Explorers, I am going to contact our local news TV station see if it's worth investigating.
2010Sep 10
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
In reading all the complaints and there being no recall by Ford, there may be a case for a class action suit. I will need to look into this, as the miles seem to vary from case to case. My car has 150,000, a question is, is that a normal amount of miles for a consumer to expect to have to replace their transmission? Please e-mail me at maboyd@comcast.net with any opinions in this matter and any interest in moving forward against Ford. Thanks
2010Sep 16
Explorer LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
I just purchased this car used last year(10/2009), this is ridiculous
2010Sep 07
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 140,000 miles
Yes, same exact issue. od light then service engine soon. But here's a thought FORD...Let's make it so you can get your fluid changed regularly. I couldn't get ANYONE but a ford dealer to touch my transmission, not even for a flush. Because it's sealed and there's no dipstick. Lesson learned. Don't buy a car that you can't easily maintain. Or it means they want your car to break down so you have to go get it fixed.
Interesting side note also, our local transmission shop actually has a patent on a servo bore tool used to fix this explorer transmission problem. Ford Motor Company themselves recommends this tool be used on all of these specific explorer tranny repairs.
2010Aug 21
Explorer V6
- Manual transmission
- 79,900 miles
Same thing as everyone else. The o/d light started flashing, followed by the service engine light. Took it over to Ford Monday morning and got the call... 2nd and 5th gear are not working. 2,800 for a rebuilt one with a 12 month 36000 mile warranty, or go for a 5 year-100k mile warranty for $500 more. The Service Advisor I spoke with from Ford told me that there was nothing I could have done to avoid this issue. It was just a horrible design. I went ahead and called Ford Customer Care and complained about this issue. Got just a sorry about that but it's out of warranty and we can't do anything for you. What ever happen to "Built Ford Tough" or those commercials that used to say 200,000 milestone. I couldn't even make it to 80k. To put it in a nutshell... Ford's response is sorry for buying a faulty product but we can't do anything for you. Can't meet me half way or even part way. I asked them if they stand by the product they sell and she responded with "as long as it is under warranty." I think under 80k is too early for a transmission to be replaced. I purchased this vehicle brand new in 02 and have drove it under 10,000 miles a year just for this major problem to happen? I have had 3 toyotas that have made it well over 100k without a transmission problem. No more Fords for me. I'm thinking of contacting my local news team and see what can be done about the situation. I'll keep everyone posted. And if there is a class action in progress right now.. let me know please.
2010Aug 21
Explorer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 142,000 miles
The O/D light started flashing a week and a half ago and now the Service Engine Soon light just came on. Basically it's having problems shifting from 2nd to 3rd and 5th is gone. We are still driving it right now b/c it is still drivable even though 5th is gone We did take it to Advance and had the code read. The code let us know the Sol.B was having problems, but I'm sure it's much more than that. We plan to have it put in the shop in the next upcoming weeks.(if it lasts til then). From what we've read on this site it's probably going to be expensive, so we are getting prepared to take out a loan. The car does have 142000 miles and really has never given us much of a problem until now.
2010Jul 15
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
This is crazy, I bought this truck brand new! First the cigarette lighters went, then the O/D light started flashing. Two weeks later the ABS light. The mechanics had to rebuild it twice before it was fixed. He also said the the trans was soooo messed up!!!! What is going to happen next?
2010Aug 24
Explorer Eddie Bauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 118,000 miles
I have a 2003 Explorer Eddie Bauer edition. While on my way to pick my daughter up from basketball practice, and without any warning, the O/D OFF light started to flash and within a minute, the CHECK TRANSMISSION light also came on. I was not sure what was wrong so I pulled off on the side of the road and restarted the car, just to find that within 2 minutes it happened again. I then noticed that it seemed like it took a longer time than usual to shift from 1st to 2nd gear. Then when it went from 2nd to 3rd, it shifted harder than normal. I am scared to drive it, but I have nothing else to drive, and I have to take 2 kids to school every day and go to class myself.
This is rediculious that there are this many complaints against the same problem and FORD doesnt want to man up and take the responsibility. I still owe on the piece of junk and now need close to $2000 to have it fixed. This is a joke. I will not buy another FORD ever again. They should have to refund money to everyone who has had to replace the transmissions in these models and then recall the ones that are lucky enough to not have had a torn up vehicle yet. Not to mention within 6 months, we have had to do alot of other work to the stupid thing.
This problem NEEDS to be addressed and quickly before everyone else who has these models are out alot of money for something that isnt their fault. And also, maybe they are just low on transmission fluid then without being able to check the fluid level, because it is a sealed system, that is why they all tear up. I am not sure that is why, but it cant help matters any that you cant even check to see if the fluid level is right or not. I just wish someone would help all of us out and get this law suit filed and ruled on because anyone with any sense could see it is 100% FORD MOTOR'S FAULT!!!!
2010Mar 03
Explorer 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 157,000 miles
ford has got to own up to this problem.We all should get a class action lawsuit going,then maybe we can force them to do something.
2010Jul 06
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
So we bought the SUV two years ago and it has been great. When we first bought it the ABS light was on but when we took it in to put on new brakes and get the oil changed when we first got it they said nothing was wrong. We figured it was just an electrical issue. There was no problem with how the vehicle ran.
