Is this vibration normal?

[RandyH2]

My original repair/service was at ~760 miles on the odometer so I doubt it is a worn u-joint. The tires were all Road-Force checked, so not (likely) there either. A stiff u-joint would make sense though I don't notice it being particularly speed sensitive/rpm sensitive.

 

[FordService]

...Has anyone had the problem resolved?...

I see you have an open case for the concern, RandyH2; please don’t hesitate to send me a PM with any info you want forwarded before your follow-up.

...I have never been able to completely resolve the vibration issue my 2012 Explorer has at highway speed between 60 and 70 mph...I'm coming due for service soon so I'll bring up the vibration with them once again and report any findings.

xplanfan,

Shoot me a PM when you plan on taking your Explorer to the dealer. I have your contact info from previous messages, so all I need is your current mileage and I’ll escalate it to Susan.

Cory

 

[RandyH2]

Latest update:
Dealership has been instructed by Ford to remove the driveshaft to the rear end and test it for the vibration, then re-install the driveshaft, unplug the rear axle (electrically controlled, just discounnect the wiring) and test it again. Hopefully they'll have more info for me tomorrow...

 

[peterk9]

Latest update:
Dealership has been instructed by Ford to remove the driveshaft to the rear end and test it for the vibration, then re-install the driveshaft, unplug the rear axle (electrically controlled, just discounnect the wiring) and test it again. Hopefully they'll have more info for me tomorrow...

I for one would be very interested in their findings. I have posted several times about having the driveshaft checked.

Peter

 

[RandyH2]

I'm not sure if they did remove the driveshaft or not- no report from the Svc Mgr on that and I forgot to ask. He did say that they compared it to a brand new Ex and felt basically the same vibration! We are back to "It is normal."
The service manager did say that he is not sure, "if they will be able to figure out something with it" and that he, "Can't make it better."
:-(

 

[foxtemple]

I too have brought my Explorer in for this exact problem. A tech took my car on a road test but was unable to duplicate the problem so nothing was done [of course]. At first I thought it had something to do with the power adjustable pedals but I guess I am wrong.

 

[peterk9]

I too have brought my Explorer in for this exact problem. A tech took my car on a road test but was unable to duplicate the problem so nothing was done [of course]. At first I thought it had something to do with the power adjustable pedals but I guess I am wrong.

Which model do you have? It would be helpful if that info was posted in your profile in the left margin or under Vehicle Specs.

Peter

 

[peterk9]

Vibration

Doing a quick look through the thread, it seems that the majority of the Explorers with this issue are the Limiteds with a few XLT's.
Has anyone with a Base model had this vibration issue?
Has anyone with the vibration who has replaced their wheels with Winter wheels/tires or changed tire brands still have this problem?

I refuse to accept that this is 'normal' since the majority of Explorers don't seem to suffer from this issue. I can't believe engineers purposely design vehicles with 'built in' vibrations.

Peter

 

[RandyH2]

I just got off of the phone with the Ford Customer Service person (not Cory, unfortunately). Ford is calling this "a normal characteristic of the vehicle". I guess suspension component failure at 60,000 miles will also be a "normal characteristic of the vehicle".

 

[xplanfan]

I just got off of the phone with the Ford Customer Service person (not Cory, unfortunately). Ford is calling this "a normal characteristic of the vehicle". I guess suspension component failure at 60,000 miles will also be a "normal characteristic of the vehicle".

And once this vehicle's short coming is common knowledge with other dealers the trade-in value will go down. I experienced this "troubled vehicle discount effect" with a Jeep Grand Cherokee I traded in for my previous Explorer.

Perhaps Cory can help get this vibration issue escalated to a higher level?

