292hpEXPLORER

Hello Folks.

I just puchased a used 2006 Explorer Eddie Bauer with the V8 4.6L 6 speed tranny. During the test drive I noticed very minor bumping on downshift from 2-1 but thought nothing of it and bought the truck. I did some research on the vehicle yesterday and was amazed to find many people complaining about a lurching transmission that seems impossible to fix - or that Ford refuses to fix.

Having used many other forums, I know the value of a knowledgable membership. So is this a limited problem or wide-spread problem? In other words, am I only reading about problems from the few - those that tend to complain or is this really an issue.

I have 1 more day to return the vehicle under 3 day return policy. What would you do?

I am doing a search now on this forum, but would really appreciate your thoughts and opinions. I don't want to be pumping quarters into the dealership vending machine several times per year while waiting for my rig to be fixed.

 

GJSmackdown

Keep in mind you will always hear more from those with complaints then those who don't have issues.

In your case, I'd take it back. If you indeed do have a transmission problem and don't return it now. Your looking at some serious $$$$ to repair. I'd estimate more then $3000

NCVinVT

I do not know if it's the same transmission as in the 2002 V8, but I think the general consensus is that there major design defects in the 2002 and later transmissions. Search this forum for prior posts, especially those from Ford mechanics. Many with the same symptoms and complaints. Check out Consumer Reports which, based upon massive consumer surveying rates the Explorer overall poor in reliability. And "Transmission / drivetrain troublespot" is rated the worst or worse for 2002-2006. 2007 is rated better but then those have a lot fewer miles on them adn there was a redesign of some components. I have spent way too much money fixing the drive train on my original owner 2002 XLT V-8, including at a little over 100k miles, a full transmission rebuild at $3800. I don't think that this is a rare problem with loud complaints only coming from the few that got stung.

scubat

I too have a 2006 Eddie Bauer V8 with the lunging transmission problem. Go to carcomplaints.com to add your complaint to the Explorer transmission thread. I have not taken my Explorer in yet because it looks like they do not have a fix for it yet. It is pretty dangerous though. I have almost rear ended other cars because the car lunges forward as you come to a stop! I hope they have a fix soon!