9.0
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$2,887.00
Average Mileage:
75,748 miles
Total Complaints:
111 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace transmission (51 reports)
- replaced with rebuilt transmission (28 reports)
- not sure (19 reports)
- having the whole thing overhauled (11 reports)
- replace torque converter (1 reports)
- transmission seal failure causing leak and the pump is weak (1 reports)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
2006Jun 12
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 22,000 miles
The transmission has shifted roughly since I bought it with 22,000 miles on it. In a few thousand more miles it started not shifting from park to reverse or drive or back without a few seconds delay and a jolting "clunk". If you don't notice that it has not shifted yet and give it the gas, it is a much bigger jolt and clunk. It obviously could break something in the drive train. The Ford dealership I bought it from is not sure what to do to fix it. Ford had a recall to add an additive to the fluid within the first year of production and that was done before I bought it. I did not fix the problem. The dealership first told me it was a $750 shift control module, but wouldn't guarantee that would fix it. Then they told me to have the transmission fluid power-flushed, but wouldn't guarantee that either. I have since read of many other people have the same problems. Some said their repairmen said the solenoids were sticking, replaced them, but did not fix it. One report said the transmission case wears where the solenoids mount and the case must be bored and insert brass sleeves. The only report I've seen that said they fixed the problem was that they had the shift control module "reprogrammed" and now it shifts perfectly. I guess I will try that. It costs $84 dollars at the dealership. It looks like Ford should pay for that if that is what it takes to fix it, since these problems are well known by almost everyone and they have been on-going from the day they were produced.
2011Apr 01
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
My 2004 Ford Explorer starting having hesitation going into reverse, then it would clunk and lunge into reverse... over time it would hesitate shifting into lower gears... then it starting clunking, getting stuck in-between gears.... now it won't shift at all, stuck in my parking lot at work, on its way to the shop. I have always owned a FORD but this vehicle has given me nothing but problems since I bought it.
2011Oct 14
Explorer 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 102,000 miles
have the same issues as everyone else, bought nice truck, i thought, next thing i know we take it to get serviced then the transmission starts slipping, now it is gone totally. $2500 to $3000 to get it fixed, in the mean time i have no transportation. not very happy, not at all happy. how can ford get away with this, and still keep seling cars. i've always been a ford person but that is changing quickly.
2012Jan 29
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 76,700 miles
my o/d off light started flashing and with line a mile, the service engine light came on. Research on line for the flashing light has hundreds of ford explorer complaints for the same problem. its time to sue ford.i take great care of my car. now its worthless, and ford knows about this problem. garage says i have no 2nd gear, trans is shot. my $700 new tires are worth more than my car. opps their on a charge card, im a single mom. THANKS FORD!!! I dont have 3k sitting in hand to spend. thx i"m now car-less. thanks ford for the warnings, recalls, or facts when i bought it, and paid $36k for a car you knew had problems and WOULD be worthless by 70,ooo miles!
2012Jan 25
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4X4 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
Driving to work the CHECK TRANSMISSION light came in and the O/D OFF light was flashing along with the check engine light. Took it to my local transmission shop, they were very aware of the problems with the Ford transmissions.The code was PO775 which is the solenoid B failure.The shop mechanic showed me a transmission he had taken out of a 2002 Explorer he had up on the lift and explained that the solenoid operates a large valve which controls the flow of fluid to different ports inside the transmission. The opposite end of the Valve stem extends through the side of the aluminum casing of the transmission. The constant movement of this valve is wiring a normally round bearing surface into a elongated hole and jamming up the valves movement. I am a mechanical engineer and can tell you that if you have steel rubbing against aluminum with no lubrication the aluminum will give out every time. The fix is to take out the transmission, drill the damaged hole larger and sleeve it with a brass bushing. The cost of this procedure is $1,500 with no warranty. I opted for a complete rebuild with a two year warranty fo $2,100. Like most people I feel I am obligated to buy American. But I am very disappointed with Ford. Not only is this a bad design,but there is no way they didn't know about this problem before my vehicle warranty expired. There should have been a recall. This is my forth Ford I have owned in 21 yrs and it is going to be my last.
