7.8
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$2,118.00
Average Mileage:
63,583 miles
Total Complaints:
303 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (152 reports)
- replace shift solenoid (49 reports)
- replace transmission (47 reports)
- rebuild transmission (46 reports)
- replace shift solenoid and bands (6 reports)
- serviced transmission and cleaned valve body (2 reports)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
2012Mar 09
Explorer XL 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 135,000 miles
2004 Ford Exlorer.... Transmission appears to be slipping or skipping first and second gears and going directly to third gear. Tach revs to 4+ and the vehicle is hardly moving. Will come down to 2 on Tach after getting off the gas peddle.
2011Jul 01
Explorer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 84,000 miles
My Ford Explorer been stuck in the lower gears and would lunge to shift to the next gear. During reverse, I have to wait for it to "catch" with a hard thump. Sometimes as long as 3 seconds. Worry it might fail on me soon.
2012Mar 06
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 88,658 miles
This transmission is junk and its time for ford to man up and recall this car. oh yeah the rear end is junk too!
2012Jan 23
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 83,000 miles
We were the original owners of a 2004 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer V6. We were overall happy with the car, for the exception of the transmission. The first rebuild (due to total failure) was at 75,000 miles in October 2010 and cost us $2,700. The transmission shop gave us a 2 year 25,000 mile warranty (which would take us to 100,000). I was driving the other day and it started slipping gears and revving the engine. It makes loud bangs and thuds when shifting , especially out of reverse. I cannot get out of 1st gear sometimes so I am forced to release the gas pedal and let it shift. It is a major inconvenience and has deterred me from buying a Ford car again.
2012Feb 04
Explorer Eddie Bauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 96,000 miles
About 3 weeks ago i noticed that it was shifting extremely hard between gears and there was a 4-5 second delay when i'd put it in reverse. This morning when i left for work when it would shift into 3rd gear it would make a weird noise. Coming home from work when shifting into 3rd it missed the gear completely, maxed out the revs and felt like it was in neutral. O/D light started flashing and the check transmission light came on. Car won't go above second gear and also there is no reverse.
2012Jan 09
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I started having the problem at about 80k miles and they tell me that it has to be rebuilt at a cost of approx $2000. I understand that ford is aware of the problem and have been for some time. i feel that ford should, at least, bear part of the cost for repair since that a it a design problem. if they don't i will never again buy a ford product and tell everyone i can that ford will not fix their problems.
2009Apr 17
Explorer LXT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 55,766 miles
When going in drive or reverse, there is a hesitation before the transmission engages. If you are driving on the highway and let up on the gas, when you accelerate again there is a pause and then it bangs in and goes forward. This was fixed the day before my extended waranty expired. When it started happening again, i am told i have to pay because i am no longer covered and i found several people had the same problem, so like them, i am waiting for a recall.
2012Feb 05
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
We purchased this vehicle on friday evening 2/03/12 and the transmission began to act up on sunday 2/15/12. Is there a recall on this? I called around and they said this was common amongst these vehicles. If this is a common occurrence why is there not a recall?
2012Jan 01
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
Took our 2004 for to mechanic due to transmission slipping. He checked it out and said we could try replacing the solenoid and if that didn't fix it that we would have to replace the entire transmission. He told us he just had another ford explorer owner in this week with the exact same problem. Cant believe this is happening at on 100,000 miles. Need this car to last.
2011Sep 01
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 119,000 miles
Transmission slips out of 2nd and 3rd gears, and/or cannot 'find' those gears when it tries to shift up into them. That results in a long coast in something resembling Neutral until the transmission 'finds' the gear again, causing the vehicle to lurch hard and make some bad sounding noises. I had the solenoid pack replaced a year ago when it did this before, but now the problem is back. A transmission service has looked at it again and now tells me that they would have to rebuild the transmission case to fix the problem.
The service techs told me that the problem is that the inserts where the control rods enter the transmission casing from the solenoid pack are made of steel, while the transmission case they thread into is made of aluminum. Pretty bad design to put a steel insert into an aluminum receiver if you ask me, since A) steel is stronger than aluminum, and B) they are dissimilar metals (meaning they corrode when put in contact). They tell me that they would need to drill out the casing, put in brass inserts, and then thread the steel rods into the brass inserts. About $2000 of work. Recall this thing and fix it like a responsible car company.
