Transmission Issues?

[AC75]

Hi,

I'm in the market for an older 4X4. Just for regular use, not off-roading or anything extreme. I see a lot of Explorers around, but many have busted transmissions or slipping gears and it's sorta made me weary of purchasing. You either find a cheap truck that needs a new transmission, or an expensive (over-priced) truck with a rebuilt transmission. Then there's the odd one with an original tranny that I'm so worried is about to blow that I pass on it, too.

So what's the deal with all these transmission problems, are all years (02-05) the same, did all models and trims have the same problems? Any advice on what to look for or avoid? Or is it just something you'll likely have to deal with at some point one way or the other?

And what about the the V6 vs. the V8? What does everything think on that?

Thanks

 

[Number4]

You'll only find people with issues here. It would be nice to see real stats on qty of trans with failure issues vs those without. The failures seem to all be common, but not everyone has them. Though, I'd bet all of them become symptomatic. My '04's had solenoid issues, but not worth messing with. I've put 40k on my '04, it now has 170k.
My '05 has 90k and my '03 has 200k. All original equipment, so far.

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

Get a cheap one with transmission issues and the V8. Swap in a quality re-manufactured transmission for ~$1600 if you do it yourself, and then you do not have to worry about gambling on it.

 

[bizzs]

The bottom line is that these transmission are junk and a nuisance to us owners. The part that I do not get is, from my understanding, there is a class action suit filed against Ford for a stress crack on the plastic bezel piece below the rear tailgate window. The transmission is a more vital organ and such a costly repair. I could care less about a cracked bezel, and I am sure that the majority of explorer owners would rather have the transmission fixed then absorbing the 3,000 repair cost. There are many ambulance chasing attorneys out there that love to file frivilous bogus suits for stupid crap, but this is a known documented defect that a private attorney, or the Attorney General should file suit to help us consumers. I am sure there is money to be made on this just like a slip and fall case. (lol)

Just my two cents,

bizzs

 

[Number4]

Again, we need to know the actual percentage of defects vs overall production. True, these transmissions have had extremely premature failures, but we don't know how many. At least not that I've seen.

From 2002-2005, some 1,386,086 3rd gen Explorers rolled out. Granted, some of the '02's were sticks.
So what's the percentage of failure and how does that compare to other vehicles? IDK.

Also, the 5R55 was also in the Mustang.

 

[2000StreetRod]

soft shifts & fuel economy

Manufacturers think consumers want vehicles with soft shifts and most do. Soft shifts are achieved by slipping which increases wear on friction surfaces. Federal standards require increased fuel economy. My 2000 Explorer Sport has a 3.73:1 axle ratio while my 2003 Explorer Centennial has a 3.55:1 axle ratio even though it weighs hundreds of pounds more. The result is more stress on the transmission.

My 1997 Tahoe and my 1994 Grand Cherokee both needed the transmissions rebuilt between 150K and 200K miles. My 2003 Centennial has 180K and I expect it will need to be rebuilt soon. Most new vehicle purchasers don't keep their vehicles for 150K miles. Many trade them in before the extended warranty expires. People that purchase 10 to 12 year old vehicles shouldn't expect them to still be reliable.

From what I've read the highest failure rate components are the servo pin bores (steel pin wears aluminum bore) and the torque converter lock solenoid bore wear.

 

[dirtcrew51m]

I also heard that the AWD not the part time 4x4 trucks had more issues, due to the full time 4x4 putting more stress on the trans. I have 88,000 mi on mine and still shifts great. The only thing I do not like about ford trannies is when they are cold they do not shift into OD until they get warmed up, keeping the engine rpm"s high when going down the road at 60mph. My 95 F250 also does this.

 

[rwt101]

cancel