7.8
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$1,298.00
Average Mileage:
25,363 miles
Total Complaints:
114 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (80 reports)
- replace the transmission (13 reports)
- TSB from Ford reprogramming the transmission control (9 reports)
- replace the megatronics unit (2 reports)
- replace transmission module (2 reports)
- reprogrammed the transmission (2 reports)
transmission problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2006 Ford Explorer transmission lunges, hard jolt when shifting
2009Oct 02
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 30,000 miles
For those that are experiencing the lunging and jolting transmission issue. I had this happen in the Fall. My engine light also came on. I had taken it to Ford under warranty a few times and they never really did anything about it since the light always went off inconveniently!
A friend of mine, who is an excellent mechanic, read the codes for me and knew immediately what the problem was. My issue....which sounds very similar if not the same.....was more of a computer and sensor issue than a transmission issue. Basically, the throttle position sensor was faulty and was incorrectly telling the computer the position of the throttle, which is directly tied to how the computer shifts the vehicle. It would often downshift/upshift at the wrong throttle position and thus wrong RPM, causing rough and hard shifts. If left long enough, this can wear out a transmission prematurely as well. Imagine going 60mph and intentionally shifting down to like 2nd gear, of course its going to kick and complain! Frustrated with the dealer, I picked up a new Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) and replaced it myself.
My mechanic friend told me this should fix it, but if not the computer may need to be updated with the latest version of the operating software to recalibrate the new sensor correctly.
In my case, the TPS fixed my problem like a charm.
Anyways, if this sounds like it could be your issue, this may be your solution! My friend said it is very common in these cars and there is a TSB for it and an updated version of the program for the computer that can be flashed to the car's computer.
If you're handy, its something very easy to replace yourself. The TPS on the 6cyl engine is located on the top and back of the throttle body. A couple of screws and disconnecting a wire harness is about all it takes.
Good luck!
2007Jan 02
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 10,000 miles
Just to let people know. I have had a transmission problem with my 2006 Eddie Bauer Explorer ever since 10000 miles. The problem was the lunging and jerking that other people have described. I repeatedly took it back to Ford dealers who unsuccessfully tried to fix it. I finally said enough was enough and successfully sued the Ford Motor Company. I found a lawyer to take the case on consignment. I settled for $6700. The lawyer took 40% which that left me enough to replace the transmission when it finally fails all together. I encourage people to do the same thing. Keep all of you service records.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Feb 20
Explorer RSC 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 39,000 miles
I purchased my Ford Explorer in Feb of 09. I called the dealership the next day and told them something was wrong, that it didn't shift right. After my third complaint they had me bring in a week later. They called the next day and said the car was fine..nothing wrong with it. Over the months I mentioned that my car really did not drive right, was lunging and getting stuck in gear. After having a complete melt-down, the dealership said they'd take another look. This time after having my car for one week, they called to tell me my car needs a new transmission and shifter. The cost:4591 PLUS tax. The owner of the dealership said too bad. He refuses to help with the cost in any way. His reason is they did not make enough money on the purchase of my vehicle. Over the past 5 years, I have bought two vehicles and referred 8 people whom also bought. How did he not make money off me? I owe $13500 on the car. I do not have 5K to fix. Without this car, I will lose my job. This is a nightmare.
2007Apr 20
Explorer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 38,000 miles
FORD SHOULD MAN UP AND RECALL THE FORD EXPLORER AFTER COUNTLESS TRANSMISSION SHOPS. ALL THREE SAID IT'S A 100% FACTORY DEFECT TRANSMISSION. THIS IS MY 4TH FORD I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN
2007Sep 13
(reported on)Explorer Limited 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 17,000 miles
I originally had hard shifting from 1st to second gear when accelerating, so the dealer replaced a module in the transmission. This did not fix the problem. I took it back a couple months later and they reprogrammed the module and that fixed it. Everything was good for maybe a year. Now I have the downshift problem from second to first gear that feels like you just got rear ended. The dealer says some foam in the transmission module breaks loose and gets caught in one of the ~24 valves in this module. They don't want to replace it again because it's already been replaced once and takes all day to fix. They are going to try to reprogram it today. Sounds like that not going to work. I think they need to keep replacing the module till Ford fixes the foam breaking loose problem.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Apr 15
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 42,000 miles
Ford Products suck, the customer service sucks. I haven't had this vehicle 6 months yet and its a lot going on with it and most of the problems aren't covered under warranty. They have to make me pay for something.....nothings free. My interior dash lights are out...my key gets stuck in the ignition....I'm having transmission problems on top of the "ABS" ring has broken, and they want me to pay for the sensor that was damaged because of the broken abs ring......sucks
2009Sep 09
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 45,000 miles
I am so glad I found this board and believe or not I feel a little comforted by the fact that I am not alone. In a nutshell I bought CPO V6 Ford Explorer about six months ago from Cerritos Ford for my wife. As is the way of the world for the first three months we had no issues whatsoever and we have even changed the oila couple of times.
Anyway, a few weeks ago my wife started noticing that the car seems to make somewhat of a clunking noise whenever she drops down to around 20 miles an hour and she also notices that the car seems to occasionally rev high when she is driving. Honestly, I thought my wife was probably just being paranoid but I decided to go ahead and take it in anyway to assuage her concerns and move on.
Well, just got a call from the Ford dealership, not the one we bought it at by the way, informing us that there is a transmission issue and that they have to completely tear down the transmission to find the problem. Needless to say I was completely shocked. This was a CPO car that we bought with less than 40k mikes and it's having transmission problems???