2011Aug 01
Explorer Limited 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 59,000 miles
Just had my transmission rebuilt since the OD planetary gear washers broke off and got caught in 2nd & 3rd gears. Had to tear down tranny and rebuild, including solenoid assy. Had about 59K miles when gears wouldn't shift correctly, and would shift hard. Final straw is when OD light wouldn't stop blinking and couldn't even get into 2nd or 3rd gear, at all.
2011Nov 23
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 104,000 miles
I just bought this truck in June. I'm a teacher and do not have a lot of money to spend on junk. I needed a reliable car and that is what Fords promise is so I got one. Ever since I have had to deal with this transmission, my back gate cracked, and the abs light stays on all of the time. WHAT A LEMON!!!!!! Now I'm screwed on 3 years of payments for a car that DOES NOT work. Thanks ford for screwing me.
2011Mar 01
Explorer 6.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
We bought the vehicle used and found in car fax that transmission was rebuilt almost a year ago. The dealer doesn't want to honor the warranty on the transmission because we weren't the owners of the vehicle at the time. It almost appears that the transmission wasn't rebuilt properly. It is showing the classic problems of a bad transmission.
2011Jan 10
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
My truck kept jerking every time I would shift gears which became extremely annoying. I took it to Aamco to get a diagnostic test and they told me that I would have to replace the engine and also have the transmission rebuilt! They told me that something must have happened with the transmission before I purchased it and who ever had the truck at the time did not repair it but put a temporary seal to keep it going for about 4 years. (i.e. I purchased it about 4 years ago so I personally feel that it was the dealership that screwed me over). Overall the total is $3,000 +! I was told not to drive the truck until I get it fixed but I have no choice. I just wish I would've known about this rip off!
2010Jan 13
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 87,500 miles
First time the trans would not want to go into reverse unless throttle was applied then it would slam into gear and make all kinds of noises and then would do the same going into first or drive however u want to look at it so took it to the dealer and they told me that it was unusual for that to happen like they didnt know about it but they were able to fix it in a quick manner so that told me they were lieing to me and it had happened more then once before because i used to work in a dealer in the parts department and dealers do not keep parts in stock for something that was unusual. So they told me they replaced the solinoid and bands i was ok with that it was fixed and i was on my way but now 30,000 miles later the trans is all the way gone and now i have to foot the bill of 2400 to 3000 grand for a rebuild not happy at all
2011Mar 01
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
bullshit! 3000 to fix a transmission! A transmission shouldnt "go" at 80,000 miles...never buying ford again
2011Nov 21
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
I just paid $8,000 for this car used. There's no way I should have to spend another $3000-$4000 fixing the transmission when it's only got 98,000 miles on it. Ford needs to have a recall and fix this problem!
2010Sep 09
Explorer LX 6 cyl 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 175,000 miles
Well, my problem is, I paid 33,000 dollars for this vehicle new. I know I have driven it over 200 miles now, but I feel like most of these mile were highway miles. Never pulled trailors. They are easy miles & the rear end starting singing at like 65,000 miles & the transmission starting going out around 100,000. I also own a Mitsubishi Galant & it has 206,000 miles & it doesn't have any of these problems. I think Ford skimped on the rear end & transmissions. Should have used heavier duty parts. Seems like there are a million people having the same problems I'm having, so I know Ford dropped the ball.
2009Jun 20
Explorer LS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
The Explorer does not to come out of park and jerks sometimes while driving. I never called ford customer service thought there no use. I also had shifting rod replaced on steering column. Transmission sometimes i have problem going into drive.Tank you.
2011Jul 19
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 99,001 miles
Just spent $8,400 on a "new to me" 2004 Ford Explorer in what seemed to be perfect condition inside and out, and
r about 3 days later, I have noticed the transmission shifting hard, and when going from park to reverse, it jerks really hard. After reading alot on line, it seems that this is a MAJOR problem with this transmission. SO did I just WASTE my money on a LEMON?????
