Transmission Fluid Leaking Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

My transmission on a previous Ford Explorer and now this Ford Explorer have started to give me issues around the 3rd year of ownership. Transmission slips, jerks, and car cut off for around 10 seconds 4 separate times now. I can't get an appointment at the dealership so it's hard to have car looked at. Also leaking transmission fluid and rpm jumps high throughout drive. This has happened while driving on city streets and freeways. Transmission is rougher on roads that involve uphill and downhill.

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Transmission was grinding and stopped pulling at approximately 17,000 miles. Had car towed to dealer. There was a transmission leak. It was repaired and 6 quarts of fluid added. Since the repairs, transmission is hard shifting and jerking. I've had the car back at the dealer for steering issues 3 times. At highway speeds (65mph and above) the car wanders all over the road, like there's slack in the rack and pinion. The dealer says the alignment is okay and refuses to listen to my complaints. Have issues with the sync. The radio will randomly not let you adjust the volume and have had the back-up camera replaced. Also, randomly will not sync-up with iphone.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Complete failure of the transmission. 16,000 miles a whining noise started while shifting in low gears (similar sound to low power steering fluid) while my family was 4 states away over the new year weekend. Upon stopping I checked under the vehicle for leaking transmission fluid but saw no wet spot. We continued to drive a few more hours to a hotel. When stopping to make a left turn the whole vehicle shuttered and suddenly downshifted very hard. It hesitated to accelerate again across 2 lanes. This time I got out and checked under the vehicle while it was still running and found fluid leaking from the transmission cooler. I have a video of fluid coming out. The next attempt to even move the vehicle it has no power and would not move.

Ptu is leaking. The fluid is bad and needs seals installed. I smelled gas and hot motor. Type smell. This happened to another 2015 Ford Explorer owner by friend - it was not discovered as early. This is a hazard to the driver. Sounds like it's an issue for many Explorer owners. Should be recall? would I be reimbursed?.

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No recalls or notices as of December 4th. Took a road trip for wifes birthday from texas to oklahoma, car has less than 10k miles on it. On December 5th while driving to get breakfast tranamition started to slip on hills and gears started grinding. Called Ford when I was in an area with reception. Ford was notified that the tranamition was slipping in an out of gear and there was a grinding noise. We were 300 miles from home with no dealership or tow option and limited service. Service adviser asked if we had the recall done on the transmition and told him we have received no notice. We played a back and fourth game were I told him we got no notice of the recall and he thought I was wrong. On December 5th when we were schedule to drive back, car would not come out of park, had to rip apart the center console to get to the emergency park override. While driving back car would commonly go out of gear, grind and while at constant speed fall out of gear. Ford advisor confirmed there was no way to add or check transmition fluid. Almost got rear ended on highway, service roads and on ramps on numerous occasions but knew Ford would not pay for tow. Ford confirmed that the oil cooler was leaking but only replaced the cooler. Transmitionwas running low on fluid the entire time so now we have a new car with a damaged transmission. Ford advisor confirmed after I showed proof that recall was not on Ford pass app, NHTSA website under VIN. Ford is hiding issue to save money. Long time Ford customer in 30s with over 5 new cars but this will be the last Ford. Only got recall notice 5 days after car was taken to shop. Nhtsa still does not have recall. "recall" notice cites its a customer satisfaction program 20b34 but the trasmition will latterly fail due to this part issue causing long term issues on reliability of a $40k car. Tried to call for recall hot line and was hung up on!.

