Driveshaft Problems of Ford Explorer

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering significantly and was emitting abnormal rumbling sounds. There was no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer big valley Ford, inc. (m-28, ewen, mi 49925), where it was diagnosed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. However, the parts were on national back order. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The driveshaft was replaced. However, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance as the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 47,075.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The contact owns a 2007 Ford Explorer. When the vehicle was being inspected, the mechanic stated that the drive shaft bearings were loose and slightly detached. The mechanic diagnosed that the drive shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was a backorder on the drive shafts. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

See all problems of the 2007 Ford Explorer 🔎.

I was pulling out of my garage and only got about 6 feet out of the garage and I immediately lost power steering - there was a message showing on the dash "power steering module fault". 2 days before this happened there was a very hard shaking in the front end. You could see the front passenger seat shake. The Ford dealer said that was caused by a problem with the drive shaft. And also said that Ford is aware of people having problems with the drive shaft also.

See all problems of the 2011 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Well this will be the 2nd transmission for my 2003 Ford Explorer, the first was at 88700 miles about 4 years ago. It took the dealership almost 2 weeks to figure out what was wrong. Then 2 weeks after that heard a loud ping while driving home, at 9:00 at night, took in to dealer and the drive shaft had water in it. Now I am the original owner, truck has never been off road, never towed anything, highway miles. So, I fix all that( about $3,000. 00 in one month) now this past weekend coming home on the interstate truck gives a large shudder 3 times, I almost get run over by a tour bus because truck is getting ready to die. Limp home can't drive over 60 miles an hour, went back roads home, did not like going up small hills. When 1 mile from home o/d off light came on and transmission started acting bad. Pulled into driveway, barely. Now I'm pissed because here I go again pouring out money to fix and almost got hit on interstate.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Explorer 🔎.

I purchased my 2008 eddie bauer Explorer on August 16, 2008. It was brought to the dealer for service on August 21st, for a noise in the differential or transmission as it had a clanging noise when starting and did not shift properly. They recommended to wait for 300-500 miles. On sept. 17, it was brought in again and they replace the drive shaft assembly on the 19th. The problem continued. It was brought in on oct. 23 and I was told to wait for a rep from Ford. On Dec. 4th, a Ford rep said the clanging noise was "normal. " I asked to speak to the rep, but was not able to. . . He did not call. On ded. 9th another rep came, but did not speak to me and nothing was done. I filed the papers under the lemon law on December 16 and a Ford rep looked at the car on Jan. 15, 2009. I was told at 1 pm they were looking into replacing the transmission, as there was a problem, but at 4 pm the same day, received a phone call stating that the rep, deemed it "within Ford specs. " the problem still exits and it was a lot of money spent on a car that does not function properly. I contacted Ford again via a letter attached to their survey on March 10, but have not received a response. One of the service managers confided to us that 3 other exact problems occurred with the same make/model. It seems Ford may be hesitant to fix this as it may result in a recall. We do not advocate a major recall; we just would like our car fixed. It continues to clank and does not shift properly.

See all problems of the 2008 Ford Explorer 🔎.

I took a trip from home in ok to canton, TX on return heard loud noise when I stopped to have the vehicle inspected I found out the front drive shaft was coming out. In March of 2008 I noticed a noise coming from the rear of the Explorer. When I had it inspected I was told the rear end needed to be replaced. This cost me over $2000. 00. My transmission is now slipping and after reading other complaints I fear the worse if I have my transmission checked. Who do we contact to have a lawsuit started? my truck now has approximately 110,000 miles. I have replaced the front drive shaft, rear end assembly. My air bag light stays on and the rear panel below the back window has cracked. I have all the complaints listed except for the gear shifter breaking off in my hand.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford Explorer 🔎.

11/7/03 at 20,272 miles unit in for rear axle whine dealer replaced the drive shaft but rear axle whine not fixed. 11/13/04 at 34269 miles vehicle taken to dealer for rear end howl again replaced rear differential unit. Next morning wife went to take child to day care and vehicle would not go over 35 mph without resistance. Had towed to the dealer and the was told a faulty differential unit. Put the old one back in and reordered another rear differential unit and put the new unit in on 11//17/04 at 34,291 miles. When the service records state found bad bearing in the unit. 6/12/06 rear end axle seal leaking replaced the rear end whine was still evident. 6/12/06 at 62,31 miles rear axle seal leak repaired. 11/09/06 at approx 68,000 miles transmission has failed. Reference TSB#16898 rear axle whine and TSB#03254. Have seen a lot of complaints about these transmission failures on line for the 2002 Ford Explorer's. Leads me to believe that the rear end whining is binding the transmissions and causing them to fail. Also see TSB#06216, TSB#18466, TSB#18423.

