Short Journey Coming to an End....

[ljn21]

I've had my ST for 2 months and 4 days...decided, somewhat irrationally last night, after having a friend comment on the ride and interior quality last night, that I am done with the ST. Few things have been bothering me since day 1:

-Interior material quality...for a $60k vehicle, severly disapppinted in the quality of some areas...sun visors, rear window wiper switch, trim under Tech pkg screen, etc. So cheap feeling.

-Missing parts...have been a fan of Ford my whole life, love to death my '13 GT500...Ford really dropped the ball on the launch of this one...tow hook, rear deflector, strut isolator...come on Ford, dont launch a vehicle that doesn't have all its parts!!!!!!!

-Interior rattles...after just 1800 miles and 2 months of driving, my interior is already a rattle can, have had it to the dealer twice to fix, every one they fix generates 2 more it seems. Most recent rattle is coming from the rear hatch, upon some investigating, the hatch is rubbing the bumper paint off right in the very center on the verical surface...haven't even had a chance for the dealer to address yet, at a min, touch up paint or worst case repainting the whole bumper...2 months old...

-Paint defects...my car had 3 paint defects from the factory, decided to not get fixed but logged warranty ticket upon delivery in case they become an issue, decided keeping factory finish intact would be best since defects are under clear. Look like sand in paint to me.

-Suspension rattle...drives me crazy, haven't even taken it in based on others experience that they have no idea how to fix yet.

-Carpet...again, quality, the seams in visible places should not happen on a 60k vehicle, seems so cheap.

-Wipers...just WTF Ford...its a wiper, how hard is it engineer a wiper and arm that doesnt leave streaks from day 1?!?!?!?! Replaced twice and still streaking on return stroke.

-Had a problem 10 mins after driving off dealer lot with the audio system malfunctioning...would emit a constant deep base like tone that felt like the cabin was being pressurized...feeling was almost like having just 1 window open and the cabin getting pressurized...turned right around and back to dealer, pressure feeling made my and my wifes eyes water it was so disruptung.

-Ride quality...more I drive, the harsher I am finding the ride...understand its the sporty version but find the ride quality jarring and contributes IMHO to the rattles issue. My friend was surprised at how sharp the ride felt. My GT500 doesn't ride as firm and thats with lowering springs even. Maybe subjective to my own feeling but to harsh of a ride for me and the roads in SC suck which exasperates the issue.

-Passenger side wind noise/whistle...another issue the dealer couldn't fix...since every ST on their lot did the same thing they called it normal. Ugh. Also have an air leak/noise somewhere either rear passenger door or moonroof in that area allowing road and wind noise in at highway speeds.

-Power is great though especially tuned...my 8 year old would giggle every time I wemt WOT and the front would lift up like a drag car..amazing they can generate so much power from a 3.0l engine.

Dealer is giving me a stomachable trade in deal. Will lose 2k from purchase price plus will lose the 1k I paid for ceramic coating/paint correction and the $599 for the tune. Trading on a new leftover 2019 Raptor that also getting a deal on at 12k off sticker. Wanted the Raptor originally but wife convinced me we needed the 6th seat when our family and friends visit..told her last night we will just rent an SUV or minivan the few weeks a year that we have long term visitors or just take 2 cars if we need to. The tune process was fun to work through, the giggles at the power...but looking forward to the Raptor...and crossing my fingers they figured out the cam phaser issues by now on them.

 

[AdrenalineJunky]

I think most of your peeves are exaggerated and would have been noted prior to purchase.
Might have been wiser to take a lengthy test drive. We can assume you did test drive it, and bought it so......
So you decided you cannot enjoy your mistake.
No need to bad mouth with pidley stuff, of which many do not have issue.

 

[themishmosh]

All your points are valid. It's nice you obviously are well off enough to get what you want. I don't find the ride too firm/stiff but certainly the rattles in the interior can make it seem harsher than it is. I'd even rather see damping go even further to cut down on the floaty feeling when going over undulating highways.

