Vehicle Shudder Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

The transmission on the vehicle started going out as we were driving back from an out of town trip on a highway. My husband made a stop at a light and upon accelerating after the stop, the vehicle made a grinding sound and began having engine issues. We made an appointment at the local dealership where my husband drove the vehicle on city streets due to high rpms despite low speed. The vehicle is at the dealership as of Monday February 8th and we have been told parts are on back order with no eta. The vehicle does have a recall for a transmission intercooler. We have read about this issue in numerous 2020 Ford Explorers.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Explorer 🔎.

At first the car was vibrating a little when downshifting from 45 to a stop. After a few months, the engine sputters and then seizes up and dies when put in drive from park and also from park to reverse. When stopping the car still feels like the downshift is faulty and when at the complete stop the feels like it going to lose power and die. The car has no trouble codes. Took the car to the dealership and the mechanic seem to immediately know what was wrong with the car. They troubleshooted it and called to tell me that they couldn't find any issues, but that it has to be a internal transmission issue and would have to remove transmission and tear down for inspection or replace with a new transmission on a 8 year, 64000 miles, 1st owner car. This car has low miles, stored inside a garage and is maintained at the dealership for oil changes and maintenance.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The intermediate shift bracket sheared off/broke at the transition where it mounts to engine. Vehicle shakes violently while braking at higher speeds. . . Lesser movement at slower speeds while braking. I had just replaced my brakes and done them several time with rotors trying to correct the problem, thinking it was something I had done. Finally found it when greasing front calipers hoping to cure the problem yet again.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Tl- the contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph the steering wheel would vibrate and the front end of the vehicle would shake and vibrate. The tires were replaced and rotated but the failures continued to occur. Also the while shifting gears a booming noise was present coming from the transmission. The contact indicated that the failure would occur while easing off the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer orange park Ford located at 7700 blanding blvd, jacksonville, FL 32244 but the failures could not be duplicated and the cause of the failures were not determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 40,000. Jft.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Tl- the contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds his vehicle emmaites a grinding noise, no warning lights illuminated at the time. The dealer has not diagnosed the vehicle and the manufacturers has not been contacted. The manufacturers contact was provided 800-392-3673. The failure mileage 78597. Ep.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Loss of power: while driving my 2015 Ford Explorer XLT with 3. 5l v-6 engine on the highway (10/04/18), the wrench light came on and the car started to shudder and lose speed. Pushing down on the accelerator had no affect and the car rapidly decelerated. The engine was running very rough with heavy vibration. This was a terrifying and nearly fatal experience as faster moving traffic started passing me on both sides as I tried to move off the highway. I was able to move the car to the side of the highway and limped off the nearest exit. Once off the exit I shut the car off and sat for 20 minutes while I re-gained my composure and called my husband. When he arrived he started the Explorer and the wrench light was cleared. My husband drive the car home using only back roads while I followed in his car. We called our local Ford dealer and scheduled an appointment. We started researching this issue and found this to be a well known problem with the throttle body on Ford's v6 engines which are used on multiple SUV�s, crossovers and sedans. The research I've seen shows this issue has affected more than 10,000 owners. However, it's not clear if the throttle body is faulty due to a manufacturing or design defect. It's also not clear if replacing the throttle body is a permanent fix. I'm terrified to drive the car on the highway and since this happened we've only used it for shorter trips around town. The Ford dealer checked the car today (10/08/18) but since the wrench light was cleared they found nothing wrong. I pleaded with the service advisor to no avail. We've been a Ford family for more than 15 years but this fault and even worse the Ford service advisor's response is completely unacceptable. This is a serious and dangerous problem and only a matter of time before someone and their family are killed. Please investigate and force Ford to issue a recall.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The vehicle sputters and shakes upon acceleration. Making it difficult to get to the needed speed, especially when merging onto the expressway. I know multiple people who are having this same issue with their 2013 Explorers. Ford has also been having this issue with their focus. When the vehicle is taken into their mechanics you are told that they can not find anything wrong with the vehicle since there is no check engine light on. I have four children in my car daily, Ford needs to do something about this issue.

