Hello all...Me and my significant other purchased a "100-point" inspected Ford Explorer about a month ago from a local Ford dealer. After much consideration we flat out fell in love with it after the test drive. Its the most comfortable, quiet, smooth, and nice handling SUV I have driven. Is very clean..and looks nowhere close to the mileage. Even still smells new. However...thats where the honeymoon ended....

Just interested to bounce my issues off of others here. Want to know if everyone has these issues...or just ours.

Vehicle: 2006 Ford Explorer XLT 4X4 4.0L auto 110K miles

Problems:
1. Drivers door spot-welds on hinges popping loose. Door makes a popping noise when opening and closing. Will eventually fall off i guess. Body shop says its common. Thin sheet metal.

2. Transmission has a mind of its own. Shifts feel sloppy. Gets "hung" in between 3-4 gear on hills intermittently and refuses to engage (go in gear) at all every so often. Strange noises heard every now and again from the transmission area at random times. Had fluid and filter changed. Filter was moderately dirty. Transmission shop said its not uncommon.

3. Paint coming off the roof in sheets exposing the grey primer.

4. 4 wheel drive engaged once on its own. Driving down a dry highway.

5. Cracked thermostat housing and radiator. (dealership covered these). Dealership mechanic admitted its common. This was found after the test drive. No anitfreeze was in the recovery tank either...(keep in mind the 100-point inspection)....

6. Rear defroster and associated wiring fell off rear window. Sitting in the driveway.

7. Still some sort of antifreeze leak. Intake manifold damp all the time.

8. Had to change rear diff fluid. Was dirty and full of shavings. No noise, etc.

I'm sure there is more. We love this vehicle...but don't know for how much longer. We dont buy vehicles that often. The last was a 2006 Corolla...that to this date has only needed one repair. A light bulb....and has the same mileage as the explorer.

So...is this really typical?

 

I have a 2003 and i love it. yeah it has its issues, most common
4.0 sohc engine= timing chain and tensioner problems. usually starts out with a pinging noise around 2500 to 2700 rpm. can be an expensive fix if you cant do it yourself.
Rear differential= these 8.8 rear ends are not as reliable as the old solid axle units of earlier explorers. the newer 2002 up explorers have Independent rear suspension and the housing is aluminum. troubles with wining noise at 50mph under acceleration is common.
I dont know about the 4x4 engaging on its own. maybe the 06 model has the vaccum controled hubs, i know the f150 4x4s will occaisonaly engage the teeth because the seals get worn and looses vaccum.
I really like my 03 and the few flaws ive mentioned ive already addressed.
didnt cost me alot of money as i made my own repairs. i can see how some folks get quite aggitated as these repairs can be costly.
Happy Explorations

 

Ok thanks. We really love the vehicle...maybe the problems will eventually work out.

 

If the 4x4 switch displays, Auto-4Hi-4Lo You have what is known as ControlTrac transfer case.
This T/C is electronically controlled and has an ELECTRO MAGNETIC CLUTCH which is energized whenever the hall sensors detect a differential in rotation.

Common cause:

• Tires slipping,
• different circumference tires,
• tires not inflated correctly,
• dirty/old fluid in T/C
• Cracked/damaged hall sensors.

... Philip