First up was rebuilding the transmission (re-builder said it had been rebuilt previously, so this vehicle is on at least it's third tranny).
Then the transfer case went out. Six months later it went out again (i use my 4 wheel drive).
Brakes need to be done almost as frequently as oil changes.
The rear end of the vehicle sags.
The check engine light comes on anytime you take a long trip. A new max airflow sensor and $500 later it still comes on during long trips.
The motor mount broke off the frame, requiring the frame to be re-welded. (140,000 miles)
The front fog-lights literally fell off the vehicle at about 120,000 miles.
The tape deck quit at about 100,000 miles, and the six disc changer quit working at about 170,000 miles.
The right rear door cannot be opened from the inside, and was very difficult to open when we purchased the vehicle at 80,000 miles. It is not a child lock issue.
One of the key fobs quit working shortly after we bought the vehicle.
This is a very nice vehicle. The center console is nice and informative, the off road capability is quite good (when it works), and it is equally comfortable on the road at 75 MPH or off road at 10 MPH.
It is well designed truck that holds the family and all of our gear for long vacations very well.
If it wasn't in the shop so often I would really like this vehicle.
Hey guess what. This car now needs transmission number FOUR!
Not on my dime. I'm all done. Time for a trade in.
Hi, I'm a sad owner of my 1995 Ford Explorer with 230K km on the clock. I know one thing for sure, I will not buy another Ford. Transfer case broke around 200K, I replaced with used one (had only 130K on it) and have a feeling I will be doing it again soon. Transmission doesn't work properly and have very hard downshifts. Engine doesn't want to idle in a hot weather. Tailgate squeaks like crazy when driving over uneven terrain, rigidity of the frame and body is insufficient I suppose. Vechicle is covered with rust spots and it is only 10 years old. My previous Audi 5000 had no rust what so ever and it was almost 20 years old. However Explorer have very comfortable ride, good fuel consumption (surprisingly its almost the same as my Audi 5000 with 2.3 litre engine) and it is very cheap to own and operate.
I bought a Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer seven years ago with 98000 miles on it. It now has 180,000 and is still going strong. I have had no major mechanical problems with it and have really only had to do regular maintenance. I am currently thinking of getting a newer model vehicle as I am planning to do some traveling in the near future and am looking to buy ANOTHER EXPLORER!
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