9.2
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$2,480.00
Average Mileage:
84,671 miles
Total Complaints:
29 complaints
Most common solutions:
- pay to rebuild the transmission (26 reports)
- not sure (2 reports)
- belt/clutch repair (1 reports)
transmission problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2003 Ford Explorer transmission failure
2009Jan 02
Explorer XLT 4.Ol V6
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
Wish I knew about the transmission plague that affects ALL 2002-2004 Explorers before I bought wasted my money on this vehicle.
2009May 04
Explorer LX 6 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
There is no reason why a car with only only 70,000miles should have to have a new transmission. The problem occured almost a year ago whern the car had less than 70,000 miles on it. When I took it to ford, thay quoted a pricem of $3,800.00 to replace the transmission. But since I could not efford that, I continued to drive the car with only three gears untill the car failed inspection due to an engine code, which rerquired me to finally have the transmission replaced. The man at the ford dealer told me that this was a regular problem with this transmission, and that he has seen several of these transmissions fail. Ford should be required to rercasll this transmission or at least provide a rebate for the repair costs.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Apr 15
Explorer XLS 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
A week after I bought this BRAND NEW vehicle, the dealer called to ask me how I liked it. I should have known something was up, because he then asked if it were shifting ok. So they definitely knew there were problems! It was only a week old when he asked, so I hadn't noticed anything at that time.
I'll never buy another Ford product... EVER. (As you'll read later... this is the FIRST of TWO transmission failures!) OH, you'll also read about $2000 in wheel bearings, a cracked panel beneath the rear window and the O/D light flashing. These ALL happened to me. Oh, I ALSO replaced the engine! What a piece of crap!
2007Apr 05
(reported on)Explorer XLT 4.6L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
add this to a long list of problems with this suv, from cracked rear lift gate panel to corrsion on the hood. Will never buy a ford again. simply can't afford to!!!!
2009Apr 06
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,100 miles
Well, To start with over the past few weeks it has been not wanting to shift to park. Technician said it was a common problem with solenoid under steering wheel. So common that they have a tech note for it. Hmm . I took the bad part and it looks like it has a lot of play in it. The new one has no play. Doesn't look worn. 2nd problem is shifting. It has always shifted a little hard. O/D light came on yesterday and 2nd gear not working. Band problem. says needs replaced 2100 repair. Wow. GO Ford. Never again will I buy one.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Mar 11
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
What's the deal with Ford Explorer Transmissions? Are they undersized or what? They seem to be failing everywhere.
2009Jan 01
Explorer 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
Our vehicle starting acting up by first the o.d. light started to flash and then the rpm would run high and not shift properly.. This transmission is a transmission from hell. If you get it rebuild be careful, our mechanic who is so honest and great really knew what he was doing and did a great job. He put a lot of time and really did his research to make sure the problem got fixed right. I know it was a nightmare for him on how difficult ford makes it to work on or fix. There really needs to be a recall done. If you have a problem with your transmission and you live in arizona beware of the big transmission guys, we have had friends who spent over $5000 and it is still not fixed.. Our guy was Nate with Solid Shift transmission, (480)986-3600 he is honest and fair. He will fix the problem.
2008Oct 26
Explorer Limited 4.5L
- Automatic transmission
- 83,968 miles
I noticed my transmission slipping around 27Oct 29th 2008, took it to a Ford dealership for what I presumed was perhaps a needed transmission flush, the service manger told me that I had a transmission problem and that the transmission can go at any time, two days, two months or two years, took the vehicle home that night, the transmission failed to engage, had the vehicle towed to AAMCO for a free diagnostic, was told that the transmission is gone and would have to be rebuilt at a cost ranging from 2500 to 3500, I then called Fords national number told them that I am a (4) time Explorer owner and ask if there is any help or assistance that I can receive form ford, I was told that Ford will honor any price assistance given to me by any local Ford dealership to repair my transmission, I called my local dealership and told them what National had told me, they said that they would repair the transmission for $2200 out of the door, later that day that number was reduced to $1900, I told AAMCO to please move my vehicle to the designated Ford dealership, after about 5 days I received a call from the dealership telling me that the vehicle is finished and was test driven and everything was ok,, then it was test driven again later that day and a problem was discovered and now the Valve body would have to be replaced at a cost of an additional $400.00. I got my vehicle back then after about 10 days I noticed that the transmission was slipping again and there was leak spots on my driveway, I took it back to the dealer and was told that some seal in the transmission is leaking, however it is under warranty, but I should replace some sort of Pump within the transmission for and additional $300.....this is the classic bait and switch, they are the professional and should be competent and experienced enough to diagnose and fix a transmission. The $1900 is now $ 2600; I am done with FORD after over 15 years of loyalty.
