Why I Cancelled My Order...

[broadway]

After much consideration and flip flopping, Ive decided that it is time to move on. I have gone from extreme enthusiasm for Ford and the new Explorer to disappointment and I will be buying another brand.

While it has been entirely too long of a wait, I think that if this was the sole factor, I could deal with it. I have ordered vehicles before and waited 3-4 months without an issue. I have also ordered new launch vehicles like this one so I have been through the high demand / low inventory scenarios before.

In the end though, I can only feel as though the Explorer is not yet ready for prime time. There are clearly some people who have no problems, others who have lots of problems, some who have problems and are upset, and yet others who have problems but are hardcore loyalists who seem impossible to disappoint.

I'm not going to wait another month to find out which category I fall into. I don't want to pay over $40k to be Ford's beta tester. The vehicles should have been thoroughly tested well before they hit the market and clearly they weren't or there wouldn't be complicated issues such as the massive MFT problems or even simple issues like the a-pillar rattle.

If these are the quality control issues with brand new vehicles, what is going to happen to them once they hit 20k+ miles?

I think the Explorer has a fantastic new design, but way too many problems... That is not a situation I can sign onto.. let alone make payments on.

 

[yow04xplr]

If you're going to let the opinions of a hand full of people representing only a fraction of new explorer owners influence your decision, then you probably should'nt be hanging out on this forum (I do not say this to be disrespectful). It is human nature to complain, and forums are a great place for people to share their problems. If I spent a significant time here before buying, I may not have. But I bought first and got on the forum later, and have not looked back. These are great vehicles, where the pluses far outweigh the minor problems people are having. If it is not too late, you should reconsider.

 

[Garth]

It finished way behind the durango in a recent comparison. Not good. Something about torque steer.

 

[BrianDye]

You have to realize that MANY of our members came here BECAUSE they had a problem. (Hence the reason you usually read about more problems than joys on any given vehicle forum)


Not many people (sadly) decide to just search the net for a forum about their vehicle.

 

[Varsity]

I think if it made 2011 North American Truck of the Year, it had to do something right. However, rarely would I let other people's comments about awards or tests help me decide my next vehicle because they're mostly all BS. In all honesty though, its a new truck and theres problems to be expected, mostly minor but sometimes major and like yow04xplr pointed out, theres tons more positives over the negatives. Honestly, I've read at least 10-15 GOOD comments for every 1 BAD comment. Every vehicle has its problems and buying any vehicle is running the risk of major problems over minor. Either way, YOU'RE the one paying and continuing to make payments, so whatever decision (unless its too late) is respected, at least in my eyes.


Sorry, you posted on an Explorer forum, its our job to make sure you think over your decisions about Explorers Good Luck on whatever you choose.

 

[NoFear95]

It finished way behind the durango in a recent comparison. Not good. Something about torque steer.

Yep, I read the most recent issue of Car & Driver too. They blasted it pretty bad compared to the competition. Said the Sync system was fantastic...when it worked. Still had bugs to work out. Mentioned the torque steer was "overwhelming" and the handling needed work. Also, had a lot of rattles and trim pieces falling off the tester. Ranked dead last in the comparison.

I know its been said a bunch...never buy the first model year...period.

Ford will fix these issues, given time. If you can wait on buying something..I would. If not...there are better choices out there for brand new.

 

[chimoman]

You seem to have made up your mind. The only problems I have seen on here are minor ones, all of which have been addressed in a timely fashion. As for MFT, Gen 2.7 has addressed much of those concerns. I am one of the lucky ones that hasn't had a problem with MFT, mine works like a charm. Buying a vehicle, be that a Ford or any other has the chance of having defects. That's why there are lemon laws. If you are comfortable with the decision, go ahead and do it. I just hope that you don't have that nagging little feeling every time you see one drive by. I know I would have.

 

[jackey]

You should do what you're comfortable with. If you thought this through & wish to move on...then do it.
I bought a new launch last yr(Buick LaCrosse), with a low vin...beautiful car. But I had several rattles & a new one started 2 weeks ago. I am trading it in for the Explorer as I miss having an SUV.
Good luck.

 

[peterk9]

It finished way behind the durango in a recent comparison. Not good. Something about torque steer.

This is not an uncommon problem with FWD vehicles. If I recall correctly, the Durango is RWD. I believe it only comes up if you accelerate hard with the wheels tuned. I have had my Ex almost a month now and can honestly day that I have not experienced any Torque steer. From the comparison that I read, it was not 'way behind' and was in fact better in some aspects. I believe the author favoured the Durango because it better suited his particular tastes which is fine by me. It really comes down to what you are looking for in a vehicle.

