Power Train Problems of Ford Explorer - part 2

Issued started happening when I tried to get into my car and my keyfob was not working. Then notice the number pad was working and was able to get into the vehicle. Once inside, vehicle did not want to start. I turn on and off the headlights and thats when the vehicle started. Once started, vehicle started showing orange warning messages. The following messages were shown: pre-collision assist not available hill start assist not available 4wd fault service required service advancetrac see manual with a wrench on it. There is also a wrench light on with the advance trac light on. This issue was diagnosed by Ford scarsdale and they charge me $209 just for the diagnostic and stated that I need a new awd module plus performing TSB 23-2174. With a list of parts totaling $926. 42 plus labor of $1,463. The labor seems a bit over price as I don't believe it will take 7 hours to fix this if we take the labor at $200/hr. There were no prior messages prior to failure. Issue started happening around August 9th, 2025 where my car would start with no issues and after 10 minutes of driving, all the above messages would start showing. Now, messages show when car starts and dont go away. In addition, I have taken my vehicle to Ford scarsdale on July 2, 2025 from front/read differential and transfer case fluid change and pinion seal change. In addition, on 03/27/2024, I took my vehicle since there was oil leak in the front axle and was repaired under warranty. Dealership should have suggested to do this TSB 23-2174 knowing this was a common issue and I was still under warranty.

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As zero recall data refreshed on Aug 09,2025 shows unrepaired recalls associated with 2025 Explorer. Please broadcast. . . The following. . 2025 Explorer safety recalls* missing o-ring supporting disc on bosch fuel injectors recall incomplete accessory protocol interface module software update - loss of rear-view camera image recall incomplete missing dashboard air bag warning label recall incomplete transmission cross member bolt torque recall incomplete powertrain control module pcm reprogram recall incomplete front subframe bolt torque check recall incomplete front brake caliper bolt inspection recall incomplete unrequested second-row seat movement recall incomplete transmission main control valve body replacement recall incomplete connecting rod inspection recall incomplete while the investor is being held up by the department of the treasury, he is awaiting in ogden, ut for the release of funding to help fix this list of reported recall and alerts. By providing engineers with the held and pending release of notes/bills being paused without explanation by the internal revenue service. As the close of stock options supports the claim for legitimate use and collect my mecca express inc tr, as trustee for collecting funding for these issues. Please broadcast. . . . . And advise owners of this vehicle type to stop driving them ASAP as powertrain control module pcm reprogram, and missing o-ring supporting disc on bosch fuel injectors. May cause engine failure at high mph during high rpm on highway and road ways. Potential stall is possible, please report ASAP. For safety International!.

VIN: [xxx] recall data refreshed on Aug 09,2025 0 unrepaired recalls associated with this VIN for 2025 police interceptor - utility while the 2025 Ford Explorer is recalled,this model for 2025 police interceptor - utility has additional incomplete issues to be reported by NHTSA. As officers on duty should turn these models in to the nearest Ford dealer for competition of the following: 2025 police interceptor - utility safety recalls* missing o-ring supporting disc on bosch fuel injectors recall incomplete accessory protocol interface module software update - loss of rear-view camera image recall incomplete missing dashboard air bag warning label recall incomplete transmission cross member bolt torque recall incomplete powertrain control module pcm reprogram recall incomplete front subframe bolt torque check recall incomplete front brake caliper bolt inspection recall incomplete unrequested second-row seat movement recall incomplete transmission main control valve body replacement recall incomplete connecting rod inspection recall incomplete this recall is a immediate report for any on duty peace officer assigned to these vehicles. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Powertrain malfunction/ reduced power bill start assist warning pre-collision assist not available.

The exhaust leaks constantly and Ford can’t seem to fix it. Been multiple times in the shop and all they say is it’s suppose to leak soot and make a fluttery sound. Three documented cases of it at the shop for exhaust leak and I’ve finely gave up because multiple dealerships refuse to acknowledge the issue and state it’s weep holes but weep holes are at connection joints. The smell of exhaust from start up or in tight confined spaces allows the exhaust to creep back into the car if windows are rolled down. Also the sound is embarrassing.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear differential, with the vehicle vibrating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the drive axle, wheel hub assembly, and the hub splines needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA campaign number: 22v255000 (power train); and was repaired by hutchinson Ford of forsyth (288 harold g. Clark parkway, forsyth, GA 31029). The vehicle was not yet repaired for the recent failure. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the transmission failed at approximately 80,000 miles. It requires a complete rebuild/replacement. The failed transmission is available for inspection upon request. It is currently at the transmission shop. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? although the vehicle was technically still drivable, it did not feel safe. The transmission slipped and struggled to shift, and the vehicle felt like it could break down or cause a wreck at any point. The sudden and unpredictable loss of proper control put me and other drivers at risk. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes. An independent transmission repair service confirmed the failure and determined that the transmission required a full rebuild/replacement. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. It has only been inspected and diagnosed by an independent repair service. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? there were no warning lamps or dashboard messages prior to the failure. The first symptoms were slipping and difficulty shifting gears, which began shortly before I took it to a repair shop.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 mph with the cruise control activated the vehicle suddenly began to sputter and reduce speed. The vehicle was driven to the the side shoulder and stalled. The engine would not restart and the vehicle was later towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 52,000.

