POSITIVE 2011-2013 Ford Explorer Experiences

[RonJrSVCMGR]

For the folks looking to purchase a new Ford Explorer, we would like to hear your POSITIVE experiences with your current 2011-2013 Ford Explorer. The issues folks are having we are all aware of and are in the other posts below and in other thread categories. If someone comes to these forums to post, it is often because they are experiencing issues and are looking for others that have the same issues. Let's keep this positive and let folks know they will be likely to have the same experience as you.

Also, if you have had good experiences with MyFord Touch, please list the phone you are syncing with MFT and anything you do to make MFT work better.

Thanks in advance.

[ronninco]

I purchased my 2011 Explorer Limited w/302a and tow, 11 months ago. The build date is late June, 2011. The vehicle has 16,000 miles on it and has been driven from Colorado to South Carolina, and from South Carolina to California, and then returned to Colorado. The only component I had to have repaired was the sensor for the Rain Sensing Wiper system. And that repair was done during a routine oil change. Every other system on the vehicle has worked perfectly. I had no problems with MFT even before I had the MFT upgrade installed. I have an I Phone 4 connected. This is my 4th Explorer (84 XLT, 96 LTD, 02 EB) and by far, the best one. I quickly became addicted to BLIS, Adaptive Cruise Contro, Remote Start, and the HID Headlamps. Maybe I lucked out because mine was built late in the 2011 model year. Whatever the reason, I really enjoy owning, and driving, my 2011 Explorer.

[FordCustSrvc]

Originally Posted by RonJrSVCMGR

For the folks looking to purchase a new Ford Explorer, we would like to hear your POSITIVE experiences with your current 2011-2013 Ford Explorer...

Great idea, RonJrSVCMGR! I’m sure we’ll see a lot of positivity.

Originally Posted by ronninco

...Every other system on the vehicle has worked perfectly. I had no problems with MFT even before I had the MFT upgrade installed. I have an I Phone 4 connected. This is my 4th Explorer (84 XLT, 96 LTD, 02 EB) and by far, the best one. I quickly became addicted to BLIS, Adaptive Cruise Contro, Remote Start, and the HID Headlamps...

I appreciate you taking the time to post all that, ronninco! Thanks for being part of the Ford Family.

Cory

[CajunFordEx]

Well here goes - We ordered our 2011XLT back in March 2011 at Acadiana Ford in Kaplan La. We were told by the salesman that it could take up to 12 weeks before delivery. Wife said she didn't care(her truck).I told her to get what SHE wanted so I didn't have to hear her whine.I also told her & the salesman that it had to have the towing package and the all weather mats.She ordered a XLT because she wanted the Gold Leaf Metallic color.She also got the MFT,and the automatic rear hatch.It came in on her birthday May25 2011! She was very happy.We presently have only 10k miles on it and it has been wonderful.Only problem was the "A" pillar noise and the dealer fixed it promptly and it's yet to return.No problems whatsoever with the MFT(no nav).I upgraded from 2.8 to the new version myself in April this year and no problems.When I saw the "performing system maintenance" during the update I said to myself "So THAT's what they were all saying on the forum". I just recently registered but have been lurking for years.Months after purchasing,I added the bug shield,AVS in channel window visors,rear bumper protector and mud flaps.Wife is happy and so am I. This is the first Explorer we have owned but it's the tenth Ford.My first Ford was a 1959 F100 that I got when I was 15 years old.Wish I still had it now. We are also rough on our vehicles living down here in the swamps and lots of gravel roads.Sorry for being so long winded.

Edit: Forgot about the phone part. I have an older model Nokia Fold(model 3710 I think) that connects to MFT quickly first time and stays connected and works great. Wife has used an IPhone4 with no problems until the darn phone quit working,a Galaxy Mini that never stays connected and another Samsung Galaxy that also never stays connected.

[davlee88]

had my 2013 explorer 2wd limited for about a month and 1200 miles. No problem that need dealer attention. Sync / GPS works great. reboot only once plus 1 time usb issue.

