Transmission Fluid change and fill. The average price of a 2005 Ford Explorer transmission fluid change can vary depending on location. Get a free detailed estimate for a transmission fluid change in your area from KBB.com. CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2002-2005 Explorer has a very well-established record of expensive transmission failure at under 100k miles. The Explorer has an enclosed transmission which is.
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2005 Ford Explorer (Page 1 of 2)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2002-2005 Explorer has a very well-established record of expensive transmission failure at under 100k miles. The Explorer has an enclosed transmission which is typically replaced with a rebuilt transmission at a cost of almost $3,000.
Adding insult to injury, the 2002-2005 Explorer also has a massive problem with the rear panel cracking. While it's a minor annoyance compared to transmission failure, ironically the crack usually goes right through the Ford logo.
- Typical Repair Cost:
- $2,810
- Average Mileage:
- 93,900 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 22 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
- not sure (13 reports)
- replace transmission (7 reports)
- rebuild transmission / rebore bushings (2 reports)
transmission problem
Helpful websites
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2005 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)
problem #22Explorer Eddie Bauer
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
Started not wanting to go into reverse without revving up and then it started having issues in when in drive. This will be the 2nd 2005 Ford Explorer in our family to have this issue. Have not gotten it fixed due to it costing so much. Ford, I am sure, is aware of this problem and needs to issue a recall and replace these transmissions at no charge to the consumer.
- Pamela E., Rossville, US
problem #21Explorer XLT 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
I purchased my explorer, used at a local Ford dealer in November of 2016. I only use my truck to go to the doctor's for my autistic son and to the grocery store. I began having problems with my truck slipping and hard shifting into 2nd gear. I took it back to the dealer where I bought it and they told me that this was a normal Ford issue and sent me on my way. Within the last few months I have noticed that 2nd gear is getting worse and now I am having a hard shifting into reverse. My truck hesitates while shifting into reverse and then the truck lunges backward even with my foot on the brake. This is a real issue, and not everyone has the 3000 it takes to have a new transmission put in. I knew Fords have there problems, but I feel like I have been taken advantage of, especially when I buy something from a reputable Ford dealer. They just did not care and I had a warranty on my truck. I will never buy another Ford again. Ford needs to put a recall on the suv transmission before someone gets hurt or killed.
- Kristen M., Conestoga, US
problem #20Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 197,000 miles
need to have fixed/covered in order to drive. car won't go into reverse.
- bgriffith, Coventry, CT, US
problem #19Explorer XLT 2.4L 6 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 81,000 miles
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
No problems with transmission until one day it decided that it didn't like reverse. Car is well maintained and only has 81000 miles. I think this is a little early for a transmission failure. Major expense repair. Sealed transmission was probably the worst idea Ford has ever had. Second Ford I have had that experienced a transmission failure. Previous was a 97 Explorer, but at least it had 125000 miles on it.
- Martin A., Buffalo, NY, US
problem #18Explorer XLT 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
I bought the vehicle 2 years ago at 53000 miles on it. I use it to go to work and run normal errands. I never expected that I would need a new transmission at 78000 miles. This happened a couple months ago when I had no reverse when leaving work one night. Well I had previous issue but never related the two. I really hope there is a recall or customer loyalty program to help with this issue. I still have a year worth of payments now and no vehicle. Seems like it has been a huge issue and I think ford should own this and fix it. Really hoping for a recall or something I can't afford a tranny. Some one help. I did end up taking it to the shop and it went into failsafe mode the mechanic says my original complaint was the over drive going out on the interstate an the next thing to go would be reverse. He seemed to be very knowledgeable. He also said this is a major issue for this year and transmission.
- Tabbetha A., Miles City, MT, US
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problem2005 Ford Explorer Transmission Parts Diagram
#17Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 119,000 miles
I just purchased a 2009 Ford Explorer AWD from Northwest motor sports in Puyallup Wa. Big dumb ass mistake on my part. With in a week I noticed the transmission was not always shifting into reverse right away and then slamming into gear jumping backwards a few feet..
Called place where I bought it and of course my salesman wasn't in, gone for holidays..When did get a hold of him, I told him the problem and his first comment no hesitation was, sounds like trans is going out. DUH! Anyway, after acting dumb he said; well, I bought the truck as is. OK, my dumb! The next thing he said was I'll give you the number of our complaint dept. All I got there was tough bounce 'you bought it as is', a couple weeks ago, so there is nothing NORTHWEST MOTOR SPORTS, PUYALLUP, WA. nothing we can do for you because you didn't spend enough money on my rig. Not going back there and putting a sign on the back of my rig, 'NORTHWEST MOTOR SPORTS. :( '
But the salesman said he had worked for ford for 12 years before coming to NORTHWEST MOTOR SPORTS.