2006Nov 06
Explorer XLS 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 20,000 miles
I bought this car in 2006 and now in 2011 I am trying to sell it so I can buy another SUV(definitely NOT A FORD). It has always shifted hard, and now it is 100,900 miles and still doing it.The last mechanic I took it to says he thinks it is a module on the transmission. Not sure yet how much, but he says it won't be a lot. Probably about 100-200. Yet, I have read all the complaints on here and am worried that it needs a new transmission. I can not figure out how Ford can continue to be a money making company with such a horrible track record with transmissions. I am only asking 6000 for my Explorer and it is well worth it. I think this is very reasonable, and if this transmission goes out, they can still have a great car for a good price if they do replace it. My SUV is in top shape except it shifts a bit hard.I forgot to mention that I JUST REPLACED a whole transmission on my 2007 Ford Eddie Bauer as well. My dad is a mechanic SO I LUCKED OUT AND HE DID THE JOB. IT COST ME AROUND 500 FOR THE PARTS and that's it. Yet when it was finished, the torque converter(a new one) began whinning. We now have to put a new one of those in. AMAZING! I can't ask my dad to work on another one for me so I took the 2004 one to someone else. How can this darn company continue to thrive? The new Explorers are making an unbelievable showing in sales. They've tripled the sales of the last year's model. Unbelievable! When I get rid of these two, I am NEVER buying another! Man up Ford and do the right thing! If you don't Karma, God, etc WILL COME BACK AND BITE YOU IN THE ASS! This internet is connecting customers and we are becoming stronger and more organized. You can't continue to ignore your customers and make money for long with this technology that's available today!
2011Jun 01
Explorer XLT 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
Transmission getting stuck in gear. Also, shifting hard. Got to the point that it flung passengers in their seats.
Spoke with Ford Hqs. They said no recall but definitely keep my receipts.
Thank you very much.
2011Sep 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 77,400 miles
I bought a 2004 Ford Explorer in January 2011 and it had 69,800 miles. There was no apparent problems with it during the first few months, but around six months into owning it I started to notice it slipping. Now it is October and it is really slipping so I took it in to get check out. They are replacing the transmission because second and third gears were frozen together and multiple bands wore completely worn out.
I thought I researched this vehicle adequately before purchasing it, but now I see that this problem is way too common and I should have never purchased it. I am going to do everything I can to get my voice heard and get Ford to step up and get this problem recalled.
2011Oct 05
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
I already did my research online about why my truck would jerk real hard when I put it in reverse and then one day my message board said check transmission. I went around pricing how much it would cost to get it fixed hoping it was only low on fluid, it wasn't I was told that I would need a new or rebuilt transmission. I took it then to ford just to confirm it was true and I paid $120 just for a diagnostic test and they couldn't find anything wrong with the transmission? My question is how could ford not see anything wrong with there own transmission. However I knew that was not true because of all the jerks and it said check transmission...then I insisted if they were sure and they ended up keeping my truck over night just to call and say yes it needs a new one. When asked how much and what was wrong with it they couldn't tell me and just priced me a new one at $3700. I just took it to the other transmission shop and paid $2660 for a rebuilt one and I'm still having some issues!!!
2011May 10
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Our explorer is starting to have so many problems all the sudden! 2 months ago the heater went out and will cost $1000 to fix
4 weeks ago we started noticing that the car would take a significant amount of time when shifting into drive (at a light, when backing up,etc). The transmission is going to be close to $3000.
Last winter the middle seat belt in the 2nd row became stuck and will not retrack. We have to replace the seat because the lever that lowers the seat broke as well (about a year ago). That is going to cost us $300 for the seat. The dial for the radio does not work--when we try to turn the volume down it goes up--some times all the way up. Who knows how much that will cost.
ADVICE - -Don't buy an Explorer!
2011Oct 17
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
Will never buy a FORD again! I will tell everyone NOT to buy FORD!! This piece of junk is nothing but a problem. No matter how well you take care of it you will have to dump a pile of money into it for repairs...had taken this junk to the FORD dealership many times for the same problem over the years and the problems never seem to get fixed. The fix creates new problems...now replacing the whole transmission not very happy
2011Oct 13
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 77,500 miles
This is my 3rd Ford vehicle. 1995 Ford F250.. no problems, currently own 97 F250 powerstroke that's been great... Decided that the family vehicle would be a Ford Explorer and found a low mileage 2004 (11,000) and bought it used from the same Ford dealer with a $2000 extended warranty to 70,000 miles. At 77,000 miles it starts shifting hard and slipping. Take it in and told shift solenoid is bad and need a rebuild for $1800. Shop got into it and said bands are bad as well as the Torque Converter is not far behind. Didn't want to spend $1800 to have the TC go out a few miles down the road and start all over so now I'm hit with $2800 bill for a family vehicle that's never towed anything with 77,000 miles on it getting a complete rebuild. Not a happy Ford Customer right now. This is really unacceptable for a vehicle that hasn't been abused with this low of mileage.