 

[NoFear95]

I guess its a matter of perpective. I like the look of the newer explorer. But I guess I re-read the article in the most current issue I got this week.....it does not paint it in a favorable light at all.

 

[Gandalf]

It finished way behind the durango in a recent comparison. Not good. Something about torque steer.

Depends on which "comparson" you are talking about.

Motor Trend ranked the 2011 Ex last. There is a whole thread on it here:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=311723

I won't rehash it here, but to summarize, MT used a pre-production model, and there is plenty of criticism of their review. Oh, torques steer may have been "overwhelming" to MT, but I find it curious that among the complaints I see on this forum and on the Facebook page, none of them are about the steering.

On the other hand, Edmunds also compared the Ex with a Durango and declared the Ex the winner.

The point is don't base your decision on a couple of reviews. Take any single review with a grain of salt. Its your money and if you choose not to spend it on the Ex, that's your choice, but at least look at the overall picture. Don't base it on any single review.

The new Ex is not perfect by any means. A perusal of the threads here will show that. However, overall, I find the reviews (from all sources - including your own "review" by test driving and seeing for yourself!) for the new Explorer to be way more positive than negative, even for a first model year year design.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Broadway- I'm sort of in the same boat as you- I am not happy with the launch, nor am I for sure that the Ex is free of issues being a first launch. The MFT is troublesome it seems, but a solution for that is one solid software upgrade once it's cracked by the programmers. The A-pillar? That's easily fixed too. I nitpick, a LOT. So, I'm waiting since I don't have to get one right now. Why? I wouldn't weld myself into another vehicle for 4-6 years because of it. I'm going to milk my 2000 and the Camry until next spring after things are cleaned up a bit and things are going smoother, especially with ordering.

I do think Ford is underestimating the damage that they're doing to the launch with the non-info, and Seni is a Godsend to their launch, I know she's saved at least 10 orders so far by getting info the dealers wouldn't provide, nor the Ford hotline. Whatever she makes, should be increased exponentially.

Think it through- I guess my thoughts are- In 3 years, I'd rather have some payments left on a Ford vehicle that I wanted vs. another vehicle I settled for.

I don't put much faith in reviews. Magazines have advertisers, and they have preferences. I'd rather see it for myself and make a decision.

 

[lynchy wa]

Well said Sir.

 

[kuee]

Depends on which "comparson" you are talking about.

Motor Trend ranked the 2011 Ex last. There is a whole thread on it here:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=311723

I won't rehash it here, but to summarize, MT used a pre-production model, and there is plenty of criticism of their review. Oh, torques steer may have been "overwhelming" to MT, but I find it curious that among the complaints I see on this forum and on the Facebook page, none of them are about the steering.

On the other hand, Edmunds also compared the Ex with a Durango and declared the Ex the winner.

The point is don't base your decision on a couple of reviews. Take any single review with a grain of salt. Its your money and if you choose not to spend it on the Ex, that's your choice, but at least look at the overall picture. Don't base it on any single review.

The new Ex is not perfect by any means. A perusal of the threads here will show that. However, overall, I find the reviews (from all sources) for the new Explorer to be way more positive than negative, even for a first model year year design.

Better yet, go drive one and decide for yourself. Unless you have the pedal to the metal, I doubt torque steer is going to be much of an issue. If you want a sports car this is not it anyway.

 

[Gandalf]

Better yet, go drive one and decide for yourself. Unless you have the pedal to the metal, I doubt torque steer is going to be much of an issue. If you want a sports car this is not it anyway.

Yes, by "from all sources", I meant including checking it out for yourself. I'll modify my post accordingly.

 

[boss377]

After much consideration and flip flopping, Ive decided that it is time to move on. I have gone from extreme enthusiasm for Ford and the new Explorer to disappointment and I will be buying another brand.

While it has been entirely too long of a wait, I think that if this was the sole factor, I could deal with it. I have ordered vehicles before and waited 3-4 months without an issue. I have also ordered new launch vehicles like this one so I have been through the high demand / low inventory scenarios before.

In the end though, I can only feel as though the Explorer is not yet ready for prime time. There are clearly some people who have no problems, others who have lots of problems, some who have problems and are upset, and yet others who have problems but are hardcore loyalists who seem impossible to disappoint.

I'm not going to wait another month to find out which category I fall into. I don't want to pay over $40k to be Ford's beta tester. The vehicles should have been thoroughly tested well before they hit the market and clearly they weren't or there wouldn't be complicated issues such as the massive MFT problems or even simple issues like the a-pillar rattle.

