What Year Ford Explorer To Avoid?
Are you looking to buy a used Ford Explorer? Knowing which years to stay away from can help avoid trouble and expensive fixes.
Based on lots of data, the years 2002 to 2006 had the most issues. The 2002 Ford Explorer had the most complaints since its 1991 launch.
This model had many transmission issues, which usually happened around 109,000 miles. Fixing these problems was often pricey for the car owners.
The 2003, 2004, and 2005 Explorers also had big issues. They mostly had body and paint troubles, along with drivetrain and transmission problems.
The 2006 Ford Explorer also saw serious engine and transmission issues, but these came up at lower miles than before.
This model had shifting problems and hesitations that could cost up to $1,800 and $2,800 to fix, respectively.
It also had radiator leaks often found at around 63,000 miles. It’s vital to know which Ford Explorer years to avoid. You want a car that’s dependable.
By skipping these bad years, you can enjoy a better and less pricey experience with your vehicle.
Introduction to The Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer came out in 1991 and quickly became a top SUV in America. Designed to take the place of the Ford Bronco II, it was aimed at families.
It provided utility, comfort, and could handle off-road driving. Since then, it has evolved to meet consumers’ needs better.
The Birth of The Ford Explorer in 1991
In 1991, Ford launched the Explorer to fill the void the Bronco II left. It had a 4.0L V6 engine with 155 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque.
This made the Explorer popular for its strong performance. The four-door version weighed about 3,900 pounds and the two-door was slightly lighter at 3,700 pounds.
With a fuel efficiency of 15-20 mpg, it was good for city drives and off-road adventures.
Why Researching Model Years is Important
Looking into the history of Ford Explorer models is key when buying used ones. Through the years, each Explorer version had its reliability and issues.
For example, models from 2002 to 2005 had transmission and rear-wheel bearing problems. However, newer models have seen improvements.
It’s important to know these differences to avoid costly repairs. By learning about the Explorer’s history and spotting troublesome years, you can make a smarter purchase of a used vehicle.
| Generation | Years | Engine Options | Known Issues | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 1991-1994 | 4.0L V6 | None significant | Yes |
| Second | 1995-2001 | 4.0L V6, 5.0L V8 | General wear and tear | Yes |
| Third | 2002-2005 | 4.0L V6, 4.6L V8 | Transmission failures | No |
| Fourth | 2006-2010 | 4.0L V6, 4.6L V8 | High maintenance costs | No |
| Fifth | 2011-2013 | Varied, incl. Ecoboost | Electrical glitches | No |
| Sixth | 2021-present | Varied, incl. Hybrid | Few reported issues | Yes |
Avoid These Ford Explorer Model Years
When looking to buy a Ford Explorer, it’s key to know which years to steer clear of. Some models are known for their reliability issues, so it’s smart to avoid those.
This helps you make a choice that’s good for the long run.
2002 Ford Explorer: A Breakdown of Issues
The 2002 Ford Explorer is often called out for big problems. It has over 3,600 complaints on the NHTSA and nearly 4,000 on Car Complaints.
The biggest issue is the transmission, which can cost more than $3,000 to fix.
Some owners also faced engine troubles, needing costly rebuilds before 100,000 miles.
Transmission Problems and Engine Failures
The 2002 Ford Explorer is well-known for transmission woes. It starts slipping or failing around 90,000 miles.
Fixing it can set you back about $2,840. The engine problems are just as bad, leading to stalls and expensive repairs.
Frequent Body and Paint Complaints
The body and paint of the 2002 Ford Explorer also disappoint. Issues like peeling paint and rust are common.
Owners also talk about cracks near the rear window. This hurts the SUV’s value a lot.
Why The 2003 Ford Explorer is Problematic
The 2003 Ford Explorer has major issues that might make you think twice about buying it. This model year particularly struggles with severe body and paint issues.
Owners often share stories of peeling and cracking paint. Not only do these problems hurt the car’s looks, but they also lead to rust and further damage down the road.
Body and Paint Problems
The body and paint problems in the 2003 Ford Explorer are quite notable.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received 643 complaints about these issues. Common problems reported include:
- Peeling and cracking paint
- Panels rusting prematurely
- Issues with the paint holding up to weather conditions
These problems do more than just affect the vehicle’s appearance. They can lower your car’s value and result in rust and expensive repairs.
Drivetrain and Suspension Issues
The 2003 Explorer also falls short in terms of drivetrain and suspension reliability.
