8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
74,750 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
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problem #3

Dec 012021

Explorer XLT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 106,000 miles

I bought the Ford Explorer used. with 104,000. I am a foster parent and needed a 3rd row desperately. I traded my dream car for this piece of junk. I had the car less than a month and the heat and air went out. While wating to get that fixed, the water pump busted. It's an internal belt driven water pump so it was a dealership fix only. It was covered under extended warrenty and got fixed thank heavens. I have had my car back only a month and now the transmission is going out. It's slipping and started doing so after Ford repair the water pump, which required driopping the drive shaft. The transmission is failing. The problems is getting worse. And now my actuator in the dash has stopped working and will only work on defrost. This car is a LEMON. I will never buy another FORD. I did research on this vehicle and never read water pump issues until after it happened to me. The vehicle only has 107,600 miles and I'm getting rid of it.

At first it felt like it was missing. I had it to the mechanic and they couldn't determine the cause or reproduce it. That;s because the morons didn't drive it. How can one claim to not be able to reproduce the problem if it's not your car and your not used to the sounds it makes and you don't drive it?

- Kawana B., Elk Park, NC, US

problem #2

Dec 042019

Explorer Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

Transmission not downshifting, usually from 3rd to 2nd coming off an exit ramp to get into the flow of traffic. I’m now having to paddle shift the car to 2nd gear to accelerate into traffic. I took it the the local Ford dealer, but they could not duplicate the issue.

Also in bumper to bumper traffic, the transmission will bang into second gear.

Apparently these only happen when I drive. The guy that I rode with was not doing what I was saying would cause the issues. He said when it fails bring it back. That was not what I wanted to hear.

- Nick M., Ardmore, US

problem #1

Feb 132019

Explorer Platinum 3.5L V6 Tt

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,225 miles

Engine surging on every warm start. Dealer not able to repair. Not sure what it is. Front windshield trim almost blew off, had to stop and pull it off then glue it back on when I got back home. Side lower trim on drivers door was falling off, plastic connectors broke. Infotainment system was extremely laggy and the GPS didn’t work at times. Even after dealer update it still didn’t work properly. Rear roof seal around back door hinges was cracking causing water to leak inside. Hood is aluminum and the paint will bubble on pretty much all Explorers and come off. Transfer case is a sealed unit not allowing for any servicing or fluid changes. Transmission did not shift smoothly and would probably need to be rebuilt, dealer checked software and said it was up to date.

I bought this car used and only kept it for a few months before trading it back in for a VW Atlas. Much better built vehicle and super roomy.

I’m very disappointed in the lack of quality from the Explorer and am ashamed that Ford would make a car with this many known issues and not covet under a recall. I’m so happy to be done with this car.

- imn2vws, Fuquay Varina, US