I am looking to buy a 2002 or newer used explorer. What problems do they have I should be aware of? Are they still a decent vehicle to own. I had a 95 that was just totalled and it was always rather depedable(200,000 miles) with one trans rebuild at 185,000. I read somwhere there are trans problems is this true. Well any info would be great.

Thanks, Jason

 

the newer generation explorers have lots of wheel bearing problems, especially in the northern states. Also they have rear differential problems (if limited slip) due to worn clutches in the diff... leaking rear axle seals (ford has updated the design at least 5 times as a result)... and transmission solenoid problems.

Before you buy do this... look at the rear axles where it goes into the differential. These have independant suspension in the rear and use CV axles, just like front wheel drive vehicles. Look for wetness there. If it's dry then I can almost guarantee it's been fixed already.

Drive it... pay attention to vibration or excessive "road noise", particularly a grumbling sound or "feel" in the steering. If it's all smooth then do some accelerating during sharp parking-lot type maneuvers. If you feel something like a slipping transmission or a weird quick vibration when you hit the gas the rear differential has issues.

Last but not least keep your foot on the brake and continuously move the selector from R to D to R to D about 20 or 30 times. It should go right into gear without a studder. If when putting it into reverse it takes several seconds then SLAMS into gear, then the transmission solenoid is trash (about a $600 part).

Most of these problems should have been corrected before the car was out of warranty though. I'm not saying it a bad truck.. I'd love to have one myself, but they had a few quirky issues, especially 02/03's. Other than that, it's a good driving truck with plenty of pep and a solid engine. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the info. I will definitely check those things before comitting to buy.

Jason