If these are the quality control issues with brand new vehicles, what is going to happen to them once they hit 20k+ miles?

I think the Explorer has a fantastic new design, but way too many problems... That is not a situation I can sign onto.. let alone make payments on.

As an actual owner of the New Explorer, I must take exception with your opinion about the vehicle. You seem determined to find even the silliest reasons to not purchase it. This is probably the most advanced vehicle Ford has ever produced, and like any machine this complex, there will be bugs. Mine has been flawless, and get looks everywhere I drive. The customer service has sofar been amazing.
I've worked in Aerospace, HVAC and for the past 17-years as a sales rep for Porsche. 4 million-dollar gas turbines blow up, and 20 thousand-dollar transmissions fail. That's what warrantees are for.
Your statements about the vehicles not being thoroughly tested is so far off the mark, that you lose all credibility. Ford has spent a record amount for R&D on it, and it is paying off. This SUV is a milestone car for Ford, and I predict that it will shake up the Luxury SUV market once the public gets the chance to see and drive it. The slow pace of deliveries is only to ensure quality, and most customers don't have a problem with that. Don't settle for some random brand of SUV because you have to wait a few weeks. Just my opinion.

 

[GTMD]

MTF problems,really not many compaired to the number of vehicles built,I would suspect we are putting many more updates on our pc's to keep them running over the years.
"A" pillar rattle,small problem on a new launch and really not as many as we think. It is being handled by Ford dealers with little fanfare.I believe this forum helps answer many questions for owners and future owners.I started reading this forum and any other information months before I ordered the Explorer.I return here often to chuckle and to learn new information.
As for the Explorer's competition,some are very nice vehicles but they all have faults.
Read some of the competition forums.How about the Durango,with the battery under the passenger seat.Is this aplus?How about rumors of the Acadia being dropped.
Every new vehicle launch has some small problems,unless it is Toyota and you hide them for awhile.
I have stated before,that the waiting game was never a problem before the internet.
You just placed the order and went about your life.When the dealer call came ,you were happy as a kid at Chritmas.
I worked in the auto industry for almost 44 yrs and you don't even begin to know what real launch problems are.If the major and minor problems that are resolved during launch were not handled,in a timely manor,the auto industry would be out of business as a whole.

 

[broadway]

Everyones' comment are great and I write this only as my own opinion and not intended to reflect on anyone else's buying choice.

My comment about a lack of testing really relates to some of the issues that solidly came to light after they were in more people's hands. Even Ford does not dispute the MFT issues and I have to believe that more extensive testing would have brought that to light prior to the launch. Of course they spent a ton of time and money in testing, but perhaps it could have gone further?

I am sure that I will have regrets, but my regret is based on the idea of a vehicle which in my mind would work with a high level of reliability and functionality. If that isn't the case or may not be the case, then a more road tested vehicle later in its life cycle, to me, is the better choice. With all that I have going on, I need to know that my vehicle is going to always work. Reliability needs to go at the top of the list before all the other fun stuff that we enjoy.

I'm going to lease for a few years and revisit when either the new vehicle is ready to be returned or when my other vehicle needs to be replaced and I fully intend to check out the Explorer again... and perhaps then I will have a higher level of certainty that the kinks have been worked out.

And who knows.. I may end up with a lemon from another manufacturer... There are no guarantees in life.

 

[chimoman]

Sometimes I swear other manufacturers come on here just to spread bad juju. Some of the comments are so far out in left field it makes me laugh. Well put GTMD and BOSS. I must be one of those loyalists that you can't disappoint. X) Love my Ex.

 

[brick1554]

I have had my explorer close to a month now, flawless...the only problem was a bumper bracket that was slightly off alignment(mfg worker error, typical problem for a new launch). Dealer fixed it right away. The car has no rattles and had never had a single MFT crash. Also I would like to add...its not really an A pillar rattle. Its more of a resonance vibration from air disturbance over the plastic fairing that borders and frames the windshield. Cross winds have a tendency to push under the fairing and cause it to vibrate/hum. So far it appears the ones experiencing it either live in windy states, or the part had a bad seal possibly from poor application at the plant. If you think this is a bad design...go drive a 2004 ish era mini cooper. Those really hum at certain MPH's. Point aside, as a designer myself...resonance vibrations can be very hard to eliminate 100% and exist on many vehicles on the market. As far as torque steer, this car is an SUV...if you are flooring it enough to experience torque steer you shouldn't probably have an SUV. I am 100% happy with my Explorer though. Just my 2 cents..