Consumer Report on Explorers

[RAS1]

I have an Explorer ST on order, but recently read an article from Consumer Reports that the Explorer is a SUV to be avoided. Ranked 13/14 out of SUV's reviewed. What kind of experiences good or bad are you owners now having?

 

[JohnE]

One of the best cars I’ve owned. First Ford ever too.

 

[RAS1]

Good to hear, thank you for replying.

One of the best cars I’ve owned. First Ford ever too.

 

[GearHead_1]

I've had no issues. I'm like most everyone on the forum am not happy about the subframe situation but to date, it's been flawless. It's a very nice SUV.

 

[RAS1]

I've had no issues. I'm like most everyone on the forum am not happy about the subframe situation but to date, it's been flawless. It's a very nice SUV.

Subframe issues?

 

[GearHead_1]

Lots to be read about that on this forum.

 

[Dale5403]

Here's some reading. https://www.explorerst.org/threads/safety-recall-22s27-rear-axle-bolt-fractures.3717/

 

[mwinn]

2 yrs and 35k miles to date and very happy with it. Comfort, performance, economy, towing. Good overall package. If I gave one flip about what every Subaru Forester owner's opinion is about the Ford Explorer I'd read CR, but I don't and I don't.

 

[KANSAS]

Remember when CR got caught giving an automatic recommended best buy to all Toyotas without doing any testing or research. They just assumed the cars were good. The President of CR had to make a public apology. They lost all respect from me.

 

[CareerFiremanGuy]

#1 Everybody is up in arms over Ford's lame recall due to their changing the rear subframe bolts from 2 to 1.
#2 Other than that everyone pretty much loves their ST's.

Considering the Price/Performance/Options quotient, nothing else even comes close.

 

[boosted_st]

#1 Everybody is up in arms over Ford's lame recall due to their changing the rear subframe bolts from 2 to 1.
#2 Other than that everyone pretty much loves their ST's.

Considering the Price/Performance/Options quotient, nothing else even comes close.

I liked my ST for almost a year of ownership until problems started, I still don't have my vehicle back yet after 3 full months now.

I'll never own another new Ford again at this point, I'm not even holding my breath of getting my vehicle back next week as stated by the dealer recently (they also said I would have it back last week).

Post to read

 

[CareerFiremanGuy]

I liked my ST for almost a year of ownership until problems started, I still don't have my vehicle back yet after 3 full months now.

I'll never own another new Ford again at this point, I'm not even holding my breath of getting my vehicle back next week as stated by the dealer recently (they also said I would have it back last week).

Post to read

Your story is a tough one to read. I had a blown engine on a new Ford sedan over a decade ago (camshaft chain skipped on the interference engine). They gave me a new loaner truck to drive and after one month I had my car back no issues.

Hope you finally get your vehicle back this week.

 

[Cdubya]

CR is pretty much on point. However, the ST is a niche vehicle that should not be grouped into their summary. Competitors mentioned by CR do not have a street performance version of their 3 row SUVs. If I wanted just a grocery getter family hauler, the Telluride completely outclasses a similarly priced Explorer XLT or Limited.

And the reliability question is completely valid. Seems like Ford has rolling TSB/recalls with each model year Explorer. It's no longer the "1st year, all-new model" as the one to avoid.

 

[ShaunJ]

21 ST 1400 miles, engine failure, 3.5 month at the dealer.
2000 miles, dear hit, 1 month so far at the body shop waiting for a front grill with no ship date.

 

[Blue Beast]

21 ST 1400 miles, engine failure, 3.5 month at the dealer.
2000 miles, dear hit, 1 month so far at the body shop waiting for a front grill with no ship date.

Sorry to hear about all the misfortune you have been having

 

[Blue Beast]

Sorry to hear about all the misfortune you have been having

Been pretty lucky about 11,000 miles no major problems

 

[RAS1]

2 yrs and 35k miles to date and very happy with it. Comfort, performance, economy, towing. Good overall package. If I gave one flip about what every Subaru Forester owner's opinion is about the Ford Explorer I'd read CR, but I don't and I don't.

I liked my ST for almost a year of ownership until problems started, I still don't have my vehicle back yet after 3 full months now.

I'll never own another new Ford again at this point, I'm not even holding my breath of getting my vehicle back next week as stated by the dealer recently (they also said I would have it back last week).

Post to read

CR is pretty much on point. However, the ST is a niche vehicle that should not be grouped into their summary. Competitors mentioned by CR do not have a street performance version of their 3 row SUVs. If I wanted just a grocery getter family hauler, the Telluride completely outclasses a similarly priced Explorer XLT or Limited.

And the reliability question is completely valid. Seems like Ford has rolling TSB/recalls with each model year Explorer. It's no longer the "1st year, all-new model" as the one to avoid.

Thank you for your response,

 

[boosted_st]

21 ST 1400 miles, engine failure, 3.5 month at the dealer.
2000 miles, dear hit, 1 month so far at the body shop waiting for a front grill with no ship date.

Would you mind giving some details as to what they found, I would be interested to know if you experienced the same thing as me since mine is getting a new engine as well. For mine there isn't even a root cause.

 

[CareerFiremanGuy]

Would you mind giving some details as to what they found, I would be interested to know if you experienced the same thing as me since mine is getting a new engine as well. For mine there isn't even a root cause.

Thanks for that post.

It seems you haven't received your new engine yet because you said "getting."

 

[boosted_st]

Thanks for that post.

It seems you haven't received your new engine yet because you said "getting."

Correct, my vehicle is still at the dealer as of today, I was told late last week I should have it back mid-week this week (but I've heard that before as well)