Print this page

4.3

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
26,793 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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

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

2018 Ford Explorer drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2018 Ford Explorer:

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

2018 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #17

Sep 152023

Explorer

  • 115,631 miles

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

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving with Adaptive Cruise Control mode engaged. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission fluid was flushed. The contact stated that the failure recurred increasingly after 4,000 miles. The contact stated while at a complete stop and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle shuddered significantly as if the vehicle was attempting to drive forward. The contact stated that he applied more pressure on the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 115,631.

- Albia, IA, USA

problem #16

Nov 172023

Explorer

  • miles
Torque converter issues as outlined here: [XXX] Almost was in accident due to loss of power and slow take off from issue with transmission torque converter. Engine shaking bad when in drive or reverse while stopped. Caused two motor mounts to be damaged. One split open and leaked fluid. Those have already been replaced. Less than 60k miles this should not be an issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Shepherdsville, KY, USA

problem #15

Nov 192023

Explorer

  • miles
Torque converter and transmission problems cause the vehicle to stutter upon acceleration or not accelerate at all. Gear shifts can be erratic. No CEL or DTCs appear in the OBD system. I was barely able to proceed through an intersection until the transmission finally engaged fully and I was able to accelerate correctly. Ford is aware of the problem as proven by TSBs 20B27 and 20N07 but refuse to fix my vehicle as I am just outside of the expiration window and apparently my VNI does not fall within the TSB program, even though my car's problems are identical to the TSB description. This transmission problem is a huge safety concern for anyone driving Ford's using the 6F35 transmissions.

- Nampa, ID, USA

problem #14

Oct 122023

Explorer

  • miles

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

I have owned this vehicle for a year and have gone through three batteries. It shows multiple coded for circuit shorts - Passenger mirror motor, tailgate/liftgate/trunk motor as well as the cinch striker motor, instrument panel which has lost communication with cruise control module, power steering module, battery voltage circuit below threshold, driver side curtain deployment control 1 circuit short to ground, switch illumination. When the vehicle is stopped or parked it constanly idles up to 1000 to 1500 rpms. These are all the codes that are showing on my vehicle. There has to be some sort of issue causing these problems. What happens if my airbag deploys without warning causing me to cause a major accident which can harm myself, my spouse, children and the people around me.

- Seymour, IN, USA

problem #13

May 022023

Explorer

  • 103,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a stop, the vehicle hesitated while responding. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the torque converter had overheated. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic for a second opinion where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was then towed to the residence where it remained. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

- Clarksville, TN, USA

problem #12

Aug 012023

Explorer

  • 67,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic signal, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N07 Torque Converter Shudder (Power Train). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #11

Aug 142022

Explorer

  • miles

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

The vehicle had a premature water pump failure that leaked antifreeze into the engine compartment and caused the engine to seize up while traveling at a higher rate of speed.

- Fallston, MD, USA

problem #10

Jun 282023

Explorer

  • miles
Dealer refuses to repair vehicle without issues being present. States They will only fix it once the problem has arisen.

- Gonzales, LA, USA

problem #9

Jun 202023

Explorer

  • miles
I-??ve taken my vehicle multiple times to the Ford dealership due to continuing issues. Every time I-??m told nothing is wrong and now I can-??t even drive my car 5 feet.

- Carmel Valley, CA, USA

problem #8

Dec 202022

Explorer

  • 78,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while approaching a stop light, the vehicle started to vibrate without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the transmission support needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the transmission might have malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that there was no recall for the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 78,000.

- Morgan Hill, CA, USA

problem #7

Oct 222022

Explorer

  • miles

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

2018 Ford Explorer developed a shudder and rough idle, sluggish vehicle operation, slow acceleration during launch. No warning lamps. Researched issues online and found a bulletin from Ford Motor Company dated October 9, 2020 that identified the issue as a torque converter defect. My vehicle was manufactured during the identified time period and at the identified assembly plant but I did not receive a notice from Ford for the repair program. My vehicle has exhibited all of the known issues as well as a total loss of power while reversing leaving me sideways in the middle of the road while I had my family on a road trip risking collision and injury. Dealership confirms there was an issue but refuses to repair because my VIN was not listed in their system as affected. Feel the issue may extend to more vehicles than Ford previously figured.