(re)starting August 1, 2017, while driving, the vehicle would suddenly and without warning decelerate, with no response from the gas pedal. Ford calls this their "limp home mode. " the wrench icon warning would display and the entire vehicle would shudder until it was put in park and turned off. Usually, it would resume normal operations after being restarted, however, on one occasion, it took three attempts to restart. After two such incidents occurring in less than a mile, I don't feel safe driving on the highway (or, really, any other place) as there is no indication to other drivers and the vehicle actively decelerates, rather than coasting. During one such incident, the deceleration was so pronounced that passengers jerked forward in their seats and a canine passenger lost its footing, falling into the back of the seats. We previously experienced this same issue in 2015, leaving me and a small child stranded when the vehicle did not restart at all. As part of a "goodwill" repair due to the vehicle being just out of warranty, the etb (electronic throttle body) and purge valve were replaced by Ford. I filed complaint 10787972 with the NHTSA on 10/25/2015. In 5 years, this will be the second replacement of a part that's expected to last well over 6 years. Ford is aware of the problem, is and has been sued, and is being investigated.

See all problems of the 2012 Ford Explorer 🔎.

2016 Ford Explorer with approximately 8400 miles. Was traveling southbound on us hwy 1 at approximately 50mph when vehicle suddenly stops accelerating and wrench light comes on. Car will only coast at less than 5mph. Was able to pull into a parking lot without being involved in an accident. Vehicle was on and shaking but would not allow me to accelerate. Vehicle had to be towed to Ford dealership. Ford mechanic stated it was the electronic throttle bottle and they have already had a few of them come in to be replaced. Etb has been replaced but vehicle still lags when accelerating. Went on carscomplaints. Com and 38 complaints have already been filed for the same issue.

2015 Explorer sport 3. 5l v6 ecoboost, car shudders while trying to maintain highway speeds while barely touch the gas. Engine misfires, hesitates when trying to accelerate quickly. Ford nor dealer will do anything about it saying its "normal". Purchased the extended warranty but still no resolution. Has been on going for about a year. At one point the car went into "limp mode" and would only allow me to drive 20 mph on the highway while the rpms' where maxed out. Thankfully I was close to a dealership to have it looked at. Said "pipe hose clamp came lose". Something is wrong with this ecoboost engine. There have been lawsuites over it. I have taken it to the dealer several times, had several techs, supervisors drive it and nothing.

Issue has occurred multiple times, under different conditions. Without warning, the vehicle loses acceleration and the wrench icon and awd errors display. The throttle becomes unresponsive, but all other systems remain functioning. If you leave it in gear without the brakes engaged, it will move at idle speed on flat ground, but is unable to navigate inclines. When slowing to a stop, the whole vehicle shudders. Stopping and restarting normally returns the vehicle to normal operation. However, on October 25, it failed to start and had to be towed to the dealer. There is no external indication of this sudden loss of power and it creates a very dangerous situation because it happens without warning and you are only able to steer and brake to control the vehicle. Our 2012 Explorer is currently at the dealership, who has indicated that the problem is the electronic throttle body (etb) and purge valve. Ford is aware that there is an issue with etbs with other models, reference NHTSA action # pe13003, and Explorers, reference NHTSA #10054323 and 10053276, Ford TSB # TSB-13-9-8 and TSB-13-5-29. Description: Lincoln/Ford: due to diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) p0106, p0236, engine on some vehicles experience hesitation, loss of idle rpm, difficult in starting, lack of power, running rough and crank no start situation. Description: Ford: due to blocked vapor purge line port in air cleaner outlet pipe assembly, the mil would illuminate, with dtc p144c.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. While accelerating from a traffic light, the vehicle started to vibrate uncontrollably. The contact stated that the failure only occurred when driving from a complete stop or when decreasing in speed. Also, while driving 15 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure only occurred once. The contact also stated that the interior lighting on the instrument panel would dim occasionally while driving. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 36,800.

See all problems of the 2011 Ford Explorer 🔎.

