9.3
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$910.00
Average Mileage:
94,207 miles
Total Complaints:
43 complaints
Most common solutions:
- had to replace entire steering column (24 reports)
- not sure (18 reports)
- i was able to cast a new gear selector! (1 reports)
steering problem
Helpful Websites About 2002 Ford Explorer gear shift broke off
2009Oct 22
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 92,300 miles
Add me to the growing list of extremely dissatisfied Ford Explorer owners stuck with a broken gearshift selector in his hands.
My 2002 Explorer XLT was parked in my nearly-flat driveway, and I as I tried to shift from P into R the steering column-mounted gearshift selector broke right off!! Given all of the repairs that I've had to make on this POS (replace AC manifold, replace AC compressor TWICE, replace condenser, replace struts, etc.) I just couldn't believe it. I removed the rubber cover on the side of the steering column that houses the gearshift selector to see what happened, and it became obvious: rough metal inside the end of the shifter rod matched rough metal where the joint meets inside the steering column, meaning that the metal simply broke. (Some further Internet research revealed that this piece is made of cast ALUMINUM, rather than steel, which would make it much more prone to failure.)
I called Service at the local Ford dealer, who seemed surprised to hear that this could have happened. (Given all of the complaints regarding this problem that I see on this and other boards, I would think that Ford service people must be well-aware of the problem.) After checking, he got back to me and told me that it would be necessary to replace the entire steering column. The cost with parts and labor: $1,920!!! That's right, nearly TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS because some jackass engineer at Ford wanted to look good on his performance review by installing a cheaper substandard aluminum part rather than a proper steel part, thus saving Ford Motor Company maybe 50 cents per car, thus making Ford's bottom line look better so that their CEO could justify a nice fat bonus. Hey, here's a suggestion for you f**ks at Ford: why not make the part out of WOOD and paint it to look like metal. That would save you another 50 cents per car, and it would fail even faster so that you can make more money off of replacing the entire steering column even sooner!!
Fortunately for me, I have a neighbor who owns a car dealership, and he has a friend who should be able to install a steering column from a junkyard for maybe $250 parts and labor. I hope to God I can get this done, because just as soon as I can get this stinking POS drivable again I am going to dump it and buy a foreign car. I really hope this POS is "Ford Tough" it's gonna need to be tough in auto hell!!
2009Oct 23
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
I got off work and decided to stop by the bank before going home. Pull up to park the car and while trying to put the car in park the entire gear shift changer just broke off in my hand. I couldn't believe it!! WTF!!!! Now I can't put the car in park or anything it was stuck in between reverse and park. So I called my cousin in a panic who is a retired mechanic to please come help. He came and put the car in drive manually by changing the gears underneath the car so that I can drive home and needless to say he had to follow me in order to go back under the car and put it in park once I got home.
We tried to find the part that broke but was told it wasn't sold separately you had to buy the entire steeing column. This has really been a pain because just as in other cases I've read about on this website, the dealer actually chuckled when I asked if there was a recall on the this as if I had told him a freaking joke or something - acutally kinda pissed me off. Anyway, so far it's costing me at least $325 for a used steering column if the guy still has it by time I make it to another city that's an hour drive from where I live to purchase it. We'll see. Ford really ought to be ashamed of themselves!!! Come on, if there are this many complaints here for the damned gear shift breaking off what do you think about the ones who never came here to the sign to post their complaints??????
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Oct 12
Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 88,000 miles
Leaving my house on 10/12/09, I attempted to shift from park into reverse, and the shifter just snapped off in my hand. Well, it didn't actually snap off, it was held in place by the rubber boot that attached it to the steering column. I pulled back the boot, and discovered that the only thing holding the shifter to the column was the electrical cable for the overdrive button on the shifter.
I had the vehicle towed to my local Ford dealership. Like the rest of you, I was told that the entire column needed to be replaced. Also, like many of you, the technician told me that he had never heard of this happening before. Right after asking me if I was sitting down, he told me that repair would cost $1,487 - the part itself was $1,070. I asked him if this was tied to a possible recall, and he told me "no" with a half-chuckle.
This was on a 2002 Explorer XLS V6 with 88,000 miles on it.