2005Jul 04
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 47,000 miles
Same as everyone else, warranty expired, now transmission, transfer case and rear differential all shot to Hell !! Should have researched before purchased, as usual was given run around by loser dealership, nothing they could do, just drive it. Was towed several times to dealer while under warranty, for jerking, slipping and whining, they could not replicate problem. This is a good indication of upcoming quality from all American made vehicles, I do believe, dealer told me vehicles are now made to be disposable, I guess I'll just take the bus because now I cant afford the repair cost of 5,144.00, I'm busted, just busted !! Ford will NOT do the right by us, the consumers, EVER, this is a changed America!! Buyers BEWARE!!
2011Mar 04
Explorer 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 63,625 miles
Our Ford was supposed to be covered under the Pre-Certified Owner Warranty, but Team Ford of Marietta, GA DID NOT HONOR this Warranty. This was a used vehicle from Ford's fleet. It is our understanding that this is a problem prevalent with 2004 Ford Explorers, as well as other years, but FORD has not recalled the vehicle. So, we took it to a transmission mechanic and had it replaced/rebuilt (?). Since, April of 2011, we had to take it back around July 11, 2011, because it began to slip and the gears stick again. It had to be towed. And, now, October 2011, we are having to take it back again for the same problem. We've had Ford products before, but after this ordeal and contacting Ford Motor and nothing is being done, we WILL NEVER purchase another Ford vehicle, and I will personally use ever outlet I have to discourage anyone from purchasing a vehicle from Ford. Ford knows there is a problem, and they are refusing to acknowledge it and fix it. I want them to buy back my vehicle. Three times!!!! Same problem!!!!
2011Oct 05
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 66,000 miles
Bought the Ford Explorer brand new in 2004. Never had any problem until the transmission start slipping and I took to it to the Ford Dealer. Was told the whole transmission had to be overhauled and would cost around $3,200...My extended warranty expired out while I was deployed (20110331). The vehicle only have 66,000 miles but the warranty expired based on date (84 months). Pissed but still looking for a cheaper price to get my vehicle fixed.
2010Jan 05
Explorer Limited 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 79,553 miles
It is sad to have a wonderful, fully loaded truck with everything perfect except for the transmission that wont shift right...
2011Aug 02
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 80,345 miles
Very dissatisfying, vehicle when put in reverse gives of a hard shift erratically, about 4 months ago I notified Ford. They changed the oil for the Transmission the problem went away for a little bit but it is now back again and even worse!!!!
2011Sep 15
Explorer XLS 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 161,000 miles
just want to vent. I'm having the same problems as the rest of u. ...what was ford doing when they designed this suv....just bad...... i have owned mustangs and earlier explorer models and this one is cheaply made parts, maint problems unheard of with any other car companies...cant say much more....I'm getting more upset by the min.
2004Aug 20
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 11 miles
first brand new car i ever bought and ford managed to screw it up and made me never want to own a ford again, since DAY 1 the transmission has slipped. got a recall notice ford put a small vile of fluid in it and said that the wrong transmission fluid was put into it and thought that was the fix, it wasn't, they gave me an extended warranty and wouldn't fix it.
never buy this car
2009Sep 01
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 88,000 miles
Ford needs to recall the 2004 Ford Explorer for transmission failure. My transmission first started shifting hard into gear about two years ago, 88,000 miles. It's getting worst, sometimes it makes a banging noise when I put it in reverese and it's hard to go in gear. When you stop it down shifts very hard, then when start it shifts with about two big bangs going into gear. This problem is getting worst and I know I'm going to have to replace the transmission soon. also, onec it would not shift into reverse, so I had to get a fuse changed to make it work.
2005Feb 04
Explorer XLS/SPT
- Automatic transmission
- 30,000 miles
Every 30,000 miles or so I have to repair the same thing in the transmission they tell me its a sensor that needs to be replaced which cost 1065.00 each time I've had to replace it now about 3 times and its in need of the same repair once again. I call the customer service to see if they could help me with the repair since this is an on going thing with the vehicle they informed me no not unless they have a recall on it. This is totally outrageous for it to be the same issue each time. If you go to look online for used SUV and you look up Explorer you will find that each of them requires transmission work to be done on them. If ford knows this is an issue you would think they would want to fix them so people will want to continue buying Ford cars or trucks.
I will never buy another one now since for one they won't stand behind their vehicles. I now own a Honda and they take care of all the issues thus far. Good luck to anyone who wants to own one.