For example, wheel bearings often fail around 90,000 miles, with repairs costing between $500 to $1,000.
Suspension problems have also been spotted, spoiling the driving experience and causing costly fixes.
| Problem | Average Mileage | Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Failure | 100,000 miles | $2,600 |
| Wheel Bearing Failure | 90,000 miles | $500 – $1,000 |
| Cracked Panel Below Rear Window | 76,000 miles | $400 |
In summary, the 2003 Ford Explorer has serious drivetrain and suspension issues that affect its reliability.
With so many expensive problems, you might want to avoid this model year when looking for a dependable SUV.
2004 Ford Explorer: Persistent Issues
The 2004 Ford Explorer is known for its ongoing problems, disappointing many owners.
It has issues with the transmission and body that start before 100,000 miles. We’ll explore the major problems this model year faces.
Transmission and Body Complaints
Many people find the 2004 Ford Explorer complaints include often transmission failures.
Owners have trouble with hard shifting and transmission slipping, which leads to costly repairs.
These transmission problems usually happen during normal driving, making it a hassle and an expense for the car’s owners.
Additionally, the car has body issues like rusting panels and chipping paint. These problems hurt the car’s looks and its resale value.
Engine Problems and Costly Repairs
The engine in the 2004 Ford Explorer causes big headaches too. Many of these cars overheat, resulting in engine failures early on.
These 2004 Ford Explorer complaints mean high repair costs for the owners.
On top of that, electrical system failures are common. Problems with lights, sensors, and the dashboard pop up often.
| Component | Common Issues | Estimated Repair Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Hard shifting, slipping | $1,800 – $3,400 |
| Engine | Overheating, early failure | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| Body | Rusting panels, paint chipping | $500 – $1,500 |
| Electrical System | Malfunctioning lights, sensors | $300 – $1,000 |
Consumer Reports warns that the 2004 Ford Explorer has high upkeep costs and low dependability scores.
Knowing about these common issues with Ford Explorer, especially the 2004 model, might help you decide on maintenance or replacing it.
The Notorious 2005 Ford Explorer
The 2005 Ford Explorer is known for being highly problematic, a trend seen in previous models too. One major issue is the transmission failures.
Owners have faced rough shifts, gears slipping, and the need for total transmission replacements, often at around 60,000 miles.
The model’s “5R55” transmission is especially known for failing a lot.
Transmission Failures
Transmission problems are big issues for the 2005 Ford Explorer. The “5R55” transmission often breaks down, needing expensive rebuilds or replacements.
Symptoms include rough, delayed shifts and sudden failures. These issues greatly affect the Explorer’s reliability.
Interior and Exterior Problems
The 2005 Ford Explorer also has many interior and exterior problems. Inside, things like broken power windows and entertainment system issues are common.
Outside, the car often has peeling paint and rust. These problems harm the car’s looks, raise the cost of keeping it up, and lead to frequent repairs.
| Problematic Year | Common Issues | Average Repair Costs |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Transmission failures, exterior body panel cracks | $3,500-$4,500 |
| 2004 | Engine/Transmission problems | $4,000-$5,000 |
| 2005 | Transmission failures, interior/exterior problems | $3,500-$4,500 |
| 2006 | Powertrain issues | $3,000-$4,000 |
Knowing about these problems can help you if you’re thinking about getting a used Ford Explorer.
Even with some better features in newer models, the 2005 version is still known for big reliability issues and costly fixes.
The 2006 Ford Explorer: Known Issues
The 2006 Ford Explorer faces big engine and transmission problems. These issues reflect a common problem in vehicles from this period.
They lead to lots of complaints and high repair bills.
Engine and Transmission Problems
The 2006 Ford Explorer often has engine and transmission failures. These problems show up sooner than in older vehicles.
Repair costs for transmission issues range from $1,800 to $2,800. Full replacements may cost about $3,000.
Engine troubles can add to these costs, making repairs even more expensive.
| Issue | Details | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Failures | Failures often occur around 49,000 miles | $1,800 – $2,800 |
| Engine Shutdowns | Sudden shutdowns reported, requiring overhauls | $3,000 |
| Radiator Leaks | Leakages around 63,000 miles | 2.6-3.5 hours of labor + parts |
| Cooling System Issues | Frequent thermostat housing leaks | 2.0-3.0 hours of labor + parts |
Overall Reliability Concerns
The 2006 Ford Explorer is not very reliable. It has cooling system problems, like leaking thermostat housings.
