Transmission Fluid Leaking problems of the 2013 Ford Explorer

The power take-off unit had to be replaced wihtin a little over 3 years of purchase at a cost of $14781. 11, which would have been double the cost had it been taken to a Ford dealership. The warranty had expired. I was surprised to learn that this is an endemic problem that is neither subject to recall nor prior notice from Ford. I spoke to a Ford representative who was careful to say that she had no statistics about the problem; when I asked her if Ford did, she repeated her prior statement, as if coached. The take-off unit leaked fluid everywhere, and caused the vehicle to stall while driving at street and highways speeds, which could have been a danger to my family and me. Stalling occurred even while the vehicle was not in 4-wheel drive. Again, I was surprised that there is no NHTSA recall issued, nor does Ford notify drivers of the potential danger. Yet per the internet, it appears that hundreds, if not thousands, of these units routinely fail within just a few years due to their design. A great way for Ford to lose customers as well.

My 2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3. 5l transmission started leaking fluid before 27,058 miles on June 14,2016 and as of today March 3,2018 at 44,678 miles the transmission is still leaking. The problem was brought to my dealership's attention during a repair of blistering paint on the hood. Dealer stated they fixed leaking oil pan rather than leaking transmission. As of today vehicle has 44,678 miles and transmission has shown several problems when in operation: gears take too long to transfer power from 2nd to 3rd, 4th to 5th, severe over revving of engine, jerking feeling coming from transmission while transitioning through those gears, abnormal loud sounds emitting from transmission during these gear changes, leaking and dripping of transmission fluid onto hot transmission case, burning of transmission fluid and vapors entering vehicle cabin, and passengers complaining of noxious oil smell within the cabin.