OK, So What Do You DISLIKE About The 5th Gen?

[peterk9]

Read an article yesterday referring to the redesigned 2018 as the 7th generation. I believe that would make the 2016 the 6th generation?

Peter

 

[DubbsFaris]

Generations are built on chassis redesign, not option and trim changes

 

[gdruss]

Hey guys, I have a 2015 Explorer XLT and love it, but I want to hear some criticism as to what people don't like about this car.

Bought my XLT almost 3 weeks ago, so far-

1)Radio controls-Too many buttons to push to change from FM to AM to Sirius
2)Windshield washer nozzles freeze in very cold weather, even with -35 washer fluid.
3)Driver foot well room, I am 6'4'' and on a recent 5 hour trip I didn't feel it was too big of an issue.

 

[peterk9]

Bought my XLT almost 3 weeks ago, so far-

1)Radio controls-Too many buttons to push to change from FM to AM to Sirius
2)Windshield washer nozzles freeze in very cold weather, even with -35 washer fluid.
3)Driver foot well room, I am 6'4'' and on a recent 5 hour trip I didn't feel it was too big of an issue.

Welcome to the Forum.:wavey:
I seldom use the radio buttons and use voice commands instead. Even when I do use the MFT screen it only requires 1 touch to change to a radio band and another to select the preset. As for the washer nozzles freezing up, I have not had that issue with either my previous 2011 Ltd or my current MKT.

Peter

 

[scoutexplorer]

Bought my XLT almost 3 weeks ago, so far-

1)Radio controls-Too many buttons to push to change from FM to AM to Sirius
2)Windshield washer nozzles freeze in very cold weather, even with -35 washer fluid.
3)Driver foot well room, I am 6'4'' and on a recent 5 hour trip I didn't feel it was too big of an issue.

1. Ditto. Having to push the steering wheel mode button multiple times to navigate through the various audio options.

2. I dislike the location of the hazard button. Sometimes the bottom of my hand brushes against the bottom bezel of the screen when doing something on the touchscreen and inadvertently presses the hazard button. Occurs once a week or so. No biggie but a nuisance.

 

[kk239]

2. I dislike the location of the hazard button. Sometimes the bottom of my hand brushes against the bottom bezel of the screen when doing something on the touchscreen and inadvertently presses the hazard button. Occurs once a week or so. No biggie but a nuisance.

Absolutely the hazard button. My wife always inadvertently hits it when changing the stations while I'm driving. When I hear the sound I always think I've accidently flipped on the directional somehow.

 

[SWEET ST]

I have no pet pives with my 2014. I think anything one buys will never be 100% to ones liking. Think as feed back goes back to ford they will my adjustments like anything else. What i did here from my dealer just the other day the the when they start the 2017 build in may june the platinum whel have a chocie of interior color and black will be on the list, so i will order my 2017 magnum gray with black interior.....

 

[4FordFamily]

The plastic all over it. It's just tacky. I like just about everything else. Ford needs body matched trim and bumpers entirely like they had for my 2006-2010 body style (I still have it shown in my avatar)

 

[peterk9]

I have no pet pives with my 2014. I think anything one buys will never be 100% to ones liking. Think as feed back goes back to ford they will my adjustments like anything else. What i did here from my dealer just the other day the the when they start the 2017 build in may june the platinum whel have a chocie of interior color and black will be on the list, so i will order my 2017 magnum gray with black interior.....

Not waiting for the 2018 redesign? That's the one I'm waiting to see.

Peter

 

[SWEET ST]

Peterk9, my lease ends in dec 2016

 

[4FordFamily]

Not waiting for the 2018 redesign? That's the one I'm waiting to see.

Peter

Yeah I will be interested to see what happens with that one. I will be possibly searching in March 2019 (a little over 3 years). Until then, my '16 will do! I think it makes some nice improvements.

 

[peterk9]

Peterk9, my lease ends in dec 2016

Mine ends April 1, 2017. Right between the end run of the 2017 models and the possible beginning of the 2018 model. The only way I extend my current lease is to put in an order for the 2018 Explorer. Hopefully some photos of it will have been taken by then to see if it is what I want.

Peter

 

[gdruss]

Bought my XLT almost 3 weeks ago, so far-

1)Radio controls-Too many buttons to push to change from FM to AM to Sirius
2)Windshield washer nozzles freeze in very cold weather, even with -35 washer fluid.
3)Driver foot well room, I am 6'4'' and on a recent 5 hour trip I didn't feel it was too big of an issue.

A couple of additions-

I now agree on the headlights. On several recent night drives when the streets were wet I had to check to make sure the headlights were actually on. I couldn't tell from visually looking at the road in front of me.
I am 6'4'' and have hit my head on the open tailgate a couple of times.
The more I use the XLT radio the more I dislike it. It takes way too many button pushes to navigate around which means the eyes are distracted from the road.
The bracket that hold the edge of the bumper where it meets the fender broke and the edge of the bumper is now lose and sticking out. I ordered a new one and will replace it myself. Looks like this has been an ongoing problem since 2011.

