This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
7.7
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$1,620.00
Average Mileage:
36,658 miles
Total Complaints:
177 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (118 reports)
- replace the transmission (24 reports)
- TSB from Ford reprogramming the transmission control (11 reports)
- replace transmission module (4 reports)
- reprogrammed the transmission (4 reports)
- solenoid assembly replaced (3 reports)
transmission problem
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2011Aug 09
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 63,000 miles
Called Ford to complain that my vehicle was making a strange clunk like sound when I went to put it from Park to Reverse they replaced the gear shift assembly. Got back in the vehicle and had it happen again even after they replaced the gear shift. The problem I am experiencing doesnt happen everytime but my concern is that its my transmission but they swear they checked it and its fine. I dont buy what they are telling me and am looking at getting another opinion but I have never had such an issue with a vehicle they I have with ford.
2008Jun 15
Explorer Limited 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 37,000 miles
The vehicle only had 37K miles on it when I purchased it as a used lease unit. Like other complaints I read about the 2006 model transmission lurching at a stop light like someone rear ending you. I took the vehicle to the dealer where I purchased it and they said Ford had a solution whereby they needed to reprogram the tranny. This was done no-charge and I now have 53K on the car and since the reprogram I have never had another problem. It was a cheap and effective fix which only took about a half hour to do.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Jul 25
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 79,692 miles
We purchased our used 2006 Ford Explorer from a dealership in 2007. Today, I found out that not only was I not covered by my 120,000 Kilometer warranty anymore, but my transmission is shot. The car was lunging, stalling, driving eratically and from what I've just read here, I can see that other owners have had the same issues. I wish there were an opportunity to lobby for Ford to recall the Explorer trannie problem bcs it seems to be a widespread problem!!
The dealership here in Toronto is quoting $5000-$6000 for a Ford rebuilt transmission....
2011May 10
Explorer LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
I just need help with this. I'm a disable veteran on a fixed income.
2011Jun 01
Explorer Eddie Bauer
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
Ford House wanted $4,000 to replace the transmission. We felt that with a car with only 60,000 that was unacceptable. Another mechanic reset the computer & the problem is better but still occurs occasionally. Certainly makes us re-think buying another Ford and this is our 4th Ford that we have purchased.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Oct 01
Explorer XLS 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
there is obviously something wrong with the transmission, yet whenever I take it to the dealer they can never figure out whats wrong. I cant put the car in drive to drive I have to wiggle between drive and 3 and figure it out. It stalls on the highway, drives sluggishly and lunges between park and reverse. I started complaining about this while the car was under warranty, all they could do is something with the computer, it was better for a while and it started doing the same thing. The last time I took the car in back in September, the tech said he thought there was a piece of candy stuck down in the gear shift. What???!! I don't eat in my car, where do these certified Ford mechanics go to school?
2010Aug 02
Explorer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 2006. I MENTION IT WHENEVER I GO IN TO SERVICING AND IT STOPS FOR ABOUT A MONTH AND STARTS BACK AGAIN. NOW AT 110,000 MILES I WAS TOLD I MIGHT HAVE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM (YOU THINK?!?) WHILE I WAS WAITING THE LAST TIME THERE WERE THREE OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS IN THERE SAYING THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT WAS NEVER RESOLVED.
WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN RECALLED? I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT WHICH IS SAD BECAUSE MY HUSBAND REIRED FROM FORD. FORD DOES NOT TREAT ITS CUSTOMERS RIGHT.
2011Oct 17
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 71,000 miles
Same transmission problem as a lot of people. It's a 2wd Eddie Bauer Explorer with 71,000 miles with 80% of that being highway miles. Vehicle hesitates a second or two when putting it in reverse. Then it will jump into gear and make it feel like the transmission's dropped out of the car. Also slips periodically when shifting into 3rd gear.
So...... I say to myself, "I should have this looked into." Hmmmm......"Where should I take it? It should be a nationwide reputable transmission company", which I rather not say which one, but it does sound a lot like AAMCO. So here's the deal... I get it check out , (FREE diagnosis), making sure the computer crap on the outside is working and telling the car to engage and blah,blah,blah. Well lo and behold...It's all working....We're going to have to open 'er up.
So this will cost roughly $750 and generally, it'll cost another $750 for all the parts that it probably will need; however, if we take it apart and there's some other crap wrong with it, we'll have to charge you for that......AND...if we open 'er up and you don't want any new parts put in, it'll still cost $750 to put 'er back together.
So I figure $1500 and change, and out the door. I can live with that. Along about quittin' time, I get a phone call from that fine upstanding transmission company. Well lo and behold, once again...there's some other crap wrong with some other transmission parts. Well now here's where I should have used some transmission fluid as a lubricant. The price now is $3065.37.
