Ford Explorer Ford Explorer

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Ford Explorer repairs by problem area

Engine (25%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (16%)

Brakes and Traction Control (4%)

Suspension and Steering (19%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (22%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (9%)

Other (6%)

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Chart based on 1662 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Ford Explorer.

Ford Explorer transmission repair cost distribution

$2500+ (12%)

$1000 - $2499 (18%)

$500 - $999 (12%)

$100 - $499 (22%)

< $100 (35%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 226 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2021 Ford Explorer

Engine not specified

1000 mi Shakes at 40 MPH. Gear hunting and jerky operation. 
1000 mi Same as the first trip Still experiencing the same problems There’s been over 7 trips. It’s been in the shop for about half of my ownership experience. Maybe 65%. 
2000 mi It’s been like Ground Hog Day. Lemon law lawsuit filed. 
4000 mi This problem continued into January and February 

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2021 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

turbocharged 400hp 3.0L V6 10-speed shiftable automatic AWD

2000 mi Reprogrammed transmission due to rough shifting and missed gears 

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2021 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

285-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid 10-speed shiftable automatic AWD

3000 mi Drivetrain vibration detected at 40 mph when vehicle is cold (ambient temp approx 40 F). Isolated to rear driveshaft. Driveshaft replaced. 

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2020 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

turbocharged 400hp 3.0L V6 10-speed shiftable automatic AWD

10000 mi 4 wheel drive fault Replaced drive shaft sensor 

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2020 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

turbocharged 300hp 2.3L I4 10-speed shiftable automatic RWD

8000 mi New transmission cooler installed under warranty 
14800 mi Hard down-shifts. Transmission “hunting”. Transmission over-hauled. 

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2020 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

turbocharged 300hp 2.3L I4 10-speed shiftable automatic AWD

14000 mi Transmission slipped into 2nd gear upon taking off from stop- dealer had to flash control module 

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2017 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

6000 mi transmission had to be replaced. 

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2017 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

43000 mi Rough shifting in low gear and burning odor. Transmission fluid low; leak from loose tap. Tap secured and fluid added. 

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2016 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

16000 mi Complete Transmission rebuild. Dealer reported blown overdrive drum which was replaced. Also reprogrammed and replaced main drive valve to fix hard shifting after repair. 
60000 mi

US $2000
PTU replaced 
60000 mi

US $200
Second PTU repair, previously replaced unit lasted exactly 13 months. Dealer initially wanted me to pay OOP ($2k), eventually Ford stepped in to cover this. 
15500 mi warning transmission not in park message when car was in park. When driving transmission seems like it needs to shift . When step on gas Rpm goes up but no response from vehicle. Tripometer not registering mpg or car using tooo much gas . 3 gallons for less than 30 miles hwy in shop now don't know. 
36000 mi

US $50
I had two tires replaced and then after I noticed a noise when backup and turning at same time . Took to service they repaired the cv I will have t9 find exact repair all under extended warranty 

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2016 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

turbocharged 280hp 2.3L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

77500 mi

C $55
Reverse shift solenoid. Problem was [repaired] under warranty at 95k, replaced and was fine up until now. Having issues again at 140k approx. Looking for part number and going to replace as it is very jarring when placed in reverse and requires increase in rpm to shift in reverse. My understanding the solenoid has a screen on it which plugs with transmission particals and need to increase pressure to flow fluid to shift.  
31000 mi Trans Axle Seal Leaking 
70000 mi Transmission was grinding and shifting erractically. A complete rebuild was done. Complete transmission rebuild 

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2016 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

9000 mi Leaky drain plug from factory. 

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2015 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

7000 mi Shifts hard thru the gears at times 

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2014 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

28600 mi TSB for "Transmission not in Park" warning 
41000 mi Pinion seal leak on transfer case. 

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2014 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

turbocharged 240hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automatic FWD

35000 mi After extended time maintaining constant throttle at 70 mph and approaching a steep grade to go over a bridge experienced very harsh downshift. Experienced same issue when driving in mountains on vacation two weeks earlier. 2nd trip for this. 

