Water leaks were a hit or miss type of problems although they were more prevalent with earlier models. There is no one fix for all. As for the exhaust leak issue it seems that the latest 'fix' has had more success than previous ones. Check out the two threads on both for more info.
Personally I would still go with the 2016 because of some of the newer features. Those features also address some of the OP's concerns. Any issues that come up should be covered under warranty and I also take out the Ford ESP on my vehicles. The 2016 also has the 5 year unlimited mileage warranty on the corrosion issue on aluminum panels. Thanks for the info on the cameras.
I will definitely check it out.
All I can say is wow, that's what bothers me the most, Ford had 6+ years since the new gen was launched and still can't get some things right, those things at that price point shouldn't be recurring through the years. Then again, maybe that's why they depreciate like the titanic. Good for you that you got the extended warranty. And of course it makes sense to still want to buy one because it has a lot to offer, that's why I like it, but the problems make the decision harder. Each brand has their own problems, but for Ford to have the title of America's best, they need to make more effort.
Keep in mind that dealers do not always keep certain parts in stock and that requires ordering. Also, not every dealer, especially busy ones, can get a vehicle in right away to check out the problems. I'm guessing in some cases, those with scheduled appointments would take priority. As for the tire issue, that has nothing to do with the dealer. Tires are covered by their own manufacturer's warranty. No excuses for dealer caused issues but again, part has to be ordered and programmed. It's easy to point the finger at the dealership without having all relative information available.
The dealership may have expedited some repairs if the owner didn't have a rental. There is a nearby Ford dealership in Embrun (2 miles) yet I go to the Ford/Lincoln dealership in Casselman (15 miles) for sales and service because of their reputation.
I've used 3 dealers, depending. Let's get one thing straight though, with the exception of normal maintenance I would not be visiting any dealer if this Explorer Platinum was trouble free in the first place. How the problems were dealt with is a separate issue. The fact that the car still has occasional WOT 'no shift' issues (link) is a problem I live with because it is intermittent and the dealer(s) can't fix what they don't see.
My thoughts exactly, and I haven't owned one before, my opinion is based on complaints from owners, and if things are as bad as they seem or owners portray it to be, then I'm not sure if the problems outweigh the features.
Wow, that sucks, and the depreciation is a killer.
Keep in mind Peter, these posts are really considered "outliers", as the subset is really quite small, especially when you consider the amount of Explorers sold and overall customer satisfaction. Most owners are not going to go online, join a forum and expel the wonderful virtues of their ownership experience (its the same for any vehicle really). I recently got rid of 2015 Camry that had crazy fit and finish issues and noises coming from the suspension that Toyota and the dealer could never quite figure out. Toyota's are a great car, but, if you took my experience (and several others on the Camry forum) to heart, you would never buy one. But, overall, you can't really go wrong with buying a Camry. The same holds true with the Explorer, if you read stories in an internet Forum about almost any new car, you will run scared and never purchase one (if one is that hesitant and wants the internet help make up their mind, they're better off with public transit or Uber). The new Explorer is really a great vehicle overall, and while we haven't owned ours for very long (5 months), we have been very pleased (no initial complaints or issues), but, my work (military) has had several 5th gen Explorers put through the ringer on a daily basis and they're holding up well (we use the 3.7 NA versions and a few EB 3.5s as well)..
