CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2002-2005 Explorer has a very well-established record of expensive transmission failure at under 100k miles. The Explorer has an enclosed transmission which is typically replaced with a rebuilt transmission at a cost of almost $3,000.
Adding insult to injury, the 2002-2005 Explorer also has a massive problem with the rear panel cracking. While it's a minor annoyance compared to transmission failure, ironically the crack usually goes right through the Ford logo.
I just saw my problem in another ford explorer. First the 4x4 high comes on by itself. Awful grinding noise like the antilock brakes working. ABS light comes on and doesn't go off. Then traction control fails. This is my daily driver and I am gonna be stuck with an expensive transmission repair bill. If Ford knows these trannys are bad, then why don't they replace them? Talk about ruining your rep and customer loyalty...
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I just saw my problem in another ford explorer. First the 4x4 high comes on by itself. Awful grinding noise like the antilock brakes working. ABS light comes on and doesn't go off. Then traction control fails. This is my daily driver and I am gonna be stuck with an expensive transmission repair bill. If Ford knows these trannys are bad, then why don't they replace them? Talk about ruining your rep and customer loyalty...
- S. W., Olathe, KS, US