2012Jan 18
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 97,400 miles
The issue began when o/d light started flashing. My mechanic couldn't figure out the issue on day1 as his computer didn't read any code nor it flashed again when he test drove for about 10 miles. The next day when he wanted to do a thorough check the car suddenly stopped on the road while he was driving. He declared the transmission died and that he heard a popping noise when it failed. He managed to park it in front of a store. The car had to be towed as it was not moving and now its getting a new transmission. I am very much annoyed as the car failed suddenly out of the blue, all within driving less than 50 miles since the o/d light flashed for the first time. I drive frequently to Chicago around 150 miles from where a live. This would have failed on one of those trips , i would have been stranded with my family and could have crashed if it was a freeway. Ford Motor Company needs to address the issue as this is likely to happen anytime without warning
2011Dec 06
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 102,000 miles
Should've done my research on this piece of #&@@! before i bought it. This ones for the Ford admin (the big people) you guys are chicken sh*ts, look at all these complaints and there is more out there I'm sure.DO SOMETHING! Ive replaced the solenoid pack and it worked fine for a week and then it got WORSE, hesitates in reverse than slams into gear. slips in most forward gears also. I still owe on it but its a really good looking vehicle.I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it could use some advice.
2012Jan 09
Explorer XLT 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 108,665 miles
Bought new in 2004. Maintained by Ford dealer with all recommended service accomplished. Driven a mix of city and highway. Used to tow 17' aluminum fishing boat for past 2 years. Towing was accomplished approximately once a month for a total of 24 events. Distance was approximately 40 miles round trip.
Problem began at approximately 85,000 miles with the transmission making an occasional thump when shifting. Over time the frequency of thumping increased until the transmission thumped when shifting into gear or between drive and reverse.
This week the transmission would not engage drive or reverse without increasing engine rpm. Once engaged the transmission performed normally, but with the same mild thumping when it up-shifted during driving.
The service manager reported the entire transmission was damaged due to a faulty main shaft. The rebuild would be $3450. A new transmission from Ford would be $4100.
2012Jan 02
Explorer NBX 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 75,807 miles
122km /73,000 miles .... sad state of affairs ... like everyone else #1 - flashing O.D. light #2 -tranny grinding in Drive , cannot get into Reverse , lurches forward in Drive .. I should have left it lurch and hit someone so that I can sue Ford Canada . What a piece of S--T !!! last time the tailgate window fell off , last week the motor that controls the blower doors for heat /ac went ( $400 ) , time before , remote control of doors failed , couldn't get car started because alarm stayed on ...... What a piece of garbage ! If anyone wants to start a class action suit against Ford let me know . That is what those thieves deserve . I will advise the Minister of Industry in Canada . They oversee these abuses . Go to Hell Ford !
2011Sep 06
Explorer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 162,000 miles
transmission bad!!! rear bearings needed replaced, heater has never worked. car is junk!!!!
2011Nov 01
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
Never buying a Ford again. There's a reason American cars have a bad reputation.
2011Dec 22
Explorer Sport
- Automatic transmission
- 59,000 miles
Purchased car in Aug 2004. Recalled in spring of 2005 with 4800 miles on it for the WRONG TRANSMISSION FLUID FROM FACTORY! Car would roll backward on a hill with auto transmission. At 59000 miles, car would not back up. Called Ford about original recall and they said that it had expired in 2006, and if I wanted my car fixed it would be out of pocket. So, I took it to the local AAMCO for repairs. The Torque converter was broken causing internal damage to the transmission and dispersed metal pieces through out the transmission. Cost to repair a whopping $3200! If 1 out of 10 vehicles have had transmission problems, why hasn't a law suit come out yet? My car only had 59000 miles on it!!! and we have maintained it as required by Ford. Could it be that the original factory fluid that was mistakenly used be the cause of the number of problems we are seeing? I'd love to have a case against FORD for this problem.
