7.5
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$980.00
Average Mileage:
80,660 miles
Total Complaints:
106 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (32 reports)
- rear end overhaul (31 reports)
- Ford should take more pride in their work & fix problems (19 reports)
- replace rear differential (15 reports)
- replaced rear end oil with 75- 145 synthetic (3 reports)
- replace gear oil with standard high grade oil and anti slip additive (2 reports)
drivetrain problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2002 Ford Explorer whining/roaring noise from rear differential
2007Nov 06
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 56,000 miles
Had the bearings go out in the rear end. Got a quote from Ford ($2500!) I opted to pull the rear end and rebuild it. Took me a whole weekend, but got it done. All this, right after I had just got done replacing the wheel bearings all the way around. P.O.S.
2008Jan 01
Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
My Explorer has been having the same exact problem, with the roaring and what not coming from the rear end. I recently got my front brakes done and the mechanic who drove it said that I was going to need my rear end replaced soon, and that he sees that a lot with Explorers. So yeah I'm pretty upset about the whole situation and now that I've witnessed so many complaints here and in life I wish someone would call Ford or a lawyer about this, and let me know.
Also, I'm going to try and that replacing the gear oil with the 75/145 heavy duty stuff and see how that works. I'm driving up the east coast soon and I hope this isn't gonna be a problem. I really don't think it will but....
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Dec 14
Explorer Sport 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
This is a low mileage "city car", never driven hard, no abusive driving, 67000 miles, bought from original owner at 27000 miles. Noticed a whining/roaring inside the cab coming from the rear. Took to Metro Ford in Tupelo MS, after investigating they said it would require replacing the ring and pinion gear set - $1300+. I have to drive it out of town immediately so I agreed. I spoke with the service manager who agreed it was a known problem. He recommended I retain the receipts in case Ford decided to refund the money. I see where there may be a class action law suit against Ford being formed. I hope so, this is ridiculous....
2009Jul 06
Explorer XLS 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 104,390 miles
I bought this 2002 Explorer from an estate...the vehicle had always been babied and I knew the previous owner well.. Basically like buying a new vehicle... The rear end is a problem and still making noise...The previous owner had just replaced the transmission before he passed away. / It is a shame that the rear ends are such a proble...This is not the first Explorer I have owned... I have always known about the transmission problems with them.. The replacement or rebuild seems to last for ever, but the originals always give out in short order. (personal experience twice and my brother's experience too and everyone I know that owns/owned an Explorer with over 100,000 Kilometres on it).I still loved the Explorers though and bought again. Last year I was hit side on by a Chrysler, in my 1999 Explorer. The Accident was caused by the other driver going way too fast in bad conditions and loosing control The car went under the Explorer ripping out the rear end and rolling us over.. My dog and I survived with bruises and some minor cuts.. more than could be said for the other driver..The investigators said that it was the Explorer that saved our lives. Thus I bought another..It is a disappointment to have to expect a transmission and now rear end problem when looking for an otherwise great vehicle...My advice is to buy cheap, because they are a great and safe vehicle, but if these parts are original, they will need replacing in short order,, That applies to all years of the vehicle, not just the 99's and 02's....it is a common problem... If you have a vehicle with replace trans and rear end, then they are fine.....rebuilding the rear end will not solve the problem....after market replacement will though....
2007Aug 17
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 62,000 miles
We had a really bad noise coming from the rear end. sounded like the tire was rubbing at slow speeds while turning.
Decided to take it down to the dealer who informed us that we would need a new rear end (not covered, of course)
I looked around and found a guy that said he fixed the same problem by changing the oil in the rear end. Worked like a charm at 20% of what Mr. Ford Dealer wanted.
This was the same place I bought the car new. You would assume at least some sort of customer loyalty.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Jan 23
Explorer XLT 4L
- Automatic transmission
- 49,088 miles
Annoying whine from the rear diff when accelerating , went to dealer ship 1500.00 dollars to rebuild the rear end , went to a tranny and diff shop 850.00 dollars but also advised to try the fix " drain all the synthetic gear oil out of the diff and then replace with standard h duty 75/145 gear oil . I did just that and also added an 8 oz bottle of gmd antislip additive for positraction systems that are in the diff .