Phone: samsung Google Nexus S 4g. All i can say is it works. Stream Pandora a few time.

[TxRanger351w]

In spite of all the little hiccups and bugs, I really like our Explorer. I just posted in another thread about first year blues (which is to be expected on such complex products.) We actually talked about trading up to a 2013 Limited or Sport.

The ride is great, the new platform really makes long trips bearable. Our fuel mileage is better than average (I can get 24 MPG combined, my wife only 20!?)

I wouldn't use the vehicle as a regular tow pig, but I recently had a hitch installed w/ brake controller and pulled a trailer on a 300 mile round trip to move my brother-in-law back from college. It handled it very well in hilly terrain. The car was loaded down as well.

It's been obvious that Ford has made measured strides to compete with Toyota and other manufacturers in the area of "perceived quality." Glad to say that we have one of each parked out front, and would seriously consider putting another Ford in the driveway.

[JDraper]

My Explorer has been pretty good. The new version of MFT has worked well for me and I don't have many of the problems that others have reported. I have had my fans replaced and some other minor things done, but I'm pretty happy with my X.

[VinceL]

We love ours. Our recent road trip in the Gray Ghost just cemented that feeling. It really is a great car.

[harlenm]

I'm one of the negative people on this board with quite a few issues. I'm going to add that I really like the car, and it offers a lot compared to the competition. Once I get my MFT and Nav issues figured out, I will be really happy with it. It is otherwise a great vehicle.

[RonJrSVCMGR]

Originally Posted by harlenm

I'm one of the negative people on this board with quite a few issues. I'm going to add that I really like the car, and it offers a lot compared to the competition. Once I get my MFT and Nav issues figured out, I will be really happy with it. It is otherwise a great vehicle.

Thanks, Harlen. That means alot to me and others considering one. Ironically, of those customers I do see that have similar issues to yours, say their Explorer is the best vehicle they have every owned, otherwise. Thanks for the post! They will resolve the MFT concern eventually (hopefully sooner than later).

[harlenm]

Originally Posted by RonJrSVCMGR

Thanks, Harlen. That means alot to me and others considering one. Ironically, of those customers I do see that have similar issues to yours, say their Explorer is the best vehicle they have every owned, otherwise. Thanks for the post! They will resolve the MFT concern eventually (hopefully sooner than later).

I think my anger and frustration is more directed at my dealer and at FoMoCo for their inability to get the problem resolved quickly. I was told from the new dealer that as soon as they announced an upgrade to MFT, all problems were to be diagnosed as a software issue and to wait until after the upgrade to see if that fixes it. I'm sorry, but I think that is the stupidest thought ever. I had to suffer with an inoperable Nav for way too long, and the mentality that its strictly a software issue shouldn't have been the way to handle it. There is a part that will take an hour to replace and can possibly fix the issue, and they didn't attempt to do this when I first complained? That was an extremely poor decision, in my opinion.

[RonJrSVCMGR]

Harlen,

Let me know if the APIM works. Has not fixed the last two we had.

[gdecamp]

Originally Posted by harlenm

I was told from the new dealer that as soon as they announced an upgrade to MFT, all problems were to be diagnosed as a software issue and to wait until after the upgrade to see if that fixes it. ...

That's what happened to me as well which really got me pissied off at Ford.

If I did not have the MFT problems I would be happy as can be. The car is comfy, handles great, beautiful to look at.

That said MFT has even been pretty good to me lately.

[harlenm]

Originally Posted by RonJrSVCMGR

Harlen,

Let me know if the APIM works. Has not fixed the last two we had.

Not what I want to hear.

[briteboy]

Best car we ever owned...period.

Great ride, great styling, and unbelievable gas mileage for a ride this big.

Got the V-6 XLT, leather, MFT, and nav.

Bought one for the wife. Drove it once, and said I've GOT to get me one of these. And I did.

We are the proud parents of Twins!