2002 Ford Explorer XLT, 56,000 miles. Whining from rear differential between 40-60 mph. Whining goes away if pressure is reduced from accelerator or if speed is greater than 60 mph. Some leaking of rear differential fluid around driveshaft pinion seal. Also had transmission rebuilt at 54,000 miles due to rough shifting from 3 to 4. Transmission was not covered under 36,000 mile warranty. In my research, I have uncovered many other 2002/2003 Explorer owners with similar whining rear differential issues. Would seem that since there are many others having the same issue that there is some design/materials flaw in the rear end gearbox causing this issue. I will be forced to replace the rear end in addition to the transmission if there is no remedy from Ford.

2002 4x4 Explorer limited with v8. At 7390 miles (3/12/03, invoice # w40836) two issues; the transmission never shifted properly and it started leaking fluid everywhere. Two weeks later the dealer admitted they didnã‚t know the cause and replaced the transmission with a new one. Engine severely overheated (invoice 3w47852). At 20k miles the truck will once in a while stop (as if I hit something) as I start to back out of the garage - problem discovered at 31k brake job - rear shoes on parking brake broke loose on drivers side (both) and only one on passenger side. Loose shoe on pass. Side would wedge with good one and lock up wheels when moving slow. Lot's of arguments and Ford finally replaced shoes (4/25/05 invoice # 99323). At 26k (11/05, no invoice) one tire went flat and upon inspection by a tire shop, that tire and a second tire had tread separation - running goodyearã‚s. Ford quickly replaced both tires without any questions. At 29k, my family and I moved from mi to GA. Each time I stopped for gas the Explorer sounded like the front end was grinding metal to metal on the gears. The 4x4 was in auto for the trip and once I got back on the highway above 20 mph the noise went away. However, it continued to shift poorly and it started to surge (shake) or thump like something was catching in the drive train every time I would let off the gas pedal and allowed the truck to decelerate without braking. Even after new brakes and rotors, the problem got worse and worse - now at 34k, (5/30/05, invoice # w50821) the truck is in the dealership for the 3rd time on this issue. The first time, they replaced the "module-transfer sh" which did pretty much eliminate the shifting issue. They also replace the "drive shaft flange per ssm 16824" whatever that means. But a major problem in the drive train still exists and it still unresolved. Here's my point, Ford has a major drive train problem with the redesigned 2002 Explorer.

The consumer experienced a clunking noise which the dealer reported originated from the driveshaft. Some of the drive shaft mounting bolts were missing and some were loose. The dealer repaired the moutning bolts. There was no warning of the driveshaft having missing bolts. The consumer felt that the dealer should have replaced the original bolts that had come loose. The consumer also felt that Ford should cover the cost of repairs.

Delay in transmission engaging in either reverse or forward gear is highly dangerous because auto suddenly slams into gear and lurches forward. This has also occurred at highway speeds when the gear suddenly engages and causes a severe lurch forward with a bang so severe I thought I had hit something. Also, there is a chatter when accelerating during a turn and vibration of the driveshaft at varying speeds. I was told by the service dept. When I complained after purchasing the car that this delay was normal. On the second visit, they replaced the differential which caused a vibration and whine in the drive train. I returned it and the differential again was replaced and the drive shaft balanced with no improvement. I have been waiting for parts for quite sometime. The fluid additive is not available nor has the solenoid been replaced, but I understand this does not work either.

See all problems of the 2004 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Leased new '02 Explorer in Mar 02. Have had a warped driveshaft replaced, clunking noise in rear end area was "normal', and now at 65k miles have to replace entire transmission. Fmc of course claims no responsibility- vehicle isn't under warranty and I should take it up with dealer. Dealer says 3000 dollars to fix. Also had the stalling at highway speeds with speedometer reading between 5 and 95 mph approximately 1 1/2 years ago. Dealer found nothing wrong.

Drive shaft on 2002 Ford Explorer with 42,000 miles "is worn out" according to romeo, mi Ford dealership service manager. Previous compaint at 29593 miles to same dealership about loud noise when shifting (while under warranty) "could not be verified" at that time. I believe the drive shaft was defective and should be replaced without any charge.

Car vibrates at highway speed. Have had in shop three time now. The fourth is coming. They have replaced the driveshaft, fixed some bent metal, and are now going to replace the rear.

Driveshaft area/rear noise-singing/hum.

2003 Explorer XLT, 2wd: loud noise coming from driveline from 30 through 70 mph. Dealer changed differential gear set--no fix. Then changed the driveshaft--no fix. I now have 26,000 miles on it and the noise is so loud it is distracting. Ford says they have no fix (transmission? axles? another bad ring and pinion set?). Dealer says one of their staff has a 2003 with the same problem. . . . Still no fix.

The drive shaft was replaced.

Severe vibration.

Getting on highway at 55 mph, steering wheel and front of car began excessive vibrating (shaking and sputtering). Car cut off at side of road. Towed to dealer who said they never heard of symptoms and could not reproduce problem (after 4 days). On day 4 they told me it was my driveshaft which needed to be replaced. Car has not been the same since and still maintains a constant vibrating although significantly different than first episode. Car still has troubles at 70-75 mphs.