2008Sep 08
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
Ford has a "sealed" automatic transmission in this model, which means exactly that. No dipstick! You can't check the fluid, you have to take it to a Ford dealer, or a specialty Transmission shop, which will cost you a lot of money, just for a check! Our transmission was starting to slip badly at 75,000 miles, so we had it checked for $300. They said the transmission fluid was dirty, and there was metal and clutch mater in the transmission. It needed to be replaced for around $4,000 ! We have taken very good care of this vehicle, and it is a disgrace that it should go out at so few miles. A sealed transmission is Ford's way of saying "screw you"!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Oct 22
Explorer SportTrac V6
- Automatic transmission
- 120,100 miles
Although the mileage may be a bit high for a 2003, they were mostly freeway miles and my truck was always maintained properly; fluid levels were always checked and spot-on, oil changes every 3,000 miles, periodic tire rotation, no heavy loads or off road use. Then one day, without ANY prior symptoms, I had NO reverse and it only drove in 2nd gear. The O/D light began flashing as well. My previous vehicle, a 1969 Dodge van drove for 750,000 miles with only 1 engine and 1 transmission replacement.
2008Oct 13
Explorer Limited 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 76,000 miles
Blinking O/D light and eventual transmission failure. Dealer wanted $4265 to fix and private transmission rebuilder charged $2500. Also cracked panel under rear window. I've got all the standard failures. I won't buy another Ford, they don't care, so nor will I...
2008Sep 07
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
Started as o/d off light flashing on/off, then (within a day) started feeling really hard shifts, next day it locked itself into first gear only.
Took it to a transmission shop, they said it looked typical for Ford transmission failures.
Cost to fix $3090, plus it took 4-5 days for the shop to get to it, so 4-5 days of rental fees.
Get this though: the rebuild kit comes with a 5-year 100,000 mile guarantee. Now, how is it that a rebuild kit can give me a 100k guarantee, but the original warranty only had a 36K on it? And Ford wonders why they can't sell cars anymore?
2008Aug 08
Explorer Eddie Baurer 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 100,929 miles
This vehicle is a top of line and has so many sensors it tells you when you fart butt here was no indication of a transmission problem. I have owned many vehicles and this is a money pit. The dealer quoted me $5643.00 but a local transmission shop estimates $1500 - 2000. I see there are lots of complaints but a Ford says these are good transmissions. They are good but only short on life. I could understand if this was an inexpensive truck and not taken care of but that is not the case. I think Ford knows the problem and just have never done a recall. Soon to be ex ford owner. I would buy European before I gave Ford another nickel
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Jul 29
Explorer XLT 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 106,000 miles
Let me start with a little background. The only reason we possess a piece of ___ Ford is because the Ford Windstar we owned for 2 years was facing its 4th $800+ repair with transmission problems looming on top of that. Knowing no one would take the Windstar off my hands, I told the dealer he would take it back at fair market value without need of repair and also give me a good deal on a new vehicle since we had so much trouble with the Windstar. Well, it was only a good deal if you throw out all the necessary repair costs to Ford # 2 - the Explorer.
We just paid over $600 last Friday because the check engine light kept coming on. Now today, the transmission is gone. Ironically, the check transmission light didn't come on until this morning as we were pulling into the mechanic and there was only one functioning gear left. How on earth is Ford getting good ratings for reliability??? I am beginning to think their customer base consist solely of 80 year old women that only drive their car to church on Sunday because once you crest the 30,000 mile mark, it is all down hill.
FOR SALE - 1 COMPLETELY RE MANUFACTURED FORD EXPLORER. Should be a good car now as nothing is original!
