Never towed with this vehicle. Pulling out of my drive way I heard a noise like something made of metal break and the vehicle sunk to the right rear. Took it to the dealer who said the right rear coil spring broke and the left was cracked. Had to replace both. Since then I have had to replace an airbag switch in the steering column, both front and rear wheel bearings, complete transmission, and it is in an engine shop now trying to diagnose why the engine failed. I have been a "Ford man" since I was old enough to have an opinion of my own, but this will be the last one I buy.

The challenge I have with this piece of JUNK is that there has been no recall on it, but I've found another site that says that we should submit complaints to the Safety Board. I do agree with this, as there are "original" manufacturer parts and they are made to go off road, take the bumps, as well as water that might get "stuck" in their. When we went to our mechanic to have it fixed they told us "This happens a lot." Called 2 dealers and they say "We don't ever see that problem." Now someone is just LYING through their teeth or they don't want to have to pay for the problem. These are definite safety issues and I think it needs to go further. Had an explorer in the past and didn't have this problem before. The cost to fix includes the strutts! What a bogus piece of junk and I let the dealer know.

My Explorer has a lot of bounce to it. With about 70,000 miles, I figured it is time for new shocks. This animal takes struts all away around, so my mechanic checked them out. While checking the struts, he found a broken coil spring on the right rear side. His estimate to replace all 4 struts and front realignment is $720. He said the springs need replaced in pairs (rear axle). So, with the two coil springs included will have me a bill of about $1200 (which includes the struts and alignment).

Last week I just had the emergency brakes replaced (they fell apart in the drum). This past June I had to have the transmission (a real piece of junk) rebuilt. Now worn out shocks and a broken spring too !!!

This WAS a great SUV to own until now. I owned many vehicles in my lifetime (many Fords too), but never had so many problems at once with only 70,000 miles. If Ford had any honesty or pride, they should contact us and offer to rebate some of the costs for such a poorly built/designed vehicle (or the parts they used). If Ford or other automakers expect the public to continue buying "American Made" vehicles, then they better start backing up their product and treat their customers better.

I wish someone would start a class-action suit against Ford on this Explorer model to wake them up!!!!

Well, we have been getting a lot of road noise. The tires looked poor, so I sent [I was working] the wife to get new tires, and change the oil while she is at a shop. Well after $440.00 for tires, they say for $660.00 they will replace the rear struts[1 leaking] , and the 2 broken rear coil springs. So, new tires, we still have the humming noise. After some Internet searches, I find the Hubs seem to go out a lot on this make, and model. So now next weekend, I need to get the Jack out and fix this junk Wagon., No way am I paying $300.00 in labor ..

I told the Wife Fords Sucked, and she shouldn't get this Explorer. Now I bet she wishes she listened.

Took the vehicle to the dealer to have three power window fixed, the ABS sensor replaced and the rear window latch replaced all costing about $1,300 They then told me the rear springs are cracked and need to be replaced!

I have gone from a happy Explorer owner to hateful one within a month. I can't believe the quality issues this vehicle has had and judging from this website it is not an isolated incident. My wife and I have only owned Fords and have had 12 of them over the last 28 years and this Explorer has had the most problems. I will be purchasing another make for my next vehicle this summer unless Ford does something to convince me otherwise. Ford, pony up and pay for your mistakes!

At 95,000 miles, Ford Service advised both rear springs were broken. After having replaced most of the drivetrain by now, this was over the top. The vehicle is used to shuttle kids and has been well cared for and never overloaded. Looking closely, yes the springs are literally crumbling starting at the top. As an engineer, my assessment is this is a design flaw or material flaw. Well beyond warranty, but FORD SHOULD ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL or they will have another Firestone class action on their hands. WHY IS FORD IGNORING THIS SERIOUS SAFETY FLAW? Everyone please check your springs to protect life of you and your family. Advise Ford in writing. Maybe they will wake up. No more Fords for me (Fork Over Repair Dollars).

I noticed a noise from the rear axle of the vehicle and it turned out to need both rear bearings. While repairing these, the mechanic noticed both rear coil springs broken. No apparent reason for breakage as the car is driven mainly by my wife and has never been overloaded or used for off-road driving. My mechanic advised that there were recalls for other Ford vehicles with rear coil springs but there apparently is none for this model. This is not the first Explorer that he has seen this problem on. I have never used this vehicle for heavy hauling or towing. I own a heavy duty pickup which does all that type of work. NO WONDER NORTH AMERICANS ARE BUYING NON-NORTH AMERICAN BUILT VEHICLES. This vehicle is supposed to be built for heavy duty work.