Print this page

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
43,252 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1999 Ford Explorer transmission problems

transmission problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1999 Ford Explorer:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

1999 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 1 of 4)

problem #61

Aug 142010

Explorer 6-cyl

  • 95,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Transmission problem, failure and sliping, of my Ford Explorer 1999...

- Lajas, PR, USA

problem #60

Feb 152011

Explorer

  • miles
My Ford Explorer "O/D off" light flashes and it has problems shifting into 2nd and 5th gear. From what I understand my transmission could go out at any minute, costing thousands to repair. If I am driving on a crowded highway or merging this could be dangerous. I have read countless complaints on other websites. This is a common problem and Ford needs to recall these transmissions before someone gets killed

- Powell, WY, USA

problem #59

Nov 262010

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • 130,000 miles
I have owned my 1999 Ford Explorer for about 1 year. About 2 months ago I noticed a delay with the transmission engaging when shifting into drive or reverse. Then about a month ago it started having trouble shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear and very soon after that my over drive light comes on intermittently and blinks which makes the vehicle sluggish like I am towing something. Upon researching this problem I have found that I am only one of thousands or more that have this same issue between the years of 1995 - 2004. Also finding out that this is anywhere from a $2000 - $5000 fix. From my research and I don't seem to be alone. This should be a Ford recall.

- Merrimack, NE, USA

problem #58

Sep 092010

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • 122,027 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The reverse in the transmission went out without any warning. How does this happen? not taken to dealer yet. Probably is not worth it. Probably will have to get another car. At least for now. I pretty much use the car only after work now since I started taking public transportation for the last 2 years. Came home, drove the car from the train station, (about 1/4 of a mile) went into the house to drop off my workbags, came back out, started the car, put it into reverse and heard a loud ping. Put the car back in park and tried reverse again and the car would not move. Go figure. Tried going forward and the car moved. Neighbor came out and said that he heard the ping and that the pin broke when I tried reverse. Advised that I would need to get either a new car or a new transmission, because it cannot be corrected otherwise. Needed to get another car for now, because not sure if it may be worth it to get a new transmission for an 11 yr old vehicle. Just replaced a timing belt, tensioner and pulley just 2 1/2 months before that. Now repairs are starting to add up just to keep it running and the car looks virtually looks like it is only about 5 years old. Would understand better if it was slipping, but again, no prior warning. One day it worked fine and the next day it was not.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #57

Jul 152010

Explorer

  • 115,000 miles
Transmission failure reverse gear at 115K miles in July 2010.

- Bremerton, WA, USA

problem #56

Sep 012009

Explorer

  • 110,000 miles
1999 Ford Explorer- reverse went out in transmission, then after spending 1500. To get that fixed, worked good for awhile, now the O/D light flashes and won't kick into overdrive, now I am told I need a new transmission. This vehicle only has 110,000 miles should not be on it's 3rd transmission fix.. very disappointed !

- Washburn , IL, USA

problem #55

Jan 012010

Explorer

  • 153,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Transmission slipping while trying to enter on ramp on busy highway sounds trivial however endangering lives of occupants of many vehicles.

- North Bay, 00, USA

problem #54

Jun 132009

Explorer

  • 112,750 miles
1999 Ford Explorer Sport 112,750 miles. Car fine Tuesday night. Upon leaving driveway Wednesday morning, reverse was gone, but forward gears fine--no noise, no leaks. Vehicle has been maintained. Upon leaving to drive to get it diagnosed for repair, noises occurred, then fluid leaked. A component blew a hole in transmission case. Transmission needed replacement. Upon researching this problem, I found tens of thousands of similar complaints for this vehicle--mostly 2002 models, though all years were represented. Many experienced similar problems prior to 50,000 miles of use. Apparently this vehicle is called "exploder" by repair shops and Ford dealership service departments. A problem of this magnitude clearly needs addressing, , and it is obvious that the Ford Motor Co. Will not do it, as they have been aware of this problem for years and have made no modifications to prevent it from happening--it seems that they simply do not care to take the time, money and effort [mostly the money, I'm sure] to remedy this problem--they just will not care unless forced to--and you are the only ones who can force them to do something. I am looking into starting a class-action suit presently. Please do not make it necessary to continue....

- North Haledon, NJ, USA

problem #53

Aug 042008

Explorer

  • 84,000 miles
Ford Explorer 1999... O/D blinking, transmission missed 2nd or 3rd gears, fixed couple times including switches, solenoid, etc. The mechanic suggest to replace transmission, but not guarantee that will fix it.