I still like the Explorer overall and it is very comfortable for me and I drive a lot!

 

[scoutexplorer]

Side Mirrors

After driving my XLT for 8300 miles I find the side mirrors to be an issue. They need to be larger.

The dash reflection on the passenger side window is really distracting when glancing over to view traffic on the side mirror. It may be the window tint that accentuates the problem. Does anyone have this issue without tinted windows?

 

[peterk9]

After driving my XLT for 8300 miles I find the side mirrors to be an issue. They need to be larger.

The dash reflection on the passenger side window is really distracting when glancing over to view traffic on the side mirror. It may be the window tint that accentuates the problem. Does anyone have this issue without tinted windows?

I think the need for larger mirrors has only been mentioned a couple of times in 6 years. I never noticed a reflection issue like you mentioned.

Peter

 

[MikB]

Well, gee, After reading through these threads, I find I want to go outside and sit in my Ex to find all these issues everybody is having with theirs. Actually, I took care of the only real complaint I had with the headlights by getting a conversion kit. As far as the road not being lit when wet, this is something that has always been no matter what lighting is used for me anyway. I can still see anything in the road that may be an obstruction as they get lit up pretty good so, this is not a real issue for me.

I was unsure what the little 3.5L would do as far as performance goes coming from a '13 Mustang GT and the 18 odd years I drove them but, I find it adequate if not a bit surprising for the weight it has to pull. My only requirement was that it be able to get out of it's own way and it does this just fine.

I have no issue with the gas tank size. The Mustang held 2 gallons less and I never felt I had to stop all the time with that to fill up. They get pretty amazing mileage for the engine they have. That said, I don't drive as much anymore as I used to being retired and all so, I fill up about once a month or so.

Parking behind my Ranger, I look upon amazement at how much wider the Ex is in comparison. Easily a foot sticks out past the Ranger on either side. I have no issues with accessing things through the window or arm rests and such. I love the telescoping steering column. Would have been nice to have that option [which they now have] in the Mustang.

I have no lofty expectations as far as off road driving goes. I know exactly what I bought and whatever situation that involves off roading will not involve what my Ranger can accomplish. I just like the set up and electronics involved and having no concern to worry much about traction in difficult conditions.

This is my first 4 door, basic FWD, independent suspension vehicle I've ever owned and first automatic tranny vehicle I've owned in more than 35 years. Not to mention, my first SUV. Never thought I would ever own a 'station wagon' but, here I am, with the modern version. Oh, I do have one more nitpick. They should have reversed the third row. How can kids get the big rigs to blast their horns?!

 

[tmg19103]

Never thought I would ever own a 'station wagon' but, here I am, with the modern version.

Haha. I just got my Ex inspected today and watched the mechanic input the info in the state computer. State computer indicated the Ex was a station wagon, but he said it did that for all SUV's.

I will say this, I got under the Ex when it was on the lift and there is a lot of surface rust. My GMC Jimmy was the same way and made it 16 years so no big worries, but this a 4 year old vehicle and my 13 year old Saab is still pretty much spotless. Another reason I appreciate that out of biz car company from a country that enters the arctic circle.

 

[cwescapexlt4x4]

Ford removed the climate controls from the wheel for the 16 models, loved it on my previous 13. I know there is a "hack" that can be done, but not sure my dealer is willing to do the SW install to change the menu structure. Otherwise I am happy overall. I do with with the BLIS system that they didn't get rid of the wide mirror in the upper outside corners of the mirrors (LOVED them on my 13 XLT)

 

[peterk9]

Ford removed the climate controls from the wheel for the 16 models, loved it on my previous 13. I know there is a "hack" that can be done, but not sure my dealer is willing to do the SW install to change the menu structure. Otherwise I am happy overall. I do with with the BLIS system that they didn't get rid of the wide mirror in the upper outside corners of the mirrors (LOVED them on my 13 XLT)

The Climate Display option was removed from the RH Info Screen on the 2014 model.

Peter

 

[Rubberhead]

1) Headlights are terrible and it bugs the crap out of me - they are 10 steps backward from prior explorers,
2) Fuel economy is really no better than my old V8 Explorer - actually worse at 70+ mph on the Interstate,
3) Seat heaters are terrible. On the rare occasion I leave it out in cold weather, I start it and warm it up for 10 minutes with the seat heater on but still can't feel it. Then, the high setting cooks me from the center of my you-know-what. Why can't I just turn the seat-back heater on? Other manufacturer's have been offering that for year. Sometimes after hiking or working, even if it's not terribly cold, I like to just heat my back up without cooking my internals,
4) The seam on the seat ends up under my left thigh and I feel it constantly - The Princess and the Pea syndrome, I guess,
5) Controls are terrible,
6) I'm fully aware that they purposefully put a crap radio in the Base/XLT just to make folks buy-up to the next level. A $30k+ car should have a better radio/sound system than a $400 android tablet...