FORD EXPLORER REPAIR SERVICES
EXPLORER
The Ford Explorer. Tough. Reliable. A staple on the road. But let’s be real—no vehicle is perfect. Certain model years? Plagued with problems. Transmission failures. Timing chain rattles. Suspension nightmares. If you own an Explorer, you need to know what’s under the hood—literally.
At M & R Auto in Menlo Park, we see these issues every day. We don’t just diagnose them. We solve them. Before they turn into major (and expensive) headaches. Got an Explorer? Pay attention. These are the seven most common problems—and how we fix them.
REQUEST A CALLBACK
Your car’s braking system is the first line of defense in an impending accident. Driving a car with bad brakes puts the driver and other road users at risk of an accident. On the other hand, ensuring your vehicles have well-functioning brakes can save your life and other road users. Therefore, ensure your brakes are in good condition before driving.
A good braking system is important to a safe journey. At M & R Automotive Repair, we offer brake replacement services needed for the safe operation of the vehicle. We have expert technicians trained to fix your vehicle brakes. So you can be assured that your car is in safe hands.
We are a STAR certified SMOG check station. If you need a smog check to register your vehicle in California, we can help. Give us a call if you have any questions about getting your vehicle smogged, or click the button below to schedule an appointment to bring your vehicle in.
1. Transmission Failure (2002-2005 Models)
Ever hit the gas and feel… nothing? Your Explorer hesitates. Jerks. Maybe even refuses to shift. If you own a 2002-2005 model, this isn’t just bad luck. It’s bad engineering.
Ford’s 5R55 transmission is notorious for slipping gears, delayed engagement, and full-on failure. The culprit? Weak solenoids. Worn bands. Internal leaks. And once that transmission goes, you’re looking at a major repair bill.
Here’s how we fix it. First, a full diagnostic scan—because no two failures are the same. If the solenoid pack is shot, we replace it. If internal components are fried, we rebuild or swap the transmission entirely. No band-aid fixes. Just real, lasting solutions.
2. Timing Chain Rattle (2002-2010 Models, 4.0L SOHC V6)
That rattle when you start up? It’s not just annoying. It’s a warning sign. In 4.0L V6 models, the timing chain tensioners wear out fast. And when they do, the chain starts slapping against the housing.
Ignore it? You’re looking at catastrophic engine damage. And we mean catastrophic—valves colliding, pistons ruined, an engine rebuild that costs more than your Explorer’s worth.
Our solution? Replace the timing chain guides, tensioners, and—if needed—the chains themselves. We use updated parts designed to last longer. Because fixing it right the first time beats doing it twice.
3. Water Pump Failure (2011-2019 Models, 3.5L & 3.7L V6)
Ford had a bright idea: put the water pump inside the engine. Sounds efficient. Until it fails.
And fail it does. Coolant leaks inside the engine. Oil gets contaminated. The temperature gauge spikes. And before you know it, you’re looking at a blown engine.
We don’t wait for disaster. If your Explorer has over 100,000 miles, we recommend replacing the water pump proactively. Our team carefully disassembles the front of the engine, replaces the pump, and re-seals everything to prevent future leaks. It’s not a quick job, but it’s cheaper than replacing an entire engine.
4. Transmission Glitches (2013 Model Year)
Driving should be smooth. Not unpredictable. Not “Why did my Explorer just lurch forward?”
2013 Explorers are known for erratic shifting. Hesitation. Rough gear changes. Ford’s PowerShift transmission? Not their best work. The mechatronic unit—essentially the brain of the transmission—tends to fail. And when it does, your Explorer acts like it has a mind of its own.
We fix this by updating the transmission control software, replacing faulty clutch packs, and—if necessary—installing a new transmission control module. You get smooth, predictable shifting. No more guessing what your car will do next.
5. Rear Suspension Failure (2011-2013 Models)
A stable suspension means control. Confidence. A smooth ride. Unless you drive an Explorer from 2011 to 2013. Then, you might notice a clunking sound from the rear. Uneven tire wear. Worse handling.
The issue? Weak rear toe links. When they fail, they snap—sometimes while driving. Ford issued a recall, but many Explorers are still on the road with this dangerous flaw.
At M & R Auto, we don’t wait for recalls. We inspect the entire rear suspension, replace worn toe links with reinforced versions, and align everything to factory specs. Safety first. Always.
6. Engine Failure (2021-2022 Models, 2.3L & 3.0L EcoBoost)
Newer doesn’t always mean better. Ford’s latest EcoBoost engines have a nasty habit—intake valves cracking. And when they do? Coolant leaks into the combustion chamber. Misfires. Loss of power. Total engine failure.
Fixing this requires precision. We replace damaged valves with stronger, updated versions, re-seal the cylinder head, and test compression to make sure everything runs smoothly.
7. Exhaust Fumes in the Cabin (2011-2017 Models)
Your SUV shouldn’t smell like exhaust. But for 2011-2017 Explorers, it’s a known issue.
The problem? Unsealed seams in the rear. Under acceleration, exhaust gases sneak into the cabin, making the air inside unsafe.
The fix is simple but essential. We reseal the body seams, inspect the HVAC system for leaks, and ensure that no exhaust fumes make their way into your vehicle. Clean air. Safe driving.
Need Help? We’re in Menlo Park.
These aren’t just minor inconveniences. They’re serious issues that can leave you stranded—or worse. That’s why we take them seriously.
At M & R Auto, we serve Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Daly City, and Belmont. We know Ford Explorers inside and out. If your SUV is acting up, don’t wait. Bring it in. We’ll diagnose it, fix it, and get you back on the road.
Call us today. Because waiting too long? That’s how small problems become big ones.