Just did this 4 months ago and NOISE IS GONE worked for me. Lived with the noise problem for some time as was not sure what to do if you are wondering the actual date of the problem
2006Dec 22
(reported on)Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6 V6
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
I had a noise from the rear axle aprox 10,000 miles from new. I had my Ford dealer look at this problem and did a drive test, but conveniently he did not here anything, where i could it as loud as a bell in the vehicle. Now at 67000 miles this noise is very loud and of course out of warranty. I called them and they are now interested in fixing my problem, of course, because now they can charge an arm and a leg rip off charge in fixing it.
They even want $136 to change the Differential oil. i can buy the oil and additive for $22 if i were to change it my self, so where is the rest of the money going. What a rip off Ford is, i will never buy a Ford of any kind again as long as i live, they loose, there going out of business anyway, good riddance. I wish i could sue them but i was advised not to.
2006Dec 22
(reported on)Explorer ELS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
I have been taking my Explorer in for noises for quite some time now - it's always squeaked and creaked. First brakes, then wheel bearings, brakes again, and now an alleged noise in the differential - according to the service advisor. They wanted to do the diagnostic but I declined - I'll have someone else look at it. After looking at this site, though, I am ready to say "screw it" and get rid of the goddamn thing.
2009Apr 12
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 155,000 miles
My differential was whining for a while and now it's making a loud clunking noise cant drive it. I was looking at it and I found that the sway bar is worn out. Both wheel barrings are bad and I just replaced them last year. This truck is getting to be more of a headache then it is wroth. I like my truck, but it shouldn't wear out so fast. I think Ford should fix it for me.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Aug 12
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
I love this Explorer with all my heart. This is my second explorer. Up until now, I've never had a problem with this vehicle. At first I thought it was the tires, so I jacked up the vehicle so all four tires are off the ground. I ran it in drive and the noise is still there. I have seen the costs the others have paid for their repairs. At least when I go to the dealer, I'll have some insight and and can make a point. I must say all the other functions of the vehicle works perfectly. This is what happens when a manufacturer out-sources components to other countries. They don't have the quality control. How could the Ford engineers accept inferior components? Regardless, I will continue to buy American, I will support America and I will buy another Ford.
2008Oct 23
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
I DROVE THIS EXPLORER FOR ABOUT ONE YEAR AND THAN IT STARTED. 1.NEW TRANSMISSION 2. REAR SEALS & GASKETS 3.BREAKS. AND NOW WHINING REAREND(NOT FIXED YET).AFTER SPENDIND OVER $4500.ON THE OTHER STUFF AND THE REPAIR SHOP WANTING ANOTHER $25OO TO$3000.I'M THINKING MAYBE A GOOD PUSH OVER A BIG CLIFF WOULD FIX IT FOR GOOD.
2008Dec 08
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 84,000 miles
Among other issues that I will post, my Explorer has about 84000 miles on it. Last week we encountered an issue with what we thought was the transmission. The truck would go into gear but would not drive. Every now and then you could hear a little bit of a whining noise in the gears when we attempted to figure out what the problem was. After taking it to a dealership, it was determined that the rear differential had broken. It's been a week and a half and I still do not have my truck back. They ended up replacing the seals on the transmission, belt, 4X4 gear box and now the ABS. Total cost....$4000.00! This is absolutely crazy! Especially right before Christmas. I take care of my car, oil, fluids, tires, etc. The dealership is now saying that the the ABS is what caused the differential to go out; however, they can't explain how. The ABS and 4X4 lights had been flashing; however, we were told to just unhook the battery and let it reset itself and it would work. It worked all right but I noticed that when the temperature outside would change, the lights would come back on. I'm beginning to think that it was an electrical issue with the lights flashing. $600 to fix the ABS light issue.
Merry Christmas!!!