It has a 12 month 12.000 mile warranty, or....you can get the 3 year 36,000 mile for another $600. I told them just do the work and we'll dicker with the warranty later. OH NOOOOO...this is not allowed......some mandated state regulation prohibits such things. They have to know which warranty you want before they do the work.
Well I'm thinking if I get the 12 month warranty, I get the crappy parts or maybe even the original parts. If I get the 36 month warranty. I have a chance of getting some new parts. I'm already into this company for Three Grand, (or I could have them close it back up...pay $1500 and take my $hitty transmission and $hitty Ford back home.) So I said WTF...do the 3 year deal putting this now at $3065.37. It's not like I'm going to pop out the transmission and take a look see and determine if there's any new parts.
SO THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS......IF YOU BUY A FORD GET THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY or DON'T BUY A FORD and IF YOU EVER HAVE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM DON'T BRING IT TO THAT COMPANY THAT SOUNDS LIKE AAMCO.
2011Aug 05
Explorer Eddie Baur V6
- Automatic transmission
- 83,000 miles
I recently brought in my 2006 Ford Explorer to Don Bohn FORD ON LAPALCO, HARVEY LOUISIANA because it was jerking. I was informed that I needed a new transmission. WTF I have not paid the car off and I need a NEW TRANSMISSION. UNBELIEVABLE. I have done everything that FORD has ask me to do. I have had schedule oil changes, 30 thousand maintenance check, 50 thousand maintenance, transmission check EVERYTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO PRESERVE MY CAR. And now at 83,000 miles the transmission goes out, needless to say I am completely DISAPPOINTED AND INSULTED that you all (FORD) would promote these maintenance checks, and the transmission would go out. TOTALLY UNFAIR. When I asked Ford to be responsible for fixing this LEMON (Lewis a service manager) was not compassionate or helpful and trying to resolve this matter. I have read quite a few complaints on line about FORD 2006 Transmissions and my car has done the same thing that these people are complaining about. With all of that being said, its such a shame how the dealership does business. The rich get richer and the poor just keep on struggling AND TRYING TO SURVIVE.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Feb 01
Explorer Limited 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
2006 Explorer XLT, bought new Dec 2005. Has 78,000 miles on it. 90% freeway driving. Wow, as of today when I stumled upon this site, there are 257 complaints about the same thing.. and Ford doesn't think it's worth a recall?! Imagine how others have called Ford just to get "it's normal"-when your within warranty, "replacement needed" when your out of warranty. F-O-R-D, Fix Or Repair Daily, Found On Road Dead, Frkn Old Rebuilt Dodge!. I am so ticked off. Ford is not America's company. How can they be when the are ripping us royally??!!
My complaint is the same as everyone elses. The transmission started shifting hard a few months back. I thought it was me-foot on on break, etc. Yesterday it shifted so hard that my tires spun on the gravel. So now what? Driving a 20 yr old car that has 200K with no transmission problems. I hate Ford, will NEVER buy another product again. EVER.
Can't sell it since it's a piece of crap. Sign on window "NEVER BUY A FORD UNLESS YOU LIKE GETTING RIPPED OFF."
Saw a post that said we all need to call before they will even attempt to do anything so I did. That was a joke. Take it to a Ford dealer (at $$$$ cost, I'm sure just for them to look at it), and then "If it is ever determined.............You MAY get reimbursed...." But I say call anyway, have your friends call, have your family call, shoot, have your enemies call!! 800-392-3673 be prepared to give the VIN#.
This was to be my retirement vehicle. You know, one last purchased new before my income pluments. Well that plan didn't work out very well. Thanks Ford
Update from Oct 13, 2011: I got an email that said transmission complaints are the #2 complaint in Explorer. Didn't say what #1 was (probably Ford's customer service!) And ford doesn't think there is a problem? Sold it to a used car dealer with a list of the problems, got nothing what I would have if the darn thing was working correctly, but it's out of my garage now.
2011Oct 05
Explorer 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 56,000 miles
Purchased my Ford Explorer 3 years ago from a dealership in St.Clair Shores, Michigan.
The experience has not been pleasant at all! I was a previous Chevy owner and when my lease was up wanted to purchase a vehicle. The issue started about a year ago, when I took my FORD back to the dealership for service, and alerted the dealership that some thing was not right, the truck lunges when I drive it , they told me it was the 4X4 Kicking in and that it was not the trans..Fast forward to present day as of Wednesday there is Trans fluid all over my driveway! I have recently had to replace a radiator on the vehicle in which the dealership told me it was not covered... The Truck drove good when I first purchased it. I am taking it in Monday to determine what exactly is going on.. I have Base care extended warranty on the vehicle but only so much is covered on base care.. The experience with the Truck has not been pleasant at all! I have also made a formal complaint with FORD Motor Company. I will not be purchasing another FORD any time soon.
