CarComplaints.com Notes: The previous generation of Explorer was so awful that the redesign in 2006 was greeted with much optimism. That didn't last long.
The transmission continues to be the Explorer's worst reliability problem. Owners report shifting hard & lunging, typically starting as low as 40k miles with a $1,600 average repair bill. On top of that, the radiator is prone to failure around 60k miles. Repairs for the radiator run $500 to $1,000 & many owners report they've had to replace the radiator multiple times for leaks, indicating a possible design defect in the OEM replacement parts.
Ford did make some significant changes to improve handling and safety. Electronic stability control was added in addition to side impact air bags, but beyond that this is a vehicle that should be avoided at all costs.
Our mechanic looked online and said this seems to be a not-so-uncommon issue with the Ford Explorers. Saw another person on this website who had a 2007 Explorer with this same issue back in 2010. It seems to be a design defect and something Ford should fix but that will probably not happen. Just glad I had the cash to pay for it and another vehicle to drive during the week I was without my car. Still, it is painful to fork over almost $1000 for something that should have been Ford's issue.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Our mechanic looked online and said this seems to be a not-so-uncommon issue with the Ford Explorers. Saw another person on this website who had a 2007 Explorer with this same issue back in 2010. It seems to be a design defect and something Ford should fix but that will probably not happen. Just glad I had the cash to pay for it and another vehicle to drive during the week I was without my car. Still, it is painful to fork over almost $1000 for something that should have been Ford's issue.
- sgce1999, Schertz, TX, US