2011Oct 10
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 54,400 miles
I was driving to work one morning and I noticed that the transmission was not automatically shifting first gear would wind over 4000 rpms and I couldn't go over 25 MPH, now this is in morning traffic.....then all of a sudden the O/D light started flashing and that is when we realized that it was the trans and basically it was fried. I don't think that with the low mileage deserves a new transmission, considering that I had older cars with over 100,000 miles on them and the trans was better then this crap. I will never ever buy a FORD again. I always bought American made vehicles and now I'm having second guesses.....
2011Dec 30
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,213 miles
Bought my Ford Explorer brand new in 2004 to find that there was something not right with the transmission. Turns out there was a recall because the wrong fluid had been placed in the transmission. Over the years it would bump and grind and hesitate and the gear shifter even seemed to jump out of place. Today an hour and a half away from my home the vehicle seemed to jump out of gear with no warning noises, then I found it would not go in reverse. It just turned over 100,000 miles last week. I can not afford to have this fixed because of the bad economy hitting my family the past year. I feel like FORD has failed all the buyers of this vehicle and needs to stand up and do whats right, RECALL the damn thing.
2011Sep 08
Explorer LS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 47,407 miles
Preventive Maintenance on this has been done on a regular schedule and the vehicle is kept garaged. With less than 50k miles, the transmission failed. An internal component came apart and became "shrapnel" inside the transmission. Rebuilding the transmission was not an option. It's a damn shame that an expensive vehicle can't travel more that 50 thousand miles without a major system failure. From what I've researched Ford has known about Explorer transmission problems for a number of years and has not notified owners of a potential problem.
2011Jul 22
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I purchased a brand new 2004 Ford Explorer from the dealer. When my car reached approx. 70,000 miles I started to notice a change in the transmission it started slipping and kicking. I took it to the dealership and they advised me that my transmission needs to be replaced at my cost since the vehicle is no longer under warranty. This is a known issue that several owners have been experiencing shame on Ford for not taking any action on this issue.
2011Nov 22
Explorer LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
I bought my truck in 2004 explorer new, there was trouble when you put it in gear after 52,000 miles. I took is to ford, they stated they could not fine anything wrong knowing that there was a recall on the transmission. Right after I finish paying for the vehicle the trouble ready begin, I notice the transmissions begin to slip and hard to put in gear a little bit more, once again I was told nothing were wrong. I was never notified about the recall on the explorer transmission, I have owned a ford for 35 years, should I been call about this problem I would not be putting out a bill for 1,250.00 I don't have that kind of money around this time of the year I have 3 grand's I'm having to take care.what up set me it that I were never notified that there were problem with the transmission. They should have issue a recall and fixed the problem at there cost not mine. If ford refuse to make this good by taking care of what is cost me to fix my vehicle I don't thing I would purchase another ford vehicle again.
2011Dec 02
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
Purchased in 2006, paid off in 2007 and have had nothing but problems since then. Most recently transmission failed out of nowhere. O/D light started flashing, then check transmission light came on. Would only move manually in 2nd gear, got it to a shop, they want $2500 just to open it up and rebuild...the car is worth a lot more than that but the problems aren't.
2011Aug 02
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 101,000 miles
When my transmission went out I wasn't happy because it couldn't have come at a worse time than during a cross state move, but when I found out how much it cost to fix, I became furious. I bought this vehicle last may and the previous owner performed regular maintenance on it. The reason I know this is because it was my mothers. A 2004 explorer regularly maintained should not have a $2000+ repair happening as often as it is. My mechanic tells me he does more transmission work on explorers than any other vehicle out there. This is absurd. Something must be done.
2011Jun 08
Explorer Limited
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
JUNK! All around. Way too many problems. I've reduced my 4 fords in the family down to 1 (the 2004 I bought new). I have so much dough tied up in it I cant get rid of it. But the Japanese solved my Ford quality problems. Adious Ford - my whole family of 6 people hate you.