I know he knew my Explorer had trans problems but sold it anyway. they did give me a name of a good transmission rebuilder, and asked them to do it at his cost, not expense, so far bill is over $3400 bucks and not fixed yet! .. After I drove it some more I noticed it wasn't engaging into second gear under hard shifts. OK, we all on here have had these problems, Ford has built a crappy transmission with many failure points and should at least offer some help to all the never to own another ford product people on here. I may buy another Ford if they would do what's right by us..Even paying for defective parts would help a lot to us since it's their poor workmanship and parts that caused this complaint for at last 8 model years..!
At this point, BEWARE OF ALL FORD PRODUCTS, FOR DOESN'T CARE ABOUT YOU AFTER THE SALE, this ongoing transmission and other Explorer issues Ford has turned it's back on is all the proof you need..Plus beware of nice to your face salesman, they only smile until you sign your name on the dotted line, then they go to their manager and have a good belly laugh. Only bright side is, my Explorer will be back in my hands soon..:) until the next time some thing goes wrong..Already have new wheel bearing hubs on the way..
- dumbfordowner, Bonney Lake, WA, US
problem #16Explorer UT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 94,000 miles
Please call Ford Consumer Affairs at 1 800 392-3673 to let them know of this issue and The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1 888 327-4236 to not only make them aware of the issue, but hopefully recall our Explorers and have Ford repair the faulty transmissions.
Our Explorer was purchased in 2005 with only 5,000ish miles on it and has been regularly maintained. In summer of 2015, it started making loud noises when the car was set to reverse. It would jolt backwards instead of slowly reversing like a vehicle should. I Googled the problem and saw other people complaining about the same thing, Explorers that had been well taking care of, failing to reverse. We took it to a transmission specialist and they said it would be 3 to 4 thousand dollars to fix and that the transmission had just worn out and wasn't build to last. After about 2 months of the loud noise and jolting when in reverse, the car wouldn't reverse at all.
I didn't think we should have to pay for a faulty transmission so I called Ford and asked if there was anything they could do about the issue. The customer service representative was rude and said that there wasn't and to just take it to a Ford dealership and refused to acknowledge that it was their fault. They asked for the VIN number and said they'd write it down, but that there needed to be more reported issues. I told them it was dangerous and that it should be recalled. He gave me the number to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, who is in charge of recalls, and told me to report it to them.
I called and was greeted by a friendly employee who wrote down all the details and said they would investigate Ford. After I was done talking to them, they sent me an email with a hyperlink so I can edit it report if I happened to get more details. I urge all people who have trouble with their vehicles that was a manufacturers defect, to call the manufacturer and NHTSA to report it so something can be done by the manufacturer to repair it, Ford in this case, since it was not the owners fault.
- lurim, Hood River, OR, US
problem #15Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 81,000 miles
This is my second Ford Explorer. I've been a loyal Ford gal my whole life. My car is a 2005 and only has 82k miles. Recently it has been SLAMMING into reverse. All over the internet are people complaining about this 2005 model having transmission problems between 60-80k miles. I'm debating on trashing it or having the transmission replaced. I haven't been able to find anyone else who has a solution. My father and all his friends who are car-building fools are stumped.
This is a design flaw. Ford should be replacing my transmission despite the fact it is 10 years old. It has the miles of a 4 year old car. If they don't step up I'm pretty sure I will no longer be a loyal Ford customer. Maybe I'll buy a Toyota
- L. M., Kennewick, WA, US
problem #14Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 209,800 miles
I bought this explorer because my mom had a 1996, and had very few problems so I thought that it was going to be a good vehicle. It has been for the most part. Then I started having trouble with reverse. First it would go into reverse with a hard like dropping sound, then it would make a grinding sound as it was going backwards. And now it doesn't want to go in reverse at all. Been in the Ford house in abilene, tx since Monday morning, and they finally call Wednesday morning and tell me basically I need a new transmission., and it will at least 5 days before I get it back. And that is not a promise. I think that since there has so many people complaining about the same problem that Ford should be forking over the money to fix these problems. But I guess that won't happen until somebody files a law suit against them, because that seems to be the only way to get their attention.
- Tonia W., Abilene, TX, US
problem #13Explorer XLT 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 107,000 miles
I thought I was going past the reverse gear to neutral when shifting out of park....after reading all the problems other people are having I realized this SUV is hazardous!