What's even more infuriating is that even though this is covered under the power train warranty Ford has to do an inspection and approve the repair. Basically, if Ford believes that there is any indication that we caused this damage they wont pay. Yeah...I guess I better tell my wife to stop putting the car in reverse while going 80 miles an hour and to stop doing her off-roading through the mean streets of Pasadena with our two year old daughter. This is just ridiculous!
2009Aug 28
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 34,000 miles
The day I drove home from the used car lot, I noticed that the car felt like it was occasionally being "hit from behind" as I would come to a stop. I thought maybe it had been sitting on the lot for a while and just needed to warm up- 500 miles later and the problem was still there. Luckily the dealership had a 30-day warranty on it and was able to help me out. None of them (at the dealership) seemed to be able to notice the jerking feeling that my husband and I got when we drove the car, They did some kind of re-programming and the vehicle hasn't jerked since then- occasionally it feels like it wants to. Hopefully this problem does not come back and hopefully Ford can issue some kind of a re-call so we won't have to pay for their error!
2009Jun 08
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 45,000 miles
I am also having the same problem as everyone else. My car lunges forward. It is a good thing I have had my foot on the brake when this has happened because I have been pulling out from work and I would have been hit. Also, when I pull out the transmission hesitates when it shifts from second to third gear, it is almost as if I have completely let off the gas and then gave it gas again. Next problem... when I am slowing down whether I hit the brake or just let off the gas my car makes a terrible noise. It sounds like a whining noise, and a loud pop. It feels as if I have been hit from behind. It sounds as if my car is about to quit right then and there. This has only happened about three times but when I start the car and before I even pull out there is a loud noise. It sounds like something has hit my car. I am yet to figure out what this is. I took my car to the local Ford place and of course their first answer was to take the transmission out and look at it. I said no, I am not spending this much and then the problem may not even be resolved. My local mechanic put Sea foam in the car and this helped the whining noise for about two weeks but now it is doing it again. The more people I talk to that has an explorer even dating back to 2002 has this problem. I have thought about trading and getting something else but the more research I do on Ford vehicles they all seem to have the same problem and Ford is doing nothing to help.Please let me know if you have any suggestions to try.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jul 01
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 37,282 miles
We bought our 2006 Explorer and had no problems until about 60,000km, then whenever you come to a stop it jolts and when you shift from first to second it clunks down.
2009Jul 15
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 55,053 miles
My '06 Ford Explorer was purchased with 18,000 miles on it. The transmission has always lunged/jolted when coming to a halt. Recently on a 4th of July road trip, when accelerating there was a very loud knock. Fast forward two weeks, I am driving on the highway today and it starts lunging almost like I am pressing then laying off the gas. I am not sure what is going on, I am trying to figure out where to take it. I am so disappointed in this. Sounds like there have been MANY problems such as this with the 2006 Ford Explorers.
2009Jun 05
Explorer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 56,600 miles
My husband and I just purchased a 2006 Ford Explorer on June 5, 2009, as my husband drove home we noticed it lunged forward as we came to a stop, almost like being rear ended. He took it back to Carmax on June 16 and had the vehicle checked. They assumed it was the brakes, and machine rotor,resurfaced pads, and change ele. (controls/features)entertainment system. It worked for about the 1.5 hour drive home and then started doing it again. We took the vehicle back on June 26th and they did the reprogramming that has been mentioned by people on this site. I've had it for a week now and it seems to be running fine, but I did place a complaint at this website
(http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints/results.cfm).
If there are enough complaints, recalls can be made and we can have this problem fixed for free. I am astonished at how many people have the same problems I am. we thought we got this fully loaded vehicle for a steal at $14,000 but are now learning why it came at such a great price!
2009Aug 07
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 23,000 miles
Just picked up a used car from the local CarMax last week. I missed the five day money back guarantee, and now my new SUV is in the shop because the tranny skips a beat when I apply the brakes...it feels like I have been rear ended. I am hopeful that the local CarMax does the right thing, and I will report back after I learn the painful or not so painful truth.
Update from Aug 17, 2009: Took it back to CarMax and they could not fix it so they took it to the local Ford dealer. The dealer updated the computer to the latest patch (or whatever they call it) and it is fixed. I received a 6 month 6,000 warranty on this repair and as of now am happy. I am going to put 1,000 miles on it this week so I should know if the fix worked or not. If it did not I will report back otherwise the fix was simple and painless! Without the warranty from CarMax this would have cost me $140.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009May 28
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
When I go to shift, the car jolts. This is definitely transmission problems, but I don't have money to pay for fixing. If so many people have complained, then we should get it fixed at no charge,,
2009Jun 01
Explorer XLT 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
I spent way too much money to have these problems. Truck feels like it is being rear ended just before I stop at a light. they want to charge me to look at it, my money will be better spent on something other than another Ford.
2008Mar 31
Explorer Limited V6
- Automatic transmission
- 42,000 miles
Well.. To begin with I'm Ford Girl for 30 years. I have bought F350's, F250'S, 3 Explorer, etc.. In Feb. 2006 I went to Galipin Ford and leased a 2006 Pearl White, fully loaded, everything - running boards, leather inter, sunroof, 6 cd player, etc. Within the first and 2nd year the car was in the dealership so many times I can't count, I was always driving there having them fix something. My service records that Terry Miller – General Manger at Galpin Ford is about 4 1/2" high. While under warranty.. I had to bring it back so many times for them to fix my sunroof (can't count how many times) I've had 2 CD's players put in (the one in my car is broken now - so that will be 3 CD players I've had to put in my car) it will not play CD's, Keep in mind when I got this wonderful lease, I bought the Maintenance package for $1,500 plus extra mileage for my SUV. I never missed a check up and always brought my car in for all the problems I kept having in the two years.