While driving to work, my vehicle experience an issue with throttle response. A wrench warning light appeared and the check engine light came on. At that point, the vehicle began shuddering and the internal systems slowed the vehicle to approximately 5mph. After stopping on the shoulder of the interstate, I shut the car off, pulled the key, reinserted the key and restarted the vehicle. It started up normally, but immediately exhibited the same symptoms. I checked the owner's manual and found that the wrench warning light indicates a "powertrain fault". I contacted Ford roadside assistance and got the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership, thinking that a warning light indicating a "powertrain fault" would be covered under my powertrain warranty. The dealership diagnosed the problem as an issue with the throttle body of the vehicle, that the throttle body is not covered under the powertrain warranty, and charged me over $700 to fix the problem.

Vehicle begins to vibrate and can not be driven over 35 mph during or after snow storms with wet heavy snow on road (sometimes caused by salting roadway). Wheel well opening around all four tires are so small and enclosed, snow accumulates into solid ice around all four tires and both axles begin to vibrate violently. Driver either stops every 8-10 miles along side busy highway to chop ice out (takes me 40 minutes for all four tire openings), slows highway traffic down to 30 mph, or goes to Ford dealer. Local dealer sees 6-10 of these vehicles a day and chops ice out at no charge and makes no work order history. Traveling at only 35 mph when traffic is going 55 or 70 mph is dangerous. Stopping every 8-15 minutes along busy highway to chop ice with back to passing traffic is dangerous. Dealers do not inform potential buyers of the ice problem. Ford has this design defect problem with more than one make of vehicle, knows about the complaints, but will not sponsor a solution. Personally, along with clearing the ice on m-115 as I go to a doctor's appointment in traverse city, chopping ice hurts my bone on bone shoulders and the lower three vertebrae of my back that no longer have a disc between them. The slippery side of road is dangerous for my two artificial hips and is simply not safe to my person and slows down some passing vehicles that may slip and slide into me or oncoming traffic of the only 2 lane highway. Northern michigan is getting unnecessarily more dangerous in the winter time. There have been multiple incidents and the incident date above is only approximate.

Multiple issues with the transmission. From park, when shifted into reverse there is a surge that overcomes the brakes and causes the vehicle to move roughly 4-5 feet. Also, the transmissions shifts so hard that it shakes the entire vehicle. When shifting through the gears the transmissions stalls then shifts so hard it overcomes the steering wheel and sometimes causes a change of direction. When travelling at highway speeds 50mph + in overdrive the transmission will surge the vehicle violently as it attempts to stay in gear. After regularly scheduled service of the transmission and multiple discussions with the Ford dealership they have not offered a solution other than spend thousands of dollars on another transmission that may cause the same result. This is an unsafe vehicle and needs to be remedied before an accident or death occurs.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Tl-the contact owns a 2006 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the vehicle would shake whenever the gears were shifted. The contact mentioned that the vehicle would make a loud noise and the transmission started to slip. Also, the gear shifter failed to move out of park. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,659. Pmb.

See all problems of the 2006 Ford Explorer 🔎.

I was driving my car when it began to down shift around 35mph. Eventually, after adding more gas, it kicked into gear. My vehicle is an automatic. Once it down shifts, the od light begins flashing on and off. It has now been doing this consistently. The drive is not a smooth drive and when I am going approximately 50-60mph or more, the car begins to shake.

My name is[xxx] and I own a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT (v6). I have owned it for almost a year now (will be in Jan 2012) and loved every minute of it until recently. About 4 months ago, I heard a strange loud whining noise. I immediately took it to my mechanic and found that rear wheel bearing was going. I was also told that if I would have took the interstate to work that evening I could have possibly died or caused serious injuries to others on road. Very scary! mind you this bearing went with no warning. Immediately after I heard the noise I took it in. Well the bearing got fixed and I couldn't have been happier. However, about a month ago I was on the interstate with my two year old daughter doing about 70mph when my truck began to shake violently. I assumed I was in the process of having a tire blow-out and began slowly breaking and losing control of the vehicle. Luckily I made it onto the shoulder of the interstate. My tire however was not as lucky. All 5 studs on my right rear tire snapped causing the tire to completely fly off and proceed down the road at a fast speed just passing the turn ramp and missing several other vehicles. In the process of losing the tire, it also caused damage to rear end of my SUV. It looked as if the tire got caught and caused the rear to dent in. Replaced studs and everything seemed fine. Today (Dec. 15th) not even an entire month later, vehicle started shaking again. Oh how I remembered that scary shake. Examined tire and once again, studs snapped. 2 this time with a third one missing the cap. The tire was only held by 2 studs. Thank the lord I noticed this problem before going onto the interstate and once again having my tire fly off! I have been doing research this evening to find that this is a common problem with the 02-04 Explorers. Please make a recall Ford and others help me to get one made! this is a scary and dangerous situation! it can cause the loss of many lives as it has almost done mine and my daughters. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