2009Sep 19
Explorer XLT 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 67,108 miles
I was looking around for a solution to this problem and was surprised to find all these complaints to the same issue, my family and i were in the country trying to spend the day on a Saturday and when we parked i pulled the shift and it broke ¡¡ ... i got nervous and desperate, tried to put it in gear so at least we could get back to town but no luck .. had to wait for two hrs for a tow .. until today i got the diagnostic saying i have to replace the whole steering column $1,300 us just the part .. it is ridiculous how poor the design is, so thin and fragile, had i known .. . I will not pay for a new one having the risk of it failing again .. i guess i will look for a used one .. or have it welded which may be a better way to reinforce it and avoid it from happening again.
2009Aug 03
Explorer Exlt V8
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I will never but another Ford again in life. I have found so many complaints about the steering column for this vehicle and I cannot believe they did not do a recall. I was just pulling into my driveway and I put my car in park and the gear shift just broke off!!! I first I thought that I was losing my mind until I was not able to get the key out of the ignition. I could not believe it--what the f$%$$%%!!!!!!!. I will never --repeat --never but another Ford vehicle!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jul 19
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 117,000 miles
woke up this morning and started my car to go to the store. i took my key out of the ignition and the ignition ring comes out. someone tried to steal my car this morning. i paid close attention to my ransacked car and said oh well forget it they cant steal it because i have the silencer. well a few hours later i am in Richmond va 109 miles away from home my hubbie goes to put the truck in park and the whole fu%$ing gearshift falls off. i went the hell off. had to get home and make a report and then i go on to here and see all the beefs about this part i am pissed. and i owe the hubbie an apology for cussing ine the first places i hate my damn truck too many damn problems
2009Aug 03
Explorer Eddie Bauier V8
- Automatic transmission
- 113,000 miles
Good bye Ford! never would i bye an American car AGAIN! went to work, put in key, engine started, put it in drive and gear shift just fell off? im like what the F_ _ _ ! i just spent 4000$ on new transmission. now THIS! you got to be kidding me. ford ask why Americans don't want to buy ford car? hhhmmmm? BECAUSE YOU TREAT YOUR CUSTOMERS LIKE GARBAGE AND DONT STAND BEHIND YOUR CARS! the more people email ford about this they might do a recall even though ford only does recall if people DIE! TOYOTA I LOVE YOU! had my Tacoma for 5 years and never done anything to it but oil change. had five recalls but the japs stand behind there car and care about Americans more than ford. F_ _ _ ! FORD!
2009Jun 05
Explorer Limited V8
- Automatic transmission
- 82,365 miles
My fiance was in Santa fe when he went to put the explorer in park and the shifter broke off in reverse and locked the keys in the transmission. We got it towed to the dealership up there where they said that the whole column needed replacing. The part where the shifter connects in the column was stripped.... 70.00 for the shifter... 1400.00 for the column.... The rest was labor. I had never heard of this happening until i found this web site. All of the complaints that I have read are all too familiar... We are having all these problems! What can we do, if anything? We have almost paid for this vehicle twice with how much it has accumulated in repairs! Not even two weeks after this, we had to have the transmission rebuilt! That cost 3245.00! These SUV's SUCK!!!
2009Jun 30
Explorer XLT 4.6L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 104,500 miles
I was on my lunch break and when I tried to shift from park to drive the gear shift fell off in my hand. I had to have it towed and was told that I have to get a whole new steering column for it ($1265 new). My local Ford dealership ( not where I bought this one ) told me that on the older ones you could replace the part itself and then they decided to make it so you have to buy the whole steering column.
Update from Jul 5, 2009: The piece that breaks in this situation is replaceable, however you have to buy the whole steering column to get the piece you need. I bought a used steering column for $75 and with the towing and labor charges the total was $220. This is a lot better than the $1265 the dealership quoted me for the steering column alone without labor.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009May 22
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
This is an outrage, my daughter got in her car to go to school and the gear shift broke off in her hand. Built Ford Tough, yea right. Trying to locate a used part. Any help would be appreciated.
2008Oct 08
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
Long list of problems associated with this 2002 Ford Explorer.
2008Dec 08
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 104,500 miles
So I work in Tempe, but currently am living 30+ miles away from work in remote Fountain Hills.