Re-Cap - 2008 - I go into Ford to due the 35,000 service and see about an early termination (suggested by my salesman - who sold me on the lease) and possibly buy another Ford. Wasn't happy with the one I have because I had so many issues with it, It is a lemon. After I dropped off the SUV and came back several hours later, my salesman (who I bought my last SUV from) brought a paper from "Galphin Ford's" mechanic and it said, I had appox. $3,200 worth of repairs????? HOW COULD THIS BE THE CAR WAS KEEP UP, SERVICED, AND no dings or anything. The Salesman (I have the name) kept telling me I'd have to pay out that amount in order to buy another SUV and he'd just add it into the amount. He was arguing with my girl friend who came with me and we left (taking the piece of paper with us) the "quote" of what it needed - the mechanic’s check list".
AMAZING INSIDE MY SUV - was the exact same paper - ONLY EVERYTHING THAT WAS WRONG ON THE SALESMEN'S COPY WAS PERFECT AND CHECKED GOOD ON THE CHECKLIST LEFT IN MY CAR??????? IT WAS VERY OBVIOUS THAT THE SALESMAN WHITED OUT "GOOD" AND PUT 'BAD" YOU COULD CLEARLY SEE THIS. I was so mad; I need a few days to figure out what I was going to do. Clearly I WOULD NEVER BY A CAR FROM THIS MAN WHO IN GOOD FAITH WAS FRUDUALNT AND LIED ABOUT MY CAR NOT BEING IN GOOD SHAPE. I had 30 days left to make a decision, I went to the dealer Feb. 28, 2008 - I wanted nothing more to do with this dealership and really didn't want this SUV it was nothing but a lemon but I felt I had no choice but to BUY IT OUT of the lease. I was so frustrated and angry at being lied too, I ended up paying out the lease.
WITHIN 33 DAYS OF BUYING my car from Galphin Ford MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. I went back to Galipin Ford and Spoke with Terry Miller - Then General Manger - and showed him what his salesman did and told him my concerns and the fact that I hadn't even owned the car 33 days and the transmission goes out. Terry was great.. He gave me a free rental and had the transmission 'FIXED"... My car was in the shop again.. for hmmm what 2 wks, then it lasted about hmmmmmm 30-40 days and then my TRANSMISSION WENT COMPLETELY OUT AGAIN.
Keep in mind I was told by Ford that they took out my transmission and checked everything and replaced what was broken. When in fact, they didn't do that at all, they only fixed part of the problem without pulling out the transmission, so now Ford had to replace everything they just did and now FIX THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN. Terry the General Mngr.was great.. he paid for it again and gave me rental car for another hmmmm 2 wks.. When I pick up my car.. I noticed it started smelling funny.. Hmmmmmmmm I drove it to work and it really smelled funny.. and GUESS WHAT.. MY RADIATOR WAS LEAKING.. (was told by my mechanic - it was damaged when the guys AT FORD pulled out the Transmission) SO I spent $487.00 to replace it. i was so upset the last thing I wanted to do was have my car towed back to for and pay them to fix something they broke. At this same time I'm told I need a oil change.. but just had one by Ford.. I drove the car and 4 mths later my break ABS light came on.. Now mind you, I've paid for all maintenance on the car and my Breaks were suppose to have been done at the 35,000 mile warranty ck up. . Not only did I have to get front and rear breaks but the rotors I'm told were turned so much they can't be turn them any more. Plus there is a ''RING" ON THE BACK LEFT TIRE BEHIND THE AXEL OF THE CAR (ABS RING) IS BROKEN AND THEY NEED TO TAKE THE ENTIRE REAR END OFF IN ORDER TO REPLACE A $9.00 PART. The Break shop ended up welding the 'ABS" ring and it only cost me $525. Then I'm driving to work and my car smells funny again and water is leaking out of the rotator (I MUST RENT A CAR AND its IN THE SHOP FOR A THRID ONE) ....Then I'm driving and my sunroof won't go back again (remember Ford has fixed this SO MANY times), THEN I GO PLAY A CD.. GUESS WHAT.. CD PLAYER WON'T WORK AGAIN..I'VE ALREADY HAVE HAD 2 IN CAR, NOW I NEED A THIRD ONE, Then I heard a LOUD NOISE FROM MY ENGINE - I take it to Ford because I think it is my transmission but the Service man (I have his name) said, noooo it's not your transmission it's your ratator.. I said, NOW WAY.. IT WILL BE THE 4TH ONE I'VE HAD TO PUT IN... BUT INFACT, IT is the Tension belt ($187.00),
Then I go start my car AND THE BATTERY IS DEAD, I NEED TO BY A NEW BATTERY .. REMEMBER THIS IS A 2006 FOR GOD SAKES..
Then I'm driving home on mothers day (09) and my car is over heating, I have to towed 71 miles home MOTHERDAY NITE WITH MY 2 KIDS AND DOG - GETTING HOME AT 1AM ) and then IN THE MORNING I HAVE IT towed to my mechanic FOR $105 (KEEP IN MIND I'VE USED ALL MY Triple AAA towing for the year I only get 6 and yes used all 6) It is not my ratator but it is now my Intake manifold, temp. gage cost $387.00...