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My water pump started having a small leak about 2 weeks ago to where I had to put water in to get to work and then again to get home. I contacted Ford to inquire about a cost for this repair and was told they had to diagnose first. Then on Friday Aug 1st my children and I were driving on the interstate and had just gotten off at our exit and the car died in the middle of busy traffic. After waiting for the car to cool, the water was added and I took the car to a Ford dealership. If I had been on the interstate when this happened we would’ve been in a serious if not deadly accident. The leak needs looked into to see if it’s a faulty pump. I’m now looking at a complete engine repair over a leak. Also the back passenger door frame is a blind spot for us who are 5’5.

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At this time, I am unsure if there is some kind of recall, but my alarm is going off alerting me that the lift gate opened but that isn't true once my vehicle is locked. Also, the headlights turn on by themselves as if I have pressed on the keyfob. I then get an alert stating that the remote features disabled to preserve battery. These are just a few of the issues that I am having with this vehicle at this moment. I am a mother to 3 kids and I need to have a reliable vehicle and I don't have time to stress about not locking my vehicle at night jus to avoid my alarm going off. This is insane.

Subject: formal complaint – 2020 Ford Explorer transmission failures and unfair coverage practices dear Ford customer service, I am writing to formally express my concern and disappointment regarding repeated transmission failures in my 2020 Ford Explorer. The vehicle required its first transmission replacement at just 4,000 miles, and again recently at approximately 100,000 miles. It has come to my attention that Ford issued a recall for transmission issues affecting a large number of 2020 Ford Explorers manufactured at the chicago assembly plant during the covid production period. My vehicle, however, narrowly falls one month outside of the official recall range. Despite this, the symptoms and failures my vehicle experienced are identical to those described in the recall and in numerous owner complaints online. I find it deeply concerning and unjust that Ford refuses to extend coverage to vehicles like mine that clearly suffer from the same manufacturing defects. It is unreasonable for a I find it deeply concerning and unjust that Ford refuses to extend coverage to vehicles like mine that clearly suffer from the same manufacturing defects. It is unreasonable for a $45,000 vehicle, only a few years old, to require two complete transmission replacements. This is not an isolated case — thousands of 2020–2022 Ford Explorer owners have reported similar failures with the same transmission model, often shortly after warranty expiration. I am requesting that Ford review this case for goodwill repair coverage or reimbursement, and to consider expanding the recall parameters to include vehicles like mine that were evidently affected by the same defective components and production issues. I have purchased over $100,000 on Ford cars, and have only purchased Fords. I am going to purchase a brand new car in 2 years, and it most likely will not be with Ford due to their shady recall practices, and lack of care for the quality of their product and customer service.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine overheated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the serpentine belt had failed. The contact replaced the serpentine belt, and the vehicle was repaired. Later, while operating the vehicle, several electrical warning lights were displayed. The battery was replaced, but the failure persisted. The contact replaced the alternator; however, after replacing the alternator, the transmission remained stuck in park(p), rendering the vehicle undrivable. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 155,000.

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The 2020 Ford Explorer was repaired due to a recall on the rear differential bolt. The bolt that was replaced fell out and had to go back in for service. The dealer said Ford refused to pay the full cost and it was split between Ford and the owner. We had to pay $2085. 97 for the repair of a recalled item.

Car vibrate and jerk when switching gears randomly. Also the control panel has went out twice. I read everywhere these vehicles have issues with transmission problems on all the 2020 and there is no recall this is. Ridiculous.