2008Mar 16
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
I agree there are way too many issues with this model Explorer. I have already replaced both rear bearings and coil springs. Also had the parking brakes go out (can't figure that one since I never use them). Now I'm getting ready to overhaul the clutch packs in the rear differential. Fortunately I have a mechanic friend that will sell me the parts at cost. I have also had numerous other issues (leaking rear window, 3 rear wiper motors, 4 -wheel drive module (computer), drive belt tensioner, alternator, and power window switch. I'm sure there are others I can't think of right now.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2003Nov 14
Explorer Eddie Bauer
- Automatic transmission
- 35,000 miles
I bought this car from the local Ford dealership. Had problems with the clutches in the rear end not switching correctly about 2 weeks after I bought it. Although it was a problem when I bought it, and the extended warranty covered the labor, I had to pay $100 for the fluid because they said that was considered maintenance even though it wouldn't have had to be changed if the gears were working in the first place. Ford said this sort of thing happens infrequently and would probably never happen again. Two years later I had to have it repaired again. Only this time the dealership had no record of ever having worked on it before. I still had the left over fluid in my garage. Now, 2 years after that episode, the car has 113,000 miles on it and the rear end starts making a roaring sound. One shop wouldn't touch it but, said they have had 3 Explorers in the last 3 months with this same problem. It cost me $1200 to have the transfer case replaced. All three times, the car made the same noise, and would sound like it was trying to change gears. Twice they supposedly fixed the rear end differential, now this time they say it was the transfer case. I hope it is truly fixed this time because I have only 3 payments left on it and I can't afford to keep fixing the same stupid problem.
2008Oct 01
Explorer XLS 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 66,000 miles
Just started looking into this noise from my 2002 ford explorer rear end. At first I just thought it need new tires, and it did so i replaced them. Noise is getting louder each day. I googled the problem and came across this site and read all the postings. First chance I get im going to look into the Tech svc Bullitins TSB 05-23-3 & 05-25-8 and see what they say, then drain the fluid if there is any left to drain, and try the refill with the pensoil 75-140 synthetic and hope for the best. I show no signs of leaking at this time. I'm also going to look into the class action law suit that was posted on here www.lemonlawclaims.com/2003_ford_explorer_differential%20problem.htm
Ford Sucks, they have no customer service in this country and they dont care about you once that car leaves their Plant.......NEVER AGAIN will I BUY a ford
2006Oct 02
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
Whining sound from the rear differential at cruising speed. Very annoying especially to rear passengers.
2008Nov 21
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 123,500 miles
....well. Thanks to this website we just dodged this bullet. 2 days ago I bought an 02 Explorer XLT 4.0 from a reputable dealer in Arlington VA. Having just arrived in the US two weeks ago we were keen to get some wheels and the 02 Explorer fitted the bill....the salesman seemed pretty keen and was willing to negotiate for cash...... especially after I noted to them that the rear diff sounded as if it was on the way out - its been 20 years since I've spent any serious time under a car but I know a diff when its ready to go! Being in a hurry and way too trusting I agreed to an extended warranty period to cover the diff blowing out. Then I got it home and found this website.......... well, one restless night and an email the next morning (which contained some of the downsides of screwing the Diplomatic Community in DC) to the General Manager of the dealership..... and he refunded our money on the spot. From the below it appears that the problem is essentially unrepairable - if it was actually repairable I would have kept the Explorer because cosmetically and functionally it was perfect for us. Thanks to all those below who saved me a hell of an expense, an hopefully this may spur others on to add their stories and warn others to beware................. however, this is not going to save me from the bad engine that is in the 02 Dodge Stratus we purchased from the guy I replaced here in the US.......oil light on solid after two days!!!! .... and the US auto-makers wonder why they are going broke!!!!!!!!!!.........I can't believe honest and hardworking taxpayers are going to bail these guys out. Capitalism is about survival of those that deserve to survive, and definitely not about treating your customers like fools.
2003Nov 04
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 12,000 miles
Now at 84000 it needs to be replaced again.
And what about the damn front wheel bearing not taking grease, no wonder they wore out!
2008Oct 25
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 107,000 miles
Same issues as everyone else......numerous wheel bearing/assembly replaced......front calipers replaced.....transmission slips/clunks often ....and now the dreaded rear end humming. I thought it was just another bad wheel bearing but just got the call from mechanic and its the rear differential. Going to have to be rebuilt for 1200 dollars and both rear bearing assembly's should be replaced at 330 dollars each......I thought at time of purchase that was getting good deal 34k miles for 11k in 2005.....I feel quite dumb now.