Now CURRENTLY I'M driving home and my car won't go down RPM'S, It starts to jolt and then go into drive, it jolts when trying to get in reverse. and is RPM's KEEP GOING HIGHER.... transmission problems AGAIN.. THRID TIME I'VE BROUGHT IT BACK FOR THIS. KEEP IN MIND.. MY RUBBER IS COMING OFF THE LINING OF MY DOORS AS WELL.. YES THIS WAS BRAND NEW 2006 TOP OF THE LINE.. AND ALL SAID AND DONE.. NOT INCLUDING ALL THE MONEY I'VE DROPPED INTO IT, THIS CAR HAS ALMOST COST ME NOW A TOTAL OF 40,000 AFTER I PAY OFF MY LOAN- WHICH I STILL HAVE FOR THE NEXT 4 YEARS.. TALK ABOUT A MAJOR LEMON.. Terry Miller of Galpin Ford is trying to get a hold of his “Dealer” rep at FORD AND HE HAS TOTALLY AGREED I’VE GOT A LEMON, he waiting for “Jenifer” his Ford Rep. to see what FORD CAN DO FOR ME.. BECAUSE I HAVE A HORRIBLE LEMON. THIS IS MY COMPLAINT.. I’m AM SOOO UNHAPPY… I have been a FORD GIRL FOR 30 YEARS.. BUT IF THIS IS THE PRODUCT THAT WE ARE EXEPECT TO GET FOR $40,000 I’ll never buy another FORD AGAIN. EVER.. WHAT CAN BE DONE? What can FORD DO TO TRY TO HELP ME AND KEEP AS A LOYAL CUSTOMER?
Terry Miller the General Manager of FORD IS AN AMAZING MAN AND IS TRYING HIS BEST TO HAVE FORD HELP, BUT WILL THEY IS WHAT I WANT TO KNOW. HE'S SAID, THE CAR IS A LEMON.. I SAY THE CAR IS A LEMON... WHAT CAN I DO?
THE CAR IS CURRENTLY IN GALPIN FORD SERVICE FOR THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AGAIN AND WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE GUY. THEY'RE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE PRICE? THE TRANSMISSION IS BAD AGAIN.. I WAS NEVER TOLD I'D HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS EVEN THOUGH IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY.. I THINK FORD SHOULD EAT THIS COST AND FIX IT RIGHT ONCE AND FOR ALL .. IT'S NOT LIKE IT'S AN OLD CAR IT'S JUST A LEMON.
2009May 08
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 42,300 miles
I just purchased my explorer as a Certified Ford Preowned. I drove it for a few days before i bought it, as soon as it became mine the transmission started slippin on inclines and at low speeds ex 5 mph, it would jerk. They re-calibrated the transmission and also i had a problem with the air amd they replaced the line also, I picked it up a week later. As soon as i drove up a hill the transmission started slippin and my gas mileage started dropping, and continued to drop until around 13.5 mpg. (manually calculated it at fill up and was 9.9) I took it back they only had it for one day and told me that theu drove it never felt it, and there was a new calibration release within the last week and they installed that, and as far as the gas mileage is concerned they treated me like i was an idiot and said that i needed to reset the fuel mileage. Since it was a certified preown they are fitting the bill for it for now i feel i am getting the run around. And may take it to a transmission shop that is well known in my town for a diff solution and hash it out with dealer on the cost if they have a fix.
any help or solutions that anyone has please let me know
2009Apr 13
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 58,000 miles
I have a 2006 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer. I have had no problems up until about a month to a month and a half ago. At first, I thought it was just me. It seemed that maybe I took my foot off the brake and then back on at the stop lights. I thought I must be daydreaming and just let my foot slip off the brake. As of this month, May 2009, I have noticed more and more that my car revs up the engine but I hardly am able to go forward. I know it revs because I am watching the Tachometer climb higher and higher and I have not even put my foot on the gas pedal. Then, suddenly, it shifts into gear and the revolutions slow back down to 2 or 3k rpms.
I called the Ford dealership where I bought it and they said my vehicle is out of warranty (it had now gone over the 60k miles) so there is nothing they can do about it except for me to bring it in and they will look at it. I had already had my vehicle in their dealership last month to replace a punctured radiator that was unfixable (it cost me $1,045 of which only $300 was for the radiator itself). I had told them about this revving up of the engine and the hesitation of going into gear. They said they would look into it. They did not find anything. I then told my husband about the problem of the gear hesitation. He told me to look online to see if there were any other complaints or resolutions to be found. Lo and behold, there were plenty of complaints and problems but I am not seeing any reasonable solutions - short of purchasing a new or rebuilt transmission from someone other than a Ford dealership! The dealerships definitely cost way too much! I am just wondering if the other reliable transmission shops will truly be able to fix the problem. And like everyone else, I think Ford should be the one who does a recall and solves this problem at their cost!
2009Apr 13
Explorer XLT 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 40,108 miles
This seems to be a fairly common issue from reading these complaints. I'm not sure how to pursue this issue, but I have to do something. I'm trying to continue to buy American, but this is making if more difficult as the days go by,
2009Jan 31
Explorer Limited 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 57,000 miles
The transmission is frequently late on the 2 -1 downshift when stopping. It feels like you are hit from behind. The transmission hunts up and down for a gear when driving slowly in a parking lot or in stop and go traffic. Up shifts are erratic and frequently hard. Upon full acceleration when accessing the interstate the trans won't up shift and the engine over revs. My Ford dealership has reprogrammed the transmission three times in the three months I owned the vehicle and each time they told me that this would probably not fix the problem, but Ford won't or can't fix the problem.