I have somehow landed a pretty cool new job, even during these economic downturns but must commute to work over 60 mi a day. I recently arrived in Arizona this last month and when I got here I did all my bakes, having to invest the cash and replace all 4 rotors as well ($60/ea), due to their age. Also had to replace a front wheel bearing (but I guess that nightmare should go into another complaint) which cost $200 for the part alone, because it is a sealed hub/bearing assembly. I also had to get the SUV re-aligned ($69), and change the oil. I only mention the other repairs and maintenance because I was sure to do my part to check things over, do any needed repairs, and maintenance before starting to look for work in the new city, or start commuting for work.
So after finally landing a new gig,and about 3.5 weeks on the job; the SUV is running great, the commute is tolerable if not pleasant, and Gas prices have been dropping like a rock I get up a tid bit late on Monday morning, ready for another week, but running a little late. I get in the car turn the key, grab the shift lever, then SNAP! I, sit there quite puzzled at what has just happened, and stare at the broken-limp lever for minute. Turn off the engine, unscrew the plastic steering column cover and rubber covers, and find that same metal (what seems to be graphite) piece snapped which almost all of these 20+ complaints are regarding. I was at a loss for what to do to get it to go into gear. Luckily there is a local mechanic here in town, who I had used for the alignment. He is a knowledgeable mechanic, an was able to shift it into gear underneath the car, on the transmission itself, while I was stepping on the brake (not a one-man job). I then drove it to the mechanics shop, where again I held the brake, and he shifted it into Park on the transmission.
I called the new boss with an update (I had left a message earlier, when the shifter broke off). My new boss asked when I would be in, and told me to get a cab. I in turn realized that my attendance was mandatory, and proceeded to find a local car rental agency and rent a car ($33/day). I get the call from the mechanic, later in the day that this broken piece of metal that we both thought would be order-able though Ford, is actually part of the steering column, and the entire column must be replaced, WTF!?!?!?
I almost don't want to believe my mechanic when he said this, but know him as very honest and knowledgeable. He tells me Ford wants $900 for a new one. Again, WTF!?!?!? This S@#$ is ridiculous! My mechanic then tells me that he has found a Used (but in great condition) steering column for $250. That doesn't sound so bad to me, so I give the thumbs up, and he get's it sent over, and installed. He calls me back and says that the car is now driveable, but there is a problem. The used steering column he found apparently is about .5 an inch shorter than my original, and because of that the steering wheel doesn't fit on right, and won't mount correctly, so for now the return spring, the horn, and THE AIRBAG don't work!! The used steering column he found supposedly came out of the same year/model explorer. My mechanic is now on the hunt for a correct steering column, but I have shelled out $500 today, and the car is still F#$^%@ up!
I am obviously not the first to go through this and some of those on here TWICE, WTF!?!? Ford obviously made a huge flaw in this one cheap piece of unreliable, but critical metal, it should either provide a solution after-the-fact, or warranty/replace each broken steering column or their dime. How dare they make this faulty part, then when the part breaks, sell me the same faulty part (likely to eventually fail in the same manner) for $900? That is just criminal! I will not pay Ford $900 for another faulty part! I at least can drive for the moment, Every Dealership and Ford Parts center in the Greater Phoenix area is going to here about this issue!
I AM FURIOUS!! I WILL NOT PAY FORD $1200 or even $900!! F!@# this!!
2009Feb 28
Explorer LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
It's Saturday morning. So the wife finishes loading groceries into the Explorer. She then tries to start the car and put the thing in reverse when the gear shift breaks off! She calls me and I call a local mechanic to come out with not one, but two tow trucks because they need a special tow truck for the all wheel drive. Mechanic says, "I've never seen anything like this before in my life." Translation: Ka ching! Tells me it's going to cost $1000.00 for a brand new steering column from Ford. We decide to go the junkyard route. $350.00 for a junk column so the mechanic could fish out a $10.00 part. Basically, it looked like a cast aluminum or zinc collar that just plain sheared off! I asked if this kind of thing was subject to a recall and the mechanic said no. He was honest enough to tell me that he didn't want to charge me 1000 bucks for a ten dollar part, so we had the work done. He had to bring in a locksmith to basically bastardize the lock and program the thing into the car's computer so that my key would still work with the truck. Total cost of the job: Approximately $613.00 which I didn't really have (BTW, thanks dad for the loan!). Add to that $325.00 for the rental of a Kia Rio from Enterprise for a week (which I paid for myself). All for a very cheap, poorly made/cast part. I wish there were some way we could contact Ford and let them know that this kind of situation is intolerable, and that forcing mechanics to buy the whole steering column for one lousy part is completely inexcusable! Ol' Henry should be spinning 'round in his grave for such an atrocity!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Feb 25
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 160,000 miles
So I hopped in the car today to get to work and my gear selector broke off as I was pulling it from Park to Drive... pretty sweet! The car was basically stuck in neutral, and I wasn't able to get my key out, so I needed to call AAA to have them come and tow me to a body shop.
