The 2020 Ford Explorer transmission problems are stuck in gear and jerks. The transmission fluid needs to be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Along with fluid changes, terrible sounds will come from the transmission. Old transmission fluid will be awful to the ear. A worn out torque converter will cause a headache. 2002 Ford Explorer Transmission Problems? When you got that used 2002, 2003, 2004 or 2005 Ford Explorer you probably had big dreams of going off-road, forging mountain streams, camping and hunting. But as the odometer cracked 90,000 miles that dream may have turned into a nightmare with a $3,000 transmission repair bill. Conclusion: Explorer Transmission Leak Diagnosis. If your Ford Explorer’s transmission is leaking directly from the transmission pan (far and away the most common area), than it is safe to drive. It should still be fixed right away. Enough transmission fluid leaking anywhere can be dangerous.
Ford has been producing the Ford Explorer since all the way back in 1991 and it has been one of the most popular vehicles they produce. Now, all the way up in the year 2020, you may be wondering if there are any Ford Explorer transmission problems you need to know about.
The Ford Explorer was actually the first 4-door SUV that the company produced and has been incredibly popular over the last 30 years. In fact, Ford has sold over 7.6 million Explorers since production began. It's currently in the 6th generation which started for the 2020 model year. As with any new generation of vehicles, there are sometimes a few wrinkles that need to be ironed out. New generations tend to have new advancements, new technology, and new design elements. That means that there are occasionally problems that can be unforeseen from the year's previous model.
2020 Ford Explorer Overview
For the 2020 model year of the Ford Explorer, you can get four different engine options. There is a 2.3 l EcoBoost turbocharged I-4, a 3.0 L EcoBoost twin turbocharged V6, the 3.3 L V6 hybrid, and finally a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 plug-in hybrid. The transmission is the same across the board and is Ford's 10R60 10 speed automatic.
While the 6th generation of the Ford Explorer debuted with some nice features, many drivers were quick to notice that the 2020 model does have some flaws. In particular reviewers have noticed that there are some issues with the power of the engine and how the transmission performs in conjunction with it.
2020 Ford Explorer Transmission Problems
Consumer Reports was one of the first outlets to get a 2020 Ford Explorer and take it out for a test drive. They noticed right away that driving the Ford Explorer in suburban settings can be somewhat of a problem. The 2020 Ford Explorer has an issue with lurching and pulling while you're driving. There are also some very rough shifts from first gear to second gear after you experienced these lurches and pulls which tend to happen when you stop at stop signs and traffic lights. Additionally, the transition from 2nd to 3rd gear has also proven to be problematic.
Another issue that test drivers noticed with the Ford Explorer’s transmission for the 2020 model year was that it will hold on to a gear longer than it needs to. Typically, when you're driving with an automatic transmission once your engine reaches the appropriate RPM's for a gear shift to take place it will do so. That's essentially the whole purpose of an automatic transmission. It recognizes that your vehicle is up to the required speed and assessing the shifting gears. However, the transmission in this model year of the Explorer stays in a lower gear longer than it should and in turn causes some serious noise to come from the engine as a result.
If you ever tried driving a manual transmission vehicle and were attempting to accelerate without actually shifting gears, then you would have heard the same kind of sound coming from your engine. It has the ability to push harder than it is but because the gears haven't shifted yet, the engine seems to struggle to do very little.
The result of this in the 2020 Ford Explorer is that the engine is somewhat raspy and louder when compared to similar vehicles or even earlier models of the Ford Explorer.
Other Issues With a 2020 Ford Explorer Transmission
Although it is not a widespread issue yet there have been a number of drivers who have suffered some severe transmission problems with the 2020 model. More than one driver has reported that under 10,000 miles the transmission failed entirely and actually required a rebuild. That is certainly rare, it's definitely something that you'd want to avoid, but it has popped up for one or two drivers already.
Hard shifting is the biggest complaint most drivers have had with their transmission for the 2020 model. Additionally, the problem of jerking while accelerating has been noted by a number of drivers who have reported this issue to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Drivers reported instances where the RPMs got up to go around 1750 and the vehicle started jerking noticeably.
Attempting to shift from a lower gear to a higher gear is extremely difficult for some drivers, similar to what the test drivers at Consumer Reports experience in their test drive of the vehicle. There will also be no warning light popping up on the dashboard to alert you of any particular problem, so as a driver you're left to wonder what might be happening without any indication that there's something wrong.
Other drivers reported more serious issues with shifting, including the transmission shifting on its own between drive and park while they were driving. This was accompanied by a full transmission shut down for one driver who managed to safely pull over and realize they had a serious leak of transmission fluid as a result. It had to be towed into a shop to get looked at after that, but the problem occurred while they were driving down the interstate at 70 miles per hour. You can imagine how this could cause some serious accidents if it was a more widespread issue.
Driver Complaints for the 2020 Ford Explorer
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a list of complaints that have been lodged by drivers of the 2020 Ford Explorer that you can check out on their website. Although there are complaints that cover a range of issues related to the engine, electrical systems, even problems with seat belts and the interior there have been a number of complaints specifically related to the 2020 Ford Explorer transmission problems for this model year.