2006Sep 24
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6 Sohc
- Automatic transmission
- 73,500 miles
The whining noise coming from the rear end was a precursor to the whole rear end gear having to be replaced. FORD needs to close up shop if they cannot take more pride in their work than this!! I am in the process of registering all problems and I sure hope the server at AutoBeef can handle it!!
2008Sep 26
Explorer XLT 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
This is the second major, unusual problem/defect I have experienced with this vehicle. 9 months ago had the engine spit out a spark plug from the cylinder head...I had never heard of such a thing happening in any vehicle but found out it is quite common with Ford modular V8 engines which I unfortunately have. That was an $800 repair, not covered by Ford who do not even acknowledge there is a problem despite thousands of complaints registered on the internet. Now I have the rear end noise that Ford also does not acknowledge is a problem but many people are reporting with 2002 Explorers. I'm told this is a $1200 repair. The timing is very bad. Ford has a terrible attitude about these things, calls to their Customer care center asking for help result in no satisfaction and just make matters worse due to the frustration caused. What a way to run a company. I have owned probably 10-12 Fords over the years, this is most definitely the last. My next SUV will be a Honda, there's a company you can trust to build quality products.
2008Sep 16
Explorer XLT 4.0L Sohc
- Automatic transmission
- 112,625 miles
I must say that I am very disappointed. I previously owned a Ford f-150 which cost me $2000 in a transmission rebuild at 100k, which the mechanic said was notorious on ford trucks. However I like fords, and figured I could live with that, so I bought this explorer, and six days later noticed the ;barley audible whir which I originally thought to be the All terrain tires. No such luck, It was the rear diff. To make matters worse, the Front diff was checked and is bad as well. Next time.....NO FORDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2008Sep 01
Explorer Limited 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
My 2002 Explorer is starting with the rear differential humming with 103K miles. I had replace the back bearings already.
I saw a Class action from some lawyers in NJ. See their site:
http://www.lemonlawclaims.com/2003_ford_explorer_differential%20problem.htm
Have any try them??
Isaac
2008Sep 05
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 96,000 miles
After the second tranny rebuild, and bearing, and 2 brake caliper replacement, we are now told it need a rear end rebuild! Somebody should shoot these mules!
2008Feb 27
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 89,000 miles
I just had my rear and front wheel bearing replaced a few months ago. My car didn't make hardly any noise until 2 weeks ago. After taking it to the shop I have learned that my rear end is going out. They said it's going to cost any where from 800 to 900 dollars to replace after I just spent $1100.00 on it. This is crazy. Ford needs to stand up and realize there cars are pieces of crap.
2008Aug 01
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Same problem as everyone else. 02 Explorer, rear end is a piece of sh_t!!! whine started at 65,000 miles, has progressively gotten worse. only when accelerating at speeds above 5 MPH!!!!! yes, any speed above 5 MPH!!! will now have to replace rear end on my dime. Ford sucks....but still buy american...go Chevy...no problems
2008Aug 08
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
First the bad wheel bearings, then the transmission slipping and now the whine in the rear end..... From what I see here all of those complainants are common place with Ford Explorer owners, yet Ford refuses to address the issues? I guess Ford Motor Company execs. must think if their cars make it to about 80,000 miles we should be happy?
No more Fords for me....add me to the class action case.
2008Feb 27
Explorer XLT 4,0L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Noticed the whining on a trip to Massachusetts in February for a funeral. Has gotten progressively worse but haven't taken it in for repair yet. Not the first problem I've had with this vehicle, had to have the engine replaced 1 year ago due to a problem with the valvel train.
2003Feb 19
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 22,000 miles
Same problem again in April 2008.Local dealer rebuilt differential w/ brgs,etc.Started leaking oil 2 days after extended warranty expired on the 10th of July.Another local dealer cobbled in a pinion seal w/ JB weld.Claims seal flange elongated,won't hold seal.Ford says tough sh*t.I'm in the process of suing ford and the first dealer.I was a certified Auto and Truck Tech for thirty years.I never saw such junk.