2007Apr 04
(reported on)Explorer Limited V8
- Automatic transmission
- 15,000 miles
when coming to a stop, has always felt like I'm getting hit! I have been in the shop over 10 times and still going in for the same thing. Actually just dropped it off and gee they make you feel like your an idiot driver and you are not stopping or starting the right way. Gee, So how come this seems to be the problem when anyone drives the vehicle. So I drop the Suv off today again and they are bringing the the ford engineer. which has been done in the past needless to say they replaced the whole computer system the last time and gee that didn't fix the problem. I am getting so angry, I asked them how can we resolve this obviously they don't know what to do and they tell me they will extend my warranty however i have to pay all the deductibles every time i bring it in which is a lot. I offer how about a trade in, realizing i bought this SUV 12 months ago and have been having these problems since i bought it and their comment is the miles are too high on it now and I would have to pay an extra $11,200 to trade in a 2006 for a 2007. I just paid $38,000 cash 12 months ago and now they want another 11,200k. Gee is that customer service or what. I have almost hit a child as when you least expect it and accelerate a little bit it like jumps forward and when you brake it I look in the mirror to see if I just got hit. Very Frustrating especially almost hitting somebody, you think ford would take the blame absolutely not. so anyway I don't know what to do other than now I feel as if I have to get an attorney to try and get some help with this issue. Please comment if you have had the same and have any suggestions as it is so frustrating that the customer service at Ford makes you feel like your the idiot that doesn't know how to drive. Also the Tire Sensor light comes on when ever and I could be anywhere and it'll come on and I have to take pictures with my digital camera because ford doesn't believe that as well.
2006Aug 20
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 53,000 miles
My Ford Explorer is a true lemon! I have had it into Ford service center for the same problem 6 times! They reprogram the transmission and call it good. It is currently at Boyer Ford in Minneapolis. It is under ESP and they are trying to make me pay the $100 deductible. I refuse!
Does anyone have any help to offer? I can't keep bringing it in. They have preformed the bulletins many times already.
2009Jan 13
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 25,201 miles
The transmission in my 2006 Explorer shifts so hard from a stop feels like you have been rear ended.
2009Jan 03
Explorer Limited V8
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
Thank you very much for the website because I thought I was the only one experiencing the issue of my Explorer lunging forward when it comes to a stop. My truck lunges sporadically but it occurs about every 1 in 10 stops. For a second there I was starting to think I forgot how to brake properly. (ha, ha) Thanks to all the comments on this website I will be contacting my dealership first thing to discuss this issue.
2009Mar 18
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 47,000 miles
I have the same problem. Every time I come to a stop, the car makes a huge jolt. In order for Ford to fix this issue at no cost we need a recall to be issued.
The way a recall will be issued is if we file our complaints with the NHTSA (http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints/results.cfm).
2009Feb 25
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
I am down for a class action lawsuit to get Ford to pay for this. I took my wife's Explorer to the dealership and described the issue with the vehicle popping into gear late, or delaying before it goes into gear. I can even feel it when it changes gears. Sometimes more sudden than other times. They said they knew exactly what it is....so they kept my car for 6 hours to tell me that I owed them $89 for telling me whats wrong, and then told me its $1,300 to fix it. They said sorry about your luck, no recall yet, so you have to pay for it yourself. I would be happy to pursue this further...
2009Feb 23
Explorer Edddie Bauer 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 17,000 miles
I have own mostly ford cars all my life this is the first time that I encountered this problem where the car lunges forward as you come to a stop.
Today is at the ford dealer being checked for this problem.
2009Feb 09
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
I went to the dealership with the complaint and they charged me $99.99 to just check it out. And they told me the had a request from the company about this problem so the re-programed my transmission and did not charge me to do it. But if they knew this problem existed why charge me $99.99 to check it out why didn't they just fix it? When I asked about it they told me a request is not the same as a recall. And I am really upset about this and want my money back.
2009Jan 20
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 33,800 miles
Said it was a safety mechanism that you could not touch the gear shift while you put the brake on so children would not knock car into gear. Still having issues of being unable to get car into gear even though brake is applied before touching gear shift.
2008Nov 01
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 27,000 miles
I agree with all the other complaints. I have a little of every problem. The car lunged so hard one time i actually hurt my neck. We need resolution. If it isn't fixed we are definitely are gonna have problems ""down the road" pardon the pun. I am in for any group complaints or action.
2008Nov 14
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 47,000 miles
2006 Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L,
I leased this SUV in May, 2006 from Walker Ford in Clearwater FL. After driving the car for a few months one day I left the engine running for about a 1/2 hour, when I go in the car to drive it would not go at all, I had to shut the car off and re-start it, during the drive at various stop lights along the way. Ht e car was very sluggish to accelerate, I was trying to shift the gears from D, 3,2,1 finally the car started driving normally.
Now its Nov 14, 2008 I live in Colorado Springs, I drove the car from FL to IN, and to CO. very poor gas mileage on avg between 7 and 11 MPG during these state travels depending upon my load in the vehicle. Now lets talk about the good part " I say good part as a joke mind as my honest thought is FORD EXP ARE JUNK !!!!! and I will NEVER EVER buy, lease another FORD in my life or recommend a FORD to anyone."