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2014 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

21000 mi Ba valve. Would not shift into 6th 
235000 mi Stalling at stop signs. 

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2014 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

51000 mi

US $1350
sensor malfunction 
31000 mi Rear differential was leaking fluid. Dealer replaced the vent with an updated part per a TSB. 
35000 mi Transmission fluid cap is covered in fluid. Dealer reports levels are good and this is normal. 
46000 mi Drive shaft seal leaking. Took 2 days because the part was not in stock. Drive shaft seal leaking. Dealer replaced seal 
63201 mi

US $100
Transfer case PTU Assembly leaking. Replaced. 

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2013 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

8000 mi Transmission shifting erratically. 
62700 mi

US $100
The electrical button on the shifter goes bad and will not register being in park. The shifter was replaced under my extended warranty. 
91000 mi

US $130
Shifter button acting up again. When putting in park, would not always read in park, causing other issues. Shifter was replaced. 
59000 mi

US $100
Updated APIM firmware and replaced shifter and linkage for parking shift position issue 
66000 mi

US $100
Experienced driveline jolts when accelerating. Dealer said the jolts were due to driveline slack at the hub. Added a shim kit due to a TSB about the problem. 

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2013 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

turbocharged 240hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automatic FWD

22940 mi Gear selector sensor not reporting that the vehicle was placed in park. 

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2013 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

75000 mi

US $570
Car wouldn't recognize when it was in Park, so it wouldn't fully shut off. Dealer replaced shifter assembly, 100% out of pocket expense. Well known problem among ford auto shifters. Really should be a recall issue, honestly. 

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2013 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

48360 mi Transfer case seal started leaking less than 2 weeks after car had its AC compressor replaced by the dealer. Covered by vehicle powertrain warranty. Cabin was filling with smoke as fluid dripped on the hot cat below the transfer case!!!!! 
116000 mi

US $1200
Passenger side CV and axle assembly including inner bearing. 

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2012 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

turbocharged 240hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automatic FWD

65000 mi

US $300
Carriage bearing failed on passenger drive shaft. Replace drive shaft, seal and carriage bearing bracket. 

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2012 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

99200 mi

C $300
Park sensor not working, they change shifter 

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2012 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

34000 mi

US $700
Cv boot cracked 
9920 mi replaced leaking PTU seal for driveshaft 
37000 mi Not shifting it to park occasionally. 

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2011 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

60000 mi

US $100
shifter not going into park always. needed adjustments. 
29000 mi

US $1144
two plates in transmission were change out shifter assembly replaced 

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2011 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

81000 mi

US $150
Transmission cooler bypass valve hose connection failed at the valve body. The actual threaded fitting sheared off, not a failure of the hose. Replaced bypass valve and sold the vehicle! 
70000 mi

US $100
Shifter assembly repaired to fix occasional false reports where the vehicle did not realize it was in park. 
54000 mi Clunk when accelerating from a partial stop. Hesitation when shifting. Dealer rebuilt valve body. 
55500 mi 1-2 shift clunked when accelerating from around 20mph (like leaving a toll booth). Dealer re-flashed ECM, said it didn't take the first time. 
25000 mi Axle replacement and CV joints replaced 

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2011 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD

49000 mi

US $250
Shifter will not always go into park 

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2010 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

128000 mi

US $250
Oil seal replaced 
72300 mi Front differential replaced...pinion bearings went. 
83600 mi

US $275
Passenger front drive axle seal leak 

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2009 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

119000 mi computer had to replaced again 4wd didnt work 
122000 mi

US $250
front cv axle replaced 

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2008 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

48000 mi Front Driver axle seal was leaking. The dealer replaced the seal. 

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2008 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD

80000 mi

US $1844
Transmission started to get a pronounced bang when shifting into reverse. It had a hesitation also when shifting into reverse. Total rebuild job. All parts that were worn out replaced. Found out it was due to design flaws from factory. 
107000 mi

US $358
Had to have solenoid pack replaced (again), after rebuild job 2 years ago. Water from ac condensation dripping down on wire terminal caused corrosion to short wires thus sending wrong signal to tranny telling it to shift when not suppose to. 