2008Jul 18
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 69,000 miles
Yet another problem with our families Explorer. Can't wait to see what's next...
2007Jul 01
Explorer XLT 4ltr
- Automatic transmission
- 54,059 miles
After reading all the complaints about the rear end noise in 2002 explorers I resigned myself to the fact that if was a defect , so we drove the vehicle for over a year with the annoying whine. I then decided to inspect the rear end , the oil was very dirty so
I drained it and flushed out the rear end . I replaced the oil with Pensoil 75-140 synthetic oil and also added gm antislip lube to it , presto , whining noise GONE!!
A friend at Piston Ring auto parts suggested this fix and it as worked for me ?
I had it diagnosed by pros I thought , 1200.00 dollar touch to replace the crown and pinion gears anyway hope this helps those out there . remember also those with
transmission problems , change your tranny oil every 60.000 k that is the magic to
saving dollars on costly repairs
2003Jun 16
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
Akins ford rebuilt rear end 78000 miles later had independent rebuild it seems like ford mech. don't know how to work on there stuff also ford needs to do a better job making vehicles.
2008May 30
Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition V6
- Automatic transmission
- 95,774 miles
i just bought this 2002 Ford Eddie Bauer edition from a dealer for my wife and had it about two days. i just drove it today and heard the howling sound it stops when you let off the accelerator at around 45 and up. my wife said she hears it all the time just louder the more you accelerate. i looked under it the rear differential seal is leaking i will let you know how i make out at the dealer
2008May 10
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 79,500 miles
pain in my ass , was a ford tech for 5 yrs, now manage and wrench at an independent farm and auto repair shop, just replaced all rear diff bearings, races and seals also rebuilt clutch pack. yeah also replaced intermediate band in transmission along with servo piston last week, and now two rear coil springs need replaced i'm still glad am not driving a pos chevrolet or chyrsler product
2008May 12
Explorer LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 111,000 miles
Just want to join the surprisingly large chorus of explorer owners who have had this same problem. This vehicle has a new transmission put in at around 46000 miles and now needs a new rear end.
2004Aug 27
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Manual transmission
- 87,000 miles
yes ford i can not believe the stuff you are putting out there, i've replaced the rear end in this truck twice because of your negligence. now the rear end roars like the differential is about to lock up, let alone the transmission is starting to slip, my god if you do believe in god you better hope my family is safe and that you take responsibility for your mistakes, god forbid its your family riding around in this truck, but you better hope nothing endangers my family. and survive , i will pursue compensation and every thing ford has down to the coffin henry ford is layin in now, i see why henrys brother put the hydrosalator in the vehicles. its a warning that you should heed. we are your customers, you're about to lose millions of customers and dollars......i guess its true that ford means F*#@$ed Over Rebuilt Dodge.
2007Aug 28
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Like others are saying and continue to say ...This 'whining' noise is quite evident a FORD PROBLEM and they choose to ignore it. Is there any legal way to have them held responsible to remedy their obvious mal-design and or parts?
2006Sep 17
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
I ditto most of the complaints already - whirling noise, started at 78,000 miles, warranty expired at 75k and dealer and Ford would not comply. I continued driving and the noise never got worse, it now has 105k on it.
Took it in on 4/14/08, auto shop was not certain it was the ring and pinion. They removed wheels/axles to inspect bearings - never removed them but by rotating the hubs they felt they were going bad. Knowing this was a FE problem I agreed to have them fixed. They called back and said the noise is still there. F!!!!
I am having them proceed with a ring and pinion repair, i'll see what happens. POS Fords.
2008Apr 01
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
My ex-wife had the car for 4 months after we were divorced and it started to make the whining noise. she took it in and it cost around 500.00 dollars to replace the bearings and seals and they said the diff was empty. Now I have the vehicle back and its starting to do the same thing again, only on the front dif. This is ridiculous.... this is an expensive vehicle already and the cost of the repairs is just as nutssss. They need to recall the diffs and fix what they f#$@ed up in the first place... I will never buy another ford for this matter.....