2011Nov 07
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 64,176 miles
Mad as Hell. This is the second transmission for this POS. The car itself has otherwise been perfect, actually. But the transmission was replaced under warranty in 2007, and now in 2011 it needs an overhaul again. Ford has really dropped the ball on this one. I have been a Ford guy all my life starting with my first car a '68 Mustang. But this has me so PO'd that I really will consider buying other brands now. C'mon Ford. Your customers deserve much better.
2011Jun 19
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 74,352 miles
Absolutely ridiculous that a car with less than 75K miles would have the transmission go out. I loved this car and had planned on keeping it for a long, long time but after spending $3500 on the transmission, I am selling it and I will NEVER own a Ford again. The issue with these Explorer transmissions has been going on a long, long time and it is hard to believe that there has not been a recall or class action suit. I am a single woman who just turned 60. I only drive 3 miles each way to work, and occassional take it on a trip to the coast, 90 miles away. I don't drive off road and have certainly not been hard on this car. RIDICULOUS !!!!!
2010Jul 01
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
It was very frustrating to have to pay for a rebuilt transmission on a car that I had just bought 2 1/2 years prior and to do so at such a low milage is a poor reflection on Ford. Especially when is was not the end of the problems with this vehicle. I truly regret this purchase.
2010Jun 10
Explorer XL 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 38,000 miles
I had a 2002 and a 2004 Explorer. Both transmissions had to be replaced. One at 37000miles, the other at43000 miles. The 2002 also had a cracked rear panel.Will not buy any more Fords.
2009Jul 10
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 62,000 miles
Once again FORD leaves you in the cold. I have NEVER had a car that needed a new tranny under 100k! Now I am close to the 100k mark and its acting up again. I will NOT fix this car again. Poorly made, FORD should be ashamed to sell this crap to consumers.
2008Nov 04
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 79,118 miles
This is ridiculous to have this much trouble with a car that age/mileage. Ford should have made a recall on these vehicles. I have two, and now the other one - reaching the same mileage - is in the same boat
2011Feb 01
Explorer 4.0L Flex
- Automatic transmission
- 58,400 miles
TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 58400 MILES. FORD MECHANIC SAID THIS WAS A BADLY DESIGNED TRANSMISSION BY FORD AND THAT THE REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION FOR THIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN REDESIGNED BY FORD BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT IT WAS GIVING PROBLEMS. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED BY FORD AND FIXED BUT THEY LEFT THE CUSTOMER HOLDING THE BAG. I HAVE BEEN A FAITHFUL FORD OWNER FOR YEARS AND PRESENTLY OWN 3 FORD VEHICLES BUT I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT BECAUSE OF THIS
2011Apr 18
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 76,666 miles
I will never buy a Ford again. Ever. My father was right. Why didn't I listen? Had issues while it was still under warranty and was still paying for it. Apparently, Ford SOLD my warranty to some other company. Had no idea they did this. I also had A/C problems, ball joint problems, and now the transmission is shot. I have had this car for 7 years, have taken very good care of it, and it only has 76,000 miles on it.
What was really annoying was when I had an issue, it was under warranty, and I STILL had to pay a $100 deductible. For something that was not even my fault. SERIOUSLY? I just couldn't believe it.
Never again.
2011Apr 01
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 84,000 miles
When I brought my Explorer to the transmission repair shop, there were 2 other 04 models on the lifts. The mechanic grimaced when I asked him how bad the problem is with Ford Explorers. I called Ford and of course received a lot of sympathetic groans but no help. I found a technical service bulletin that announced the 04s where sent out without an additive in the transmission fluid. The rep was able to determine that my vehicle had operated about a year before the the dealer addressed the problem, but got no help with the repair bill. This is my fourth and last Ford, I will not purchase a product from a company that fails to stand by its product.