Total electrical shutdown when stopped at turn lane of 6 lane hwy intersection. Reportedly due to low transmission fluid automatic shut-down. Vehicle was recall buy-back repair to transmission cooler failed to correct leaking line connections. No warning. Shuts down all power to all systems. No warning flasher. No window power; no door lock controls. Reset after 30 min. Stranded in center turn lane; could not open windows, rear hatch, or doors. Had disabled wife & 3 dogs in 95 deg. Temps. Inside car 115 deg. Plus. Computer protects drive trane over life & safety! when it reset after 30 min. Engine check light came on. No actual message. No way to check transmission fluid levels! no option to add fluid. Only dealer service option to check or remedy. This is unacceptable. I figured by-pass by turning transmission to park before each full stop. Kept running for 300 miles on return home to safety. Error message is appropriate. Safety over-ride is appropriate with warning signal like no seat-belt alarm. Shut-down of all systems is absurd response to low fluid levels. Add means to read fluid levels, mech. Or electronically. Add method to restore fluids w/o dealer service. My company owns 2 Ford Explorers & former Ford vehicles.

While driving across state, Aug 3, the transmission experienced hard shifting between first and second gear and no warning light came on the dashboard. When taking it to the dealer the next morning the car, on it's own, went into park and would not shift out. This was frightening as it just it's self down shut down. It was towed to the dealership where they found a manual override switch to free it. The car was leaking transmission fluid and a new case installed. While driving it off the lot, it started doing it again. They looked at it for a second time, Aug 10, and said a sensor needed to be reset so it could "relearn my driving habits" once again, driving it off the lot, it still had issues shifting but not as hard. I gave it the 2 weeks they said it would take for it to relearn and it made it worse! on sept 3, it then shifted hard when decelerating from second to firs and took it straight to the dealership. While going 50mph it did a hard shift and then started to decelerate on it's own like a break was being pushed and then hard shift out of it. It is now in the shop again, 3rd time in one month, waiting for a sensor from a TSB that came out sept 1 that "should fix the problem" but the part is on back order until October. I bought a brand new 2020 Explorer in February and this is outrageous and had this many transmission issues. These bandages are not helping.

The vehicle malfunction while it was in motion on the highway going 70mph pulling a trailer. The car. Would not accelerates properly and it seem like it was not shifting gears properly. The car kept going from driving to parking automatically. There were no indication lights during this process. Once the vehicle was brought to a stop, all the indication on the Ford pass app appear;powertrain malfunctions and indicator lamp. Once outside the vehicle, there was transmission fluid leaking. The car was not able to be driven and had to be towed to the nearest Ford dealership. Since it was after hours that the incident happen I was stuck in the highway for nearly 3 hrs awaiting for road side assistance from Ford I then had to sleep in the vehicle since the car broke down on highway I-71 ohio and I reside in florida.

While my vehicle was in motion there was a loud clank. The car would then not accelerate properly. After stopping the vehicle there was a leak in the transmission fluid and then the car would not move. There was never any lights that appeared or any warning signs. It had to be towed to the Ford dealership at my expense. Less then 6000 miles on the vehicle.

Tl the contacts owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 20 mph, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the residence and the contact discovered an unknown leak. The vehicle was taken to boggus Ford (2521 south expressway 83, harlington, TX 78550 (956)423-2580, to be inspected. The contact was informed that when the transmission coolant system came in contact with air, the transmission coolant lines would leak. The transmission fluid system was repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000.

Tl the contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was fluid leaking from the power take off unit. The vehicle was taken to jim tidwell Ford (2205 barrett lakes blvd, kennesaw, GA 30144), to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power take off unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

This vehicle was a loner car that was given to me when my transmission went out on my 2020 Explorer. The transmission went out on this vehicle as well, at 1800 miles leaking transmission fluid everywhere and not shifting, making a very dangerous highway drive to the nearest dealership.

Two months ago I had this weird smell in the cabin of my Explorer when accelerating , , take it to the shop, two days after the dealer told me it was carbon monoxide it started making a weird noise , take it in again and the ptu is completely shredded. Was told all the fluid leaked out and caused this damage. Complete replacement of the ptu over $2500 on a vehicle 2015 Ford Explorer with only 64,000 miles on it.