Right now, I think the Explorer is priced where it needs to be. Explorer ST's may MSRP at $59k but after rebates and dealer discounts, it is closer to $50-52k for most. That's about right for the extra performance. I think it'll probably take another few months for them to squash all the niggly defects though.

 

[buzzard302]

I think most of your points are valid as well. Some of the flaws are not evident on a test drive, and a buyer would expect a little more QC so that they didn't have to shake down every single aspect of the vehicle before a purchase. The wiper streaking one is bothering me, and I'm not comfortable that it will be safe long term. I can't see in a heavy rain.

Overall, I will say I really love my Explorer. There are certainly first year problems. I will be keeping mine as long as I can and as long as I trust it's reliability. Good luck in whatever you choose to do.

 

[scottfmc]

Replaced the wiper blades with non-OEM on my Limited. No streaks no noise. Solved.

 

[ljn21]

I think most of your peeves are exaggerated and would have been noted prior to purchase.
Might have been wiser to take a lengthy test drive. We can assume you did test drive it, and bought it so......
So you decided you cannot enjoy your mistake.
No need to bad mouth with pidley stuff, of which many do not have issue.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion so I wont knock yours in the same way, freedom of speech and all.

IMHO there is no way missing parts, a stereo malfunction within 27 odometer miles, countless interior rattles, wipers that are a safety issue especially driving in rain in the early am dark or evening, suspension rattles that can be acknowleged but not diagnosed or corrected, trim pieces that bend with light resting hand pressure (at least 1 professionally published review also notes the wires that are exposed in that area when the trim bends as well) etc etc are exaggerated. Maybe my tolerance level is low, don't know but do know I am fed up with the ST. We were not allowed to have an overnight test drive, we asked and were denied, we did test drive 3 times prior to purchase, drove 2 different STs and then drove our particular ST during the delivery process. We expected a "sporty" ride from the test drive experience but as we drive more found it just to firm (for us) and the rattles that ensue just rub salt into a wound.

And many do have the same issues...read the forum. None of my feedback save for maybe the ride quality and rattles is unique to just us.

We do love the way the Explorer looks on the exterior (save for the very noticeable paint defects that should never have made it out of QC after functional test at Ford or been overlooked by dealer during PDI). The designers that did the body in white work did a great job on the looks. Quality though...ehhh, not so much.

 

[ljn21]

All your points are valid. It's nice you obviously are well off enough to get what you want. I don't find the ride too firm/stiff but certainly the rattles in the interior can make it seem harsher than it is. I'd even rather see damping go even further to cut down on the floaty feeling when going over undulating highways.

Right now, I think the Explorer is priced where it needs to be. Explorer ST's may MSRP at $59k but after rebates and dealer discounts, it is closer to $50-52k for most. That's about right for the extra performance. I think it'll probably take another few months for them to squash all the niggly defects though.

Dont disagree for the most part, we paid $51k for ours with Tech, Street and Roof but our expectations for quality wouldn't change much at that price vs msrp at $59695. If we are talking quibbling that $51k didnt buy hood struts vs a prop rod, now I would agree based on what things cost today...but expexting a car to come with all its parts today, I must be crazy.

Maybe we will soon be able to buy a DIY assembly car...big box shows up and you assemble it all yourself like a lego set. Save them the labor at the plant to build it. Joking of course.

 

[ljn21]

Replaced the wiper blades with non-OEM on my Limited. No streaks no noise. Solved.

Good that having to do that fixes the issue but should we be expected to do that on a brand new vehicle? I mean even Ford acknowledes that the wipers from the factory should last x amount of time...they are covered under warranty for the initial (6? Months, forget the right amount) of time! This is a design flaw and a rather safety concerning one for myself. We drove home from a basketball game a few nights ago in the rain and had lots of trouble seeing, had to adjust my seat all the way up so I was looking out above the streak on the window!

 

[scottfmc]

Good that having to do that fixes the issue but should we be expected to do that on a brand new vehicle?

Not at all. But my time is worth something, and not going to the dealer for a warranty visit in favor of spending $25 on replacement blades is no-brainer in my opinion.