2011May 15
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.01
- Automatic transmission
- 74,000 miles
I OWNED A 2004 FORD SPORTS TRAC- GREAT TRUCK. A PERSON HIT ME HEAD ON- TOTALED MY TRUCK, BUT THE TRUCK SAVED MY LIFE, I GOT ONLY 3 BROKEN RIBS. I THEN BOUGHT A FORD EDDIE BAUER 2004 SUV FROM AN INDIVIDUAL WITH $55,000 MILES ON IT. AFTER I DROVE IT A MONTH, IT STARTED HAVING SHIFTING PROBLEMS AND THEN STEADY GOT WORSE, THE TRANSMISSION START SLIPPING. THEN I FOUND OUT THAT FORD MADE THE TRANSMISSION OUT OF CHEAPER METAL AND YOU HAD TO CHECK THE OIL FROM UNDER THE SUV.I TOOK IT TO A VERY WELL KNOWN TRANSMISSION PLACE AND THEY SLEAVED THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH COST ME ABOUT $1700.00. AND IT STILL CONTINUED TO SLIP. TOOK IT BACK TWICE MORE. THEY SAID THAT WHEN THEY HAD IT, THE VEHICLE NEVER DID ANYTHING. THE PROBLEM KEPT GETTING WORSE. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC IN
CLOSE TO HOME AND HE PUT IT ON A MACHINE AND DROVE IT AND HE SAID THAT I DEFINITELY HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. DURING THIS TIME MY MESSAGE CENTER ON MY SUV- SHOWED.( TRANSMISSION OVER HEATED).
HE RECOMMENDED A TRANSMISSION PLACE IN BARTLETT IN MEMPHIS,TN. I TOOK IT THERE AND WHEN THEY CHECKED THE TRANSMISSION IT WAS FULL OF METAL. THE TROQUE CONVERTER WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THEY FIXED MY TRANSMISSION- COST ME -$1600.00 PLUS TAX. AND NOW I HAVE THE SUV THAT I SHOULD HAVE. DRIVES GREAT. WHAT I'M UPSET ABOUT IS THAT FORD KNEW THAT THESE TRANSMISSIONS WERE BAD AND THEY NEVER DID ANYTHING ABOUT. IT. IT COST ME $3500.00 TO GET IT CORRECTED. THE FIRST $1600.00 I JUST THREW AWAY. THANK GOD FOR A GOOD HONEST MECHANIC LIKE MY SECOND ONE. I HAVE COME FROM A LONG LINE OF FORD OWNERS, BUT THIS IS MY LAST ONE. I WILL NO LONGER BUY A FORD.
2011Apr 03
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 81,000 miles
I have owned Fords for 40 years and our family has had fords since the early 50s. This will be my last FORD and I will convince the rest of the family to purchase other brands from now on. My father was a Ford Mech. for 30+ years and never had this type of problem then.
This Explorer has given us problems for about two years now. Took it Ford to have the transmission serviced and was told it is sealed and can not be serviced like the old ones. They did hook it to a machine to filter the oil ( So they said) but that was all they could do.
2011Mar 15
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
First of all my tranmission can only be checked by a tranmission expert because my transmission is under the car. My dad took my car in to have the transmission fluid changed summer of 2010. It was shortly after he noticed my SUV was leaking fluid. I live 6 hours away so I was not able to bring my car in to the same place for a while. We took it in to be serviced today. The transmission place said I need to replace the seal so it won't leak,$400. They also reported that the pump was not properly working and that would cost $700. They also said that it was wet above the transmission and there might be further problems. Not wanting to get all that fixed for the price I am only replacing the seals so at the least the fluid will not leak. I travel quite a bit in my car and am not looking forward to these mechanical problems with my vehicle.
2011Feb 18
Explorer Limited V6
- Automatic transmission
- 93,000 miles
My transmission failed after 93000 miles, and I never misuse my vehicle!!!!!!!!