Ford has a responsibility to address this issue and give customers the quality expected when they buy it. I've always supported domestic manufacturing companies, but I feel the support (or respect) is not returned. Some one at Ford needs to step up and do the right thing for all the people who trusted their company and handed over a lot of money that helped Ford to stay in business, and in time generate a profit. Maybe some of the millions they spend on advertising should instead go to recall all the known issues that are financially killing the people who Trusted FORD to provide a quality product we all needed to depended on for years.
- John B., Phoenix, AZ, US
problem #12Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 148,000 miles
2005 Ford Explorer Transmission Valve Assembly Replacement
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Ford Explorer started failing to back (go in reverse) without warning..hoped it would be a minor problem. NOT!!! Mechanic (Mr. Transmission) said band was broke and they would have to rebuild transmission. He said it was nothing I had done wrong - the transmission had simply worn out, Bought vehicle new in 2005- took care of it and hoped it would service me well for many years. Less than 150K miles and transmission worn out-.very disappointed with my Ford and the quality of the product. I just wonder what will wear out next? If and when I shop for my next car - Fod will not be on the list.
p.s I also have that dang cracked panel on the back panel like every other Ford Explorer owner..so annoying but lived with that, but transmission worn out! Ford - take care of your customers or you won't' have any!!!
- s3howard, Central, SX, US
problem #11Explorer Eddie Bauer 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
The 2005 Ford Explorer (Exploder) transmission is junk. Took into Orchid Isle Ford dealership multiple times to let them know problem was occurring they would always just tell us they didn't notice it and the computer said there was no problem. Took back just last week and asked them to test drive again and when came to pick up they told me that I will need my transmission replaced. I asked how and he said that the tech could smell it ..yes the tech could tell by smelling the transmission fluid during the oil change. Weaksauce. Went to look online and there are thousands of complaints about this transmission problem. What happened to Ford tough?
- Justin V., Kailua Kona, HI, US
problem #10Explorer XLS 4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 0 miles
Watch mission impossible fallout 2018 putlocker. Within 3 days of driving the vehicle off the lot my Explorer stalled out at the traffic light while on my way back to the dealership. I was assured that it was the car's computer system getting used to my driving. While it never stalled like that again it has always hesitated when put into reverse force me to apply more and more pressure to the gas pedal, then suddenly the SUV will lurch backward. Sometimes the tires squeal. I am afraid that while I am fooling around trying to get my vehicle to backup that someone will walk behind my car from the side, not see my backup lights and while they're right behind my SUV, the transmission will kick in. There is quite a bit of force when it does go and I believe it may be enough to kill a person.
- 2005ford, South Florida, FL, US
problem #9Explorer Eddie Bauers V8
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
Transmission doesn't reverse, drive 2nd gear and slipping check transmission lite O/D light everything seems wrong. What I shall I do?
- shufiber, Farmington Hills, MI, US
problem #8Explorer LX V8
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
No reason or sign transmission was going to fail, according to all the certified mechanics this is a common problem with Ford especially explorers. They said Ford built a bad transmission they knew it and began selling updated kits to repair problems as they came up. If you ask me this is a deceptive trade practice! They knew they had a built a bad product and instead of fixing it, they sold parts 'SOLD' a way to make more money. And for the the consumer a huge burden and expense! $2650.00 to repair a transmission that never should have occurred with the amount of miles. Speaking to several Ford explorer owners in the last week, they all have had transmission problems. Ford probably hasn't been ordered to do anything to fix the problem, because individuals are left so distressed with the financial set back and no choice but to fix the problem that they have and move on and deal with the problems this set back causes them financially. I can be really pissed off and tell Ford exactly what set back they caused to me. I'm not going to waste more energy on it. I will continue to advocate to people to file complaints.
- einsatx, San Antonio, TX, US
problem #7Explorer Eddie Bauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
At about 60,000 miles I noticed an occasional hesitation when going from park to reverse. Nothing for 3 or 4 seconds, then a loud slamming clunk when it engaged. It happened maybe 1 out of 6-8 shifts. I took it to two different places, including Ford and both said I needed a rebuild that would cost around 2,500 to 3,000 dollars. A transmission rebuild at 60K? Please!!! I've babied this car since new never driving it hard and having all the scheduled maintenance done including changing the trans fluid. After a lot of research I learned Ford used pathetic aluminum bushings along with other cheap parts and as a result have had massive problems with it. Naturally, Ford won't do anything about the problem. I read enough comments here and elsewhere to understand that I had to get out of the car as the problem was only going to get worse and eventually fail, so I traded it.