See all problems of the 1997 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The crank/drive shaft completely sheared off and fell out with the pulley still attached. The dealer's service manager and three other service personnel stated they have never seen anything like this before. The service manager also stated he could not even begin to explain how it would have happened.

While driving 20 mph driveshaft snapped in two, dealer repaired it under warranty, but, said that had never seen anything like it, and sent it to Ford company. Consumer has yet to hear from Ford.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Consumer states that 6 months after purchasing the vehicle she contacted the manufacturer and told them there was a clattering sound coming from under the hood. There was a recall on the vehicle, and on the way to the dealership to have the recall repaired, the motor went out. Consumer had previously taken the vehicle to merle kelly Ford in chanute, kansas to have the drivetrain repaired, but was told they could not find the cause of the problem. She received a recall on the drivetrain, and on the way to the dealership, this problem occurred. There was a span of years I between the time she took the vehicle to the dealer and when the recall was issued.

On two occasions the driveshaft broke without warning causing the driver to loose temporary control of the vehicle. Nlm.

Left front drive shaft worn out and replaced.

Driveshaft broke twice, and had been replaced in July of 2000, and April of 2001. During first incident, consumer was told that yoke and another components was cracked. No determination has been made as to reason for this defect. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

Special service message 12328 - some 1998/1999 Explorer/mountaineer 4x4 vehichles may exhibit a high pitched squeal/whistle type noise from the front end at speeds from 10mph to 40mph. This noise may be coming from the front halfshaft excluder seals(3k070) as they rotate against the inner hubs. If a vehicle comes in for this concern, perform the following service procedure for both sides of the vehicle; 1. Perform the front half shaft removal procedure per section 205-04-6 through 205-04-8 of the 1999 Explorer/mountaineer workshop manual. 2. Clean the extended lip of the front wheel excluder seals(3k070), the inner surface of the knuckle(3k185/3k186) in which the wheels ride against the axle shaft oil seals(3254). 3. Spread approximately 1/8" thick bead of high temp wheel bearing greese(part #e8tz-19590-a) onto the seal lips&surfaces they contact. 4. Perform the front halfshaft installation procedure per section 205-04-8 of the 1999 Explorer/mountaineer workshop manual. Verify that the noise is no longer present. Additional information will be provided when available. Engineering is currently investigating this issue. Note: do not replace the seals unless they are damaged.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Driving 68mph on highway when vehicle started vibrating excessively. Slowed down for 1st exit & vibrations decreased; but started up again. Took to mechanic at gas station to check out & informed was driveshaft. Had vehicle towed to nearest dealer.

Drive shaft disconnected.

See all problems of the 1996 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Driving vehicle in fast lane, heard a horrible noise, looked back & saw universal joint had blown out; had to coast to slow lane & side of hwy; driveshaft broke, had no power; had vehicle towed.

This is in to a vibration issue which has been ongoing since before my vehicle reached 11,000 miles. I have given no less than 25 opportunities to 2 Ford dealers, and thier representatives, and have gotten no more than a "no problem found" or "this is a tire issue" (or the 2 technicians who stated the obvious "I have no idea. . . " one stated, " if you find out what it is, let us know, all right?". I have since the last dealer visit, and subsequent Ford motor company customer service center calls, taken my truck to 3 different auto repair shops. 3 of 3 said it was drive train related. 2 of 3 said it was the driveshaft or attached componentry. Patterson driveshafts in indianapolis rebalanced and trued the drive shaft and 50% of the vibration problems were immediately done away with, (this was in one day, first visit). One Ford dealer service shop asserted they had replaced the driveshaft on one of the service calls. But this is only something written on a receipt to me, since this particular service call seemed to do little, if anything for the problem. I called Ford c. S. D. To ask how this can be that an "outside" service company could find this problem cause with seemingly little effort. I was told by the fmc rep. That we(Ford)do not recognize the 'opinion' of outside contractors, relative to repairs". (I have since been told that patterson driveshaft is one of Ford's most used driveshaft contractor/technicians), they know from whence they speak. Then recently, I heard from a friend about your website, (I had called once several months ago). This is great! I can see no less than 3 TSB's on my particular issue, and some more complaints that I've voiced to Ford ("no problem found"), I see are listed too. Now if I only knew what to do from here. I have paid for further diagnostics, and been told that this may take upwards of 16 hours @ $78. 00 per hour to pinpoint the last of the vib. Problems(though the vibration now feels more prevalant (please contact me fmi).

Driveshaft came off while driving the vehicle. While driving about 15-20 mph the driveshaft became disconnected which forced consumer to glide of to the shoulder .

Vibration in drivetrain. Most pronounced when accelerating on uphill grade. Occurs at around 35 mph. Not related to tires or wheels, all have been replaced.

While driving the vehicle made a cracking noise, driveshaft failed, and then became unable to drive. Dealer has fixed it.