It cost me lots of money and stress!!!!! Not a happy Ford customer. I owned an Expedition before this, and was very satisfied with that, but will never buy a Ford again after this!!!!!!!
2011Mar 12
Explorer LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 73,300 miles
This is the 2nd Explorer that I own. Both 2004. I guess I should have seen this one coming. I had my other Explorer fixed a few years ago at the same mileage. Ford should be ashamed that they are allowing their good customers to go through this. I have purchased Ford products all my life - never again.
2010Nov 01
Explorer Limited 4.0L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 72,787 miles
I bought this piece of sh*t after owning a Ford Ranger that I thought real high about. Very different for the vehicle. It started hard shifting several months ago and it's gotten worse. I will never own another one.
2011Feb 12
Explorer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I've read all the complaints on here a while back when I first started noticing problems. Every problem I read was exactly what I was experiencing with mine. Hard shift to reverse, slipping between gears and the slams, ect. Finally, it happened. My wife was driving home from work and the Explorer just died. Everytime she tried to restart it it would die when she put it in drive. We got it towed and the guy said it was the transmission. Long story short, it was $3,500. I am 21 years old with a 2 year old daughter. If it wasn't for tax returns the is no way I could afford that. This has completely turned me away from Fords for the rest of my life. The only way I would ever own another Ford is if they admitted their fault and recalled. I want my $3,500 back Ford!!! Say bye to this guy. He is never owning another Ford.
2010Jun 21
Explorer LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
TOOK TRUNK IN FOR REPLACE WHEEL BARRENS AND ASK THEM TO CHECK TRANSMISSION AND WAS CALL BACK AND TOLD THE TRANS WAS GOING OUT.THIS TRUCK IS A LEMON, CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY A NEW CAR RIGHT NOW BUT WHATS NEXT WITH THIS PEACE OF CRAP. I WOULD NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD ANYTHING AND ALSO I MAKE SURE TO TELL ANYONE I KNOW WHO IS CONSIDERING BUYING FORD VEHICLE NOT TO.
CRACKED REAR WINDOW PANEL,TRANS REPLACE, HEATER WENT OUT,REPLACE ALL FOUR WHEEL BARRENS, NOW TIRE LIGHT ON AND I THINK I MIGHT BE MISSING SOMETHING ELSE THAT WENT WRONG.
2011Jan 07
Explorer Sport V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
I bought this vehicle in Columbus from MAG VOLVO on Dublin Granville RD on Thursday 1/6/11. It drove fine all the way home which was 65 miles. Then Later that day when I went to the grocery store the o/d light came on and the transmission light came on. My husband took it to ford the next day and they said the transmission had to be replaced! I just bought it not 24 hours before!. At least I wasn't stranded with my kids somewhere.
I really bought a lemon....wish I had done more research.
2005Jan 11
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 26,000 miles
Since after about 6 months of owning this Ford ,I've had trans problems had it serviced by Dlr several times and never fixed the slamming into rear gear,they upgraded the onboard CPU,changed the fluid twice,and finally it went out of warranty, than they told me it needed a valve body upgrade kit for X amount of $ I complained to Ford many times ,no body cares! Never buying a Ford product again,might as well go Foreign,since most auto's and trucks are made foreign anyway. TonyD
2010Nov 17
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 46,500 miles
reported shifting problems within the first week of buying truck brand new. was told by the dealership that it was not a problem. transmission broke at 46,500 miles.
2011Jan 19
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 95,489 miles
Purchased 2004 Explorer in November 2007. 95489 miles. No prior indication in drivability, noise or lights coming on. Driving in town, overdrive light and check engine lights came on. Limped into nearest repair shop, which happened to be a transmission shop,. Transmission had to be totally rebuilt. Obviously Ford knew about these problems because they had sent update notices and what to do with transmission problems.
