would like to buy a used Explorer, but what's the deal with transmissions?

[Austin Healey]

Looking at Explorers on craigslist and it seems about every third truck has a transmission problem. Are any years/models/engines particularly trouble-prone?

This doesn't seem to be just Ford's problem. I've also been looking at used Chrysler Pacificas - same story. (though in the Pacifica's case, the engines go bad as well.) Drove a GMC Envoy -- stretch version with third row -- that had been REALLY well maintained. Drove really well, but a pretty abrupt 1-2 shift.

Should I pay more for an Explorer with less than 100k? Or should I buy the cheapest Explorer I can find that seems to be running, drive it until something breaks, then throw it away?

All advice appreciated.

 

[koda2000]

What year(s) are you looking at? What engine are you looking at? 2 dr, 4 dr or Sport Trac?

99-2001 V8's are the most reliable (engine and transmission). The SOHC V6 is the least reliable engine. The OHV V6 engine is more reliable than the SOHC, but they both share the same transmission, which is not super reliable. 2doors and Sport Trac were not available with the V8 (much is the shame) and I believe the Sport Trac was only available with the SOHC V6.

The 2002 Explorers had the worst transmission. Stay away from them.

I'd still rather have an Explorer over any Chrysler product. They seem to have too many electrical and transmission problems.

The fewer miles on a 95-01 V8 the better and you will pay more if it has less miles. I guess it depend on your budget and mechanical capabilities. Generally I find the Explorer's easy and inexpensive to repair if you can do the work yourself. Plus this forum is a big help.

With proper maintenance the V8's should easily be capable of going 300k+ miles.

 

[ExplorerSport 4L]

Well-I've had a 2001 Explorer Sport 4 x 4 with the SOHN V6 from day one, and, knock on wood, still going strong. The body, of course, is rusty.

AND--at precisely 101,000 miles, the auto tranny blew! Was about three hours from home in a blinding snowstorm--fun time!

Had the tranny 100% rebuilt here in Akron and I'm now at 150,000 with no issues. I recall the rebuild set me back 10 Benjamins! OUCH!

 

[wayver]

I have a 2002 and 2003 exploder both bought used and the only time I had an issue with transmission was an issue on the 2003 with shifting, I changed the oil and filter and no more problem. I sometimes wonder if people are maintaining their equipment or just blaming the manufacturer after the fact. Also I found out that a lot of the time its an issue with the solenoid pack in the tranny which is not hard to change if your mechanically inclined and don't want to pay 100.00/hr plus shop rates. I looked at a 2004 that was for sale and the lady said the shop told her she needs a new tranny, I drove it and was pretty sure it just needed a solenoid pack,it did shift just slower than it should have but not rough. $4-500 bucks for a pack where I come from but a lot less than 3000.00 for a tranny installed. As far as driving till it breaks then throw away I guess that depends on overall shape, I'm old school so I prefer to fix rather than buy new or close to new, too much money. I have a 1995 explorer that wont quit, 420000km and doesn't burn a drop of oil,the dealer keeps telling me to trade up. Up to what I ask when I hear about all the problems some of the new vehicles have,plus the cost of a new vehicle is getting ridiculous. He knows that that 95 was well built and doesn't cost me next to nothing to keep it on the road.

 

[Mr. Alligator]

Yes! These trucks are relatively simple and straightforward. The design is relatively tough and practical. With the help of this Forum, a surplus of cheap salvage parts, and a little patience, you can keep these machines running for 300,000 miles easy!

Keep 'em on the road.

 

[ExplorerSport 4L]

Yes! These trucks are relatively simple and straightforward. The design is relatively tough and practical. With the help of this Forum, a surplus of cheap salvage parts, and a little patience, you can keep these machines running for 300,000 miles easy!

Keep 'em on the road.

Yes! These trucks are relatively simple and straightforward. The design is relatively tough and practical. With the help of this Forum, a surplus of cheap salvage parts, and a little patience, you can keep these machines running for 300,000 miles easy!

Keep 'em on the road.

True, true, Mr. Gatorman--But, y'all are down there in Florida!

With the thousands of TONS of road salt and now liquid brine the Yankees toss on the highways here in the Midwest, the mechanicals may last to 300k, but your body will turn to dust! Trust me! And that's even with the fancy-pants alleged undercoating they give 'em!

 

[RangerX]

From my perspective, it's the auto trannies that are the weak link in what seems like every generation of Explorer. The manual transmissions are much more durable.
The caveat is, the newer the vehicle year, the less likely you are to find a manual trans. I'm not sure if they were even an option in the last ten or more years, I don't keep up on the new stuff.

 

[wayver]

From my perspective, it's the auto trannies that are the weak link in what seems like every generation of Explorer. The manual transmissions are much more durable.
The caveat is, the newer the vehicle year, the less likely you are to find a manual trans. I'm not sure if they were even an option in the last ten or more years, I don't keep up on the new stuff.

I have a 95, 02 and 03 explorer all automatics and have had no tranny issues. Yet I hear about so many others with problems. Is this just an issue with where they were manufactured, are they all manufactured at the same plant or farmed out to several places. I would prefer a standard but have never come across one of all the ads ive seen. Live up in Alberta Canada. Maybe no one wants to part with the standards.