2011Apr 01
Explorer Eddie Bauer
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
This 2006 Explorder only has 53,000 miles on it and the Transmission is going out. What a joke! I am contacting the dealership again to see if they can help me get out of the vehicle, or get it fixed. Not looking very promising.
2010Nov 17
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 65,500 miles
Hard LURCH/jolt when sh*ting to reverse.
LURCH - JOLT when shifting between gears __ UPSHIFTING and downshifting.
Grinding noise in higher gears -- WORRIED ABOUT SAFETY OF FAMILY!!!
HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH FORD AND NO HELP!!!
CALLED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS AT THIS NUMBER >>> (800)392-3673
ASKED FOR A "GOODWILL REPAIR" -- GOT THE RUN-AROUND!!!
;-(
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Sep 01
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
JUST GOT A 06 EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER AND A MONTH LATER ITS JERKING REAL HARD WHEN PUT IN REVERSE. NOW ITS STARTING TO DO IT IN THE FRONT AS WELL. C'MON FORD STEP YOUR ASS UP AND FIX THESE.
2011Aug 01
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
We just bought this vehicle a couple months ago, and IMMEDIATELY began having issues with the transmission! We took it to our local auto shop and we were told the transmission needed replaced! WTF????? It only has 60K miles on it! Our mechanic suggested we try and talk to the dealership to see if they would do anything because he noticed there were many issues with this particular year Explorer and the transmissions.
Big shocker that the dealership just told us tough sh*t...it's not under warranty anymore! After doing some research, it appears this is not just a random issue. I will assist in anyone's fight with Ford on this issue! There is no reason this should be happening!
2011Aug 17
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 46,000 miles
Ford has really lived up to its name “Found On Road Dead” Purchased a 2006 ford explorer when they first came out! Supposed to be the new hot item right ?!! Well that honeymoon phase didn’t last for long, I started having trouble with the transmission at 12,812 mi (which is early 2007) Tranny was hard to get into drive and reverse..Of course ford fixed it as it was covered under warranty, the problem you ask? Well the receipt says " shift is stuck in park intermittently remove and replace shift assembly" sounds like a big deal to me All I know is this took them 2 days to fix and that particular problem was "fixed", or was it? Here is the present problem my vehicle is having about a week ago it started jolting, shifting wrong as it was in drive (kinda like it was out of breath or trying to catch up but couldn’t), I think right away "oh maybe I put bad gas in it, or it needs a new air filter".. Nope wrong! Transmission is shot that’ll be $2500!! What the _ _ _ _! Hold on let me take my pants off, so I can bend over.. Yah that’s what I said! You mean to tell me at 46, 000 mi (avg of 6 k a year) after taking care of this vehicle with certainty making sure I hit every oil change, every flush, every inspection, making sure all my ducks are in a row etcetera etcetera.. You mean to tell me that I need a new transmission, WHAT! I think that’s what its needed all along "a new transmission" because the ones they gave us were defective.. After doing a little research I'm getting the feeling that ford is in a little bit of a pickle and just may have DISTRIBUTED MASS PRODUCTION OF 2006 FORD EXPLORER'S WITH BAD TRANSMISSIONS. I’ve already talked to the dealership, that didn’t help at all…right now I’m getting the word out, So next I will take this to corporate and if they don’t do anything then its news stations; picketing in front of dealerships! I will hang fliers, banners on air planes, get the attention of mass publications, I will picket outside of their corporate office in Dearborn, MI so Alan R. Mulally (who became president in 2006 and in 2007 changed warranty’s from 36 month bumper to bumper to lifetime warranty) can fix William Clay Ford Jr. mess! I will take this to the moon! And won’t stop until this is made right! Believe me, and if you’re having transmission problems with your ford explorer then you should do this to! And yes I believe a class action suit is what comes next for Mr. Ford until they fix this unjust business practice
2011May 20
Explorer 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 71,268 miles
The transmission shifts like sh--t, and the radiator leaks.
2011Feb 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
Bought the vehicle in 2005. Then on July 2009 while the vehicle was only at 38,000 miles and on the freeway, the transmission suddenly was shifting erratically and a puff of smoke was coming out of the muffler. I pulled over and saw that the transmission fluid was leaking real bad. Brought it to the dealer for repair and it's a good thing that I had an extended warranty on the vehicle. Otherwise, It would have cost me about $3,000.00 out of pocket for repair.