 

[themishmosh]

Dont disagree for the most part, we paid $51k for ours with Tech, Street and Roof but our expectations for quality wouldn't change much at that price vs msrp at $59695..

Hey, I would love to have gotten it for your price. I got mine for $57k with the same options back in July. At least I got to bring it on our annual trek to the beach.

The missing parts is not necessarily a deal breaker. OK, so this forum, and the wealth of information available today, makes it known that parts are missing. The truth is, this has probably been going on for a long long time in the auto industry. In our case, after the initial indignation, what are these parts really? How needed are they. OK the tow hook may be important in some cases but I already have a tow hitch accessory that does the same thing. The air deflector and especially the strut insulator are questionably important.

The really important things I love about the ST: exterior looks, brakes-power-ride (especially compared to other 3 row SUVs), audio system, comfy seats, driving tech (especially adaptive cruise). So yeah, I would probably buy it if I could do it all over again... just at the $51k price!

 

[LincolnAviFan]

The really important things I love about the ST: exterior looks, brakes-power-ride (especially compared to other 3 row SUVs), audio system, comfy seats, driving tech (especially adaptive cruise). So yeah, I would probably buy it if I could do it all over again... just at the $51k price!

Highly interesting you mention the Audio System as a thing you love. Some reviews make you believe it's the worst in the industry..

Our ST is now in transit so I'm looking forward to it...

 

[ljn21]

Highly interesting you mention the Audio System as a thing you love. Some reviews make you believe it's the worst in the industry..

Our ST is now in transit so I'm looking forward to it...

For me the BO audio with the Tech Package was average, the BO system in my wifes BMW X5 is light years better. Those in the Raptors that have done audio upgrades with the BO in that truck have said that the speakers are still cheap stamped cages, paper cones. Its just a marketing scheme with an extra 2 speakers over the standard system. The BO on wife's X5 was like a 5k option add on.

 

[themishmosh]

I guess audio is subjective. I have never had a uber expensive car audio upgrade. I don't know if others audio systems are defective, but I have heard enough systems to know that my system (ST with tech pkg) is very good. It is well balanced and non-fatiguing. It's errors are of omission than addition, which is what you want. Some say it has no bass but it does have decent bass response. It is clearly superior to the HK upgrade in my BMW and the BO in my wife's Audi. Gotta laugh at reviews that call it trash. I have never compared a car audio system to home systems--even modest home systems sound better. But then again, I have heard people install aftermarket systems that are poorly balance--just have more ability to play loud.

 

[Thelastdecentexplorer]

So what your sayin is: You change your mind after 2 months and stand to lose 4/5K on a 60K car? What a deal! We should all be so lucky to only lose 8% after two months. That is unheard of in the industry. This is cars we’re talking about, not Faberge eggs.
Heres what you do, go to the overly nice dealership, and buy the Raptor. After that you are free to MOVE ON.

 

[blwnsmoke]

So what your sayin is: You change your mind after 2 months and stand to lose 4/5K on a 60K car? What a deal! We should all be so lucky to only lose 8% after two months. That is unheard of in the industry. This is cars we’re talking about, not Faberge eggs.
Heres what you do, go to the overly nice dealership, and buy the Raptor. After that you are free to MOVE ON..

As a new member, thank you for a somewhat uncalled for post that added nothing to the topic

 

[J_C]

It's a 40K vehicle that you paid $20K more for to get the ST, then decide you don't like the ride and rattle (from it) that you paid extra for.

If you're done with Explorers I can understand that, a new vehicle should be in perfect condition and no nagging at your heart, but you probably would've been better off getting a non-ST and waiting till after the first model year of the redesign so they could work more of the kinks out. Early adopters help the rest of us get better vehicles by waiting.