It also often has cracked body panels that need replacing. These issues can make maintenance very costly.
Looking at the 2006 Ford Explorer, its many flaws and repair costs are troubling. Buyers and owners should keep a close eye on these issues.
This can help them take care of their car better and make it last longer.
What Year Ford Explorer to Avoid
If you’re thinking about which Ford Explorer years to skip, pay close attention to detailed reports from owners and broad data on these cars.
The Ford Explorer has been around since 1991, yet some years—especially 2002 to 2006—have had a lot of mechanical and structural problems.
The 2002 model got the most complaints, mainly for transmission troubles happening at around 109,000 miles.
Repair costs for these issues averaged $1,800. This year also had close to 4,000 complaints total, leading the “worst cars” chart on Car Complaints.
It also had 10 recalls affecting about 4.5 million vehicles. For the 2003, 2004, and 2005 models, the biggest issues were with the transmission and the body/paint.
These problems started to show up even sooner than in earlier models. Complaints included drivetrain failures, paint peeling, and other mechanical problems that left owners very unhappy.
The 2004 Ford Explorer was especially worrisome, with a reliability rating of just 19 out of 100 from Consumer Reports.
The main issues were transmission failures and slippage, leading to hefty repair bills.
The 2006 Explorer had problems too, with repairs costing around $2,800 on average. Radiator leaks were common around 63,000 miles.
These issues underscored the mechanical and financial troubles that came with this year.
Looking at all this data, it’s obvious these rough years add a lot to the not-so-great reputation of certain Ford Explorer years.
Avoiding these particular models when looking for a used Ford Explorer might save you from a lot of maintenance and repair headaches.
Years outside the 2002-2006 range generally have fewer complaints, so they might be better choices.
For a deeper dive, here’s what went wrong with the worst Ford Explorer years:
- 2002: A high rate of transmission failures, nearly 4,000 complaints, and a lot of recalls.
- 2003: Big issues with body and paint, plus drivetrain troubles.
- 2004: Bad reliability rating and continuous transmission problems.
- 2005: Ongoing transmission issues but lasted a bit longer.
- 2006: Engine and transmission problems began early, costing a lot to fix.
So, those years make up the Ford Explorer models you might want to think twice about. This info can help you make a smart choice when buying a used SUV.
What’s The Generations of the Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer has changed a lot over the years. Every generation has its own features and problems. This makes it important to know about each one.
Let’s talk about two important ones: the first generation (1991-1994) and the third generation (2002-2005).
First Generation (1991-1994)
The first Ford Explorers came out in 1991. They were Ford’s first step into the SUV market. Known for their strong build, they performed well. These early models had:
- 4.0L V6 engine, giving enough power for that time.
- Options for a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, fitting different driver needs.
- A roomy interior and tough body that lasted for years.
- Fewer recalls, showing potential reliability compared to newer versions.
Even though they were among the first, these models got good reviews. They had fewer big problems and were considered sturdy.
For those into classic cars, the First Generation Ford Explorer is still a good choice.
Third Generation (2002-2005)
The Third Generation brought big design changes and new technology. But, it also had lots of complaints and recalls. Some major issues were:
- Transmission failures in the 2002 model, costing about $2,840 to fix.
- Problems with the body and paint, with the 2004 model getting 2,467 complaints.
- Troubles with the engine and drivetrain, leading to more maintenance costs.
- The 2002 model had a high number of recalls, 14, showing reliability problems.
Third Generation Explorers have many issues, especially compared to other years.
People looking to buy should be very careful due to the many problems these cars have had.
| Generation | Years | Key Features | Common Issues | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Generation | 1991-1994 | 4.0L V6 engine, Manual/Automatic transmission, Spacious interior | Fewer issues | Minimal |
| Third Generation | 2002-2005 | Redesigned body, Enhanced technology | Transmission failures, Body/paint problems | High (up to 14) |
Which Models Are More Reliable?
Choosing a Ford Explorer needs careful thought. Look at what customers say and how well they perform.
Over time, some models of the Ford Explorer have shown to be very trustworthy. Others, however, have had many problems.
We will look at the top years for the Ford Explorer and mention common issues with the newer ones.
Best Years to Consider
The 2017 and 2018 Ford Explorers are some of the best. They belong to the fifth generation and have fewer complaints.
They also work better overall. The models from 2021 onwards are also looking good with not many problems reported.