2007Jul 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 63,000 miles
Transmission failed. It was a transmission without a dipstick that was supposed to last 100,000 miles before service. It failed at 63,000. Right now at 80,000 I have to replace one of these new front wheel bearing packs which are overpriced and have a limited life as compared to traditional wheel bearings. It's a disposable truck! No more for me.
2008Jun 12
Explorer Eddie Bower V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
In less then two months it started out with O/D light flashing and rough shifting after the O/D was off to having to jerk & rock the vehicle by hard acceleration just to get it into reverse to get it out of the parking spot to not even shifting into anything to go. I found the problem at first could be corrected just by turning the vehicle off and letting it reset or cool off, to it not wanting to go into reverse out of parking spot when it was hot outside to it just not wanting to go regardless of the outside temp. What a pain in the ass! When I took it to the Ford Dealership right after it started the o/d light flashing & rough shifting, the dealer's service department's response was it has 80,000 miles on it and needs a new transmission to correct the problem. They told me the service engine light would stay on all the time until the transmission was replaced. Well they were wrong. The service engine light would come on some times and at the end, it was totally off! We falsely thought that maybe the dealership was wrong with their diagnose since they had only hooked the vehicle up to their computer, but the vehicle proved them right in such a short time.
2008Jun 21
Explorer XLS 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
I don't know what everyone is complaining about. Sure, I've had to replace both rear bearings, both front bearings - twice, the hinges on the rear hatch, the computer - twice and now the transmission, all in less than two years. Just normal wear and tear, right? DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND AVOID FORD! I hear Toyotas are reliable....
2007Apr 03
Explorer 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
You pay good money and expect a good SUV and what do you get? You get a piece of crap that won't even let you put it into gear. The transmission totally failed. Ford should have to reimburse everyone who has had problems!
2007May 12
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 149,000 miles
I noticed for several months that my transmission was jerky. It would hesitate at stop signs when I accelerated and then lunge forward. I had driven about 200 miles on a trip and noticed that my transmission seemed to be shifting funny. The faster I went, the worse it got. I had no choice but to drive home in it. The o/d light began to flash and I was about to lose my mind afraid of a break down. I made it home and took it to the dealership the next day. They quoted me $3400 to replace the transmission. Next, I went to AMACO and got a $2500 quote to rebuild if they started on it immediately. I then found a local mechanic who rebuilt the transmission for $1250. Since then I have put another 25K miles on it and haven't had another transmission problem.
2007Dec 10
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 97,000 miles
Well, well, well. 1 wheel bearing bad at 50k. Three more at 91K including a repeat. Finally transmission blows at 97k. Dealer indicates this is all typical wear and tear. Well, guess if that's typical for a Ford, then they need to get out of the auto business. I'm buying a Subaru and never going back. Too bad. I've owned a 67 Mustang, 69 Cougar, 94 Ranger, and 99 F150. Always been happy, but they seem to have lost their capability to be even slightly competent.
2008Jan 04
Explorer XLT 4.0L, V6
- Automatic transmission
- 58,000 miles
This piece of sh*t broke down on me on a Friday! I called the dealer and they said to bring it in Monday cause they don't have real mechanics on weekends only oil change guys. Idiots! I had to have my trans replaced after the o/d light came on started flashing and wouldn't shift correctly. I thought it was gonna stall right there and then. Luckily I had an extended warranty. Now i have a problem with a cracked rear panel. When i Ford gonna get off its fat ass and do something for their customers?
2007Oct 13
(reported on)Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 81,370 miles
O/D OFF light flickering and gears diagnosed as most others here, replace solenoid, that didn't work. At least Firestone shop refunded $862.00 when he coudnt fix it over that 3 day repair fiasco. I was advised take to dealer, most likely a "electric harness failure". By the way a solenoid replacement should never be more than $400 I was told by tranny guy after the fact when I depended on local Firestone guy who said "no problem" he could do it...not so it seems in the long run.
Dealer says Firestone missed problem completely. Dealer says 2nd and 3rd bands gone so 2800 for a rebuild or 3900 for new. Just paid this off in March. I have owned Ford since 1970, and my brother builds them in KC.
The Explorer has been well maintained, never expected this at 81K miles.
I had to rent a Suzuki SUV for a week,it was a nice car, I may go foreign now for the features. It will kill my UAW brother but this is a ridiculous cost and pain in the butt for car you depend on for work and a travel to help out invalid parents.