A quick Google search has revealed to me that this is an incredibly common problem with this year of the explorer - so I'm curious if anyone has had success in getting Ford to acknowledge the problem or replace the faulty component. I literally just got back (walked..) from the garage, so I haven't heard from them about the repair cost yet, but I based on what I've read here and other places, it would seem that I am in for one ridiculously expensive reaming. I'm in San Francisco, where everything seems to be 20% more expensive than it should be, so we'll see how much this costs me.
It seems that with a problem like this, which has proven extremely common, should be addressed with a recall. If anyone hears of such a thing, please let me know.
2009Jan 15
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 74,000 miles
This is the vehicle my wife uses to take two of our three children to school. The third attends developmental play groups two days a week. I bought what I believed to be a reliable and safe vehicle. Luckily I was the one on the coldest day of the year in Chicago leaving home when the gear shifter just broke off. I can imagine how pissed she would have been if it had been her with the kids when it had happened. I work a swing shift and we are now borrowing cars from relatives so the kids can get around while I try to scrape up the $900 that the dealer said it will cost (the dealer actually had the cheapest price). Thanks Ford.
2008Dec 20
Explorer Limited
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
My graduate student son, his wife and three kids were borrowing my vehicle over Xmas holiday to visit his in-laws. When returning from a party and pulling into in-law's driveway, he stopped vehicle and tried to put into park. The gearshifter broke off inside the column. The car was stuck in neutral. He couldn't find a dealer who could work on it before Christmas so he had it towed 90 miles back to our hometown's dealer. They quoted me nearly $800 for a new steering column and another $550 for labor. They insisted that it could not be repaired without replacing the entire column. I then had towed to another mechanic who is a little more reasonable. Am trying to get official Ford steering column through a discount online for $523 which should reduce entire repair by $500.
This is not the result of abuse or misuse. It is a poor design with poor quality parts. There is no reason that the column could not have been designed to tolerate a break in the shifter stick and its replacement only. Ford should take care of this kind of problem. I have had a relatively good track record with this vehicle until this unexpected problem. Because it renders the car inoperable, it is a major pain in the neck. I am a real estate lawyer and represent a home building company in California. We are liable for latent defects in a house for 10 years after its sale. It is pathetic that a car manufacturer can avoid responsibility for this kind of design and materials defect.
2008Dec 01
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 107,000 miles
"Ford Tough"??? I got 4 kids (6),(4),(3),(2mo) my 2 oldest are in school. My wife just started back to work today.(new baby and all) And yes we drive a ford, not because we always dreamed about it as kids or because they are so"Tough" but because we are regular working people, like most of you just getting by.and by that I mean we don't fly corporate jets or anything. So on my day off I gotta drop off & pick up the two oldest kids at school. As im leaving to pick them up 10 minutes early so I can good parking spot. the key will not turn, the steering wheel locks up and the gear shifter breaks off in my hand. "Tough" right. I have my 3 year old & my infant in car seats.and (15 long minutes later )my 6 and 4 year old standing in front of the school. With dad no where to be found. "Tough"
Anyway I figured it out. (not the truck) Just the picking up of the kids part. So I stumble across (not surprised) more than a few people with similar problems .Oh yeah the high quality and brilliantly designed cheap piece of plastic below the back window is cracked just like yours (or is that just on mine? yeah right.) and the hinge thing also will not stay up (i use a piece of lumber how about you). my passenger side window made a cracking noise from inside the door and quit working (?) a while back. I replaced my transmission. because It goes into 4wd low on the highway(which I dont think is safe but what do I know)
With Ford making such high end pieces of "Tough" I think the reason they need a government bail out is that their high quality vehicles are just so ...well..."Tough" (or is that what they are on the vehicle owners). GO FORD ??????