Now, as of the year 2011, and I'm at 64,000 miles. I'm starting to feel the transmission sometimes lunges and jolted unexpectedly as it shifts upon acceleration and on reverse. I'm learning that there are numerous complaints on this issue with this type of vehicle year and model. We need FORD to realize this issue is not isolated and should have established a recall program to getting this consistent issue resolved for all owners. I'm even considering taking this issue to the media.
2011May 24
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 84,445 miles
I like fords, but this problem needs to be fixed. mine is the same as everyone else.
2010Mar 08
Explorer Limited V6
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
My 2006 ford explorer has started jumping hard into gear when you shift it. It sounds like it is really hard on the transmission when it does this. It does this in reverse or forward at times when you don't expect it. Really annoying as heck. Vehicle has less than 90,000 miles should not have this problem out of this vehicle. You expect to purchase good quality vehicles and all you get are problems that the dealers don't won't to stand behind. Ford sent me a recall letter on my shifter to have it worked on but other circumstances kept me from being able to have the vehicle brought in. When i did make time to have it fixed, Ford said the time had expired on the vehicle. Recalls on a defective vehicle should not expire. Very displeased in ford. Had plans to purchase a f-150, not now. Ford is selling high priced junk, that they can't fix. Ford needs to be sued.
2011Apr 04
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
Will never buy a ford again!!! Have had this problem numerous times since I bought it!!!
2011Mar 01
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
What I love is that when I took it to the Ford dealer they played it off like they had no idea what was wrong. This is a common problem with the explorer and they acted like they never heard of it. what a joke. I called Ford corporate and they said they would look into it and let me know if they would help with the payment. what a joke, when is the class action suit going to be filed.
2008Nov 01
Explorer LTD 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 24,000 miles
Around December 2008, I noticed that my 2006 Explorer which I bought brand new would occasionally lurch forward when I was coming to a stop. I initially thought that my foot on the brake was slipping off and pressing the gas pedal. So I was more observant the next time and I knew that that was not the case. I mentioned this to the dealer when I had the vehicle in for another problem. They never found anything wrong when they test drove the vehicle. I just lived with this problem as it was only an occasional nuisance.
Now two years later I notice the transmission is slipping while I am driving at 10 or at 25 or 55 miles an hour. Recently I noticed some fluid on the garage floor under the vehicle so I am afraid to drive it anywhere. I know it is out of warranty and I don't have money to get it fixed.
2010Nov 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 47,000 miles
So, my '06 Explorer still has the same problems, even after I had Obrien Transmission rebuild my tranny. They called yesterday and said that they had driven the vehicle and everything seemed right to them, no problems. I must be imagining it then!!!! Looking on line there is a variety of possible fixes. Some get by with just changing the fluid, others have changed the TPS, others have had the entire thing rebuilt, (that's me). From what I have been told by a few other mechanics, there is a up-date available for the PCM. It is believed that's what Ford did to correct this issue in the 2007 model. Would have been nice if Obrien Transmission would have done that first instead of going for the gusto. Going to try and bug Ford on giving me a "goodfaith" repair/reimbursement.
2010Oct 11
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 104,000 miles
Me and a friend were at a redlight when all of a sudden it felt like someone rear ended me, Then as I was driving there was a hesitation at 20MPH once over and I let up off the gas a little the vehicle jerks into place. I took it to the ford dealer who told me I needed my transmission replaced and that it would cost me $3800, then I was told by another mechanic that you can only have Ford fix the 2006 explorer because they have not released the tools for anyone else to repair it, so a discounted repair is not an option. When I contacted Ford Corporate about the issue they just took my vin and the complaint stating that they have not issued a recall and that it would take for everyone to CALL FORD AND COMPLAIN for us to possible have that happen. PLEASE EVERYONE CALL AND
cMail
United States
Ford Motor Company
Customer Relationship Center
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, MI 48126
Canada
Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited
Customer Relationship Centre
P.O. Box 2000
Oakville, Ontario, L6J5E4
By Phone
Customer Relationship Center
United States
800-392-3673
800-232-5952 (TDD for the Hearing Impaired)
Available 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m. Local Time
Monday-Friday
Canada
800-565-3673
Available 8:30a.m.-5:00p.m. Local Time
Monday-Friday
2011Jan 20
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 39,720 miles
