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Ford Explorer repair costs
Fair-price ranges for the most common Ford Explorer repairs, at the U.S. national independent-shop average. The Ford Explorer is priced as a crossover / suv in our model — pick your state in any repair's calculator for local numbers.
About the Ford Explorer: A larger SUV, so parts (brakes, cooling, suspension) are bigger and pricier than a compact crossover. AWD adds labor on driveline work.
Ford Explorer repair cost list
| Repair | Fair range (independent) | Labor hours |
|---|---|---|
| Brake pad replacement per axle | $150 – $340 | 0.9–1.4 hrs |
| Brake pads and rotors per axle | $310 – $780 | 1.3–2 hrs |
| Alternator replacement per job | $310 – $900 | 1.2–2.5 hrs |
| AC compressor replacement per job | $560 – $1,490 | 2.2–4 hrs |
| Transmission replacement per job | $2,670 – $6,900 | 7–10 hrs |
| Timing belt replacement per job | $520 – $1,030 | 3.5–5.5 hrs |
| Water pump replacement per job | $300 – $770 | 2–4 hrs |
| Starter replacement per job | $270 – $780 | 1–2.2 hrs |
| Radiator replacement per job | $390 – $1,010 | 2–3.5 hrs |
| Struts / shocks replacement per pair (front or rear) | $480 – $1,270 | 2–3.5 hrs |
| Wheel bearing replacement per wheel | $240 – $660 | 1.2–2.2 hrs |
| Spark plug replacement per job (all cylinders) | $160 – $420 | 1–2 hrs |
| Head gasket repair per job | $1,310 – $2,490 | 9–14 hrs |
| Catalytic converter replacement per converter | $430 – $2,480 | 1.2–2.5 hrs |
| Serpentine belt replacement per job | $90 – $230 | 0.5–1 hrs |
Ranges use quality aftermarket to OEM parts at $110/hr (national independent average). Dealers run 25–40% higher. Every repair links to its full guide with a state-by-state calculator and the lines to question.
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How these estimates work: the Ford Explorer is mapped to our crossover / suv vehicle class, and each figure is that class's labor-time range × the national independent shop rate + realistic parts bands. Model-specific quirks are noted above; for exact local pricing use each repair's state calculator. Full method on the methodology page. Estimates, not quotes.