 

[RandyH2]

I don't know if Cory can do anything more- he has already been a big help in making sure they were aware of the problem. The impression I get now is that they (Ford) are hoping I will forget about it rather than pursue it further. That worked for a year but now I am to the point of hating driving the Explorer. Every time I get in it to drive somewhere I think bad things about it. This is such a disappointment to me- as a shareholder I had(have) such high hopes for Ford making a big turn-around/comeback. Their design department really seems to be doing good work, now engineering, manufacturing, or customer service (aside from Cory and the other good folks helping us here) needs to catch up. Denying the problem does not change the problem.

 

[peterk9]

I just got off of the phone with the Ford Customer Service person (not Cory, unfortunately). Ford is calling this "a normal characteristic of the vehicle". I guess suspension component failure at 60,000 miles will also be a "normal characteristic of the vehicle".

I don't suppose you asked them why only a select few were fortunate enough to get this 'vibration option' at no additional charge?

Peter

 

[xplanfan]

I don't know if Cory can do anything more- he has already been a big help in making sure they were aware of the problem. The impression I get now is that they (Ford) are hoping I will forget about it rather than pursue it further. That worked for a year but now I am to the point of hating driving the Explorer. Every time I get in it to drive somewhere I think bad things about it. This is such a disappointment to me- as a shareholder I had(have) such high hopes for Ford making a big turn-around/comeback. Their design department really seems to be doing good work, now engineering, manufacturing, or customer service (aside from Cory and the other good folks helping us here) needs to catch up. Denying the problem does not change the problem.

I believe Ford is aware the Explorer has a vibration problem. For whatever reason, they don't seem to be too concerned about addressing it. This long time Ford fan is also very disappointed that Ford's quality has declined.

 

[FordService]

I too have brought my Explorer in for this exact problem. A tech took my car on a road test but was unable to duplicate the problem so nothing was done [of course]. At first I thought it had something to do with the power adjustable pedals but I guess I am wrong.

foxtemple,

I want to lend a hand by getting the concern escalated up to your regional Customer Service Manager. Please send me a PM with your contact information (including VIN, mileage, and dealer name/state).

...Perhaps Cory can help get this vibration issue escalated to a higher level?

I don't know if Cory can do anything more- he has already been a big help in making sure they were aware of the problem...

I really appreciate the kind words, guys; I’m doing everything I can from my end to help.

Cory

 

[xplanfan]

I don't suppose you asked them why only a select few were fortunate enough to get this 'vibration option' at no additional charge?

Peter

Nope, but maybe I'll used that line next time I visit the dealer.

 

[RandyH2]

Nope, but maybe I'll used that line next time I visit the dealer.

I'll use it during my arbitration process! Seriosuly, if given the chance, I will say that.

 

[splurph16]

My car is currently in the shop and I was given a 2011 XLT 4WD V6 that seems to vibrate as well, although it's not as pronounced as the one that I own. So far, I have driven two brand new 2013's and one 2011 (33,000 miles on odometer) and have noticed the vibration while accelerating from a stop in all three vehicles.

 

[Jwhcars]

http://www.nhtsa.gov/Contact

Perhaps if all who are having a problem would contact NHTSA it would trigger an investigation.

 

[RandyH2]

I doubt it would trigger an investigation- the vibration is not a safety issue as I see it, just an annoyance and potential reliability issue.

 

[M.Anthony]

Hello all. I just bought a used 2011 Ford Explorer XLT at 16,314 miles. So far I have found out that it was a lease vehicle (which people don't usually take good care of), and I noticed a vibration upon acceleration from 0-35MPH. It feels like the right side of the vehicle if I was to guess, but not completely sure. I had the wheels/tires/rims inspected, balanced, rotated and the problem persists. I took it to the dealership and they were either unable to find the problem or realized it is going to cost too much time and money for the warrantied part (I am a realist here, sometimes in business it happens). Has anyone had the same problem with their newer model explorer? I desperately need some opinions! Thanks!!

Motor mount? bent axle? Any suggestions would help!!

(no prior accident damage/history/vehicle inspection by unbiased certified mechanic).