I take my vehicle into the dealer (Tomball Ford Tomball, Texas) because the car jerks when it's placed primarily into reverse and other gears. The service advisor (Nathan Dainton) calls me and says that the vehicle needs a transmission. I remind this guy that the vehicle was purchased new 5 years prior and has only 39k miles and that the tranny shouldn't be burned. I get the mechanics (Darwin Shaw) notes and they are "Found codes P0735 gear5 wrong ratio. Road test found trans is slipping badly and hesitates. Shifting also delays into rev ck fluid level and cond fluid has a burned odor. Susp the servo pin bore in the case has worn and the od servo is sticking. Need to O-haul or replace. Cost to O-0haul is 15.8 hrs $3784.77. Cost to repl is 8.2 hrs $4683.69. Skeptical of the diagnosis, I contacted a mechanic friend who suggested a reputable tranny mechanic he knows. This guy test drove my vehicle with me and stated what he thought it was (Solenoid Pack). He stated that if the tranny was bad he would need to replace the Solenoid Pack any way, so why not do it now and see if the Solenoid Pack is whats causing the issue. Makes sense to me. He drops the pan in front of me and the fluid is clear with no burned odor smell as diagnosed by the ford tech. He shows me a very small amount of shaving but says that's common given the fact that about 14 months ago I had the tranny svc flush recommended by ford @ 30k miles.He replaces the solenoid pack, and the thing shifts like new. My gripe is not necessarily with the solenoid pack going out, it's the fact that the service people attempted to hose me. After I made the service adviser aware that the problem had been taken care of and the cause, he attempts to convince me that he mentioned a possible solenoid pack issue and I reminded him that it's not written down on any of his documentation so therefore, in my mind, he never said it. Bottom line here is, the service department wanted to charge me in excess of 3k and the job totaled $682. Common sense tells me that the dealer knew it was potentially the solenoid pack and they were gonna fix that at $600 plus bucks and charge me as if they overhauled the entire transmission. Totally, unethical in my opinion. I suggest that if it doesn't pass the smell test, get a 2nd opinion. Finally, the guy that did my repair has been doing transmission work for over 30 yrs and left me with the impression that the TECH at the dealership is either incompetent, a crook or both. BEWARE!!!!!!!!
2008Nov 20
Explorer Eddie Bauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 20,000 miles
I bought my car with 20,000 miles on it nov. 2008. It only had 3 months left of the factory warranty. As soon as the warranty expired I started noticing the lunging into gears very hard and there was a delay. I was told by everyone that this was a common problem with this transmission and there was no fix for it. It would also sometimes get stuck in park. please call FORD CONSUMER SERVICE 800-392-3673 and report problem. They are required to report to the national highway safety. If everyone reports they will recall it...but please report problem. If there is a recall(which there should be) you will be reimbursed for expenses. My transmission just fried at 48,000 miles and I had to pay $2500 to rebuild and replace solenoid pack. It is running fine and better than ever now. I have only had it back for 2 days so hopefully it stays that way. I also had to replace my radiator a few months ago. The mechanic said he couldn't believe the condition of it. It was leaking in several spots. I am finding out that this is also a common problem
2010Dec 05
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 71,000 miles
Had the same issue most people have had with the V8 Automatic on this site. The tranny would slam into 1st gear from 2nd when stopping, so hard it felt as if one was being rear-ended. I originally went in and talked to the manager of the 'used car fixes' where I bought my car (Germain Ford, Sawmill Rd, Columbus, OH) and he tried to give me the run around when I told him I read on here to update the TSB and it would fix it. He told me he'd never heard of "updating a computer. The computer has nothing to do with the transmission". HA! I pretty much laughed in his face and said I would drop the truck off so he could have his transmission tech look at it.
The next day, he called and said they took it for a test drive, confirmed the problem, updated the TSB (as I had originally suggested), and retest drove it and it seemed fine.
I refused to pay for it, because I just bought the truck less than two months ago, and he.... I guess... agreed. I drove it yesterday for about 100 miles or so with no problems. So far so good. I have to say, in the end Germain Ford did the right thing and I give them props.
If you're having an issue, and they won't believe you, print out a couple of these complaints (I did) and show them (never had to). I was well prepared to pull out the '15 pages of complaints' card. After it's all said and done, I'm happy (again) with my Ford!! and happy Ford did the right thing!!
Update from Jan 27, 2011: I have the receipt that explains what was done.... and I quote,
"Customer says that he vehicle has a hard downshift from 2 to 1 while driving. No Check Engine Light. -- Roadtested vehicle; verified bump during 2-1 downshift. -- IDS tested no codes. Preprogrammed PCM and TCM. Cleared TCM KAM. Roadtested vehicle and relearned trans stragedy. -- Vechicle roadtested OK at this time."
