8.7
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$589.00
Average Mileage:
58,089 miles
Total Complaints:
9 complaints
Most common solutions:
- had to pay for the expensive repair (3 reports)
- not sure (3 reports)
- replaced entire steering column (3 reports)
transmission problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2004 Ford Explorer gear shift broke off while shifting
2008Aug 25
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 89,000 miles
In 8/2004 I bought this Ford Explorer 8mths later I had to take it back in for a Transmission problem, In 12/07 I had to replace the engine (6,000)timing belt broke after 100 miles over warranty, now 8 mths later I am being told I have to replace the whole Transmission. I paid 31590 for this vehicle that has absolutely nothing in it , then on top of that I put another 6,000 into it and now I have to put another 2000 this is crazy. I am a single mother and I DON'T have anymore money to put into this car. Ford is not helping and I had to fight with them just to get an answer on what was covered on the warranty I purchased in January. If anyone can offer me some HELP I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks
Liz
2008Apr 29
Explorer 4L
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
Last Thursday I got in my Explorer to go to work. I tried to shift to reverse...and the gear shifter broke off in my hand. It is dangling by some sort of cord. My boyfriend said he's never seen anything like it. I called a mechanic I know, who couldn't believe what I was telling him - he actually drove to my house to see it for himself, since I couldn't drive it anywhere. He said he has "never seen anything like it" and this "isn't supposed to happen" and referenced "very poor craftmanship and materials". He was going to find used parts for me, but discovered he can't fix it because the key is stuck in the ignition. He said it has to be fixed by a Ford dealership because they have a "key code" to get stuck keys out of the ignition.
I'm irate. This is ridiculous. Ford should be covering this. It's very unfair that I (and others) have to pay out of pocket for this. Shame on Ford.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Apr 11
Explorer XLT # L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
OK Ford what do you intend to do about these gear shift levelers on the Explorer? I was lucky and wasn't out in the woods with a group of Boy Scouts AND knew how to do a quick temp fix. But what about the Mom's you market this vehicle to? Being stuck with kids then becomes a safety issue not just an inconvenience. Seems that you have known about this for awhile and DIDN'T FIX IT! Shame on you! My next car will be a Tacoma, you had your chance!
2008Jan 28
(reported on)Explorer XLT 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 49,845 miles
While trying to shift from drive into park the shift lever catches in reverse before going into park. This catch was enough to break the leaver at the pivot point. I was able to fix myself for 58$. This is the 3rd ford explorer I Have personally driven and they all have this catch.
2003Dec 10
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 400 miles
I pulled into my driveway and placed the vehicle in park. The shifter fell to the floor, the only thing still attached was the wiring that goes to the overdrive button. I called Fords roadside assistance and requested a tow truck. After 2 days of waiting on a tow truck I decided to call a tow truck myself. The tow truck bill was forwarded to the dealership and paid in full (not by Ford but by the dealership). I picked my vehicle up 1 week later.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Sep 03
(reported on)Explorer XLT 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
This is the most frightening incident to have happen especially when you're in a heavy traffic area and no way to change gears. I thought Ford was supposed to make quality vehicles but since switching to Ford, have found that to be a joke!
2007Jan 17
(reported on)Explorer XLT 4.0 V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
XMAS Eve 2006, with my Explorer loaded with presents, I made my last stop and thought I was on my way home. But NO! The stupid Gear Stick breaks as I was trying to put the car into gear. Luckily I had AAA towing. But unfortunately I had the "Hi Tech Extended Warranty" and this wasn't covered. I'm out $1,000. Worst Xmas ever. I fear this is going to cause a tragic accident one day. I'm certain that, even though it's "fixed" that it will happen again. This is one the Feds should look into.
2006Dec 24
(reported on)Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 25,555 miles
Came from hospital visiting my grandmother .. parked in an indoor lot .... go to shift truck to back up ... and SNAP! the gear shifter comes out of the steering console !?!?!!?!?. limp like a broken arm! .. Tow truck can't come into the lot ... no clearance .. so the tow operator climbs under the truck to shift while I'm holding the brakes to prevent truck from rolling over him... he tells me that the connector part is made of aluminum ? .. not steel !.... not feeling Ford right now ...
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Mar 24
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
The gear shifter will not go from Drive into Park. It stops at Reverse. I had the transmission checked, and it is fine. The problem is with the Gear Shift mechanism. I am afraid to go to the Ford dealer, because I know I will get ripped off. Would anyone have any suggestions?
Shawn G.
Centennial, CO, USA
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