Then at the beginning of July we got the A/C fixed. We noticed that it hesitated when shifting gears. I thought that maybe the A/C may have been putting a strain on the transmission. My husband said that it still did it when the A/C was off. Then last week while driving home from my daughter's soccer practice my overdrive light started flashing. I thought maybe I hit the button and didn't notice so I tried turning it off, didn't work, still flashed. Once I got home I turned the car off and turned it back on put it in drive and it wasn;t doing it. We were hoping it was just an electrical problem. Then this weekend it happened when my husband was driving. My husband got the idea to turn off the overdrive when we drive it. When we do that it does not hestitate and it drives as normal. How long this will last, I don't know but for now it has to do.
So Monday I started doing some online reseach, I found this website along with others and now I see how common this problem is. I am really disappointed because I really love the Explorer. I wanted to get a newer one next year. I am also flabergasted that Ford has not put a recall on these transmissions. I found a phone number 1-800-392-3673 this is Ford Customer Relationship Center, I called and he took down my info and logged the problem yesterday. He made it sound like that if they get enough calls about the problem they will issue the recall. So if you haven't called then maybe it wouldn't hurt. I have also decided that I am contacting my local news stations to see if maybe they can get somewhere with getting a recall on these trans. Whos to say that we get new trans or get them rebuild and it doesn't happen again. That is what I am afraid of. Hopefully we can get by until we can buy another car with driving with the overdrive off.
2010Jul 27
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 106,000 miles
This alleged transmission failure/ expense comes only 4 months after the second rear bearing/ differential replacement. Also the Ford service stated the wheel bearings were all bad and had to be replaced. They stated this was after all the extended warranty expired. The first differential repair was done under warranty.
Recently retired and in a situation of cannot afford these type of expenses or to afford new car payments. Very disappointed with the vehicle design and the service departments. They knew of these issues while the vehicle was under warranty and did not advise of the eventual problems.
2010Jul 19
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
Identical problem that everyone else is reporting here. O/D light starts flashing, check engine light comes on, trans starts slipping, etc. The truck is at the Ford dealership as I type, and I have not gotten a final estimate of repairs. If anyone starts the Class Action suit, please let me know. I know this repair will cost a fortune, and of course, like most of you on here, I cant really afford it, but have no choice but to have the repair accomplished. My daughter uses this truck to commute to school and work. Ford, acknowledge you have a problem before it becomes a "Toyota" embarrassment to you. Of course, people are not getting hurt or killed, just "taken for a ride!!" All the way to the bank!! Talk about a rip off!!
2010Jun 21
Explorer Eddie Bauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 118,000 miles
I was driving one day and my O/D off light started flashing, then next the Check Engine light, and now the ABS light along with occasional door ajar. I took it to Advance Auto for a diagnostic and they said the Solenoid needs to be replaced. I plan to take it to a shop today to see what the real problem and see if I need to get it fixed or get a new vehicle. What sucks is I have replaced the tires, brakes, battery and more and I owe more then it is worth so I may be stuck with this clunker.
2010May 21
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 190,000 miles
Well, you add me to the list. I was picking my kids up and we were in the drive thru lane at McDonald's when somebody noticed I was leaking tranny fluid. We got our food and ate. I took a look underneath and then called for the tow. My mechanic called me yesterday with a bunch of problems with my tranny. O/D sensor, bad gear ratios, etc....Bottom line is the tranny needs to be taken out and rebuilt and then reinstalled. A message to Ford, no more sealed units without dip sticks! I check all my fluids on a weekly basis. If I had a dipstick I may have picked up the lowering level of tranny fluid and maybe I wouldn't need a as much work done.
2010Apr 08
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
Same problem O/D light flashes, called Ford and need to get $125 diagnostic to tell me what this site has already told me. I havn't been driving since the light started flashing.
I had the transmission replaced (under warrenty) at 94,000 miles. This vehicle has been nothing but problems. Engine rebuilt twice, Front of hood has paint peeling but its not covered. I've noticed that this is another common problem on the 2003 explorer.
2010Jun 30
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 118,000 miles
Ford, please recall this. Transmissions should last longer
2010Jun 30
Explorer LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 48,238 miles
My O/D light started flashing and then the engine service light came on the next day. The engine would race when I took off from a stop sign or light and then drop into gear. This all happened with only a little over 48,200 miles on the car. I'm over 60 years old so I don't drive like an idiot. I get regular oil changes and really keep up my car.
This really ticks me off when Ford does not stand behind their product. I have 2 friends at work that both owned 2003 and 2004 Explorers and according to them, the exact same thing happened to them. Both stated they will never buy another Ford.
2010Jul 03
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 71,000 miles
My vehicle is only 7 years old and has 71,000 miles, a few days ago the O/D light started flashing and then a day later the check engine soon light came on as well. I took the truck to a transmission shop they hooked the truck up to the machine and 5 malfunctions came up in the transmission he said that the 1st and 5th gear is slipping. He would have to rebuilt the transmission, which would cost at least $2000. He also stated that my truck was too young and didn't have enough miles in it to already have transmission problems. I see by the other complaints that I am not the only one have this problem. Who do we have to contact in order to have FORD notice that they truck should get recalled b/c of the transmission problems?
2010Apr 02
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
Bottom line I'm done with American cars and I was thinking about getting a new ford. I have a four letter word for Ford, care to guess?
2011Aug 01
Explorer XLT V8
After replacing torque converter a year and half earlier for $1500 thr transmission message and O/D light came on and trans stopped shifting into second gear. Engine revved high before hard shifting into thrid gear. Had dropped 2nd and 5th gears. Extremely slow movng into drive speeds and severe shifts. ford advised trans and torque convertetr needed replacement.
Ford was aware this model transmission had faults in 2002 and continued installing in 2003 models ignoring safety issues and passing replacement costs on to owners. Shame on Ford for tarnishing a company and family name.
Bill Y.
Middletown, New Jersey, USA
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