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2008 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

41200 mi

US $159
Leaking front axle seal. Replaced seal at local transmission shop. Topped off fluid. 
39800 mi

US $99
found front cover leaking, remove cover, reseal with RTV and re-check for leak and refill differential. 

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2008 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

74000 mi

US $500
had to replace the transmission 
60000 mi Left front bearing was noisy. Replaced by dealer under 30 day guarantee. U Joint was noisy as well. 
50000 mi

US $300
Transmission Flush, filter replacement, and oil change. 
54000 mi

US $100
The front differential began to make noise. A bad bearing from the factory that just showed up. There was grease in the pumpkin. Grease changed, additives added, noise the same. Ultimately will have to change out the bearing or swap out end. 
46500 mi

US $75
Replace trans filter, change oil transfer case and trans.Repair made difficult by Fords none transmission filler on this model. it is very heard to get the fluid in correctly, the special adapter costs $20 at Advanced Auto. What a pain!!!!!! 
55000 mi

US $450
A factory bearing in the front pumpkin whining/growling. Inspection revealed bearing wear, however the pumpkin was full of grease. Replaced pumpkin with one front the junk yard, changed grease etc. not at all happy with Ford..cheap bearings 

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2007 Ford Explorer

Engine not specified

34100 mi Break pads, gear shifter assembly.  

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2007 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic RWD

125000 mi

US $2500
transmission not going into overdrive 

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2007 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

100500 mi

US $500
Bulkhead connector sleeve started leaking. To replace required dropping the transmission pan, so while in the transmission a filter replacement and fluid exchange was also done. 
65000 mi Updated firmware controlling transmission to eliminate jerking experienced when shifting under load. Update was successful in eliminating problem. 
111700 mi

US $1139
Transmission lines rusted out and needed to be replaced. At the same time, replaced rear radiator, which had been damaged for years.  
118000 mi

US $675
Electronics failure led to car unable to shift (stuck in 3rd). Dealer quoted $3,700 to replace transmission. Took car to transmission repair shop where they replaced solenoid assembly for $675. 
134000 mi

US $800
replaced front differential 
102100 mi

US $800
transmission very rapidly jerked. Mike Naughton Ford, Aurora, Colo had car for 3 days and couldn't find problem but charged me $800.  
36000 mi

US $5000
transmission grenaded, needed to be fully reworked 

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2007 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

111000 mi

US $3585
Transmission starting slipping when going into reverse. Had to replace the transmission with factory rebuilt unit. Rarely under any load in reverse due to downhill driveway, so not really noticeable until I had to back up with a small load. 
111600 mi The factory rebuilt transmission failed with less than 3000 miles on it. A transmission fluid cooling line wasn't properly torqued, allowing fluid to leak out. It was replaced under warranty at no charge. 
51700 mi

US $100
Worn sero bores on the 5r55s. Trans fluid leak with burned fluid and burned bands. Replaced whole trans. 
47000 mi

US $100
Transfer case issue plus u-joints Transfer case noise. Replaced transfer case. 

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2006 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic RWD

108000 mi

US $150
Torque converter felt like it was going out, replaced transmission fluid and so far so good. 
31000 mi Transmission would kick when shifting into first when comming to a stop. 
12000 mi Common problem with Explorers with 6 speed transmission where transmission downshifts from 2 to 1 harsh when coming to a stop. Service bulleting was issued in November that reprogrammed the transmission and e-learned new shift strategy. 
15000 mi Two problems fixed; 1. Occasionally difficult to shift from park. Gear selector lever was replaced. 2. Ping or Click noise when reversing and going back to forward. Problem was found in right rear driveshaft, which was replaced. 