2007Feb 07
Explorer XLT 4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 79,000 miles
roaring noise became increasingly louder while on a trip. when we returned home, visited the dealership and they determined that the front differential and 2 wheel bearings were bad and had to be replaced.
2005Nov 30
Explorer 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
I have had many problems with this vehicle from transmission to radiator to drive train.
I had the rear end repaired in late 2005-early 2006. It started making noise about a year later so I took it back in and was told that the differential is vented by a tube that lets water into the differential causing the rear end to go bad. They did not know this at the time I got it fixed the first time NOW I HAVE TO GET IT FIXED AGAIN - FORD WILL NOT BACK THIS OR THE TRANSMISSION THAT WENT OUT AT JUST OVER 65,000.00 miles.
I HAVE WELL OVER $5,000.00 in repairs just on the transmission, radiator, rear end and wheels -
FIRST & LAST FORD I WILL EVER OWN!!!!!
2006Sep 15
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I have been hearing a slight humming noise so I decided to take a look under the SUV. That was when I noticed the differential was wet with oil. A few days later I noticed a couple drops of oil on the floor of my garage then a few days after that it just stopped leaking. I have not checked the level of oil as yet but I see that there are no recalls on this problem and I think that it is madness. The hum is still there though.
Is there a recent fix to this problem? Please help! Any do it yourselfers out there? The dealership is another joke by itself!
2005Jul 12
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 57,000 miles
Don't ever buy a Ford vehicle. I paid $28,000 (brand new) for this piece of crap in 2002 and it has been nothing trouble. Here a just a few of the issues: Drive train whining noise from rear differential due to a manufacturer�s defect. Cost of repair approx. $2,000. Body trim and interior trim fading and flaking due to inferior materials. This started to occur shortly after 3 years and my Explorer is in a garage at home and at work. Engine idles ruff. Ford has looked at this problem several times out of warranty but was unable to fix. Rear door cracked down the middle exterior panel which I have noticed this trademark on many Explorers I have seen. The rear door hatch struts do not work due to inferior parts. Rear door interior plastic falls off the door. Once again cheap inferior parts. There were other issues that I had repaired while the Explorer was still under warranty but it would take too long to go into detail on all of them but the service was also just as lousy as the vehicle.
At the time I purchased my Explorer, Ford was posting record profits for all the automotive industry. Cheap labor from Mexico and record sales of light trucks, SUV's enabled them to make the big $$$, but guess what those profits were not going back into their products but rather to stock holders and company execs.. My wife been driving a Honda and Acura for the past 15 years and I always encouraged her to by American but she would not listen to me. You know who the dummy is. Ford vehicles are primarily manufactured in Mexico and more recently in China where the labor is even cheaper than Mexico. Honda and Acura are manufactured in the USA. Take a look at consumer reports and see what vehicles have the best customer satisfaction� HONDA and ACURA! I guess I should start listening to my wife.
2008Feb 17
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 74,912 miles
Hi all well I to have the same problem as all of you loud whining/grinding noise from rear. Brought it to my mechanic he told me the bearing was shot. He also told me that in 2005 there were 2 bulletins issued in regards to this problem and before he has to fix it for $500 try to have the dealer fix it for free.
I called the first dealer Able ford in Oceanside New York told them of the problem..they told me there was no recall on the truck for this problem. So then I called the dealer I purchased the truck from Hempstead Ford in Hempstead New York, after explaining the problem and giving them the file numbers on the bulletins and asking if they would fix it for free same as a recall they said no problem we would take care of it. I have a appointment in the morning. The File #'s are 05-23-3 of nov. 05 drivetrain rear axle humming and 05-25-8 of Dec. '05 same title. Hope this helps.
2008Feb 04
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 204,000 miles
We have always been strong Ford people but over the last year we are questioning our loyalty. Our 02 Ford Explorer was purchased new and serviced faithfully every 3,000 miles by the dealership. At 178,000 miles we began to feel a shudder from the back of the vehicle during low speed turns. While I know this is a lot of miles and reading here, many people have problems much sooner, I still questioned why the dealer did not suggest servicing it on a regular basis. I was told it was a sealed system and did not require service and they said this was a common problem with the clutch pack on 02 and 03 explorers. We paid the $1300+ and moved on.
