I have a 2011 Explorer with the 3.5l engine. On a cold start, it has what sounds like a lifter ticking. It does it until it gets good and warm, then stops. It was down 1 qt of oil before the first oil change. we took it to the dealer for the service and they said the tick was normal and the oil usage was nothing to be concerned about! It's due for it's second oil change now and this time, the oil has remained at the full mark. It still has the tick when cold though. Also, the low oil pressure message came on once with my wife driving, but it went out and hasnt come back on. She drove straight to the dealer after it happened, and they just tried to convince her that she saw the change oil soon message and not to worry about it! Has anyone had or heard of any of these problems with the 3.5?

 

I have the same problem with the ticking on the 3.5. I should not have taken possesion of the car as it was present from day one. The dealer could not hear it at first, then admitted it was there the next time it was in for service, but they did not want to do anything until Ford made a recommendation with a TSB. Now the dealer says it is normal and cannot hear it. I am going to take it to another dealer.

I found a website that said they had to have the top half of the engine replaced because of the ticking. Cars of Summer: The Ford Explorer Goes Antiquing - U.S. News Best Cars