The first-generation Explorers (1991-1994) and the fourth-generation (2006-2010) are also solid choices.
They have shown to have fewer issues over time. The late 1990s models made the Ford Explorer the top SUV in North America.
Common Problems in Recent Models
Even though many recent models are good, some have problems. From 2011 to 2019, there were many complaints about the electrical system.
Specifically, the 2016 Ford Explorer had lower reliability scores from Consumer Reports.
The 2020 model, being the first of a new design, saw many complaints despite its updated features.
The issues were mostly with its advanced electronics and the quality of its build when it was first made.
But, the hybrid models from 2020 to 2023 have caught people’s eye for their gas mileage. They get about 27 mpg combined.
These newer models have improved in eco-friendliness and technology.
Looking for a reliable Ford Explorer means considering its performance and its history of repairs and customer opinions. This helps you make a smart choice.
Ford Explorer Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
The Ford Explorer has had many Ford Explorer recalls and Ford Explorer service bulletins. Knowing about these can help catch potential problems early.
Transmission Recalls
Several Ford Explorer models had transmission troubles. Important recalls were for the 2002 and 2003 models.
They dealt with transmission slipping and even total failures.
The table below shows some major transmission recalls:
| Model Year | Issue | Affected Units |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Transmission slippage | 1,200,000 |
| 2003 | Complete transmission failure | 850,000 |
| 2006 | Delayed shifting | 500,000 |
Engine and Electrical Recalls
Engine problems have led to many Ford Explorer recalls. Issues like engine stalling and fuel system failures were common.
There were also electrical failures, like bad wiring and charging issues.
- 2002 Model Year: About 900,000 had engine stalling.
- 2004 Model Year: Fuel issues led to 400,000 recalls.
- 2006 Model Year: Roughly 650,000 had electrical problems.
Ford Explorer service bulletins are also helpful. They tell about known model issues and fixes. Between 2002-2005, many bulletins were released due to different problems.
Ford Explorer recalls and Ford Explorer service bulletins are crucial to keep up with. They help ensure your car runs well and stays safe.
Conclusion
When looking at used cars, the Ford Explorer buying guide is a key tool for a wise choice. It clearly points out the trouble with the models from 2002 to 2006.
These include transmission issues, engine problems, and complaints about body and paint. This info helps you steer clear of the same troubles many have faced.
The study reveals that Explorers made after 2007 got much better. Models from 2008 to 2010 and those redesigned after 2016 are more reliable and perform better.
For instance, the 2020 model showcases big improvements in style and how it works. It marks a big step forward for the Explorer series.
But there’s more to think about than just the year it was made. You should consider how much it costs to keep the car running, which can be about $732 a year.
Big repairs, like fixing the transmission for $3,500, show why it’s important to check the car carefully before buying.
Looking at the car’s history can reveal past repairs or recalls. This way, you’re making a smart investment, avoiding unexpected costs, and feeling good about your choice.
FAQs
What year Ford Explorer should I avoid?
Avoid the Ford Explorer from 2002 to 2006. These years have many problems like transmission failures, engine issues, and body complaints.
Why is the 2002 Ford Explorer problematic?
The 2002 Ford Explorer has big problems. It’s known for transmission troubles, engine failures, and lots of body and paint complaints.
Are there specific issues with the 2003 Ford Explorer?
Yes, the 2003 model has its own set of problems. It struggles with body and paint issues, and also has drivetrain and suspension troubles. This makes it a risky choice.
What are the main complaints about the 2004 Ford Explorer?
People often complain about the 2004 Ford Explorer. It has transmission problems, body complaints, and the engine repairs can cost a lot.
What’s wrong with the 2005 Ford Explorer?
Transmission failures and other problems plague the 2005 Ford Explorer. It has both interior and exterior issues, which are costly and annoying to fix.
What known issues does the 2006 Ford Explorer have?
The 2006 Ford Explorer faces engine and transmission issues. There are also big concerns about its overall reliability.
How do I identify the most reliable Ford Explorer model years?
Looking into user reviews and consumer reports are good ways to find reliable models. Newer models tend to be better, with fewer problems.
Are there any significant Ford Explorer recalls?
Yes, there have been key recalls for the Ford Explorer. These involve transmission, engine, and electrical problems. It’s wise to check the NHTSA website for recall details.
What are some common problems in recent Ford Explorer models?
Recent models are mostly reliable, but some issues still exist. These include minor electrical problems and occasional software glitches, but they’re not as severe as in older models.