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2006 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

25000 mi Truck was at dealer for late engagement of shift into 1st gear from a stop and a bump feeling when coming to a stop. TSB 07-23-2 was performed. Truck still has same symptoms. Ford tech being contacted by dealer. Customer waits for answers. 
26000 mi Continuation of existing problem. TSB has been superceeded by TSB08-3-8. When dealer tried to reflash they received message of latest software installed. Delayed engagement and bump stop still exist. 
85000 mi

US $3800
The Transmission Valve Body is failing Transmission was rebuilt, Transmission Valve Body was replaced. 
29000 mi Transmission shifting hard into and out of 1st gear. Shifter intermittently not moving out of Park. Shifter replaced. 
137000 mi

US $1300
Transfer case motor stuck between 2WD & 4WD. Car would not move. 
930 mi right transaxle seal leaking 
29000 mi Car was dificult to shift into gear from park 
72200 mi

US $1309
transmission fluid ran out due to a fitting coming loose (might have been caused by a car wash). Required R&R of radiator as well. 
37000 mi

US $185
Axle gasket on 4WD system was leaking. Problem was fixed by replacing the gasket. 
37800 mi

US $50
Brake shift interlock working intermittently. You needed to jiggle the shifter, push the shift button in several times etc. to get the car to shift out of park. Turned out to be a sensor on the shifter. Shifter was replaced. 
94000 mi

US $900
Torque converter not properly locking into place. 
25000 mi Hard shifting, mainly between 1st to 2nd, but noticeable though all gears.  

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2006 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD

131000 mi

US $1900
Transmission was going for the last three years and finally had to get it rebuilt. Chose this because the trans had lasted this long and worried about an unknown transmission. Still bangs slightly when I back up. 
21000 mi Selected Transmission/Drivetrain - Difficulty in getting gear shift to engage. 3rd trip to a dealership for this problem. This dealership finally got it right. This time was told that the problem is a 'known problem' at Ford but no recall. 
102100 mi

US $1300
Stop changing gear 
116800 mi

US $1900
Trans was slipping,acceleration, jerking problems. Finally threw wrench & check engine lights. Problem caused due to 3rd Gear Ratio Error causing Transmission to go into fail-safe mode, Transmission was rebuilt. 
96000 mi

US $736
drivers side rear axle snapped, looked like there were previous problems not repaired correctly 
73000 mi

US $283
rear drive axel needed to be replaced. 
121000 mi

US $2100
Transmission was not taking reverse and not shifting past second gear. The shop re-built the Transmission. 
133500 mi

US $400
and back right cv joint. 

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2006 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

109000 mi

US $1600
Slippage, noise in systems, diagnosed as loose pins that came undone inside unit. The same problems you would typically read reported from 30K mileage and later. 
38440 mi

US $1700
A/C condenser drip shorted shift solenoid in tranny. replaced parts ($950) and labor came out to $1700. moved A/C drip elsewhere. Poor engineering on Ford's part 
116000 mi

US $1200
Transmission was slipping when accelerating from a stop. Torque converter needed to be removed and repaired. 
42760 mi

C $650
Had to repair a front differential seal leak. 
35000 mi I was having a difficult time moving the car out of park. There was a TSB for the problem and they replaced the shifter. 
115000 mi Transmission took several seconds to engage when put into reverse. Dealer wanted to replace transmission solenoid for $1000. I declined the repair. 
108000 mi Transmission was rebuilt with 75000 miles on it. In March the transmission started slipping again. I decided not to put alot of money into a ten year old car. That year of Explorer has major transmission problems , look on the internet. 

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2005 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

44000 mi Had a reputable transmission shop check trans due to somewhat hard shifts at times. They checked the trans bands, solenoids, fluid, pressure test etc. and found everything was good. Owner said that 'hard shifts' at times is common with this vehicle. 

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2005 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD

6500 mi Replaced gears in the differential. 
135000 mi

US $3500
transmission failed on trip 130 miles from home; OD dropped and by the time it was picked up for tow; 4th gear had dropped. 

