7.1

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$610
Average Mileage:
48,600 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
  2. glued the panel back to the door (2 reports)
  3. repair panels (2 reports)
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problem #7

Jul 152019

Explorer XLT 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

First, top of the front driver side door panel gradually pulled up, came unglued. Not covered even though there was a recall. $1,000 quoted by dealer to replace door panel. No thanks. Went to independent shop quoted $160 to remove, staple and glue and replace. Shop owner said he has done several of these and we should expect the same from the passenger side.

There is also a small bubble where the armrest curves up into the door panel. Upholstery guy says can't fix that, so my wife insists we get a new door panel. Shop ordered but still waiting a month later.

Add to this the $150 price for an update to the Ford GPS navigator (which we did only once and now use WAZE instead.) Plus now after CEL says we're looking at hundreds more for a Evap Purge Valve and some other "valves" also recalled but not for us. Bottom line is I'd have a hard time convincing myself to go back to Ford. Yes I'll report the purge valve separately

- Cesare B., Katy, TX, US

problem #6

Nov 162016

Explorer XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,600 miles

click to see larger images

interior door panels warping interior door panels warping interior door panels warping interior door panels warping

This is the first Ford I ever purchased. I had driven a few rentals and was impressed, so decided to, after 20 years of European cars, give a US maker another shot.

Love the vehicle, but hate this annoying obvious manufacturing defect. The vehicle is solid and runs well, but this seam splitting on the drivers door arm rest makes the vehicle appear cheap - see attached four photos.

Being on the drivers side, I am annoyed by it every time I get in or out of the vehicle. The worst part is, while driving, I tend to try and not touch the defected area for risk of further exacerbating the defect and on long drives it causes me back pain.

Took it to the dealer and was told he could not help me, for the car was over the warranty period and did not care that the issue had started over a year earlier when the defect was not near as severe nor near as annoying.

I knew that a Ford would not have the same quality as a German built vehicle and the difference in price made this OK, but when you pay more that $40,000 for a Ford, you hope it is better quality than the US cars I first started with in the 70's.

Again, great vehicle, but this door panel issue is straight out of a 1978 Plymouth...

- Dan Schwall S., Braintree, US

problem #5

Sep 252017

Explorer Sport 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,518 miles

click to see larger images

interior door panels warping interior door panels warping interior door panels warping interior door panels warping interior door panels warping

I bought this vehicle for $50,000. It's only three years old and I already had a few issues besides this one. I've had the gear shifter repaired (under warranty), and had the foot brake assembly replaced ($700). Part of the leather at the side if the driver's seat is starting to crack, and now this. I went to a professional upholsterer to have the door panel fixed since the vehicle was no longer under warranty, but the upholsterer said that I should have the dealership fix it since she thinks it is a factory defect.

I went to Norm Reeves Ford to show the problem and the service technician stated that it was a common problem, but I had to make an appointment for them to fix it. So I made an appointment for October 5. I told the person at the service department what the upholsterer said, but she stated that the upholsterer didn't know what she's talking about. I told her, "Really!!! A three year old $50,000 car shouldn't be having this problem though!" She didn't argue with me and assured me that they will take a look at the problem. Honestly, after seeing the other complaints about this same problem, I feel that I will again be disappointed on October 5, hearing the same crap from the dealership! This is my first Ford, and definitely will be the last!

Update from Oct 14, 2017: Dropped the vehicle off at the dealership on October 5. The initial quote that was given to me was $1000 which includes a $120 diagnostic fee. We complained and the technician was able to bring the total cost down to $420. No car rental was offered and it took them until October 11 to finish the work. The front passenger door panel is showing signs of the same problem. Being worried that something else would break down with the vehicle, I went straight to Carmax and sold that lemon. Never will I buy a Ford again.

Update from Dec 2, 2017: Received a letter from Ford stating that the warranty for the front door panels has been extended to 5 years/100,000 miles, and that I might be “qualified” for a refund for the expense of the repair. So I went back to Norm Reeves Ford at Cerritos CA to show the letter and my receipt for the work done. The service technician said I was not qualified for a refund since they replaced the door panel and not repaired it. He explained that replacing is different from repairing. Really?!?! So if the part is beyond repair and needs replacement, then I’m screwed?!?! What’s the point of extending the warranty?! Did Ford send me the letter to add insult to injury?! WTF!!! I’m glad I sold the lemon so I won’t be dealing with their bullshit anymore!

- isflojo, La Mirada, US

problem #4

Jul 052017

Explorer Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,000 miles

Always been a Ford fan. Thought I might always be one, but...

Noticed this beginning to occur in the last month or so, but getting worse faster than expected. Dealer was so familiar with it he showed me others on his phone and knew before I finished describing what was happening!

Offered me a $250 break on the labor, but would still had cost me over $700 to fix!

Don't presently have, never have had, nor ever hope to again have a car with this issue. PLEASE don't tell me it's because it is in the sun! I guess every Explorer in Florida is doing the same and it would be incredibly expensive to fix them all. Better to STONEWALL the owners than admit you made a design mistake.

I like the way my KIA is holding up after well over 120K miles and 7 years! Maybe I should buy another....?

- oldwhitehairedguy, Hammonton, US

problem #3

Jun 012017

Explorer Sport V6 Eco Boost

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

Both the passenger and drivers doors are warping! I have dealt with both Ford and two local dealerships, they told me that it is a known problem and have had to fix other Explorers doors, but because mine is out of warranty it is not covered. I bought the 100,000 mile extended warranty, but it doesn't cover the doors unless they are ripped, not warped. So very frustrated. I could of bought a cheap car and not of had these problems, but instead I bought a $60,000 car from Ford and they won't stand behind their poor workmanship. I've always been a Ford person...until now. I have had to hire an upholstery shop to fix the doors.

- Janis B., Yakima, US

problem #2

Apr 012017

Explorer XLT V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,000 miles

This is a known issue for 2014 Ford Explorers and FORD should take care of it. The glue batch or manufacturer or plant these explorers were assembled in should be liable and cover the fix. I have found several forums, all complaining the same issue, all on 2014 Ford Explorers!

Call Ford, they said its out of warranty sorry. A manufacturer defect should be handled by the manufacturer period.

- sidbubbie73, Grandy, US

problem #1

Oct 152015

Explorer Police Interceptor 3.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,000 miles

Not even a year and a half of owning the car, the drivers side door panel started to warp. Reported it to the dealership and they told me cosmetics was covered under the warranty and asked if I kept the vehicle in the sun (I live in Hawaii) as the sun may be affecting the adhesive. I told them that I park my car inside the garage and I work at night. Their response was they could fix it but it would cost $1000 and would be at my expense, but because I had all sorts of issues just even buying the car, they signed me up for some sort of friends and family thing that allowed me to only have to pay $100. About two months after fixing the drivers side, the front passenger door panel began to warp. I am not paying $1000 or even $100 to have this thing fixed as I feel that this is a manufacturing issue and not from wear and tear or abuse. From what I have been through from purchase to now with this Police Interceptor, if there were better options for police vehicles, I would have not purchased a Ford. I have never purchased a new car before and this was my first and last time going to Ford. I will never buy another Ford again.

- nightwatcher, Ewa Beach, HI, US