So I have owned a Explorer ST since June of 2024, 2020 Explorer ST Iconic Silver. absolutely loved that car. Ride was great performance was awesome. Faithfully did all Oil Changes and recommended Services. No real issues, worst on was the FADA leak. but all covered under my Ford ESP. Well back on the 17th of June I noticed a odd clicking noise after accelerating that sounded like the transmission or the axels that would last for just a few seconds then go away till the next time you stopped and accelerated. So I called the shop they said bring it on in so they could look at it and make sure it was ok to drive and if not they would get me a loaner. No problem, I head to the dealer and about 5 miles away from them the car stalled. No warning no noise nothing. pulled to the side of the road and tried to restart nothing. full power to the can just no start. Road side assistance tows it in and I get a loaner and wait. the dealer service department is very busy and backed up. so it takes over a week for them to look at it. they call and say bad battery. I authorize the new battery, well that didn't fix anything so another few days go by and its the starter. ok cool. Well you guessed it, not the starter. So they drain the oil find metal in the filter, drop the pan find heavy metal particles in the pan and after a lot of disassembly they find #6 rod bearing was spun. So we waited and Ford ESP will cover the long block and the turbo replacement. So I inquired about trading it in and before you knew it we had a deal. So I said so long to my trusted partner and I grabbed a 2026 Ford Explorer ST in Black. I feel like I lost some excellent feature and gained others. I know deep down its the same car. but the 26 feels way different . I am also disappointed that this has the Gasoline Particulate Filter so I could not swap out the exhaust for my Thermal R&D system perhaps later down the road. I like the newer infotainment center. much better than my old Sync system The Audio in the new one sounds way better as well. but It probably isn't any different. The Panoramic roof is nice. I only have 41 miles so far on the 26 so I will see how it goes. I have attached a photo of each for reference. The Silver one will hopefully find a loving home.
As a side note I should now be eligible for the ST Experience. so That's a small victory!
As a side note I should now be eligible for the ST Experience. so That's a small victory!