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2005 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

31000 mi Slow engagement into reverse. Intermediate band found to be burnt, valve body out of tolerance. Replace bad parts, rebuild transmission and flush system. Radiator also failed (side tank leak) and was replaced 
55000 mi

US $195
Transmission rebuilt, my cost $195 ("lubricated parts" covered under 6 month, 6k mile limited warranty). 
89000 mi

US $400
Cv boot 
123000 mi

US $3000
I could hear a loud grinding noise from he back of the Explorer. Differential failing. 
78200 mi

US $2165
rear differential replaced 
67780 mi

C $3000
Transmission would not engage immediately when shifted into reverse OR drive from PARK. When it did engage it would jolt. 
98400 mi rear differncial leaking 
90000 mi

US $1800
Transmission needed to be rebuilt 
153760 mi

C $2500
Unsure of parts - but my Check Engine Light came on and "Check Transmission" displayed on console. Per Mechanic - I had lost 2nd and 5th gear, with my reverse gear almost at failue. 

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2004 Ford Explorer

Engine not specified

192000 mi Loud rhythmic whirring sound coming from the rear end of the truck. 
219000 mi

US $40000
The transmission went out. The car will not shift in reverse or go out of first gear. 
89000 mi The right rear main axle seal on the Ford explorer xls is leaking oil. Not yet fixed. 
92000 mi

US $25
From previous rear axel leak, I changed the rear axel oil with w-mart 85-140 synthetic, added 4 ounces tranny stop leak and the LS additive. Rear end has stopped leaking and is much quieter. 92,000 miles 
147000 mi

US $1500
These 5R55S transmissions are junk. It keeps grinding lots of shavings into the pan and the o/d comes on flashing on & off. Then it doesn't want to stay in o/d. It's a sealed trans w/ no dipstick. Wish I could find a rplcmnt unit that came w a dipstick. 
147000 mi

US $800
5R55S sealed-up transmissions are a bunch of junk! 

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2004 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic RWD

30000 mi I had a problem with the limited slip differential package. The vehicle was still under warranty so it cost me nothing. 
47460 mi Replaced driveshaft and U-joint. Someone had tried to make an inexpensive repair in the past by installing a stainless steel clamp with built in screw for tightening around the u-joint boot. 
49600 mi Drive shaft vibration at 100 k/h (60 MPH)---though not as bad as before replacement. Apparently this is a problem with this model Ford. Live with it and trade for another vehicle. 

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2004 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

35000 mi Pump seal on the transmission replaced under dealer warranty. 
184000 mi

US $1500
Changed CV joint Repaired transmission 
94600 mi

US $3040
A belt in the transmission broke, which required a complete rebuild. 
149000 mi

US $90
Replaced left rear CV Axle 

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2004 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD

78200 mi

US $270
Dirty Solenoids Remove clutch pieces from resevoir Replace Fluid 

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2004 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

71000 mi

US $800
Replaced rear axle (limited slip) for the second time under warranty. ALso replaced radio subwoofer, and front wheel bearing.  
80000 mi

US $4300
Replaced transmission. I had reported hard shifting and other transmission problemds to Ford since the vehicle was new but they did not fix it. After the factory extended warranty (75K miles) ran out, the transmission failed entirely. 
106300 mi

US $200
The rear limited-slip differential started chattering again on slight turns. It has done this repeatedly since delivery. The temporary "fix" is to replace the rear lube with new 140W synthetic lube and add the special XL3 friction modifier. 

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2004 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

131000 mi

US $1000
Gear (or sprocket?) at the head of the drive shaft was severely damaged requiring immediate replacement. 
80000 mi

US $180
Front Pinion Seal Replaced (Leaking). Also had Rear differential oil replaced (Maintenance) 
85500 mi

US $700
Rear Differential Seals Leaking - New Seals installed, TSB. 
122900 mi

US $250
Left front wheel bearing making noise. Replaced wheel bearing assembly. 
109000 mi

US $20
front pinion seal was found leaking, removed and replaced seal and refilled with oil 
98900 mi