Now after just 24,000 miles on the rebuild which included clutch packs and ring and pinion gears we are having the same problem. Returning the the dealer we've been told that it once again needs a new clutch pack and ring and pinion and also carrier bearings for an estimate of $1550. After considerable complaining, the dealership said to call the Ford customer service center, which we did. Our frustration after calling customer service was even higher because they seemed to deny, or at least suggest, that they have no knowledge of this problem while our local dealership says they are on at least the 3rd revision of the clutch pack. While we complained to both the dealership and Ford, neither are willing to share in the expense and they say the repair only had a 12,000 mile warranty.
To make matters worse we our 2003 Expedition has started experiencing the same problem and I am sure we are in for a similar repair on it.
Our family with 4 Fords and 3 children driving or approaching driving age is looking serious at moving to anything BUT Ford.
2008Feb 26
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
After talking with several ford service techs, ( I used to work in a ford dealership) Ford is aware of there bearing problems in the rear axles.They have numerous service bulletins Since it is not a safety concern ford will not do anything to help assist in the cost of repairs. Maybe they are waiting for those bearings to seize up at 70 mph and someone dies before they decide to do something. I think their lightbulb is burning out. If there is a class action suit going on please let me know I'm In.
2005Feb 14
Explorer XLT 4.6L Vi
- Automatic transmission
- 35,000 miles
This problem occurred twice on this SUV! The second time the warranty company asked us if we had changed the oil in the differential, after about 30,000 miles of use. Check with your dealer, they are now suggesting the differential oil be changed more than specified in the owner's manual. Something is seriously wrong with this drivetrain. Fortunately for us, the warranty company paid for the repair.
2008Jan 16
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 98,798 miles
Un-believable. thats it. thats all. more problems then i can count on two hands have happened with this vehicle.
2008Jan 28
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 96,600 miles
I just got this vehicle back from my ex-wife and noticed an annoying noise coming from the rear end on acceleration only.I hadn't driven the vehicle in quit some time,the first thing I noticed was that it needed new tires.So I spent $525 on new cooper discoverer nt tires.This helped with the overall ride but the noise is still present.I have also noticed that the noise is mainly present while accelerating from 30-55 mph,but when I'm at a steady 65-75 it's not that noticeable.It is however an annoying noise enough to tell me something isn't right.For this reason I searched the web for a solution and came to this site can only hope that ford does the right thing and recalls for this problem or they will lose alot of potential future buyers!!!
Read the next 50 complaints »
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your drivetrain problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Dec 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
TRIED REPLACING REAR END OIL AND ADDITIVE WITH NO RESULTS. I SAW THAT SOMEONE HAD DONE THE SAME THING AND SAID THAT CHANGING OIL/ADDITIVE WORKED. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THE RESULT WAS INSTANTANEOUS? IT SEEMS TO ME THAT FORD WOULDN'T HAVE A LEG TO STAND ON, HOWEVER IT WILL PROBABLY JUST MEAN THAT MIDDLE AMERICANS WILL GET CRAPPED ON AGAIN AND HAVE TO TAKE IT.
ALSO ON THIS VEHICLE,THE INTERIOR LIGHTS BURN WHEN THEY WANT AS LONG AS IT WANT.
THE PANEL ON THE BACK BELOW THE REAR GLASS SPLIT WIDE OPEN (SEEN MANY MORE OF THE SAME ON OTHER EXPLORERS)! THE VENT CONTROLS INSIDE THE CABIN BLOW THE AIR WHERE IT WANTS TO.
I'M NOT POSITIVE BUT I BELIEVE THIS MAY BE A LEMON. NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS JUST BE SATISFIED KNOWING THAT THE CEOS AND OTHERS RUNNING HENRY'S BUISNESS WILL KEEP GETTING RAISES AND HUGE BONUSES!!
I JUST WANT EVERYONE TO FEEL GOOD!!
Rodney H.
Lilllington, NC, USA
SEND A COMMENT »