 

[Spacey]

Personally I have a real problem with the "If you buy the first year you should expect problems concept". If true, it just means that the company building the product didn't put in the effort to get it right. There should be no buyer beware for first model year cars. We have a 2020 ST and it has been fine, save for the missing parts. That's what I and anyone else who buys one should be able to expect. I bought a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer and 2010 Audi; both first year of production. They have been trouble free and I still have them both. The Chevy has 220,000 miles on it. If my "first year" Explorer doesn't provide the same service, I won't be buying another Ford.

 

[J_C]

^ That is true with many brands, but in this one particular case, especially this generation of Explorer, which you can read about, there was the rapid 96% factory overhaul of the Chicago factor, and shuffling them around to another location for further work, etc. This was a rare, newsworthy event. Ford made far more changes to Explorer than most automakers attempt at once, under unrealistic deadlines. On the other hand, once the initial bugs are worked out, odds are they will be making fewer changes in successive years than their competitors.

New Ford Explorer SUV, built in Chicago, had so many quality problems Ford had to delay deliveries. Sales of the vehicle fell 48%.

Ford Motor Co.’s third-quarter net income tumbled nearly 60% as the company booked $1.5 billion in charges mainly for restructuring, and Chinese and U.S. sales fell. The Dearborn, Michigan, a…

www.chicagotribune.com

You didn't do your homework.

 

[mjlkwolfe@gmail.]

^ That is true with many brands, but in this one particular case, especially this generation of Explorer, which you can read about, the rapid 96% factory overhaul of the Chicago factor, and shuffling them around to another location for further work, etc. This was a rare, newsworthy event. Ford made far more changes to Explorer than most automakers attempt at once, under unrealistic deadlines. On the other hand, once the initial bugs are worked out, odds are they will be making fewer changes in successive years than their competitors.

New Ford Explorer SUV, built in Chicago, had so many quality problems Ford had to delay deliveries. Sales of the vehicle fell 48%.

Ford Motor Co.’s third-quarter net income tumbled nearly 60% as the company booked $1.5 billion in charges mainly for restructuring, and Chinese and U.S. sales fell. The Dearborn, Michigan, a…

www.chicagotribune.com

You didn't do your homework.

Not sure why someone would want to give up the ST for a Raptor
Have driven raptors & prefer a tuned F150 with the 3.5L ECOBOOST
Get more power for a lot less money
We are very happy with our 2020 ST
Do not care about missing tow hook & rear cover
Have it recalibrated with 5 Star calibrations & lovin it
Quote from them
The 2020+ Explorer suffers from poor throttle response down low. A custom calibration will have enhanced improvements in better throttle response, step on go pedal, the vehicle will respond quicker…this DBW system is a torque driven system, it works by taking a certain amount of torque via engine and wheel and applies it to what the driver’s foot say it needs; a better way to explain it is its a torque limiter. It only allows so much torque at a given pedal position. Stock tables are conservative and numb at best and that’s why one would feel sometimes a lag or a goofy pedal with DBW systems. For a 3.0L EB V6 this is one of the most critical areas that must be addressed and modified to generate more torque /hp and throttle response. By reworking the OEM strategies make your 3.0L EB V6 come to life!

 

[metroplex]

I agree with the OP on his thoughts and decision.

As for the DBW Throttle response, no amount of tuning is going to resolve it completely. There's just lag built into it, especially when you do a stab-release-stab condition, where you went WOT to accelerate, let off (because someone cut you off or prevented you from merging), and then went WOT again - the engine does nothing, zilch, for about 1 full second.

My 2018 Explorer driver's wiper blade streaks on the return stroke. I've tried aftermarket blades, new wiper arm, adjusting the wiper arm, etc... and nothing works. It's like the angle of the glass was wrong.

Most of the problems, IMHO, stem from the Explorer being assembled in Chicago. Chicago seems to produce some of the most inconsistent low quality vehicles out of Ford's lineup. I had a 2014 SHO with horribly misaligned body panels (it was a factory order even had my name on the window sticker). The 2018 Explorer has similar issues. The problem wasn't just isolated to the vehicles I had, I saw the same exact problems on multiple SHO/Explorers of comparable model years. Paint missing from the trunk because it was rubbing against the fender, etc...