During a left turn across three lanes of traffic our Explorer would not accelerate. It lurched to start and would not go above 10-15 mph, nearly stalling. We were able to drive the car home but could not get it to go above 20 mph. At speeds 10 - 20 mph it jerked violently. This was a common occurence at speeds 45 - 60. Moderately accelerating between 45 - 60 mph has caused hard jerks for years with this car prior to it being off warranty. We've taken it to ted britt Ford several times and each time they said there was nothing wrong. We also noted they only put it on the ticket once, the other times telling us they took it off since they didn't have the issue and wouldn't charge us for it. The time mentioned in this incident the dealer offered to split the cost with us due to our previous issues and their inability to fix it. They also did not fix the issue as we still cannot accelerate at speeds 45 - 60 without hard jerking from the engine or transmission. We no longer use this car on the highway because it is dangerous trying to switch lanes or merge on to a highway when the car violently shakes at highway speeds. It would not accelerate and often left us running out of merge lane space without the ability to get into traffic. I have read several such problems with this car and I am surprised nothing has been done about it. We have spent thousands having this car looked at and in failed attempts to fix it.

The transmission on my 2004 Ford Explorer is failing; is will slip out of gear, and then shift back into gear hard enough that it makes the entire vehicle shake and lurch forward. The vehicle only has 68k miles on it, and is only used as a commuter vehicle. It has never been taken off road, and I have never used it to tow anything.

See all problems of the 2004 Ford Explorer 🔎.

While traveling on vacation from California to oregon on I-5, the vehicle began to shake, shutter, then clunk. "od off" light came on, along with a warning indicating check transmission. Loud whirling noise coming from transmission. It felt like there was no power, and the vehicle was going to stop. I was able to get over to the offramp, to get off the freeway. I did not feel it was safe to try to get back up to freeway speeds, as there seemed to be little power. Due to the sudden loss of power, I had the vehicles behind me, right on my bumper. Vehicle was purchased new, and has been serviced at all required intervals. Vehicle has 48,000 miles. Made it into a Ford dealer in oregon, and was told after placed on a diagnostic machine, and all warning codes cleared it may be safe to drive back to California. Went about 300' from the dealership and "od off" light came on, "service vehicle soon" light came on, and check transmission warning came on. Drove it back into the dealership, and they removed the transmission pan, and diagnosed the problem as internal transmission failure. Found metal, and clutch material. Cost to replace transmission $3,657.

See all problems of the 2005 Ford Explorer 🔎.

2003 Ford Explorer xls awd - driving on highway, vehicle begins vibrating excessively. O/d off light flashes, service engine soon light comes on. Transmission bad. $3000 to replace.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The o/d light started coming on for no reason. Then the car started shake when it was shifting gears. Then it was shaking a lot at about 60-65 mph.

1. Nothing leading up to. 2. 2002 Ford Explorer transmission failed on highway causing the vehicle to vibrate horribly causing us to go off the road into a ditch. 3. Transmission needs replaced on vehicle estimate of $2800 on a 2002 model year. I come to find out this has happen to many I. E. Thousands 2002 Ford Explorers owners and nothing is being done? Ford motor company basically told me too bad and they wonder why they are having difficulty. A Ford service mechanic told me that Ford knows this transmission was not built properly and sold it to this public anyway. If there has ever needed to be a recall this is it after reading about all the see incidents happening to others while driving this vehicle.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 50 mph on normal road conditions, the contact heard a loud noise outside of the vehicle. The vehicle vibrated excessively. The check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel and remained lit until the engine was turned off. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the rear driver's side wheel bearing was cracked. The vehicle was repaired. Recently, the front passenger side wheel bearing exhibited a crack. In addition, the overdrive warning indicator illuminated while traveling on the highway. Also, the automatic transmission was slipping out of gear. The mileages were unknown.