Print this out and bring it with you if they give you a hard time. Good luck and please don't let this discourage you from buying another Ford. Everyone has their issues. You just gotta give them time to fix it.
2009Jul 01
Explorer ES V6
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
I'm having the same issues that most of you are. Seems like its definitely an ongoing problem that Ford needs to look into. I get the hard jolting when putting the car in reverse, the transmission light keeps coming on, tranny slipping, etc.
We haven't had it in yet, although it's been doing it for quite awhile. We bought the car in 2006 brand new. The problem started around the same time most of the other's issues started - 40K miles or so. I can't really recall the exact start time now. We kind of been brushing it off, but it's getting worse and I think it's time to have something done. Our car now has 86K on it. We have had my dad and uncle (both used to be mechanics) look over it to see if they could find something. The lunging and gear slipping doesn't happen all the time. It's just sporadic off and on. But, again, it seems to be happening more often now. And after reading the complaints, I see I'm not the only one to have this issue.
I'll take the advice of others and see if we can get out of this as cheap as possible. Here's hoping, but doesn't seem like that will be the case.
Update from Feb 18, 2011: Took our car into the dealer finally today. We actually talked to a friend of my husband's and he'd said he'd fix it instead of actually going through the dealer and paying their outrageous costs! Anyway, he said he pretty much already knew what is was by us just telling him about it cause he's seen it so many times in all Explorers. He mentioned that the transmissions only have a 3 year or 30K mile warranty on them and that's about what you'd expect to get out of it too. Which makes sense now that our problem started right after that. So, he puts it on the computer this morning and it comes up that the selenoid is bad in the transmission. So, come Monday he's going to replace that, the filters, fluids and update the computer for us. It's gonna run around $700 he said. Which is way better than what I thought it was going to be. I don't know if that'll fix the problem for us completely, but I have a good feeling it will.
And we have yet to get the radiator fixed...that's a whole other issue though. It continues to leak horribly.
So, in the end, before you replace or rebuild a transmission...have them check that first cause it will probably be a lot cheaper than redoing the whole thing!
2011Jan 03
Explorer Eddie Bauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 46,500 miles
100% of my service has been completed at the dealership and today they tell me I need a new transmission. They never noticed the problem previous, although I have mentioned it to them. I am the original owner and this is my 2nd Explorer. 46K miles and not even driven for 5 years is crazy for a transmission to go out.
2010Nov 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 46,000 miles
Purchased a my 2006 Explorer used in 2009, had 32K on it. In Nov 2010 around 46K I noticed it would slam when put into reverse. Shortly after it started to feel like it was skipping gears. I took it to have it looked at, no codes could be found when hooked to a computer. The mechanic said it sounded like a pressure problem, possibly bad seals. I was referred to a good transmission guy, Obrien Transmission. SO I took it there. After having the vehicle for a week, they called and said, no codes were found, and it's actually shifting "funny" between all gears, going to have to rebuild the transmission. A week and $2,000 later I picked up my vehicle. Within 30 miles I realize that the problem is not corrected. WTF????
2007Jul 11
Explorer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 73,255 miles
Have had severe problems with car slamming into gear, when coming to a stop & puling off. I have read the reviews and I have been dealing with these problems since 2007. LemonLaw states if you take your vehicle before it reaches 20k miles & the problem is never fixed after the third trip to the dealer, then you are entitled to a new vehicle. You have to report it at least once before it gets to 20k miles. Unfortunately, I purchased the vehicle used & over that mileage. So I have taken my vehicle back more than 9 times. Still does the same. They have tried reprogramming & replacing the megatronics unit. NOTHING WORKS! Now when I drive on the highway and accelerate it slips into gear. RIDICULOUS! There is no fixing this problem. Ford SUCKS!
2010Aug 16
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 77,690 miles
I have a 2006 Ford Explorer 4.0 V6 that I bought 2 years ago. When I accelerate, the fan act likes it's moving faster and faster and I'm not going anywhere. I have been reading comments on here and people are saying that's it the transmission. Trying to decide if I should trade this truck in or is it worth getting fixed. I have an extended warranty on the vehicle, so I will probably take it to the dealer and get it checked out completely.
2006Dec 20
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 50 miles
The car felt like I was getting rear ended frequently from the beginning. Reported to Ford dealer service with every oil change. They said could not find a problem and eventually they ignored my comment. Originally,lurching happened only when starting off or coming to stop. Around 80,000 miles began to occur in all gears.I brought to Ford dealer service Dept...they found a 306 CODE . So they replaced cylinder and plug. Must not have test drove because ...... as soon as I picked it up I detected problem had not been resolved.