2008Nov 21
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
The gear shifter on my 2002 Explorer (AT) completely broke while it was in park. It's sad that the little round aluminum piecing was made to hold the assembly together and that the only way to fix it is to replace the entire steering column costing the average hard earned american $1200. Just when things cant get any worse, this happens. I dont know about you but I dont have an $1200 just lying around. My vehicle is my lifeline and without it, life will be tough, its a damn shame what these automakers are doing, maybe not intentionally, but this kind of problem should not be overlooked.
2008Oct 30
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 56,000 miles
Just snapped off when parking and going from Drive into Park. Well, it never got to Park, ended up in reverse. Had to tow it for $70.00, dealer charging $1300 for a new column. They never heard about that problem before, but I see 23 other complaints on here about it so I can't believe they 'want to know' about all the problems. ABsolutely ridiculous design, less than an 1/8" cast aluminum part snaps and ends up costing that much money!!!
2006May 06
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 54,268 miles
Big PITA!!!!!! I was leaving the house and the vehicle was in the driveway. I went to take it out of Park to go to reverse and the gear shift broke. Could not get it out of PARK. We had a very, very, very, very hard time trying to find a USED STEERING COLUMN to replace the one that was in the vehicle. THANK GOD - my husband is a mechanic but it took him just about all day to remove the old one and put the used one in.
2008Oct 22
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 98,040 miles
YET ONCE AGAIN----as you can see from my complaint in 2006---luckily I have gotten ALMOST 2 years out of a USED STEERING COLUMN. This time I was on the side of the road and I went to put the car in PARK from REVERSE and the gear shift broke off in my F'in hand!!!! WTF!!!!! this is the SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE!!!!!! THANK GOD----my husband was right there to try and get it into park......YES I AM DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING IT WITH MY FINGERS.....NOT VERY EASY WHEN TRYING TO GET IT OUT OF PARK BUT WHAT THE HELL......I don't have a spare vehicle and this day in age......no one has any extra money to do anything with this SUCKY ECONOMY.....so I am stuck shifting with my hand.
otherwise than that--it has been running fine.
2008Oct 20
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 79,000 miles
Holly s$&t!!!! I pull into my mom's driveway to pick up my kids and the gear shift falls off!!!! I thought I was in a bad dream, a dream that quickly became a nightmare!!!! I realized I couldn't get my keys out, couldn't get the car in park, and couldn't stop tha freaking dinging noise when I opened the door. What a piece of crap! I love the car and talked to a couple of people who had similar experiences. Well kinda, their actual shifter broke and it cost 200.00 bucks. Not me! I need a whole new column and it is going to be 1200.00 clams!!!!!! Buy American? My wife's Honda is older and in way better shape! What's the expression? Burn me once......burn me twice....... you get the picture!
2008Oct 23
Explorer XLT SUV 4D V6
- Automatic transmission
- 138,000 miles
I was on the way to run some errands with my son and when I put the car in reverse, the handle came off in my hand. Now to some this may not seem like much but two weeks ago, I received the title to this car after paying for it for 6 years.
I have been off work since March of 08', due to breast cancer. Our only income, is my husbands. We had just purchased a home, after 4 years of looking, a year ago in May. Our house is now on "Special Forbearance" and we had just emptied our savings account, trying to bring our house note current. My son is a Senior in high school with many "Senior Fees" and we are looking into college, with no scholarships. Because of the amount suggested, that have been stated in these complaints, I know that we don't have the monies to fix this. Our other vehicle is a 1987 Toyota Supra Turbo. It's on it's last leg! I was do to go back to work, part-time on Monday, now I don't have the transportation to go back.
It was suggested, by a mechanic, not working for Ford, that we go to the salvage yard, purchase a used column and he'll replace ours for a minimal fee. I am afraid to do this because, if this is truly something that is in need of a recall, than what guarantee do I have that the salvaged one won't break? Is there a guarantee when you have it fixed at Ford?