Tl the contact owns a 2001 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle leaked anti-freeze and transmission fluid. There was also rust underneath the vehicle and a hole in the running boards, which almost caused them to detach. The contact claimed that the ground could be seen through the hole. The vehicle also produced thick smoke. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The contact planned to have the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was 170,000.

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The transmission drain plugs were loose. The vehicle has 5064 miles. I had been noticing an odor and thought I had a coolant leak. But the smell was not "sweet" enough. I crawled under the car after a 700 mile trip because the order was very prevalent. I notice transmission fluid on one of the transmission drain plugs. There was a plume of transmission fluid going from the transmission to the back of the car. Some of the fluid had contacted the exhaust components. I check the fluid level ( flat surface, engine hot and running) and the fluid did not even contact the dip stick. I then went to see if the plug(s) was loose. It is a 11mm. I was able to get 2. 5 turns on the plug using just my fingers. On the second plug I was able to get 1 full turn with just my fingers. The 1st plug only had about 3 threads engaged. I am concerned that if other vehicles have this condition, a fire or complete lose of transmission fluid could occur. If a plug falls out while traveling at highway speeds a serious accident could occur.

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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.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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.

I have kept up with Ford's suggested servicing interval for the transmission. I was halfway through an extended drive on the highway when suddenly the transmission fluid temperature reading on my scangauge ii was in excess of 235 degrees fahrenheit and the o/d off light comes on and the dashboard contained error message overheating transmission. I pulled over to a gas station and saw that there was no transmission fluid leakage that was readily apparent. After this incident, I had the transmission fluid serviced and the overheating issues seem to have reduced, but several techs at various transmission shops now see error codes p0732 and p0755. I now notice gears 1 and 2 are severely slipping, and I was informed that my transmission was damaged, which would require a total replacement costing over $3,000. I do not have this kind of money just lying around, and transmission failure at 100,000 miles seems to be a very common issue among 2002-2004 Ford Explorers/Mercury mountaineers/Lincoln aviators. Why in over 10 years there has been no recall or warranty I do not know, but it speaks of great irresponsibility and distress in Ford's service department. If Ford does not issue any type of recall or warranty for failures of this nature, I will cease to buy their products.

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The contact owns a 2008 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while starting the vehicle a warning indicator illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who noticed a small amount of transmission fluid leaking. In addition, the steering wheel seized intermittently while driving or upon starting the vehicle and then resumed normally. The dealer informed the contact that the steering malfunction was contributed to the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 07v453000 (power train). The VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 39,500.

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Unexpected transmission failure. Transmission not shifting gears properly. Vehicle in good condition no fluid leaks. Vehicle driven and maintained properly. This issue has occurred to numerous Explorer owners with low mileage as my vehicle.

I've had multiple problems with this car. First the car shifts hard approx between 10 mph and 20 mph, the car lunges, stalls, then shifts hard into gear. When it first happened, I took the car to a certified mechanic and they did a complete transmission flush. . . The car ran smooth for about 10 days, then it started leaking transmission fluid which resulted in my radiator being ruined. Replaced the radiator and a plug in the transmission. ($1,800) the car then ran fine up this past Sunday. The car as me and my wife were driving home from a 400 mile trip with the ac running, the wrench light came on and the car started lunging and shifting hard again. I exited off the highway and the check engine light came on. . . The car started shifting hard between 2nd and 3rd gear and making a loud clunk noise. Took it to the mechanic and he did another transmission flush on Monday June 16, 2014. . . Two days later and the car still lunges, stalls, and shifts hard. I called Ford and they said because the car is out of warranty, there's nothing they could do. I even asked them because there are so many complaints about the 2006 transmission, they still couldn't help me. The second problem is the car even though in park, it tends to roll down the driveway into the street in the middle of the night/ early morning. . . This happened a couple of times. . . Told Ford about the problem, and because the car is out of warranty there's nothing they could do. . . The last problem is every once and a while the car doesn't shift into reverse. . . Told Ford about the problem and once again, because the car is out of warranty there's nothing they could do. . .