So here it is, a couple of days ago i noticed during my sh*t from P to Rev a kind of loud thump sound came from the back of the car, I really did not think much about it and contribute it to being on a slanted drive way, while engaging gears. So anyway11/11/2008 I leave the house and head to the freeway I-25, I am heading to Denver as I enter the on ramp onto the freeway, I hear a very loud bag from the back of the car, guess what the trans stops working. The car will not go I cost the car to the emerg lane and try all gears nothing works. I turn the car off and then re-start it. I try all the gears again only 3rd gear works, but event cuts out and I again cost to a stop. Doing the same thing over and over again until I was able to get the car safely off the freeway.
Ok so I call the local PHIL LONG ford dealer service dept and explain what just happened, talked to Steve, he asked me if its drivable and I told him yeah somewhat in 3 rd gear. He said bring it in and he will get right on it. So I bring the car to them and they tell me its $100 to hook it up to their computer, most all other companies do not charge for this. ok so now i am into this for $100.00, they tell me that the 1st and 3rd gears are the only gears engaged, and that 2nd, 4th, 5th, and Rev don't work. LMAO, like I needed a computer to tell me that. Now to further this investigation they have to drop the trans and its going to cost me $600.00 for them to do that. and that this car is not covered under warranty for the powertrain and drivetrain. I told Steve not to touch the car.
Now let think a min, sometime in 2005 i had the same kind of problem with a 2002 FORD EXP at around 77,000 miles and i spent $1,800.00 to fix it then because the powertrain and drive train warranty expired at 70,000 miles..... Ok so why is it that a 2006 FORD does not have a warranty for the drivetrian and powertrian longer then 36,000 / 3 yrs ????
Maybe because FORD MOTOR CO knows that there is a problem and its trans that they put in these cars are junk and they don't want to have to pay for them, YEAH Logic says this would be the case.
So anyway I had my SUV towed for FREE, and a FREE computer test, and I am currently having the trans pulled for further evaluation for $250.00 (Not $600 as FORD stated) the work is currently being performed by AAMCO in Colorado Springs CO, I will let everyone know what they find and the end result. Thank you.
2008Nov 14
Explorer Eddie Bauer
- Automatic transmission
- 47,000 miles
2006 Ford Explorer, I have felt the hard jolt when shifting from Park into Rev, and sometimes into Drive. Also while driving/accelerating up a step incline I have noticed hard jolts from the rear of the vehicle, not paying very much attention to this because it has only happened a few times over the past few months.
Well on 11/14/2008 I went to enter the local freeway in Colorado Springs, and when I accelerated the vehicle I left a very hard and loud jolt. Then the vehicle had zero power and would not move. I coasted to the side of the freeway and tried all manual shift able gears. Nothing worked. I turned the vehicle off and then re-stared it and attempted to select diff gears again, the only gear the vehicle would engage in was 3rd. I drove the vehicle home and then to the local Ford service center., Long story short, the local Ford service center stated the vehicle is out of warranty. I had the vehicle towed to AAMCO; after they removed the trans. they noted multiple gears to be completely broken. and stated to me "the damage they found should not have happened at all"
I have researched the Ford Explorer and have found that there are many Ford owners that have exp premature trans problems, and it also appears that the engineering team working for Ford is also aware and/or has knowledge of trans issues related to these vehicles.
I called Ford and advised them of what happened and simply asked for some financial assistance in covering the repairs. Ford told me " there is nothing they are able to do to assist me in this hardship" So as a loyal customer to Ford over the past 20 years, I ask for assistance in repairing their piece of crap vehicle and they tell me no.
I honestly hope our US Govt. tells them "NO" in a 2008/2009 financial bail out plan, "Maybe if Ford would step up to the plate and make things right for its customers they might sell more vehicle's and would be not loosing long term customers like me"
I mean get real standard powertrain/drivetrain warranty of a 2006 Explorer is only 36,000 miles or 3 years. My last Explorer had a powertrain/drivetrain warranty of like 70,000 miles.
2006Mar 31
Explorer Limited 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 500 miles
BBB wants me to let ford try again. So I did and to no avail, still messed up. Tried to take it in again and they said there was nothing more they could do!....LEMON LAW, ........... Now to court we go.
2007Jan 29
Explorer Limited V8
- Automatic transmission
- 19,000 miles
We purchased this car new in 8/06. Within months starting to lunge during shifting and also hesitation during acceleration. Has been to Ford dealer for repairs 4 times, most recently 9/22/08 with 28k miles on it. Ford told me they are aware of the "harsh" shifting and the "delayed" shifting. Their engineers are working on it, but have no repair for it at this time. They claim not a safety issue..but it isn't them making a left hand turn in front of traffic when it stalls out, or lunging into a crosswalk almost hitting a pedestrian! We just mailed off our certified letter to Ford, the first step in the Lemon Law for our state.
We will be taking this all the way... Anyone else already try??? Results or suggestions?
2006Nov 16
Explorer Limited
- Automatic transmission
- 6,214 miles
I have been having the same lunging jolting issues that everyone else is experiencing with the 2006 Ford explorers. I continued to take it in to the dealers for servicing with complaints of clunks, jerking, jumping forward at stop signs..and then long pause or hesitation when proceeding with a clunk when finally in gear. Being from Canada, we don't have the Lemon Laws but we do have something called Camvap which is an alternative dispute resolution process for vehicle defects and warranty disputes between consumers and manufacturers. I note from their web site that there was a "buy back" in one of the arbitrations and the issue was transmission in a 2006 Ford Explorer. I first have to contact Ford Canada to see what they will do to resolve my issue and then I can proceed to Camvap. Will never buy another Ford!!!!!!!
