transmission problem
9.1
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$2,171.00
Average Mileage:
84,324 miles
Number of complaints:
13 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replacement of transmission (7 reports)
- replace transmission (3 reports)
- rebuild (2 reports)
- not sure (1 reports)
Helpful Websites About 1999 Ford Explorer transmission failure
2003Jul 01
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
I paid cash in full. A single mom's life savings. Tranny went tits up 8 months after purchase. No warranty, bought from private party, a family friend to be exact. Its been 5 years and i'm at 96,000 miles, and its acting up again. I hate this SUV so bad!
2004Jul 30
Explorer LX
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
Yeah, got on internet for a new problem with the Explorer but wanted to add to the transmission replacement stats. Had to replace at 40,000 miles after gentle driving - dealer said it was a Ford problem and gave me a new transmission for $700. I think I was just past the warranty - can't recall. Now at 120000 I have a new and severe problem - they think it's the catalytic converter needing complete replacement to the tune of $1500. After this one, will never do another Ford.
2008Mar 30
Explorer 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 170,000 miles
O/D light started flashing, then check engine light started flashing, lost all power, had to pull over to side of road. Explorer was smoking and would barely idle. Turned off vehicle, turned it back on and tried to drive, it wouldn't move, put it in reverse and it moved so I put it in D1 and it slowly moved was able to get up enough speed to go to D2 and finally back into drive. Now the Explorer slips so bad from 1st to 2nd I'm scared to drive it. I'm sure a mechanic will say needs tranny. Previously owned a Ford Taurus and the tranny went out on that too. Not sure if the tranny has been replaced before since I bought it used at about 110,000 miles.
2008Mar 01
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
I have 2 Ford Explorers. One I had to replace tranny at 35,000! Now at 67000 miles, it needs another tranny, slipping in third gear. The other one has had a new engine replaced and needs a new tranny. Wouldn't go into reverse and went on FIRE. So now we have two 1999 Fords with no trannies.
2007Aug 07
Explorer Limited 4.9L Sohc V6
- Automatic transmission
- 101,580 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 valvebody 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.
2007Jun 21
Explorer XLT 4.0L Sohc
- Automatic transmission
- 105,633 miles
FELT LIKE I WAS RAPED, BOUGHT VEHICLE FOR $5000 AND COST ANOTHER $1200 TO SAFETY AND E-TEST ONLY TO PAY ANOTHER $2300 TO PUT IN ITS THIRD TRANSMISSION. 4 MONTHS GO BY AND NOW ANOTHER $750 TO REPLACE BOTH LEFT SIDE WHEEL BEARINGS. I REALLY DON'T WANT THIS MONEY PIT ANYMORE I JUST CANT BRING MYSELF TO LOSE SO MUCH MONEY ON IT. NEVER WILL I BUY ANOTHER FORD EVER!!!!!! UNDER 200K AND ALREADY ON TRANNY NUMBER 3, THAT IS RIDICULOUS. OH YEAH, BOUGHT THE TRUCK OFF MY BROTHER AND HE HAD IT FROM BRAND NEW, ONLY EVER TOWED A U-HAUL TRAILER WITH IT ONE TIME SO IT WASN'T BECAUSE OF ABUSE. FIXED OR REPAIRED DAILY
2007May 22
(reported on)Explorer XLT 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 117,000 miles
Same story, new complaint. Had the "speed sensor" replaced at 85,000 miles, and then the deterioration began. I am now at 117,000 miles, and O/D light flickers, which leads to "Service Engine Soon", and truck feels like it is being jerked forward then being pushed back.
My favorite part of this whole thing is that when I bought it, the salesman stressed how Ford has really improved their transmissions!! I thought my problems were unique, but now I realize everyone has this problem. I have been debating repairing or trading in. I'm really starting to lean more towards trading it in, and cutting my losses.
2007Sep 26
(reported on)Explorer 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
This is the 2nd transmission in this vehicle. In roughly 67000 miles the transmission went out. It shifts hard between 2nd and 3rd. I have found that this is a major problem in that if it happens when trying to pull out your stuck with the tranny slipping with traffic bearing down on you. A potential death trap. I wonder what Ford would say if they new people consider their Explorer a death trap. I'm sure they would try to put the blame on the driver. Ford sucks, I'm letting everybody know it.
2007Jan 17
(reported on)Explorer XLS
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
Documenting failure #2. As stated before, this vehicle has literally required a new transmission approximately every 35,000 miles. The failure each time has been exactly the same -- slow, hard shifting between 2nd and 3rd gears. We are now looking at transmission #4 for this rig, and Ford says it's not their problem because the vehicle is no longer under warranty. It has been implied that it's my fault -- that I must drive it hard or not maintain it properly. I am a conservative driver and I have the records to prove I maintain my vehicles. I believe this is a clear defect in the transmission, and Ford should be held accountable.
2007Jan 17
(reported on)Explorer XLS
- Automatic transmission
- 35,000 miles
This vehicle has literally required a new transmission approximately every 35,000 miles. The failure each time has been exactly the same -- slow, hard shifting between 2nd and 3rd gears. We are now looking at transmission #4 for this rig, and Ford says it's not their problem because the vehicle is no longer under warranty. It has been implied that it's my fault -- that I must drive it hard or not maintain it properly. I am a conservative driver and I have the records to prove I maintain my vehicles. I believe this is a clear defect in the transmission, and Ford should be held accountable.
2007Jan 17
(reported on)Explorer XLS
- Automatic transmission
- 101,000 miles
Reporting Tranny failure #3. This vehicle has literally required a new transmission approximately every 35,000 miles. The failure each time has been exactly the same -- slow, hard shifting between 2nd and 3rd gears. We are now looking at transmission #4 for this rig, and Ford says it's not their problem because the vehicle is no longer under warranty. It has been implied that it's my fault -- that I must drive it hard or not maintain it properly. I am a conservative driver and I have the records to prove I maintain my vehicles. I believe this is a clear defect in the transmission, and Ford should be held accountable.
2006Dec 17
(reported on)Explorer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 62,000 miles
Odometer light flashes & transmission won't shift to 3rd! I can't believe Ford can't build an automatic transmission that can't last 100,000 miles. This is ridiculous, especially after reading about so many other failures on the internet. Mine has now failed twice in a year! It is absolutely ridiculous. There should be a class action suit filed!
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Oct 05
Explorer Sport V6
Ford... need i say more? My reverse gear is broken and all we're talking about here is that my friend put it in reverse to back out of a parking spot, backed up a few feet, stopped to check for oncoming traffic heard a loud "chunk" and started to roll forward... That's it!!!
Jake M.
Los Angeles, CA, USA
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