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I was driving down the highway and all of a sudden my transmission started slipping and the cruise control kicked it because the vehicle started to slow down so it went into high rpms then the transmission grabbed and shot the vehicle forward and I lost control and we spun in circles off the freeway. Had it not of rained all day the SUV would have flipped. Now my transmission is leaking fluid and it must be repaired by dealership or garage only and I cannot afford this repair and I see that there is a major problem these transmissions in these vehicles and me my child or my husband could have been badly hurt if not killed had this been on dry pavement!!!.

See all problems of the 2004 Ford Explorer 🔎.

This transmission isn't due for it's first service until 150,000 miles. With no way to check fluid levels there is no way for the owner to prevent failure. There has never been any indication of leaks ( no oil spots on driveway). Transmissoin just quit.

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Tl-the contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact while driving 50 mph up a hill the vehicle begin to stall. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact could not shift the vehicle into part. The contact called a tow truck and had the vehicle towed to a local mechanic. The contact diagnose the vehicle and stated the transmission malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer and the manufacturer stated a possible brake fluid leak caused the transmission to malfunction. The contact did not have the transmission replaced. The failure mileage was 129,000. Jo.

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that fluid was leaking from the vehicle. When inspected, he discovered that the transmission pan was corroded and was causing the leak. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where they advised him that the pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired along with additional parts. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 60,000.

2006 Ford Explorer with less than 40,000 miles started to hesitate while driving on the freeway. After checking out all the fluids, I have noticed that the radiator (antifreeze) was way below level. I had to fill up the radiator with 1-1/2 gallons of coolant. I have taken my vehicle to the Ford dealer every time for a oil change and was never told that the coolant was below level. At 44,000 miles, the leak was so bad that the radiator had to be replaced. Just after a year later another failure to the radiator. Had to replace the radiator a second time at 65,250 miles. This to me is a safety concern, if the radiator fails which could cause the engine to seize and possibly cause an accident.

I took my 2006 Ford Explorer to the Ford dealership for maintenance. The service personnel found the transmission pan heavily corroded just above an exhaust cross over pipe. Transmission fluid had been dripping onto the exhaust cross over pipe. There is approximately a 1. 5 foot section of the exhaust cross over pipe that is covered with blackened transmission fluid. The heaviest corrosion is exactly above and parallel to the exhaust cross over pipe. The transmission pan actually has small holes in it just above the exhaust cross over pip. The exhaust cross over pipe is about 1 1/4 inches below the transmission pan. As a result of the exhaust cross over pipe and the transmission pan being so close to each other, the constant heat from the exhaust cross over pipe has cause the transmission pan to corrode, rust and leak transmission fluid right on the exhaust cross over pipe. This is a fire hazard. The dealership is replacing the transmission pan. Ford motor company has denied coverage of this under my extended warranty plan. I am currently seeking a remedy from Ford. The old part is available.

Transmission would slip, temperature gauge shoot to height for 5 seconds then drop back down discovered low coolant. Leak got worse. Cracked radiator discovered this is common problem replaced radiator, now having thermostat housing replaced. 6 weeks after repair took to Ford due transmission fluid leaking Ford said it was in quick connect because I used an after market radiator said only way they could fix it was to replace my entire radiator again for $1300. Could not replaced fittings had to get it all together. Asked them why I would want a Ford radiator since they fail. They said yes this is a common problem.

My son owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. Last year his transmission began experiencing problems where the overdrive light started blinking, it was shifting very hard and sometimes it would even just go into neutral out of the blue. I took it to the local Ford dealership where their transmission technician told me it was easy to diagnose because it was a very common problem, so I was forced to replace the transmission in the fall of 2009 with a used one that I found at a recycling center. Last month my son was leaving the driveway of a friends house and the replacement transmission begin doing the same thing as the first one but only this time it made a loud bang and stopped moving. My son got out of the truck to find that the transmission exploded and all the fluid leaked onto his friends driveway. I have found through researching on the internet that many people are having the same identical problem, so my questions is, what is it going to take to make Ford admit that the transmission is defective? my sons truck only has 103,000 miles on it and it will be on its third transmission! this is becoming way to obvious, he could have been hurt or killed if this had happened on the interstate not to mention the environmental impact.