2010Aug 12
Explorer ES 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
THIS WAS DEFINITELY A FORD DEFECT-----I HAVE HEARD HUNDREDS OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS. THE MAIN PROBLEM IS THAT FORD'S DESIGN IN THIS TRANSMISSION WAS TO MOUNT THE LINKAGE (A STEEL ROD) INTO A HOLE IN THE ALUMINUM CASING. A MAJOR DEFECT TO ANYONE EXPERIENCED WITH MACHINE WORK. STEEL BEING MUCH HARDER THAN ALUMINUM WILL EVENTUALLY WOBBLE OUT THE HOLE IN THE CASE AND CAUSE A FAILURE. ANY DESIGN ENGINEER WHO KNOWS HIS JOB WILL INSTALL A HARDENED ALLOY BUSHING INTO THE HOLE TO PREVENT THE WEARING OUT OF THE ALUMINUM. FORD HAS ISSUED A REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE TO THE TRANSMISSION SHOPS BUT STILL DENIES ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS DEFECT. I'M A WELDER/MACHINIST AND I WILL STAND UP IN COURT TO TESTIFY TO THIS PROBLEM IF THERE IS A LAWYER WILLING TO FILE A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT!!!!!
2011Jun 21
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 124,000 miles
I haven't gotten the final bad news on this problem. Was told today that it will cost between $1800 and $3500! Depends on what they find damaged inside when they take it apart tomorrow. Needless to say, I don't have that kind of money just laying around...thank goodness I am working an extra job this summer!!! Too bad it has to go to my car instead of helping my kids out with school! I was told it is a common problem with the Explorers and question why Ford does not provide the sleeve that would fix the problem before it becomes the $3500 problem!!??!!
2011May 05
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 161,557 miles
i purchased a extended warranty when i bought the exploder! with this vehicle it was a wise thing to do (actual vehicle purchase questionable) while under warranty the bands tranny fix was done. crack under rear window prob also covered.. since the warranty has expired i have had the differential replaced tie rods replace ball joints the same one rear left replaced 3 times! now the tranny won't change out of 1st gear................
i've had enough i just don't have the money to keep throwing out the window unfortunately i still owe 5 thousand on the vehicle loan. what do you do???? it absolutely amazes me that ford has not provided any help with (their) poor design and part quality. what are we to do continue to eat the costs? is there no justice? maybe the solution as ford would have it, is to trade in the 04 for a 12 exploder that way a warranty would cover any problems... can't afford the repairs let alone a new one! does anyone out there have a idea how i can reduce the financial blow or get ford to cover some cost...
2010Oct 31
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Worst car ever, I will never purchase another Ford as long as I live. I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle since the purchase. It's rusting out and has mysterious cracks in the body. Ford should be forced to buy everyone who owns this vehicle a brand new replacement. They should also take the explorer off the market to save anyone else the pain and hassle of owning this vehicle.
2008Aug 01
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
Shifts hard into gears at take off and when braking. When shifting into reverse, transmission does not immediately engage and after a few seconds slams into reverse with a jolt that will cause whiplash. Gradually getting worse. Should have taken advantage of "Cash for Clunkers".
2009Dec 15
Explorer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 89,000 miles
It shifts really hard - was told "it happens with fords", "don't shift hard" and ' use the same gas'.... REALLY?
2009Jul 14
Explorer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
i bought my 2004 explorer in 2008. 4 months later i noticed the transmission starting to shift hard and sometimes not even going into gear unless i rev up the engine then it will slam into gear really hard. i think its a damn shame to spend that kind of money on a vehicle and the transmission being a piece of junk and the ford company knows this and they do nothing about it. ive seen several complaints on the early ford explorers transmissions being the worst on the road EVER. why dont ford take care of thier customers and issue a recall and have them all fixed at their cost? show the customer that just bought your product that you appreciate them for it and get this mattewr taken care of. if they dont i will never purchase another ford product again and ill even go to ford lots and tell everyone i see there to stay away from such a heartless company. ive been a ford man my whole life but if they dont show us, the customer, some appreciation and fix this matter ill do my part to steer as many people as i can away from any ford product and tell them about this
2010May 03
Explorer XLS 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
same as other complaints, bought it in 2008 with 28,000 miles the tranny shifted hard. was told it was normal at dealership. bought extended warranty. May 2010 with 48,000 it really started shifting hard, I had it at dealership for other warranty work (that has since needed fixed again) was told again nothing was wrong with transmission it was normal, now April 2011 68,000 miles warranty expired trans is slipping plus shifting hard enough to jar your teeth out. local mechanic says needs either replaced or rebuilt. I've always owned fords and I knew better to buy an explorer with automatic trans.