I have given all of my personal information simply to impress upon the Ford people, how much this problem can and has effected everyday peoples' lives. It may be only 19 complaints to them but to each and every person who has filled this out, it has altered their life financially, physically and mentally.
Ford should honor their product, even if it's no longer under warranty. I am convinced that there are many others out there, who have no idea about this site but have experienced similar problems with their gear shifts.
2008Sep 30
Explorer XLT
- Manual transmission
- 87,000 miles
On my way back to work from lunch, tried to put the car in reverse. The shifter didn't seem to hit the right groove, so I put in in park, and tried again. The shifter fell off in my hand!!!! After reading what the rest of you have to say about the cost of repair, I'm not expecting good news from the dealership.... I'll report back with how it goes. If Ford doesn't step up to the plate and pay for this repair, I'm going to raise a huge fuss. I'll let y'all know what I find works - or doesn't.
2008Sep 24
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 96,300 miles
I was on my way to an important appointment. When I tried to put the car in reverse, the gear shift handle snapped off. It just dangled. Then I couldn't get the key out of the ignition. To make matters worse, the first tow truck driver that Triple AAA sent to tow my car was inexperienced. He spent over 40 minutes trying to hook up my car. Then Triple AAA sent another tow truck driver and within 10 minutes my car was on its way to the Ford dealer.
Not only is the repair going to cost me two arms and two legs ($1200.00), the dealer has to ship the part in from the continent US - I live in Hawaii - so I will be without a car for over 5 days.
I really like my Explorer, but this is my 4th Ford and I'm moving on to a non-domestic car VERY soon - just so tired of fixing it all the time.
2008Sep 05
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
only 50000 miles without heavy usage. i pulled up to the gas pump and it got stuck trying to put it into park. couldn't remove key or put it in gear, when i tried to jiggle the gear shift lever the lever broke off in my hand, hanging by the wires only. i had to have the car towed to mechanic and rent a car to use. The entire steering column has to be replaced at an estimated cost of over $1200.00, 775.00 for parts alone.
2008Jul 24
Explorer LX
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
The Steering lever broke off....does that happen with wear and tear? I don't think so, never heard that happen before. Anyways, it's going to cost over $900 which is crazy. Wow. I guess this is why people complain about american cars.
2008Jul 09
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 124,000 miles
Getting ready to leave the Doctor office- car turned over nicely and then IT happened when I pulled back on the gear shift to attempted put the car into reverse- the Damn thing came off in my hand--hanging from the few wires of the cruise control like an umbilical cord--what the---?? And all I could do is smile....and say life could be worse, like when the thing is paid of...NEXT MONTH!!!!!!!!!!
Had it towed to a friends shop and this was first for him!! He installed a used column and $350.00 later, she was mine again...:)
2008May 06
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 87,200 miles
this was bull $*!+ it just snapped off going from park to drive
the dealership took 5 days to come up with a solution they even contacted ford in Detroit the solution to replace the steering column parts $731 + tax + labor
the ford mechanic said this is the 3rd ford explorer he had seen and had seen one mercury mountaineer
i have a friend who is a boat mechanic so we found a column for $159 and swaped it out
it took 4 hours
i will never buy a ford again this one is going up for sale just as soon as i can find a new car
2008Apr 13
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
The gear shift lever broke away from the steering column when I tried to put it in park from drive. It just snapped very easy.
2008Mar 27
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 83,000 miles
I went to have lunch with my son at school today and was having a pretty good day. Funny how just yesterday some friends of mine and I were standing near my car discussing performance and general likes and dislikes about vehicles. I stated that I have been very happy minus having to replace the brakes and rotors. Figured all was good so far.
After finishing lunch with my son I got in my car to return to work. I started the car and began to put the car in drive when at Neutral the whole shifter lever came off in my hand. I sat there with a look on my face that could be described as stunned. I seriously did not know what had just happened. It was like someone was playing an awful joke on me.
I had one hand reaching for the emergency brake release and the other was holding the shifting lever. I regrouped and decided to call for help when I realized I could not get my key out either since it was stuck in Neutral. I had to get the truck moved since I was parked in the school loading zone and buses would be arriving in an hour or so. 110.00 to tow to the nearest dealer. another 50.00 to get a rental so I could back to work and waiting to hear teh wonderful news on how much a new steering colum is going to cost.