2008May 16
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 15,000 miles
My car sems to try and shift down really hard when coming to a stop. This issue results in an obnoxious jolting action that actually jerks not only the vehicle around but the people inside as well. My neck has started to ache from all the jerking around. I hope I have not developed some sort of health issue like whiplash. Ford reprogrammed the computer which seemed to help but only for a very short time. The car is doing it again two months later.
2008Aug 28
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 18,000 miles
I returned my Explorer to Ford today for the same jolting and jerking issue I had fixed (yeah right) 2 months ago. My neck is extremely sore now and I am considering seeing my doctor about it (then my attorney). After being majorly inconvenienced again for the same problem - Ford initially told me that this was a driver issue (MY FAULT!!). I told them that I would contact my attorney about this matter if that becomes their final decision. There final decision became "normal operation" today. What a crock of $h!t. Anyone for a class action lawsuit??????????
2006Jun 09
Explorer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 53,000 miles
Okay listen up 2006 ford explorer V8 owners. I had all of the same complaints as you and all of the same bullshit with reprogramming. I had finally had enough so I went to the dealership and threatened to go to my local news with the complaints. Guess what? They found the problem after 3 weeks. It was the injector in cylinder 8. The problem is now fixed and I am getting about 18-19 miles per gallon and no more jolts or hard shifting. Have it checked out!
2007Nov 15
Explorer LTD 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 11,950 miles
I have now taken my 2006 Ford Explorer Limited in three times due to lunging while stopping and hard transmission shifts in the lower gear (up and down shifting). I have also heard the whooping noise coming from the back of the car which is apparently the transmission pump. The dealer has reprogrammed my transmission twice and both times that I have returned to the dealership with the same problem they said that it looks as though my computer had never been reprogrammed and so all that Ford would allow them to do was reprogram it again.... I have had a rental car for 30 days so far and I am going to pick up the truck today after the third attempt at fixing the same problem. They claimed that they worked with the manufacturer and did some additional programming work this time and that it is driving great. We will see.... If this doesn't do it then I will be pursuing the Lemon Law. Has anyone had recent success?
I have also had water leaks coming in my dome light and in through the clips of the driver's side sun visor that they have attempted to fix twice without success. They took a different approach this time and said that something had been clogging my drainage tubes but I am very worried about the long term effects this water infiltration could have had...
2008Jan 09
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 25,000 miles
HELLO, I AM A TRANSMISSION TECHNICIAN. I HAD BEEN INTO THE FORD DEALER UNDER WARRANTY, FOR THE SAME 2-1 DOWNSHIFT BUMP/JOLT AND ERRATIC UPSHIFT CONCERNS THAT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT 2 TIMES IN 2007. THEY REPROGRAMMED THE TRANS COMPUTER (WHICH IS PART OF THE VALVE BODY "MECHATRONIC UNIT" INSIDE THE TRANS PAN) AND THE TECH EXPLAINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAS AN "INITIAL LEARNING" CYCLE THAT MUST BE PERFORMED EXACT TO THE BULLETIN... IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE DRIVE CYCLE IS NOT BEING PERFORMED CORRECTLY. HOWEVER, LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, AFTER A FEW THOUSAND MILES, THE PROBLEM RETURNED. IN LATE SEPTEMBER 2007, DEALERS WERE ADVISED TO NOT ATTEMPT REPAIRS AS ENGINEERING WAS WORKING A "FIX" TO THE SOFTWARE. THESE TRANSMISSIONS ARE BUILT BY THE SAME COMPANY THAT HAS BEEN MAKING BMW AND MERCEDES AND LAND ROVER TRANS FOR YEARS "ZF" IS THE COMPANY, WHICH IS NOW OWNED BY FORD... I GUESS THAT SORT OF MAKES IT LOOK LIKE FORD REALLY IS CONCERNED WITH THEIR TRANS QUALITY AND WANT TO GET A NEW IMPRESSION. FORD SHOULD HAVE WORKED THE SOFTWARE BEFORE THEY SOLD THESE TRUCKS, BUT THAT IS THE REAL STORY. AFTER MID NOVEMBER 2007, A LATEST, GREATEST CALIBRATION UPDATE BECAME AVAILABLE, AND IT WAS PERFORMED... THE TRANSMISSION WORKS GREAT!!! I WOULD SUGGEST AT "HIGHER" MILEAGE WHICH MEANS DIFFERENT THINGS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE, IF A DEALER REPROGRAMMED YOUR TRUCK "BEFORE" DECEMBER OF 2008, THEY SHOULD CHECK IT AGAIN FOR AN UPDATE, AND THE DRIVE CYCLE IS CRITICAL TO BE PERFORMED, THEN IT TAKES ABOUT A WEEK TO "FULLY ADAPT". IF A PROBLEM CONTINUES, THEN MAYBE SOMETHING ELSE IS WRONG, AND THEY SHOULD INSPECT OR REPLACE THE "MECHATRONIC" VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY. I WAS TOLD THIS PROBLEM IS ALSO IN THE EXPEDITIONS IN 2007 AND 2008 AND SOME OF THE 2007 EXPLORERS WHICH ALSO HAVE BULLETINS. THE TRANSMISSION IN THE EXPLORER IS CALLED 6R60 AND THE EXPEDITION IS THE 6R75. SO FAR THE TRUCK I HAVE BEEN DRIVING IS GREAT. GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE....
2008May 13
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 58,456 miles
the transmission shifts very rough, upshifting and downshifting.