2011Feb 11
Explorer 58000 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 57,649 miles
After I spent $ 1462 for the SOLENOID on 12/28/2010, the dealer told me you car is good peace of mind now, you are not going to have any problem with it now. the problem has been fix. However after 45 days my car start having the same problem even worse than before.I could not even go over 40 miles per hour. the O/D light went on. So I managed to go home. in the next morning I started the car, the engine is working fine, shift the gear to Drive no luck. I called AAA and towed my car to the same dealer. I explained the problem to the technician and went to the waiting room, 5 minutes later he came to me and said your car has no problem, he drove it from the parking lot to the shop, that was it. so I decided to leave the car their over night as required by the technician. he called me the next day and told me to come pick up my car because he could not find any problem with transmission and the car is running good. so I came back turned my car on, put the gear to reverse however the car did not move at all. I end up leaving the car there for another night. the next day again the technician called and told me that the transmission needs to be replaced and they charged me $ 3592.
Feels like there are so many problem with ford explorer 2004. I still don't know why Ford does not do any thing about it, should be a recall going on by now. Hopefully we can have this problem taken care of.
2009Nov 23
Explorer XLT 4.0L Flex Fuel V6
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
I was a loyal Ford owner until I bought a 2004 Ford Explorer. The transmission failed at 105,000 miles!!!! I had the transmission rebuilt for $2200.00 and now at 137,000 miles this transmission failed again, another $1400.00 done the drain. After talking to numerous mechanics and friends, I found out this 5R55S transmission is noted for these failures.
Shame on Ford Motor Co. for letting loyal customers suffer with poor quality. I will not buy another Ford product again!!!!
2011Jan 18
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 95,489 miles
Purchased 2004 Explorer in November 2007. 95489 miles. No prior indication in drivability, noise or lights coming on. Going along, most speed available was 20 mph, rpms on 6; then jerked to change gears. Driving on highway in town, overdrive light and check engine lights came on. Limped into nearest repair shop, which happened to be a transmission shop,. Transmission had to be rebuilt. Obviously Ford knew about these problems because they had sent shop update notices and what to do with transmission problems
2011Jan 26
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 136,000 miles
This is the third time for a problem with this truck. Had it at the dealer ship just after the warranty went out around 37,000 an paid a little over $600.00 to fix it . Lasted till 80,000 them took it back and paid around $200.00 to fix. Now at 136,000 and the truck will not move at all. Dealer ship want's another $3,306.00 to fix it again.
2011Jan 10
Explorer LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 61,000 miles
premature complete mech failure - on first/second shift - then no reverse. No joy from local El Cajon Ford Dealer or Ford Corporate "Customer Service" - shabby, shabby, shabby - American Customer service for an American product - what a shame
2009May 01
Explorer LT 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 52,000 miles
For the last several years transmission problems. The whole vehicle jerks and makes a loud bang when slowing down from second to first gear. Hard shifting in all gears when driving. Have an extended warranty and they will not cover it because the mechanic cannot show them "a broken part". Mechanic states poor design in transmission. I will not by another Ford Explorer ever.
2010Nov 16
Explorer XL 4.0
- Automatic transmission
- 129,000 miles
My research states that dealerships are reporting 1 in 10 2004 Explorers have transmission failure
2010Nov 10
Explorer Eddie Bauer XLT V-6
- Automatic transmission
- 106,000 miles
Trip to Asheville from Atlanta transmission fails with only 106,000 miles. Explorer has been maintained properly and have all records to prove. Had to have car towed back to Atlanta because estimate off the charts in Asheville then had to get a rental car to return home. Ruined a great little vacation and plus the cost of rental and repairs! Have owed several Fords however in the future I WILL NOT purchase a Ford again...and I'm a woman with a BIG mouth and I will tell everyone I come in contact with from this day forward!
2012Apr 25
Explorer XLT V6
Searched the internet to find that this is a common problem. Called Ford Customer Relations line but to no avail. Hoping that is enough of us complain we can have Ford do what's right and fix this obvious defect.
Peter B.
East Hampton, CT, USA
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