When driving I started noticing that my steering wheel what getting harder to turn and it felt like it was lagging control. I could still turn and maneuver the steering wheel but the control overall was defiantly not safe. I stopped in at our mechanic and they test drove it. He stated that yes something was definably wrong with the steering system and he said it was hopefully the u-joint for control arm. We made any appointment for the next following week. I drove my Explorer with extreme caution and the steering issue just got worse. I noticed that I now have a griding noise coming from my steering when I turn. This is a safety issue because it just going to seize up and I will not have any control over my vehicle. When I did finally did get my Explorer into the mechanic the next following week he stated that I needed a new rack and pinion. I only have 140000 miles on my Explorer. The cost was astronomical!!! $1700 for the rack and pinon $600 in labor and a wheel alignment. And don't forget tax. That was a shocker!! I cant afford that kind of out of pocket expense. My vehicle VIN does not fall into the recalled safety notice however this seems to be a big issues with the 2013 Ford explores. My safely overall is the main issued!! I expect Ford to follow through in how they manufacture its vehicles and maintenance products. Please include all Explorers in the recall!!!!.

Transmission failure & clutch needs replacement. Vehicle started hard shifting at low mph.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while attempting to shift gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred to the dealer for additional assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transfer case had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 46,894.

My Explorer has a 10 speed transmission, and its really heavy on shifting like it is missing shifts or slipping, it will shoot up in rpms to the 7-8k mark and jerk forward, this will happen every few minutes when varying speed, driving through residential areas or normal trafficways not including the highway, however on the highway it has a tendency to feel as if it loses power and regains it, dropping rpms and shooting back up to 4-5k rpm, and dropping back down to around 2k. Today I had the incident where the car jerked hard after a shift, gave me prompts on the dash about seeing the manual, and that drive modes are not available. This has happened in the past month before multiple times, however this time I lost all power to acceleration going down the road, ended up just coasting to a stop on a road that speed limit is 55 mph. This made me panic, because I could have possibly been rear ended, or in any other case could have been hit if my car would not have properly been able to accelerate. The car has had similar problems reported from previous owners and they have been taken into a dealership for repairs of which did not fix the problem or the problem is reoccurring. There are no warning lamps prior to the jerkiness of shifting and loss of acceleration because of it. It will jerk a handful of times and eventually give me the "see manual" prompt after the initial problem was noticed, I decided to look online for answers as to what was wrong and it seems like this is a reoccurring problem with vehicles similar to mine. Hopefully it hasnt caused and injuries, but it definitely has the possibility to from what I have experienced.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed the transmission was slipping and the vehicle was slow accelerate. The vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the contact stated that the rpm was high while driving at low speeds. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 19,000.

On July 14, 2025 as I stopped at the stoplight my car started to shake/shudder when it was green I started to drive and it stopped. Then when I stopped again while in drive I experienced the same thing. Contacted the dealership where I've been servicing my car since I bought it. I was hoping they could take in that day but they were booked. Next available was July 17, 2025. They did a diagnostic on my car and said it was the motor mounts. Had to order the parts and will call when parts are in. Parts came in and it was scheduled. Took them all day and even after shop closed to put the motor mounts on. When I picked it up I was told it was still shaking/shuddering but not as bad. Told me to take it home and see. Called them back to bring it back in due to shaking/shuddering, they did another diagnostic this time its my torque converter. Total with parts and labor $2819. 19 plus tax. I started doing some research and found this was a common problem for my type of car. It's on Fords customer satisfaction 20n07. My car fall meets all that is required. Contacted Ford multiple times and was turned down saying there was no recall for mines even though it was manufactured at that specific plant.

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The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle went into limp mode and stalled. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off, and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering gear rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 14v286000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 183,340.

On highway was accelerating to pass another vehicle the transition froze , engine revved with no acceleration ( transmission skipped) this has happened several times over the 5 years. The lasted event we documented the date and mileage it happened date 7/13/25 mileage is 34990. These skips have put us in extremely dangerous situations. Transmission has been making growling noise now under normal driving.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her fiancé was driving 76 mph, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 39,000.

When I was going down the highway at 60mph around a small curve and the steering wheel snatched hard, the car reduced the speed I was traveling (as if the brakes were engaged) and I lost ability to control. The traction control light on the dashboard flashed several times so I pulled over. The light went away and I proceeded to drive at a slow speed (it happened again at 40mph). I was concerned about wrecking the vehicle due to this issue so I had my husband come and pick me and my small child up. The next day he drove it with no issues but it has done it several times now. I started reading up on this vehicle and in fact others with the same make and model have had the same issues.

