Fixed vs Not So Fixed
Yes you bought a stinker. There's some in every bunch. Mine isn't and there are absolutely way more happy owners than disgruntled ones. Have you brought it to the dealer. Dealers fix the few complaints you have made. I say this as you didn't mention having any of these matters looked at. I had a few minor issues such as yours and they are all fixed. Squeaky wheel gets the oil. If you have my apologies to you. Luck of the draw.
I have no doubt that there must be more happy owners than those with my impression. I have been to the dealer for all three issues. They were able to correct the smell problem this week: I actually drove into the dealer while the smell was present, so the service adviser crawled under the car. It seems the Power Transfer Unit seal was leaking onto the exhaust. The dealership replaced the seal and flange. Hopefully, the problem is solved.
The vibrating A pillar continues in full vibrato, and has begun on the driver's side as well. I've read here about the use of silicone, tape and household weather sealing. I have electrical tape on mine at present. Frankly, this really pisses me off. I believe the only folks who will not have this problem are those who don't drive far or fast or in windy conditions. This is a design defect, and a deal killer in my opinion. Unless a design remedy (sheet metal) is presented this issue will rear itself again and again. A plastic covered A pillar is a flawed solution to a non-existent problem. I have been to the dealership on three occasions for this issue. They have done everything they can, including part replacement. Again, the issue is a design defect, not a dealership issue.
The MFT has been a subject of nearly every visit I have made to my dealer. Whether the problem is the failure of the GPS to determine my present location, the audio failing to recognize my iPod, the climate control going on full blower when it has a mind to or a complete black screen, unless the problem manifests itself during a visit, there is little that can be done. I don't really get that annoyed at the MFT that much. I understand it is a 'work in progress' and that fixes can be as simple as an update. I can live with this one... somewhat.
There's also the issue of a rough transmission, early and abrupt downshifting and no front parking assist sensors (in spite of the presence of sensors for the ACC). Small, even tiny issues, granted, but all the more stark when one considers the detail shown in designing other elements of the Explorer.
So, in spite of my criticisms, there is much to like about this vehicle. And, I'd like to own it for many years. However, I'll not resort to tape or silicone or weatherstripping, or cranking up my stereo to drown out the noise from my windshield. Dropping 45 large for this kind of defect is inexcusable, and no customer should have to come up with a solution for defective engineering.
All the above aside, my dealership (Heritage Ford in Burlington, VT) and the customer service representative from FOMOCO (Robin) have been very helpful. The plastic-pillar-problem is simply above their pay grade.
2012 Explorer LTD, AWD with 5466 miles. Purchased on 09/08/11