- the contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the transmission failed. The dealer told him that he had lost the third gear. The gear would slip instead of engaging. The contact stated that the vehicle would shake the steering wheel really badly, and feel as if it was pulling away from him. This normally happened between 0 -29 mph, and that when the vehicle reached 30 mph it would level out and drive normally. The contact stated that the vehicle was doing this for approximately three months. The contact stated that weather was not a factor. The contact stated that this happened every day. The failure mileage and the current mileage were both 40000.

Multiple problems with my Explorer. When shifting into reverse car jolts with a clunking noise. While driving car jolts occasionally. When braking car shakes. Abs light is on and 4x4 high light flashes. Explorer was taken in December 2004 and fixed for the truck jolting into reverse. Truck now having the same problem. Truck to be taken back to the dealer next week.

2004 Explorer has had ongoing transmission problems since the day I purchased it. I only became aware of the factory mistake in transmission fluid two weeks after purchasing a leftover. Somehow it wasn't discovered until more than a year later? I have problems with the car lurching into reverse and not engaging in park correctly. The car rolls about 2-4 feet when in park and now the new problem is it refuses to go into drive and revs in neutral until you press on the arm of the gear shifter with considerable force. I have brought this into the dealer two times for this problem. Twice I was told there was nothing wrong and they couldn't duplicate the problem. When I was leaving the dealership the second time the car lurched into reverse in their parking lot, I'm only sorry that the service manager's care wasn't parked behind me! I am bringing it in again since the new trick is when you stop on the highway (to pay a toll) the entire chassis and body of the car shake and vibrate so violently that things fall off the dashboard. Only by depressing and holding the brake pedal to the floor can I diminish the shaking. I use my car for transporting my family. If it is not corrected this time to my satisfaction, Ford will take this car back. I'm disgusted with the attitude of the dealerships I have taken it to and the incompetent service I have received since the day I purchased this vehicle.

There is a loud droning sound from underneath the car and vibrations in the floorboards.

While driving 30 mph, the consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front of the vehicle. While shifting gears the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and pulled over. Please provide further details.

While shifting gears vehicle jerked and vibrated uncontrollably. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to a garage for inspection. Mechanic determined that transmission needed to be replaced, and replaced it. However, the problem recurred.

See all problems of the 1997 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Problems with transmission on 2002 Ford Explorer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for it's 60000 mile service and at that time the consumer complained about the vibration when the vehicle shifted gears. The technician indicated that nothing was wrong. Four days later the service transmission and o/d light illuminated. The vehicle was taken had to the dealer who informed the consumer that the transmission had failed. Since the vehicle is no longer under it's warranty the consumer feels the manufacturer should be responsible for the cost of a new transmission.

Transmission had to be replaced. The vehicle was shaking, made rattling noises and had become impossible to steer. The mechanic suggested that the transmission had looked as if it fell apart and may be a result of an assembly line error and. The mechanic also found that the 4wd was inoperative.

We purchased our vehicle used in 1999 with 33000 miles. 6 months after the purchase we needed a new transmission, another new transmission last year (2002), new ball joints, and now we are being told the rack and pinion needs to be replaced. Ford has not offered any recalls on this part but I have seen other complaints regarding this. My vehicle is constantly shaking (feels like I am going over rumble strips) when I am over 30-40 mph. We also just had our vehicle aligned and it is out of alignment again because of this problem.

See all problems of the 1996 Ford Explorer 🔎.

- the contact stated she has been having problems with a 2002 Ford Explorer since she purchased it in February 2002. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The vehicle vibrated and the check engine light turned on. The contact stated that the vehicle is at a Ford dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle may need a new transmission. The contact stated that the repair shop told her the problems with the vehicle was internal.