US $3200
Transmission completely inoperable. 
138000 mi

US $2300
Replace rear differential 
172980 mi

C $100
Leake from the rear axel oil seal i have change the oil seal 
57500 mi

US $20
Front differential seal leaking. Added grease will replace when warmer 
80000 mi

US $110
Rear U-Joint replacement. Only lessened shudder / chatter from rear end. Shop said probably also needed a new differential, though outright failure could be years away. 
80000 mi Shudder / chatter from rear. 
119700 mi

US $500
Front axle seal and rear bearing 
156000 mi

US $1050
Differential carrier bearing failed. Replaced all bearings and seals in differential 

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2003 Ford Explorer

Engine not specified

92000 mi after reversing out of driveway would not shift into gear 

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2003 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

27000 mi The following was covered under the Extended Warranty (and was told only because of Ext Warr!): New transmission & cooler. Timing chain rattle. Hood rust (since re-appeared). ECM reprogrammed. 
175000 mi

US $3500
Transmission fluid pump died and caused tranny to run dry. 
94000 mi

US $750
Failed drive axle seal 
62000 mi

US $750
Transmission problem fixed with computer flash at owner's expense. Pinion seal and rear axle seals replaced under extended warranty. 
104000 mi

US $400
Replaced all seals and fluid in rear differential. 
124900 mi

US $2500
Transmission developed major leak while driving. Transmission rebuilt by local transmission specialist. 
49600 mi

C $2000
Don't remember all the dates but the transmission was rebuilt 2x out of warranty and then replaced completely and paid for by Ford Canada & the dealership. Also antilock & reverse sensors repaired 3x in warranty. Heater blower, cruise control and computer 
75000 mi

US $40
Shudders occasionally at about 40mph, since towing with overdrive still on. Think I messed up the transmission a little bit. Mechanic couldn't find anything wrong, advised always locking out overdrive when towing. 

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2003 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD

135000 mi

US $200
Transmission servo wore out the case. Replaced with aftermarket o-ringed version. 
184000 mi

US $2400
Transmission wouldn't move immediately when put in gear. If you gave it a good amount of throttle, it would jerk into gear, then drove fine. It did this in forward and reverse gears. Got two different opinions and both agreed. 

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2003 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic AWD

115000 mi

US $2600
replaced w/ rebuilt w/ 1 year warranty. work done by trans specialist shop. 

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2003 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

155000 mi

C $150
I intermediate band replacement 
155000 mi

US $200
Noise from front of truck. I replaced driver side CV axle and bushings. 
118000 mi

US $1200
Had Ford kit installed to reduce differential noise 
32000 mi Transmission failed, repaired under warranty 
65000 mi

US $100
Transmission shift solenoid pack failed. Repaired under certified warranty. 
43623 mi

US $660
Front pinion seal leak; Power window (rear) drive/switch replacement. Covered by ESP. 
66900 mi

US $2000
Rear differential bearings; front sway bar bushings; both front lower ball joints; solenoid pack for the transmission. Covered under ESP plan, $2k was quoted cost w/o plan. 
72000 mi

US $100
Shifter was difficult to place in park after driving; TSB addressed the problem, part repaired. 
96300 mi

US $3600
Transmission rebuilt with newer 07 -08 parts 

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2003 Ford Explorer 4-door

8-cylinder automatic 4WD

39000 mi front end boot 

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2002 Ford Explorer

Engine not specified

145000 mi

US $2500
Transmission went out completely at 145,000 miles. Terrible transmission in this car. I am replacing to sell it. 
88000 mi

US $2600
Bad torque converter. Replaced transmission at transmission shop. 
70000 mi

US $3000
Third gear clusters out on 5-speed automatic transmission. Common occurance on 2002 Explorers with this particulr transmission. 