There's a myriad of similarly negative comments on the 2004 to 2006 Ford Explorer transmission problems which tells me there's entirely too many people that's been left out in the cold with this issue. I won't ever buy another cheaply made Ford.. ever. I will also steer anyone I can away from them any chance I get.
- texas jack, Plano, TX, US
problem #6Explorer XL V6
- Automatic transmission
- 26,500 miles
When I first bought the car from Town and Country Ford in Evansville Indiana I took my vehicle which was bought used with 26000 miles on it from them, back in 8-10 times telling them the vehicle jerked in reverse and heard a roaring sound. Each time I was told 'could not duplicate customers concern' I was not the only one who drove the car and felt the intense jerk of the vehicle in reverse. I kept complaining with no luck went to service manager and still nothing! I had to keep driving the vehicle as it got worse and worse and louder and louder. When warranty finally ran out I took it back over and seen if they could find the problem...WOW they found it reverse pinion out! They would only charge 1000 to fix it. Now the vehicle has finally completely broken down and I am stuck fixing it with 4 payments left on it. It won't even drive in reverse now!! DO NOT EVER BUY FROM TOWN AND COUNTRY FORD IN EVANSVILLE INDIANA they will NOT stand behind their vehicles!!!!!!!
- hoboky, Henderson, KY, US
problem #5Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 106,000 miles
Bought this truck and noticed that is took along time to shift into gear especially in reverse. It hesitates for about three to 4 seconds. If your foot is not on the brake it will roll forward. If you are on an incline it can be very dangerous or God forbid you work near a place where children are present. The truck also lunges when you first put it into Gear. It is a very serious issue. Think Ford should issue a recall and fix this problem as I see they are very aware of it. Come on Ford, I know they have a recall investigation going on for this and I would like to be notified if this becomes official and Ford actually stands behind what they sell as a so called superior product. Or is FORD just what they say 'Fix Or Repair Daily' ??????????????? Lets hear what you have to say FORD!!!!!!!
- Jack C., Cudahy, WI, US
problem #4Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 49,227 miles
We purchased this 2005 explorer used .We drove it a day or so and noticed when we put the vehicle in reverse it would hesitate and then shift hard into reverse.So we took it back to the dealer we purchased it from and they told us it had been checked and that nothing was wrong with it ,we ask for the carfax and finally recieved it ,and no transmission problems.as I write this I wish we would of taken the vehicle back and told them to stick it up their ass. because now you can guess what we are fixing to have to put in this vehicle ! I should of put my username ass tennnessee dumb ass!
- sarahtennessee, Dandridge, TN, US
problem #3Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 52,000 miles
Not that long ago, I got into my vehicle to leave a store, and when I put the car into reverse, the only thing the vehicle did was sound like it was moving. So, thinking that I might have it in neutral and not all the way into reverse, I put the vehicle back into park and then back into reverse. This time, same thing. On the third try, once again shifting it back into park and then back into reverse, the vehicle just darted backwards! It scared the crap out of me because when I say it 'darted' backwards, it really did dart! So, I thought that maybe it was a fluke and continued on my way home. While going down the interstate, I went to go around a slower vehicle. I pushed on the gas and all the vehicle did was rev up the rpms, it didn't go any faster like it should. But after I took my foot completely off of the gas pedal, the vehicle just decided that it would accelerate! The vehicle didn't do anything weird for a couple more days, but then it did the reverse thing again while I was leaving the doctor's office. I looked up the vehicle's service bulletins/recalls and found that there was a service bulletin for the harsh reverse, but only for vehicles built in 2004. Mine was built in March 2005. So now I guess I'll put the ting up for sale before I need to get the tranny fixed. Thanks a lot Ford!
- erica1483, Auburn, IN, US
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- March 12: Ford Tire Recall Affects F-150, F-250, F-350, Escaperecalls | 34 days ago
- March 12: Ford Recalls 2.9 Million Vehicles To Replace Takata Airbagsrecalls | 34 days ago
Transmission Problems
CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2002-2005 Explorer has a very well-established record of expensive transmission failure at under 100k miles. The Explorer has an enclosed transmission which is typically replaced with a rebuilt transmission at a cost of almost $3,000.
Adding insult to injury, the 2002-2005 Explorer also has a massive problem with the rear panel cracking. While it's a minor annoyance compared to transmission failure, ironically the crack usually goes right through the Ford logo.
2005 Ford Explorer Transmission Problems
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