Looking inside at the damage I noticed it is an aluminum piece that had sheared off and I certainly could not go to a parts store and repair this myself. When I was on the phone with the Ford dealer I jokingly asked if he had ever heard of anything like this before. I had not. He said he did not know of this ever happening before but funny how he was certain the parts to fix it were in stock. I used to work for Mazda and I know that parts that do not brake very often are not kept in stock. Now I see that just on this one site I am far from alone in this.
It disgusts me to know that aluminum was used for a part that is used all of the time when operating the vehicle. I hate to say that I would consider buying a foreign car but seeing the level of craftsmanship and dedication to satisfaction that Ford has put into this really leaves me with a choice only a fool would not take.
Ford wake up and treat you customers like you should. This is obviously a gross oversight and needs to be taken care of. It is not like it would be the first recall on explorers. Do the right thing!
2008Mar 01
Explorer XLS 4.6L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
This is like a bad dream I just pulled into a parking spot at a local supermarket,went to put the vehicle in park and the column shifter just broke off in my hand.At first not believing something like this could happen I just looked at the part in my hand, after I came to I tried to put it back some how took off the rubber boot around it and taking a good look at the problem found out the part was not an easy fix.It seems ford got these parts out of a quarter machine cast aluminum its not the way to go for a shifter linkage.Well the truck was stuck in reverse and seemed no way of moving the broken piece into any other gear so I turned the engine off and the key would not come out so I was really screwed but locked it up with the alarm.I have no warranty so aaa towed to local service station where I am at the mercy of some mechanic.He tells me its the third one he has come acrossed in a few months and its easier to replace the steering column I bought a used one for 200.00 I will find out in a few days the labor wish me luck.I will never ever buy a ford again the problem has happened to many vehicles and we are not talking a minor part here Ford has to grow up and take care of the customers that have always bought fords..........I used to be one
2008Feb 08
Explorer LS 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
Looks like Im not the only one that this has happened to. The shift lever just broke
right off in my hand while I was trying to put it in park. Looks like Ford may need to
do a recall.
2008Jan 26
(reported on)Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 115,460 miles
This is the second time that my gearshhift has snapped off in 4 years. I had mentioned this to the dealership who has now repaired this problem for the second tme,the service agent stated that this was the first time she heard of this, which I find hard to believe. The first time this happened it was covered by the warranty.The second time I had to pay for it.This is clearly a factory defect and ford should step up to the plate and take responsibility for its product. I think the company is doing so bad because of the crappy product it produces to sell to the consumer!
2007Dec 22
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 95,191 miles
The gear shift lever broke away from the steering column when I tried to out the vehicle in Reverse from Park. I had it towed to the nearest Ford dealer. I have an extended warranty from CNA and one of the covered items is supposed to be the steering column. The warranty people refused to cover it because they said that the gear shift lever failed, not the column, and that's not a covered part. However, the only fix is to replace the entire column. I have researched it and believe it is a failure of the column, because the gear shift lever didn't break, it broke away from the column.
2007Dec 02
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 95,677 miles
I was leaving my sisters house and start my car and go to put it in reverse and the shifter just breaks off in my hand. Luckily my brother in law is a mechanic and said just leave it here I will fix it. He said that in the 20+ years he has been a mechanic he has never seen anything like that. That is ridiculous that it would break like that. Luckily the soccer tournament for the day got canceled or I would have been 1 1/2 hours away from home..
2007Oct 29
(reported on)Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 99,999 miles
An auto shop gave me info that another 02 explorers shifter broke off - Springside Automotive in Westampton NJ
I also found 3 2003 explorers - who else is out there!
www.dot.gov!! register for recall.
2007Oct 26
(reported on)Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 56,000 miles
This just happened last night. So far, dealership is working on a solution and estimates the cost will be about $800. While waiting for dealer to call with availability, I did web search and found this is a fairly common problem. I am shifting by hand, so at least I can drive the vehicle. And, I can use all gears. There's 2 releases that have to be pushed at the same time that will release the key. Or, just leave the key in the ignition and lock the doors.