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2002 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic RWD

107000 mi

US $2200
Replaced transmission 
109000 mi

US $2200
Transmission shifting very roughly, had to be rebuilt 
129000 mi Rear end of the vehicle making loud whining noise above 30 mph, research says might be differential or wheel bearings but had not had it diagnosed at time of sale. 
76000 mi

US $1200
4x4 not working. discovered in middle of blizzard. after hours of troubleshooting, determined needs new part that may or may not completely fix problem. decided not to throw more money away in this car leaking differential. not worth fixing 

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2002 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

239-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

175000 mi

US $2500
Rear differential has made noise since new. Was repaired under warranty few years ago. At 178,000 rear finally went - car barely drivable. Drove to dealer and traded in for new Honda. 
179180 mi

C $3200
Transmission failed at 288,000 km. Bores worn, overdrive planetary gear destroyed. Rebuilt. 
220100 mi Replaced U-Joints Rear differential failed. Has been howling for 250,000 km and finally died. 
121825 mi

US $1402
Differential fluid replaced - Front 
10300 mi

US $150
4x4 Light flashing. Replaced 4x4 computer module behind glovebox. 
58440 mi

$50
4X4 selector malfunctioned 

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2002 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed manual 4WD w/low range

85000 mi

US $600
gear failed in transfer case - rear wheels could not drive engine in engine braking mode - also very noisy clutch engagement - so replaced a gear and 2 other small parts in transfer case. 
92000 mi

US $1124
4wd module in dash failed needed to be replaced 
59000 mi

US $1200
transmission rebuild was told transmission case servo bore worn and needed to be bored an sleeved,bad pressure valve, planitary and input shaft worn and torque converter needed to be replaced 
67000 mi

US $2800
full transmission rebuild on privious repair they did not bore and sleeve transmission case servo bore or replace pressure valve wich I was told was cause of original failure and the reason for second failure 
164300 mi

US $175
Rear diff. Pinion seal. 

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2002 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD

154000 mi

US $7000
car started slipping, jerking and lurching. brake band was discovered broken in half along with most of the gears and plates worn out.Repair shop repaired the transmission by replacing the worn out and broken components. 
119000 mi

US $900
Replace rear end, later fix seal leaks on new rear end. 
122000 mi

US $1250
Transmission failure, replaced with rebuilt transmission. 
142000 mi When sold had some noise coming from the rear end, a high pitched whining sound when accelerating, but we didn't do anything about it. 
103000 mi

US $2400
1st, 2nd and reverse gears were all damaged by a failed pin-bearing in the transmission. A complete overhaul was required. 
140000 mi Past transmission overhaul failed at 40,000 miles. Shop covered the second overhaul for free. 
32000 mi rear seal on rear differential 
2400 mi rear seal on transfer case leak 
35000 mi Rear seal on differential leak 
52000 mi

US $250
rear seal on differential leak 
72000 mi

US $1250
Rear seal on differential leak, noise in rear end. Replaced the bearings in the rear, brakes also and the seal AGAIN!!! Drove home much quieter. Have had a grinding noise in the engine when cold for about 40000 miles, according to forums it's a timi 
76000 mi

US $1200
Replaced clutch in rear differential. complained about cruise control, everything checked out and dealer said he couldn't repair it. Still doesn't work 
89000 mi

US $500
Rear end howling. Was told by dealer couldn't be fixed. It's a factory defect problem and I ended up shimming the pinion in the rear end myself. 
92000 mi

US $100
Replaced the rear differential oil in an attempt to shut up the rear end which failed. 

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2002 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

174300 mi

US $300
Replaced front axle seal; after looking to see what kind of effort repair would entail, decided to let mechanic fix. 
175100 mi

US $365
Replaced rear axle seal; had replaced rear differential fluid which leaked out; decided to let mechanic replace the seal. Noted fluid still leaking after seal replacement; would need to take vehicle back to repair again. 
176000 mi 2nd attempt to R&R rear axle seal; this time, dealer procured revised 1pc assembly and repair seems to be successful - no further leakage noted. 
60000 mi

US $272
front pinion seal replaced 
84000 mi transmission was stuttering and surging nearing failure when traded. 
125000 mi transmission started slipping, for sale as-is. 
103000 mi