- Lonoke, AR, USA

problem #6

Sep 282021

Explorer

  • miles
As I was driving the car slowed down and jerked a little. ( no lights came on ) It happened again getting on the freeway, on another day. Still no lights on the dash. It did it another time and the light that indicate it's the power train. All while I was going through this I took it to a shop that said nothing was wrong with my vehicle. I only had my vehicle 5 months before the first slow down. I tried to take it to Pat Millenkin Ford they MEVER looked at the powertrain after me telling them I thought it was the transmission, but I was told it has no issues because it wasn't a light on. Two day's after getting my car back same problem happened, I called then was giving the run around then after my warranty expired they said bring it in which now they want me to pay over $4000 but they never did a diagnostic test on my powertrain. There also was a manufacturer customer satisfaction program from Ford on the transmission #20N07 before I purchased.

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #5

Oct 012020

Explorer

  • 45,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the vehicle inadvertently rolled. The contact stated that while shifting to reverse, the vehicle hesitated to respond. Additionally, while driving the vehicle was jerking. The service warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

- Novi, MI, USA

problem #4

Jul 122020

Explorer

  • 30,000 miles
I have been experiencing acceleration/transmission concerns, where the vehicle essential stalls and will not accelerate. After approximately 5 seconds, the computer and transmission appear to 'sync' and the vehicle will accelerate, but the issue will continue to happen until the vehicle is turned off and back on again. The first time this happen, I was in a costco parking lot, so I did not think much of it. The second time this happen, July 12th, 2020, I was crossing a busy road of traffic near my home and was almost involved in a serious accident as a result of this failure. As I was crossing the 2 lanes of traffic to make a left hand turn, my vehicle stalled and I was almost side swiped by an oncoming vehicle. After this incident, I had my vehicle towed to a Ford dealership for inspection. Upon extensive analysis of the vehicle, the technicians could not find anything wrong with the vehicle including no failed sensors in the computer and the technicians were not able to replicate the concern. On August 19th, 2020, my check engine light came on and I immediately returned the vehicle to Ford dealership hoping this was a result of the issues I had been having. Upon another diagnosis, the error was cleared for an engine knock sensor, but this was not related to my concerns with the acceleration or transmission.

- Avondale, AZ, USA

problem #3

May 012020

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,500 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while merging into traffic on the freeway at various speeds, the vehicle independently shifted into limp mode without warning. The contact took the vehicle to autonation Ford East (28825 euclid ave, wickliffe, oh 44092) where the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The mechanic attributed the failure to a potential turbo lag. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. Consumer stated indicator fault lights on the dash failed three times.

- Painesville, OH, USA

problem #2

Mar 242019

Explorer

  • 2,350 miles
Total transmission failure for no known reason with less than 3000 miles and 4 months old. Cannot be fixed, must be replaced.

- Troy, MI, USA

problem #1

Aug 312018

Explorer

  • miles
My 2016 Explorer has 74,000 miles and the RPM needle is sticking. Had it evaluated and found transmission neutral out on a 2/3 shift and a 4/5 shift. Fluid level is correct, this is due to excessive clearance in the direct clutch. The Ford dealership recommend overhaul or replacement. Replacement is on back order and would take several months to get. I called the Ford customer service and got a case #cas15675568. Have reached out to the dealer ship and they are discussing and it has now been 48 hrs. What is difficult about making a decision and contacting me. I'm inclined to believe that there are a lot of 2016 with this same issue because of the back order. It should probably be a recall issue?

- Hampton, GA, USA

Not what you are looking for?