Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Ford Explorer
Ford Explorer Models:
Ford Explorer Problems
A Cosmetic Crack May Develop on the Liftgate
A cosmetic crack may develop on the plastic liftgate trim panel. Ford has released a service procedure to replace the applique without damage the the liftgate glass.
Heater Stuck on Hottest Setting Due to Broken Heater Blend Door
A failed heater blend door or actuator can cause the temperature control for the HVAC system to stop working. A clicking sound from the dash area would commonly indicate an actuator fault. If the heater gets stuck on the hottest setting, the heater blend door may be broken requiring replacement of the heater box to repair the issue.
Rear Wiper May Not Fully Contact Rear Window
The rear window wiper may not fully contact the rear window. Our technicians tell us that replacing both the wiper blade and wiper arm will generally correct this issue.
Vacuum Leak From Intake Manifold O-Ring Gaskets
The intake manifold O-ring gaskets commonly leak, causing stalling and poor idle quality; the Check Engine Light will illuminate.
Worn Timing Chain Cassettes May Cause Rattling Noise From Engine
A rattling noise from the engine may indicate that the timing chain cassette is worn. Our technicians tell us that installing an updated cassette and timing chain tensioner should correct this concern.
Ford Explorer Recalls (Recent)
Recliner on Second Row Seat May Fail
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The seat recliner may fail on the second row seat. In the event of a crash, the seat back may not provide the required strength, which can increase the risk of injury. Ford will repair the seats free of charge. This recall is scheduled to begin on February 14, 2011. The Ford recall number is 11C15.
Learn more »Ford and Mercury Recall 2010 Models for Improper Seat Back Retention Requirements
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Ford has recalled certain 2010 model year Ford Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac, Fusion, and Fusion Hybrid vehicles along with Mercury Mountaineer, Milan, and Milan Hybrid vehicles for an issue with the front seat backs equipped with manual recliner mechanisms. In the event of a crash, the seat back and head restraint may move rearward, increasing the risk of injury. This is due to incorrect specification in the design of the gear plate teeth on the seat back recliner. Dealers will replace the manual recliners free of charge.
Learn more »Lincoln Town Car Recall 07V336000
Summary: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Learn more »Mercury Mountaineer Recall 06V286000
Summary: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Learn more »Steering Gear Attachment Bolts May Break
RepairPal Expert Overview:
11 vehicles are being recalled because the two bolts attaching the steering gear to the frame may have been overtightened. As a result, one or both bolts could break and cause the steering gear to become loose, reducing steering effectiveness and increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and nuts. This recall is expected to begin on April 27, 2007. The Ford recall number is 07S52.
Learn more »
Ford Explorer Questions and Answers
what would cause a trans. to just all of a sudden lose reverse and start leaking fluid out the over flow tube. it was -15 degrees that day. just wondering what's going on here. thanks rich
when i turn on the blower motor to get heat while driving the engine shuts off and when i try to restart there is no response from the ignition and radio.. however the headlights and emergency flas...
i just got a 91 ford explorer. and it was slipping so i checked the fluid and it was a low so i toped it off. and now its fine if i drive it slow. but if i give it the gas. it fills like its slippi...
i own a ford explorer. and it slips from stop. what can i do other rebiulding the trans?
Driving down the road and came to a stop, engine died and wont start. turns over
Ford Explorer Stories
I'VE HAD THIS TRUCK FOR A WHILE AND I LOVE MY 5 SPEED BUT I GOT A NEW SEQUOIA AN LET IT SIT FOR A FEW YEARS SO NOW I AM HAVEING PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END HOW DO I FIX IT
BOUGHT A 99 XLT IN 2005 WITH APROX. 80,000 MILES. HANDLES GOOD IN ALL WEATHER. HAD TO REPLACE TIMING COVER GASKET IN 2007 AND TRANS. WENT IN 2008 (SUPPOSEDLY A SEAL) HAVE TO ADD A QT. OF OIL EVERY 1K-1500 MILES DUE TO REAR MAIN LEAK (V-8) NEEDS ANOTHER WHELL BEARING AND A FEW MINOR PROBLEMS. FOR THE MOST PART IT'S STRONG AND DEPENDABLE AND CURRENTLY HAS 256,000 MILES.
Warning about 2003 Ford Explorer. Per my mechanic this model year and even through 2005 it is almost an expectation, a guarantee, that the TRANSMISSION WILL HAVE TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED. I have 171,000 miles on mine and the "O/D Light" and "Check Engine Soon" light have been flashing for the last 10,000 miles. If your "O/D Light" starts flashing or "Check Engine Light" stays on the majority of the time or for that matter even starts to flash a little, guaranteed you are SCREWED, SCREWED, SCREWED. Do not kid yourself. You will be out at least $1,800 up to $4,000. The majority of my miles are highway miles and I have babied this vehicle since purchasing it. I had the same thing happen to my 1994 Explorer as well at 185,000 miles. I have loved my Explorers, but will never purchase one again, never. I should have gotten the message the first time. My mechanic told me there is a reason that his family has 7 Nissans of various models. I think I will be switching to a Nissan from now on.
I have had my 06' Explorer for 6 years - bought it new. The only problems I've had is the radiator going out at 60,000 and the fan motor for the heater melting. I haven't had to replace the brakes yet and I am at 110,000 miles! Will be doing that soon even though the mechanic says it's not necessary.
I absolutely love this car! It is great in the snow here in Colorado and I lug around a large dog and 3 kids every day. Great car...
91 Ford Explorer- I have a vehicle now that is 20 years old and the mileage is now at 402,000 mi. Purchased in '93 with about 50K miles.I have personally done about 100 oil changes now. I have used Pennz. 20W50 oil and Fram filters for most of its life. I fitted the oil drain hole with a valve to be used with a short hose having screw on fitting that opens as you hand thread on. (No wrench required!!) The filter is easy to do along with the vehicle height= easy access. I have maintained it myself except for transmission rebuilds. (Prob. 3-4) average cost each $1200 only soft parts & torque converter. I figured it costs you about a penny a mile not to manually shift. I have never had the valve covers off however they leak some oil. The paint (forest green) is showing primer just on top surfaces. I've done many spark plug changes using conventional plugs @$1.50 each. Driver side ones are a breeze and passenger side 1 rear plug easier from under near oil filter. I am seeing oil deposits on cylinder #5 plug now with a little decrease in power. I installed a cat-back Flowmaster exhaust/muffler after the factory setup rusted through. Only suspension prob. are inexpensive nylon bushings on the front struts which will wear some. If you put a small cooler in front and route the power steering fluid thru it, it keeps seals and fluid fresh for a long time. (Like the stock oil cooler but smaller) The plug wires and hoses are now 20 years old. Protect them from chafing. Most all engine bolt on devices (pumps,etc.) have been replaced once. Belts, tires and shocks more. I don't think I could have had any thing more reliable except when the battery gave up about every 4 years.