US $1800
Broken band, drives but won't shift properly. 
107000 mi

US $450
Front differential leak repair 
120000 mi

US $700
4x4 high and 4x4 low lights flashing 3x / 5 mins. No ability to shift in / out of 4x4 / 4x2 mode. Replaced 2 4WD control modules. Did not fix. Required trip to shop to repair / replace transfer case actuator motor. 
132000 mi

US $800
transmission shift lever does not always engage drive, or may pop out while driving, but this was not repaired successfully 
140000 mi

US $900
Transmission failure 
145000 mi

US $440
Bad valve in transmission at 146K miles OD light flashing 
167000 mi

US $1875
Lost transmission 
106020 mi Transfer case I'm told was toasted. I think it was/is a culmination of electrical and transfer case and electronics. 
163000 mi

US $1875
Rear-end noise checked for excessive noise. Turned out bearings were shot. Rear-end needed complete rebuild. 
119500 mi Over the last 3 years I have paid around $6,500 to repair this truck. Replaced transmission, front and rear wheel bearings, rear seals, differential including gears and bearings and more that I can't remember. Never hit & garage kept. 
65000 mi

US $1800
Had the differential rebuilt. The 8.8" rearend is notorious for failing, just like the transmission which I had replaced 2 years ago. 
125000 mi

US $1850
I'm on my 3rd transmission now. Dealer had fixed the trans 10 years ago, and it, all of a sudden, started slipping. The transmission has NO dipstick to check the fluid level by the writer fluid level was low and had burned up trans, $5k. 
207700 mi

US $4000
Had to have the transmission completely rebuilt 
212000 mi

US $2100
rebuilt rear end 

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2001 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD

183000 mi Column transmission shifter would not settle into "1". Would also not always settle into "P", resulting in the car being able to roll. If the shifter did not catch into Park, the truck would not start. 

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2001 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

156000 mi

US $500
Replaced Valve body in transmission myself. Using knowledge from Explorer forum.com and have driven 1500 miles since and problem hasn't came back. A lot of Explorers see problems as early as 80,000 with regular maint. Mine was an exception. 
116000 mi same problem intermittent jutter took to three other shops all said differnt thing had first tech tested fuel pump pressure ok said torque converter. one tech had it for two still no resolution. ready to trade the car in never buying a ford 

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2000 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

215-horsepower 5.0L V8 4-speed automatic AWD

191700 mi

US $75
the Universal joint went bad after moving a heavy load. Easy Fix. Quick repair. 

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2000 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

148800 mi Transmission was slipping, especially driving in the city. 
58280 mi

C $700
Drivers side CV joint broken. Replaced entire axle 

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2000 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

160-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

216000 mi

US $2500
Lost 2nd and 4th gear. Took to Earlington transmission who diagnosed a broken 2nd gear band plus other worn parts in the transmission. They rebuilt the transmission. 
185000 mi

US $2500
Transmission rebuild 

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1999 Ford Explorer

Engine not specified

151000 mi

US $500
car just sounded wrong-at first planned to drive it till it fell apart- maybe a week later learned it probably needs rear differential rebuilt-parked it. 

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1998 Ford Explorer

Engine not specified

212000 mi

US $500
Recently rebuilt transfer case failed. Case was removed from vehicle and repaired, and reinstalled. 

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1998 Ford Explorer 4-door

8-cylinder automatic AWD

154000 mi

US $3200
Transmission blew 7 bearings, a servo and a band. Oil Can Henries put wrong transmission fluid in. They are refusing to honor damage, so paying out of pocket to repair. 

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1998 Ford Explorer 4-door

6-cylinder automatic 4WD

112000 mi

US $2500
transmission failed all sensors and torque converter 

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1997 Ford Explorer 4-door

8-cylinder automatic AWD

175000 mi Transmission is begining to slip badly. Not worth repairing. Purchased a new vehicle. 

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1997 Ford Explorer 4-door

6-cylinder manual 4WD

261000 mi

US $785
Replaced 1st gear synchronizer with used unit. Replaced transfer case (slipping in coast mode) with used unit. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Ford models.

Ford Explorer Transmission Problems

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