2007Jun 13
Explorer Limited V8
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
The car bucks, lunges and kicks when coming to a stop. Took it to the dealer and they reprogrammed the transmission, saying it is all set. With in a day it was doing it again and now it is getting worse!!! Took it back to the dealer and they say that "It is normal, it won't hurt the transmission"!
I paid 40k for this car to have it drive worse than a Hyundai! The car is now out of warranty and they won't look at it without a consultation fee, even though the first time it was logged it was under warranty.
Never buy a Ford again. Anyone know if Ford is doing anything to keep their customers?
2008Jun 02
Explorer Limited 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 18,000 miles
I had noticed that my Explorer was lunging and jolting at stop signs. My dealer, to their credit, recognized my explanation and did the transmission reprogramming today. Now...it happened that when I went into the dealership...my SUV was averaging 13.5 miles per gallon...(terrible)... but after the reprogramming ...as I left the dealership...I noticed that the gage said 10.6 miles per gallon. Then it went even further down!! to 9.3 !! NOT GOOD!
I got out on the bypass and managed to get it up to 11.5 again... but has anyone else noticed a drop in gas mileage after having the transmission re-programmed? The Explorer seems to be less jolting ...but need more time to be sure.
2008May 19
Explorer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 32,000 miles
I seem to have the same problem as everyone. It lunges forward and downshifts very hard. This is the 3rd time we have taken it back. I think we have a lemon too.
1920Mar 21
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 46,000 miles
Transmission controller has been reprogrammed numerous times only to have problem reappear after 3-4,000 miles. Valve body replaced approx 1 year ago, but did not fix. Ford admits problem and asks that I keep in touch with the dealer for solution, which they do not yet have. Car is nearly 30 months old . . . 46,000 miles, and I doubt it will ever be fixed. I intend to keep after Ford on this, and it looks like it is a fairly common problem with the 6-speed transmission. . . . friend with a Mercury Mountaineer with same transmission has same problem. Definitely a design issue. Anyone have any idea how to elevate these complaints?
2007Feb 01
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 12,000 miles
My 06 Explorer has been doing all the things that everyone has listed, lurching forward when shifting between 1st and 2nd or when downshifting between 2nd and 1st. It started in Feb 07 but it was very seldom and not a hard jerk, so I didn't think anything of it. As the months passed by and the miles tacked it began to jolt worse and worse. More frequent, harder...so I took it to a dealership in Miami Florida back in November 2007 and they checked it out for brakes. I knew it wasn't a brake problem, but they checked the brakes and hooked it to their machine. I was told nothing came up on the computer and that it was fine. They changed out the brake pads...etc. No fix. It lurched when I pulled out of the parking lot! So I had to get back to work and didn't bother going back to that dealer b/c I thought they were incompetent! We just pcs'd to Alaska and I have an appt with the dealership on Monday morning. I have printed all 66 complaints and will be bringing them with me. I want my truck fixed, and not a temporary fix. Its a brand new truck still....it shouldn't be doing this until like 100,000 miles! WTF? Unfortunately I am going to have to make several trips to the dealership here in attempt to get it fixed before I can pursue a Lemon Law Case. With as many complaints as there has been with the vehicles, they really should be doing a recall on ALL the 06 explorers! I just found this website, and I am convinces that there are probably hundreds or even thousands of 06 explorer owners out there who are having the same problems. We need to spread the word and get these complaints properly accounted for. This was the first brand new car I have EVER owned and I bought one because I was tired of getting lemons and tired of all the maintenance work that goes with buying used cars! What a waste! I don't think I'll ever buy a FORD again after seeing all these complaints. I have heard that Ford cars/trucks/suvs...etc are known for having really bad transmission problems. Well they need to do a redesign or something so we all don't throw $40,000+ down the drain. We think we are getting a quality vehicle b/c it runs AWESOME for the first few months....and then you realize you have been lemoned!!!! This is unacceptable. No wonder Ford is going under........
I will keep checking back to see how this is progressing.
2007May 10
(reported on)Explorer Limited V8
- Automatic transmission
- 16,000 miles
I took my SUV to the Ford Dealership last month and described the problem. The service rep said he couldn't make a diagnosis from my description of kicking as it slowed down or lunging when I came to a stop. He said that a technician drove it and didn't feel anything. (It happens every now and then but occurring more frequently.) They told me to come back when it lunges again! So, I take it in again and the service manager greets me. As soon as I tell him the problem, he instantly knows what I am talking about. I also hear a strange whooping or noise and/or a stomach growling sound from the back end as if air was being released.
2006May 10
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 100 miles
We've had this problem for past 20 months and it has become increasingly worse. We bvrin have requested the problem be repaired when serviced and have been put off. I found this
site tonight. My lease expires in 3 months and how the heck can I buy this and who would repurchase it from me after a test drive. I hope I can print all these complaints out and take
them to my dealer. I haven't read all the complaints yet but just glancing it appears that this sure is a design flaw and not a random incident concerning my car. Any ideas of how
to approach the dealer will be appreciated.
2008Jan 02
Explorer EB V8
- Automatic transmission
- 24,000 miles
Explorer has constantly exhibited poor low speed shifting. Shifting has been hard and abrupt at low speeds either when accelerating or decelerating. Have had the car in three times to reprogram transmission. Now the trans is experiencing revving before shifting at low speeds. Gas mileage also appears to have dropped a little. Has anyone tried a lemon law case on this issue?
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009May 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
this freaking car gave me problems a month after i bought it from the dealer ever since it has been a problem so i usually ride on my working truck F-250 08 witch its a beautiful truck but to much gas to be driving around,
nata
Elmhurst, NY, USA
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