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking transmission fluid and radiator coolant. And as a result, the radiator failed. A private mechanic made three attempts to repair the failure by replacing the radiator but to no avail. The dealer did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, did not offer any assistance. The current mileage was 78,000 and the approximate failure mileage was 43,000.

1999 Ford Explorer sport 112,750 miles. Car fine Tuesday night. Upon leaving driveway Wednesday morning, reverse was gone, but forward gears fine--no noise, no leaks. Vehicle has been maintained. Upon leaving to drive to get it diagnosed for repair, noises occurred, then fluid leaked. A component blew a hole in transmission case. Transmission needed replacement. Upon researching this problem, I found tens of thousands of similar complaints for this vehicle--mostly 2002 models, though all years were represented. Many experienced similar problems prior to 50,000 miles of use. Apparently this vehicle is called "exploder" by repair shops and Ford dealership service departments. A problem of this magnitude clearly needs addressing,, and it is obvious that the Ford motor CO. Will not do it, as they have been aware of this problem for years and have made no modifications to prevent it from happening--it seems that they simply do not care to take the time, money and effort [mostly the money, I'm sure] to remedy this problem--they just will not care unless forced to--and you are the only ones who can force them to do something. I am looking into starting a class-action suit presently. Please do not make it necessary to continue. . . .

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My wife drives a 2002 Ford Explorer which as already had extensive rear end repair. It makes a roaring sound whenever the car is moving and it is leaking what I believe is transmission fluid from the rear end. Ford denies having problems with that particular car though I have found hundreds of complains on line about transmission and drive train failures in this particular model. A reliable mechanic has told me that the drive train can seize up an any time. If this happens on an interstate doesn't this qualify as a safety concern?.

In late January, 2008 something struck the radiator and transmission cooler of my 2002 Ford Explorer. I was not aware that an object had penetrated both of these causing coolant and transmission fluid leakage. The engine locked up and the transmission stopped working. My local Ford dealer replaced my engine and some parts in my transmission. Since then my transmission has failed numerous times having to be towed back to the dealer. When the failures occur, the vehicle will rapidly slow to a stop in mid traffic. I have been almost struck in the rear each time this has happened. The Ford dealer that repaired my transmission at a cost of $2000 will do nothing to correct the problem especially now that total transmission failure has occurred. I have researched the internet and found thousands of these vehicles have the same problem. I was a deputy sheriff for 16 years. This is definitely a safety issue and a severe traffic hazard. Please help all motorists by forcing Ford to recall these transmissions and replace them.

My son was driving home and the truck started jerking uncontrollably and he couldn't back up so had to call a tow truck. All of the transmission fluid had leaked out due to radiator failure. The truck was off warranty so had to buy a new radiator. In order for the radiator to have a warranty had to buy another part from the Ford place for 200. 00. Got the part and radiator. Within six months to a year, same thing happened, had to have another radiator. Have had three radiators and now this year 2013 leaking again and the radiator that I paid $600. 00 for the radiator place has went out of business so I have to buy another radiator. This is an ongoing problem with this 2006 Ford Explorer XLT and Ford knows about it. I am afraid to drive it half the time, never know when I won't be able to move it if all of the fluid leaks out or may stop in traffic suddenly. Please help us to get Ford to recall these trucks.

2004 Ford Explorer. When putting into reverse, vehicle bangs, you can hear and feel it. Was in shop, and ffound nothing wrong. Occurred occaisionally, now alot! now my transmission is leaking fluid. My warranty ran out 5,000 miles ago. I don't think this is normal in a newer car.