Four problems related to transmission slip out of gear have been reported for the 1996 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Our 96 Ford Explorer transmission has slipped out of gear at unpredictable times, speeds, and inclines. Only have had a back bumper "bumped" when this happened, but would really like for some dept or entity to refer us to a truly knowledgeable and experienced transmission shop or other helpful source.
Problem started at 23115 miles. While going at 25 or 60 mph vehicle will drop out of gear. This may happen while trying to change lanes, vehicle will just drop out of gear. Consumer feels this is very unsafe, especially with children aboard. Also, when changing lanes there is just no control.
The vehicle was in park position and the key was in the ignition and the vehicle jumped out of gear in reverse.
Transmission jumped out of gear forward when going from park into drive and from reverse into drive.