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #52

Sep 232008

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer. The contact noticed that whenever she places the vehicle into drive, it functions as if it was in neutral. The vehicle will not operate while in the normal driving gear. The dealer has not diagnosed the vehicle. The contact did not notice any differences beforehand. The current and failure mileages were 80,000. Updated 10/16/08 updated 10/20/08.

- Ridgeway, PA, USA

problem #51

Apr 232008

Explorer

  • 95,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer. While constantly attempting to shift the vehicle into drive, it failed to properly shift into gear. As a consequence, the vehicle drifts into neutral. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic and was informed that the transmission may need to be replaced. She is in the process of contacting an authorized dealer to have the vehicle inspected. The failure mileage was 95,000 and current mileage was 118,000.

- Ridgeway, PA, USA

problem #50

Sep 232008

Explorer

  • 72,204 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer. Whenever the contact attempts to place the vehicle into drive, it functions as if it is in neutral. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The contact did not notice any differences beforehand. The current and failure mileages were 72,204.

- Ridgeway, PA, USA

problem #49

Nov 072007

Explorer

  • 72,000 miles
O/D light stared flashing and it wouldn't shift out of the lower gear. Paid around $1400 to have some bands replaced in the trans and the computer flashed. Now has a hesitation between 30 and 40 mph. Transmission issue.

- Conway, AR, USA

problem #48

Jun 132008

Explorer

  • 117,000 miles
My truck began revving for no reason, it only happens below 40 mph. It doesn't always happen and happens more when it is cold outside. A few weeks back, I couldn't drive forward, I had to back up and then it finally decided to go forward. I just took the truck in and had a number of things checked and replaced. I was told that the transmission is going and it is just a matter of time. I don't understand why Ford is not doing anything about the problems with their transmissions. I do not have money to throw away on a new transmission, especially with the price of gas. Please fix these problems.

- Oak Creek, WI, USA

problem #47

Oct 012007

Explorer 6-cyl

  • 105,000 miles
A few months a ago my SUV started to make a tapping noise from the engine especially when it was cold. It has progressively gotten worse and is now all the time. I had the SUV checked by a mechanic and was told it was the timing chain. And he would not fix it because it was too involved and was not worth it. Plus it would cost me $1500+. he even contacted Ford and was told that it was a 'problem' and that the dealership that I bought the car from won't even touch it! I was told by a Ford representative to 'drive it til it dies' and I got my money out of it. There is nothing else wrong with my SUV, not even rust. I can't believe that Ford knows that the timing chain in this vehicle is a problem and refuses to fix it. Please help!

- Absecon, NJ, USA

problem #46

Aug 072007

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles
Same 2-3 shift problem. Especially when cold...gas it on the on-ramp, all of a sudden it "pops" out of gear and you're hoping someone doesn't slam into the side of your vehicle. After my last near death experience, I took it to the dealer, they said it was a valve body gasket that was missing" (where did it go") they said they installed the upgrade kit and put in a new gasket, said it worked better. About 4 months later (when it got cold), it started again. Work & parts are supposed to be under warranty, but the dealer "thinks" it might be something else. My complaint is, 4 months ago I paid $900 for them to fix what is a common problem with their product, the exact same problem is happening again and they are looking for ways to get more money out of me, or worm their way out of fixing what I've already paid them to fix. The technician suggested it might be an internal leak, the torque converter, then suggested I might want to replace the tranny. My response was you had it torn apart last time, you didn't fix the problem, why should I trust you now? I don't subscribe to the theology of "repair through attrition". this is a serious problem that Ford should address or be sued for.

- St Louis Park, MN, USA

problem #45

Jul 042006

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,000 miles
Transmission failure, twice. First @ 90,000 miles, second @ 115,000 miles.

- Suffield, CT, USA

problem #44

Jan 112007

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles
1999 Ford Explorer transmission O/D light flashing. Transmission has not failed yet, but it won't be long. I am writing to add my voice to the ten's of thousands of unhappy Ford customers who have had the same problem for a decade of Ford transmissions that no one seems to want to hear about or help us with.

- Sanford, NC, USA

problem #43

Jan 132008

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,872 miles
Transmission failure 1999 Ford Explorer 1. transmission started slipping, after a transmission flush at the valvoline oil change company. Mileage on vehicle approx 75000 miles when service was completed. 2. catastrophic failure of transmission, resulting in complete transmission rebuild at cost of $3000.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #42

Oct 312007

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
1999 Ford Explorer caught fire. Consumer states that his vehicle was in the shop for about 5 to 6 weeks getting a new engine transmission and radiator, and recall repair done. The vehicle caught fire a month after the repairs were made.

- Burgaw, NC, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?