2010Jun 23
Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Why the hell do we still have to complain! ATTN (FORD) we all have the same problem .
This could cost us our life . If you made a crappy trans... why are you not going to fix it . why should we have to pay for you mistakes .This thing shifts so hard from park to rev. Or if I'm driven it slips and i have to wait to see if it will pick back up. Everyone in my family has a Ford - Why this one . Why are you not standing behind your product. As for me i will not own anymore fords.....
2005Jun 01
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6 Flex Fuel
- Automatic transmission
- 12,000 miles
well it started with hard shifting, i had finally gotten a letter from ford in 05 telling me that they left an additive out at the factory so i needed to bring it in for a recall and the additive put in, when my truck was done a day later they told me that they had replaced everything in the transmission have not had a problem since, but i have had to replace a front left hub assy. around 68,000 miles right rear hub assy. and rebuilt rear diff. at 79,500 and now i have my abs light on constantly and my 4x4 high flashing 8 times and when i take a tight left turn i feel like it's in 4 wheel drive hear a almost grinding sound or rubbing, will let you all know what happens when i have the abs light checked by a friend of the family i trust no else to work on it especially ford. you would think ford would have built better vehicles when there slogan was built ford tough or quality is job #1 guess no one told them not to lie!!!! i have called ford about the rear diff. problem and they will not do anything about it they said that we all need to call them and complain about our issues and if alot of people called and complained that it could be considered for a recall i was also told to keep my receipts and if they recalled any of my issues they would refund my money spent. i have loved my explorer for the first 7 years i have had it and i hope to love it for another 7 years it has been a great suv for me and my family with a few issues i have kept it in showroom condition since i drove it off the lot in 04 and take pride in how nice and clean i have kept it, hope this helps some of you people who have transmission problems since most of you have said that ford is telling you it's common and not a problem with your transmission shifting hard, they did recall this transmission in 05.
2009Sep 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 51,000 miles
i put ten years in at the sharonville ford transmission plant building these so called 5r-55 tranys, and thought never to buy one, cause there is no dipstick, no way to check fluid level, or add any, then i took the buy out in fear of losing the job in 07, listening to the wrong idiots, i made maybe the wrong decision, yea $28.45 was a hard one to walk away from, but my life is better off not have to listen to the cry babies, wining about stupid sh*t. don't get me started i could write a book. well i took 17,000 dollars, and bought my wife her first newer car, the 04 explorer. now listen people the only way to get the car recalled is to complain to Detroit,the use of this web site is great to get the right number and the UAW has provided me with it if you haven't already its 1-800-392-3673 for care problems and issues,
2010Jun 08
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 89,000 miles
The transmission slips when i let off the gas at very low speeds around say 90 degree corners.. then when i go to accelerate theres a Long pause before the transmission finally catches up with the throttle and finally jolts into gear.. I've read online about MANY other people having the exact same issues!!! I just spent $8000 Grand on an Awesome LOOKING suv that has a Piece a CRAP for a transmission!!! The factory transmission fluid that Ford put in the 04 Exploders was DEFECTIVE causing all kinds of silinoide and shifting problems! Overdrive is completely erattic also goes into lockup @ 40mph but get up to 50-55 and it stays in 4th!!! The truck vibrates above 65 mph with BRAND NEW TIRES on it!!!! WTF i got a LEMON! Should of got a cherokee or trailblazer who cares if the explorer looks nicer all it gives me is grief and UNRELIABILITY!!! NO FORD EVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2004Aug 16
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 25 miles
My transmission has shifted hard since day one that I bought the vehicle. I kept taking it bak to the dealership and they kept telling me they can't find nothing wrong so I just got used to it shifting rough. So after years of this I finally took it to another dealership ( not Ford) and they found the problem and fixed it costing over $700.00 but it's funny that Ford all the times I took it back for years they never could find a problem and now all these years later it can be fix. Ford is lazy! This problem should have been fix the first time I took it after buying it.
2012Apr 21
Explorer XLT
Well it seems I'm the next person in a long line of people who is having transmission issues with the 2004 Explorer and Ford still does not accept any fault for this. Out of the blue the service engine soon light comes on and turns out to be a transmission sensor code. The truck only has 62,000 miles on it. I take it to a transmission specialist and they tell me its about to fail - sensors, slipping, and skipping gears? To correct they would need to rebuild and it would only cost me $2,500. WTF!
Dominic P.
Carle Place, NY, USA
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