[FordCustSrvc]

Originally Posted by CajunFordEx

...We presently have only 10k miles on it and it has been wonderful.Only problem was the "A" pillar noise and the dealer fixed it promptly and it's yet to return.No problems whatsoever with the MFT(no nav)...
Edit: Forgot about the phone part. I have an older model Nokia Fold(model 3710 I think) that connects to MFT quickly first time and stays connected and works great. Wife has used an IPhone4 with no problems until the darn phone quit working,a Galaxy Mini that never stays connected and another Samsung Galaxy that also never stays connected.

Thanks for posting all that, CajunFordEx! What are you referring to when you say “never stays connected?” Have you tried contacting Rebecca (FordIVTteam) on the In-Vehicle Technology team? She’s awesome!

Originally Posted by davlee88

had my 2013 explorer 2wd limited for about a month and 1200 miles. No problem that need dealer attention. Sync / GPS works great...

Originally Posted by TxRanger351w

...The ride is great, the new platform really makes long trips bearable. Our fuel mileage is better than average (I can get 24 MPG combined, my wife only 20!?)...

Originally Posted by JDraper

My Explorer has been pretty good. The new version of MFT has worked well for me and I don't have many of the problems that others have reported. I have had my fans replaced and some other minor things done, but I'm pretty happy with my X.

Originally Posted by VinceL

We love ours. Our recent road trip in the Gray Ghost just cemented that feeling. It really is a great car.

Originally Posted by briteboy

Best car we ever owned...period.

Great ride, great styling, and unbelievable gas mileage for a ride this big.

...Bought one for the wife. Drove it once, and said I've GOT to get me one of these. And I did...

davlee88, TxRanger351w, JDraper, VinceL, & briteboy,

Thanks for sharing your experiences, guys!

Originally Posted by harlenm

I'm one of the negative people on this board with quite a few issues. I'm going to add that I really like the car, and it offers a lot compared to the competition. Once I get my MFT and Nav issues figured out, I will be really happy with it. It is otherwise a great vehicle.

harlenm,

I confirmed you have a follow-up scheduled; let me know if you’d like a call sooner.

Originally Posted by gdecamp

...If I did not have the MFT problems I would be happy as can be. The car is comfy, handles great, beautiful to look at.

That said MFT has even been pretty good to me lately...

Are you still experiencing problems, gdecamp? As I mentioned above, Rebecca (FordIVTteam) on the In-Vehicle Technology team is happy to help with troubleshooting.

Cory

[harlenm]

Originally Posted by FordCustSrvc

harlenm,

I confirmed you have a follow-up scheduled; let me know if you’d like a call sooner.


Cory

Got a call before from Angela(I think that is her name). She spoke to dealer and they are waiting for APIM to come in. Hopefully it comes soon cause I'm leaving for vacation next week.

[FordCustSrvc]

Originally Posted by harlenm

Got a call before from Angela(I think that is her name). She spoke to dealer and they are waiting for APIM to come in. Hopefully it comes soon cause I'm leaving for vacation next week.

harlenm,

You’re in good hands with Angela. Shoot me a PM and I can forward the details before your next scheduled call.

Cory

[RonJrSVCMGR]

I agree! Angela is our Customer Service Rep and she does a GREAT job!

[CajunFordEx]

Originally Posted by FordCustSrvc
"Thanks for posting all that, CajunFordEx! What are you referring to when you say “never stays connected?” Have you tried contacting Rebecca (FordIVTteam) on the In-Vehicle Technology team? She’s awesome!"


No need to contact Rebecca for this Cory. I can assure anyone that what I said in that post was even told to us by the phone company that it was a problem with the phones(Samsung) and not MyFordTouch. We tried everything mentioned on this board and then some with same results.The Samsung Android phones just drop off randomly and is hit or miss as to if it will connect back at all until you turn off the phone and turn it back on. MyFordTouch will always try to establish a reconnection with the phones failing to do it's part. Not a problem with our Iphone or Nokia.Also we are not the only ones here with that problem,but Thanks for the advice.