2010Nov 05
Explorer Eddie Bauerr V6
- Automatic transmission
- 56,555 miles
Have not taken it in yet, left on business travel on Nov 7 did not return till Nov 11. Plus the wrench light went off. On Monday Nov 15th it came on AGAIN. Plan on taking it in Nov 19th for the 3rd time and the 5th wrench/transmission light notification
2010Oct 22
Explorer Eddie Bauerr V6
- Automatic transmission
- 55,894 miles
First I had to take it back TWICE after they said it was fixed and it wasn't. The loaner car program is BS! Why should I have to pay when you Fed up the job! Plus I drive an Explorer for a reason...multiple car seats!!! An escape is not sufficient!
The fact the the issue is still not resolved and the service team is not returning my calls has me ticked off!!!!
2010Oct 21
Explorer XLT 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
I purchased the vehicle from a local ford dealership in '07 with 20,000 miles on it and have experienced the problem almost on a daily basis since day one. I never made a big deal out of because I always had the vehicle serviced as recomended by ford but the problem always returned. Now my warranty is up and I am just now looking into this issue and am actually surprised to see how widespread the problem is. I wont hold my breath on ford doing the right thing for its loyal customers in an always growing global car market. I hate to say it but this may be the last ford I ever buy. As others have said on this site please encourage others with similar problems to report them.
2009Oct 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 30,000 miles
My transmission started acting up about a year ago. I took it to our local Ford dealer and they gave me the run around because the vehicle was still under warranty. They told me at one time that the only time it shifts hard when placing it in reverse is if you shift it when the vehicle is not completely stopped while shifting. Well anyone that drives a Ford knows that you can't shift if your foot is not on the brake.
After paying to have transmission reprogramed (as per the dealer) the vehicle was still the same. No they are telling me that I need a Shift Solenoid Assy and it will cost me some KYD1,000.00. Why can't Ford try and do a recall of fix the problem that is obvious.
2010Sep 05
Explorer XLT 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
The major problems that I have had is a leaking radiator and most recently a lunging, slipping transmission. At first I had difficulty getting the car out of park into reverse. (really bad on hills) . Last month car started to buck, make loud banging noise when shifting. Took it to mechanic, he changed my transmission fluid and couldn't find any problems. Car ran ok for next few weeks.Today it got really dangerous. I drove a short distance, and the car kept slipping out of gear, it jolted and several warning lights came on the control panel on dash.
I only have about 64,000 miles on it. I bought it from Ford Dealer with less then 3000 miles on it. I have kept up with all the oil changes and the maintainance guide in my Ford manual. I am very upset. This was an upscale loaded, expensive vehicle. I certainly expected to get more then 4 years out of it!
2010Sep 13
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 93,000 miles
This is like an awful twitch, it comes and goes, thought it was fixed after the recall on the gear stick, but it is back, and the dealership has not sensed it yet, so my mechanic friend is trying to figure this one out, will look towards the TPS as seen in another complaint on this website, and let you know how it goes! Darn thing is paid off so I guess a repair is cheaper in the long run, why didn't I buy a HONDA!!!! My husbands is still kicking after 200+ miles ugh!
2007Aug 08
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 33,000 miles
Trying so hard to be patiotic, and buy American and keep the work here, I researched this car to death, and found it to be the most popular suv around, not that this was my ideal choice for a mode of transportation, but we needed it to pull the boat, so I had no choice, but to turn trucker. I checked all the consumer type websites for this vehicle, and found no reason to look elsewhere, now I wish I would have gone overseas in my search! I am too busy to spend time at a dealership!
2010Aug 08
Explorer XLT 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 71,000 miles
On a Friday I bought a used 2006 Ford Explorer XLT with the 4.6 V8 and 5 speed automatic transmission. It was nearly immaculate and was very happy with my purchase. On the Sunday after, I took it down to Rehobeth Beach, DE and noticed a slight jolt from the transmission when coming to a stop at a traffic light. The jolt was bad enough that I thought for a split second that I was rear ended. I noticed several more times and immediately took it back to the dealer to get it checked out where it is still there (on a Tuesday). I did my search online and noticed that several other owners are experiencing the same problems. It is my understanding that although this is a common problem, Ford has not yet issued a recall. I am hoping that they address this problem because I am still a firm believer in buying American, especially from Ford since they did not take any bailout money!
2008Dec 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
When I shift my transmission into reverse it feel like the transmission is about to fall out.