2007Oct 24
(reported on)Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 51,000 miles
Melissa here in NJ - my shifter just broke off as well- at 51,000 miles. I have the piece that broke off & requested the other half. I have emailed ford corp & have filed a complaint with the Natl Highway... you need to do it at www.dot.gov - find complaints in center column - you;ll need vin - I am pushing for a recall & I plan to file a lawsuit to recover the $$ if they don't cover it now. I work in construction & they do metal framing - the word is that they used white metal which is very soft & should not even be used for monkey bars - email me if you want at wheresmap@yahoo.com
2007Jun 11
(reported on)Explorer Limited V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
CAR WAS 4 MONTHS OUT OF 5 YEAR WARRANTY1 AFTER HAVING CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WAS TOLD THAT "FORCE" HAD TO HAVE BEEN APPLIED TO BREAK OFF GEARSHIFT! I STATED THAT I WAS NOT A SUMO WRESTLER AND REQUESTED PARTS BACK FROM DEALERSHIP. HEAD OF DEPT TOLD ME THAT HE WAS GOING TO TAKE IT UP WITH FORD AND SURPRISE, SURPRISE, WHEN WE PICKED UP CAR, PARTS COULD NOT BE LOCATED! TOOK TIME TO ORDER AND FIX-FORD CLAIMS NOT A DEFECT BUT YOU COULD SEE WHERE BOLT HAD ACTUALLY CRUMBLED!
2007Mar 16
(reported on)Explorer LX 4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 151,000 miles
My husband and I bought a used 2002 Ford explorer in June 2006 from what we thought was a reputable dealership. We thought we were getting a great deal! NOT! We complained about the truck one after purchasing it and the dealer we purchased the vehicle from, shrugged us off. In February 2007, the column steering and gear stick broke off in my husbands hand while gearing into reverse. Th truck was fixed by the dealers mechanic and we had to pay half of the costs. During this time, we found out that Ford had issued a bulletin in 2004 regarding this matter. But because it was not a recall nothing could be done! However we had reported this problem, one month after purchasing the vehicle - but were dismissed! One week later we went to pick up our truck and realized the truck did not sound or feel right. After demanding answers, we found out not only does our timing chain kit need replacing (which there was a bulletin out on too) but now there is metal shavings in the engine and it needs complete replacement. So what should have been a $67.00 repair problem, if identified as per the bulletin in 2004 (prior to our purchase) is now a repair of over $8000. ASK ME US IF WE'LL EVER BY A FORD AGAIN, and my husband had his heart set on buying a F150- NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007Feb 28
(reported on)Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I was preparing o exit the parking lot, when I shifted from park to reverse the gear shift selector snapped off like stick. I had "Triple A" tow the vehicle to the nearest ford dealership for repairs. When I described the incident to the tech he couldn't believe what happened. He told me that they would have to replace the entire steering column because the piece the broke off was an aluminum die cast part that is connected to the column. I have the highest extended warranty program out there which we spent over 3K. When I reported the claim to the carrier, I was instructed to have the dealer tech contact them and describe the problem. When I called the dealer back, they told me that it WAS NOT COVERED. I immediately got into gear and raised the issue that the shifter did not break but a piece of the steering column broke off that held the shifter onto the column. After several convincing conversations my wife contacted the dealer tech & explained how the tech should report the issue. IT'S NOT THE SHIFTER BUT THE CONNECTING PIECE. WE FINALLY GOT THE DAMN THING COVERED...... PARTIALLY ABOUT 75% OF THE COSTS. I'M LOOKING FOR NEW VEHICLE NOW F. O. R. D. I'M LUCKY I WASN'T FOUND ON ROAD DEAD...
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Sep 01
Explorer XLT
click to see larger images
Complaint Photos
Hi
i had the same problem with my Explorer, the gear shift linkage just broke off with no warning!
since i live in Sweden its virtual impossible to find a used steering column to take the parts from..and when i asked my local Ford dealer i was told that it will cost me around 3000 $!!!
fortunately i have a scooter shop and managed to mold entire new parts!
fitted and it works like a dream
I have also sold some of them on Ebay and the customers are very satisfied with it..
if someone is interested in buying my parts drop me a email:
robert66@tyfonmail.se
thanks
Robert
swedenbob
Bergsjo, Vasternorrland, Sweden
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