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With no previous problems, over the course of the past two days the transmission has begun to hard and delayed shift in multiple gears between 10 to 75 mph. When slowing down to go through tolls this morning, as I accelerated, there was a sudden loss of power transmission and a loud rattling sound. The engine would rev in this case. I had to coast for about 150 ft before I regained control of my speed. Once I was slowing down to take my exit to get to work and wait at the light, when I attempted to accelerate to go through the light, I experienced another loss of power. However, this time the engine would not rev. Once in the intersection I was moving slowly. Had this happened (loss of power) while I was in the intersection or through the toll and someone was behind me accelerating, I could have been rear ended and injured. I am taking the Explorer to the dealership next Tuesday to find out if they can reproduce the issue. There are no warning lamps associated with this problem. The vehicle has not been inspected by any third party yet.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated upon shifting to park(p), the vehicle rolled and almost struck two pedestrians. The contact engaged the parking brake, and the vehicle stopped. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated upon driving to the residence and attempting to park near the garage door, the failure recurred, and the vehicle struck the garage door. The contact engaged the parking brake and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that the vehicle then became inoperable. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

11/5/24 transmission failed. Gear selector knob went unresponsive. Wrench light on dash came on. 1/2/25- new transmission received. 4/25/25- car hesitates going into reverse gear- 10 second delay. Still continues. 7/1/25- transmission starts slipping again. 7/2/25- transmission slamming while accelerating.

The transmission failed. The electrical component also failed.

The rear axle is slipping when going up any incline and when traveling on regular roads has vibration they have a recall but say mine not covered when it comes from the same plant in question during the time frame listed.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle jerked abnormally. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the previous owner had previously taken the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing, and the failure information was already in the dealer database. The contact was informed that the failure was due to transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle was purchased two weeks prior to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

My car has been in the shop in louisiana and alabama, it has had a leak, and I have told them over and over about the jerky shifting etc, but it was never noted on any of the service, they said they have fixed the leak. . . But it continued with the jerking and slow to go into gear. Then a couple of weeks ago I was driving down the road and the car wouldn't go, I made it home. I called the Ford service to make an appointment to have it checked again, and the service recall on the seatbelt. My appointment was for Tuesday morning July 1st, but on Thursday I hadn't heard from them, so I called, and on the following Monday they called me back to say the transmission was out and needed to be replaced, it would be 10k plus. So I got a tow to go pick it up and take to a transmission shop. They didn't even get the seatbelt issue resolved in the week it was there. Why didn't they check the transmission was bad while it was under warranty. It now has about 80k miles.

When my vehicle reaches 60 mph the back end of my vehicle begins to sway excessively. Something may be wrong with the axle. It’s actually very frightening. Also, when my vehicle is running, I feel a slight puttering and then it quickly goes away as if somethings going on with the fuel pump. Lastly, my rearview camera sometimes looks a little blurry. I did take my vehicle to team Chevrolet in swansboro, north carolina where I purchased the vehicle. They stated something is going on with the axle and sway bar.

On [xxx], after starting my vehicle, I received multiple safety warnings, prompting the check engine light and a wrench icon on the dashboard. The alerts included issues with the anti-collision system, hill assist, traction control, lane departure, and adaptive cruise control, as well as my drive modes which were also unavailable. I contacted raceway Ford in riverside, CA, and dropped off the vehicle that day, reporting the errors. The dealership informed me the next day that the half shaft speed sensor had failed and would cost $870. 52 to replace. Since the warranty had expired a month earlier on [xxx], this was no longer covered under the drivetrain warranty. I agreed to the repairs. After installing the new sensor, and conducting a test drive, additional errors appeared. After two weeks in the shop and multiple follow-ups, the dealership concluded that the awd/fwd sensor had also failed and replaced both sensors. The repair documentation references TSB 21-2270, ssm 49045, and c0631. I believe this raises serious safety concerns and should warrant a recall, especially since other vehicles are experiencing similar issues just a month after warranty expiration. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I am writing to express my concern regarding a safety issue I have experienced with my vehicle. Specifically, there is a noticeable 3-5 second delay when shifting from drive to reverse. This delay not only creates confusion about whether the vehicle is in the correct gear, but also presents a potential safety hazard, as the vehicle may lurch forward when the driver intends to reverse. In addition, this gear shift delay causes the backup camera to display with a similar delay, reducing visibility and reaction time when maneuvering in reverse. This compromises the camera's effectiveness and the driver's ability to safely back up. I brought this issue to a Ford dealership, but I was told that there was nothing they could do about it. I find this response unsatisfactory, especially considering the safety implications. I would appreciate it if this issue could be further investigated and properly addressed. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and a resolution to this issue.

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The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt, causing the rear driveshaft to disconnect. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v675000 (power train); the VIN was included, but the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 70,000.