2009Nov 01
Explorer Limited 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 45,000 miles
My 2006 V6 explorer started out with a problem of jumping, like i was tapping the gas on and off. at that time a wrench symbol appeared on the console but would disappear intermittently. Then the truck starting shifting hard and bumpy always seemed to be in a gear to low. The engine howled at times. One night on the highway it dropped to idle regardless of how much gas i gave it, shutting down and restarting cleared that problem but always the trany continued to shift poorly. Economy what it is i didnt want to take it to Ford as warranty was up. My friend who is a mechanic hooked it up to a hand held diagnostic computer checking for error codes stored by the truck.... nothing. He gave me the tool left it hooked up under my dash and asked me to manually capture info when the hitching was at its worst. It took 2 days of driving with this thing sitting in my lap but finely I got it and the error code pointed to the throttle position sensor. $111 part at ford I thought they gave me the wrong part it looked a good bit different then the one I removed from the truck (easy to do) Ford insisted when I called that it was correct it had been REDESIGNED. Bingo a 15 minute change over and i cant even believe how different the truck runs night and day i don't recall it running so well brand new. My wife took it for a test and said it felt like the truck lost 5000lbs shifted like a sports car, i kid you not I'm so glad I didnt take it to Ford and waste a ton of money maybe to never find out the correct answer, remember the truck never stored the error code only because i had the good fortune to drive for 2 days with a computer hooked up did we catch it. Sadly Ford must know of some problem with the TPS because as I said the new one is completely redesigned with metal in places where the other had plastic. Seems to come in handy for the truck to know what position your gas peddle is in to shift gears :) Not sure if this will help all the problems but a lot of people on this site seem to have similar issues may not be the transmission at all. hope this helps.
2010Jul 20
Explorer
- 42,000 miles
I bought a 2006 Ford Explorer because my husband has a F150 and really loves it. got a good deal on the vehicle and even test drove it, no issues. About a month after purchasing the vehicle, the transmission started slipping and jerking into gear. I also have the hard reverse shift. Really scary stuff. I have not had it looked at yet, actually not too sure what to do. I bought this vehicle because we are planning to start a family and I am not sure about the safety now. Would I buy another Ford?? I would definately think twice.
2010Jul 14
Explorer 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
We just purchased a 2006 Ford Explorer from a reputable dealership in Moline, IL. During the test drives, the car drove very well and I didn't note anything wrong with the transmission. Now, just 4 weeks later and slightly more than 40,000 miles, the car lunges forward when coming to a stop. It feels just like you've been hit from behind. In fact, I was in the drive-thru of a fast food place about to give the person my money (so I'm not going very fast at all) and it downshifted so hard, I looked up into my rearview thinking I got rearended. I've been in contact with the dealer, but this really has us concerned especially with all of the complaints I've been reading on the Ford Explorer transmission problems. Clearly this is a problem that Ford needs to address.
2010Apr 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 45,000 miles
I brought my car in for the recall, Shft Plate replacement, they kept the car two days ran diagnostic Said the PCM needed to be replaced ( main Brain) after keeping the car for 4 more days they told me the transmission needed to be pulled $630.00 to let me know what needed to be fixed!!!!~ I asked if it had anything to do with the recall they replied NO IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL...Funny I had thought they just said they didn't know what was wrong so how is it they knew for sure it had nothing to do with the recall! RED FLAG!!!! I asked for my vehicle back did some research TPS sensor seems to be a problem for other Ford owners, so My husband is changing it out ....I have no answer if that is the correction for the problem BUT it is worth the shot! I will keep you posted!
RYTYJAY
2010Jun 29
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 54,172 miles
Why are these transmissions built as disposable? I mean, you have no dipstick to check levels or color or filings. You can't even get it serviced at the dealership? "Drive it until it dies" is what the service guy told us at Fiesta Lincoln Mercury in Mesa AZ. What the Hell is that kind of service? What ever happened to "FORD QUALITY is JOB 1"?
2008Jul 13
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 20,205 miles
I had an issue with the transmission jerking when coming to a stop. I had the problem corrected under warranty in 2008 at 20,000 miles. It is now starting to do it again. I called the Ford dealership where I purchased it from and was told that I would have to pay for it now because the vehicle is out of warranty, and there has not been a recall. This is approx. a $1500.00 repair. I have put 30,000 miles on it since the last repair. So be prepared to have this done multiple times if you keep yours.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Jul 20
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
I can't believe that a car with one owner, in excellent shape, lightly used, with up-to-date Maintenance and with less than 60,000 miles develops a major transmission problem.
Had I known it was a problem with Ford, I would have never bought it.
FORD company SHOULD and MUST recall and fix these issues. It will cost me well over $4000 to fix it not including all the fluids and other diagnosis which I had to pay trying to figure out what the heck is going on.
FORD, you should be responsible for this and should fix the problem.
gmarouf
Mill Creek, WA, USA
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