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.
Well in addition to my transmission debacle I found out on the same visit that the "gears" that run the rear ac are done. Again, this is a CPO vehicle bought 6 months ago. The dealership claims there is no way that they would have picked this up on a CPO inspection because of the location of the gears and either they work or they don't.
And the final kicker is that the part only cost $110 but labor runs around $450.
All I have to say is that I bought CPO '04 Honda Accord three years ago and I have probably spent $1200, including oil changes, new tires, brake pads and one issue with the steering column. And we wonder why American auto makers are having such a hard time..
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Well in addition to my transmission debacle I found out on the same visit that the "gears" that run the rear ac are done. Again, this is a CPO vehicle bought 6 months ago. The dealership claims there is no way that they would have picked this up on a CPO inspection because of the location of the gears and either they work or they don't.
And the final kicker is that the part only cost $110 but labor runs around $450.
All I have to say is that I bought CPO '04 Honda Accord three years ago and I have probably spent $1200, including oil changes, new tires, brake pads and one issue with the steering column. And we wonder why American auto makers are having such a hard time..
- kenpo1980, South Pasadena, CA, US