2007Aug 16
(reported on)Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
We bought a used 2003 Ford Explorer XLT in 2004. Had 20,000 miles on it. The transmission failed completely last Tuesday. We had 60,000 miles on it at time of failure. The transmission was so bad it couldn't be rebuilt so we are going to have to put in a new one for $3940 (labor + tax). We took care of it and never took it off roading. The original warranty was only 3 yrs or 36,000 miles so of course it is coming out of my pocket. Of course the new transmission will have a 3 yr. 75,000 mile warranty. Why didn't the origInal one have that? I've learned a valuable lesson. I WILL NEVER, EVER, EVER. EVER BY ANOTHER AMERICAN CAR AGAIN. It pretty much comes down to this. You can either pay more money upfront when you buy a foreign vehicle like Toyota or Honda (That will last a very long time with little failure rate) or you can pay the same amount or more later on with an American-made car. American auto manufacturers should be required to put in foreign transmission because the ones they make suck ass. I hope all American auto companies go out of business. They deserve to fail. Their products suck ass and no wonder they can't compete with Toyota or Honda ETC. They don't deserve to. SCREW EM. They will never get my hard-earned money again. F*CK YOU Ford.
2007Aug 19
(reported on)Explorer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
Transmission failed at 65000 miles. Never abused, just normal highway driving in cruise control. Complete rebuild cost over $2700.00. Vacationed at home thanks to Ford's cheap parts. I will be replacing my Explorer with either a Honda or Toyota. Ford should come to terms with its problems and stop screwing the American Consumer. We do have ways of getting back. Stop buying Ford products! FIX OR REPAIR DAILY, I should have listened to my Father (over $6000.00 for repairs in five years.)
2007Aug 15
(reported on)Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
O/D AND "CHECK TRANSMISSION" LIGHTS BOTH CAME ON... ENGINE WOULD RACE OUTTA 1ST, THEN POP INTO 2ND(SAME 4 3RD AND 4TH)... TOOK IT 2 FRIEND, WHO RELATED 2 ME THAT SEVERAL PROBLEMS NEEDED 2 B RECTIFIED (BELTS, CLUTCH, METAL SHAVINGS IN TRANS.)... HE SAVED ME A LITTLE $$$ IN THE END, BUT REPAIRS WERE STILL COSTLY($1200.00)... JUST CROSSING MY FINGERS THIS PROBLEM DOESN'T RE-OCCUR... BUT JUDGING BY UR READERS, I'M NOT SO SURE
2007Jun 12
(reported on)Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
This was the first time the tranny went out. We had to do it again at 65k and again at 85k (bad relays or some sh*t). We sold it and guess what? 1500 miles and 1 year later its out again I hear on the person we sold it to. The transmission shop calls them Ford EXPLODERS. Ha #$@!&^% Ha.
2007Aug 04
(reported on)Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 140,000 miles
had the shifting thing going on in and out of 2nd and 3rd, took it to the dealer, said its just the way the explorers shift. no lights came on, 2 weeks later Transmission just stopped working, no light, just didn't go. it was covered under warranty and they replaced it but it still shifts in and out of gears. now the warranty is over. i see, i will buy the next transmission..
2006Jun 29
(reported on)Explorer
- 62,000 miles
For a three year old vehicle, I never though I would have to spend 2500 to rebuild the transmission. The check engine light came on, 2 days later, I'm paying to rebuild the transmission. I noticed the 2nd gear was slipping. Labor intensive repair.
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Oct 01
Explorer XLT
Dealer says, "Oh, there's a little pin in the tranny that wears out, and when it drops out, it screws everything up, unseats the OD belt, yada yada yada." So, the dealer knows what's wrong, he knows why it's wrong, and has clearly dealt with this many times before. You gonna tell me that Ford isn't aware of this, and is not AT LEAST warning their dealers to check these devastating little pins, so that maybe, just maybe, they could provide some sort of actual quality service and make some minimal attempt to do the right thing? This is really sad, because I like my explorer. The last one went well over 160,000 miles before my son totaled it. Am I expecting too much from American car dealers? Who, by the way, are in trouble market-wise because of behavior and products like this.
Bruce S.
Helena, MT, USA
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