The NHTSA has over 40 complaints related to powertrain issues including drivers relating problems with the transmission slipping when they're trying to drive up or down hills and the grinding of gears. Commonly this was associated with transmission fluid leaks that had left the transmission without adequate lubrication which is a serious problem for any vehicle.
Other drivers have complained about the Explorer’s transmission locking in the wrong gear on them. For instance, at least one driver mentioned trying to maneuver into a parking space and when the car was in drive the engine revved as though it was a neutral before kicking back into reverse, all without the driver changing any gears whatsoever. This resulted in some minor damage because it took place in a parking lot rather than at speed while driving, but it's definitely a point of concern. The transmission gave no indication that it was into reverse and the shift lever still indicated that the vehicle was in drive.
Is the 2020 Ford Explorer Transmission Safe?
Although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has logged numerous complaints with the 2020 Ford Explorer transmission problems, there have been no major accidents or injuries reported so far in relation to it. In terms of how severe the problem is, it is definitely bad and has left a lot of drivers in serious potential danger but so far nothing has been reported to indicate anyone has suffered physical harm as a result.
Signs and Symptoms of a Bad Transmission
If you currently have a 2020 Ford Explorer or are looking to get one, then there are some signs that you can be on the lookout for to let you know if it does have a problem with its transmission. Given the history other drivers have had, it's certainly not out of the realm of possibility that you can experience the same issues.
Obviously, the big problem many drivers have had is the issues shifting from lower gears to higher gears, the sounds that the transmission is making, and finally the issue with lurching and actually slipping out of gear. However, there's some other signs you need to be aware of as well.
Leaking Fluid: Several drivers reported noticing this problem and it's something that you need to be on the lookout for as well. Most transmission problems are related issues with the transmission fluid, so if you're noticing a fluid leak then you need to get it fixed as soon as you can. Transmission fluid is red which makes it easy to distinguish from the other fluids that are in your vehicle. Oftentimes a transmission fluid leak won't be extreme, which is to say you won't notice a giant puddle of liquid under your vehicle. In fact, sometimes it may just be a few drops. But if you do see that then you know you have a problem because your transmission should be in a closed system with no chance for that fluid to leak out.
Just like engine oil, the transmission fluid is there to help cool your transmission as well as keep it lubricated. A transmission that doesn't have enough fluid in it is going to wear out very quickly. You'll notice grinding noises, potentially a burning smell, and finally the transmission will fail on you completely.
Burning Smell: Along with fluid leaks, you could potentially be suffering an issue related to bad transmission fluid. If you haven't changed your transmission fluid in a while, then it may have become badly contaminated. What used to be a translucent red fluid will now be a dark brown and muddy color. This is a result of dirt and debris building up in the fluid, as well as potentially metal shavings and other particles like that. When the transmission fluid is this bad it loses its ability to keep your transmission cool and well lubricated.
The burning smell will be fairly noticeable, and it's an indication that not just the fluid but the transmission itself is burning and will soon fail on you. If you ever notice a burning smell coming from your engine, pull your car over as soon as it's safe to do so.
Unusual Noises: Transmissions are notorious for the strange sounds that they make and there could be several different ones that you'll notice. This can include everything from a buzzing sound to a humming sound to the traditional grinding sound that many of us are used to from manual transmission vehicles. When you hear the sounds that usually indicate that you have a problem with the bearings in your transmission, possibly the planetary gears or something else entirely maybe going on. And of course, the lack of transmission fluid or bad transmission fluid can lead to the gears inside your transmission grinding together and making noticeable sounds.
The sounds will tend to get worse the longer you let them go, and then they also get worse as you accelerate or try to shift through gears.
The Bottom Line
Because the 2020 Ford Explorer was the first vehicle of the sixth generation to come out, it's not a surprise that there were some clear flaws with this model. Aside from the transmission, Ford had to recall some models for issues with improper seat restraints, rollaway risks, problems with potential fires and more. There were three recalls issued towards the end of 2019 for the 2020 Ford Explorer, and 9 recalls have been issued in total that affect this model year. They don't deal with the transmission specifically, but the transmission is part of the whole package and it's pretty clear that the 2020 model of the Ford Explorer had some major issues.
If you're in the market for a new vehicle and you like the way the Explorer performs, you may want to check out a 2021 Ford Explorer instead. Car and Driver gave the 2021 model a fairly high rating in their review, and there have been fewer complaints lodged overall with that particular model year, although it's still pretty early in terms of drivers having access to the 2021 Ford Explorer so we don't have a full picture of whether or not the transmission has been improved over the previous year yet or not.
For a little more of a sure thing, the 2019 Ford Explorer had few problems associated with it and the transmission was not a standout problem with this model year at all.
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2006 Ford Explorer (Page 1 of 2)
CarComplaints.com Notes: The previous generation of Explorer was so awful that the redesign in 2006 was greeted with much optimism. That didn't last long.
The transmission continues to be the Explorer's worst reliability problem. Owners report shifting hard & lunging, typically starting as low as 40k miles with a $1,600 average repair bill. On top of that, the radiator is prone to failure around 60k miles. Repairs for the radiator run $500 to $1,000 & many owners report they've had to replace the radiator multiple times for leaks, indicating a possible design defect in the OEM replacement parts.
Ford did make some significant changes to improve handling and safety. Electronic stability control was added in addition to side impact air bags, but beyond that this is a vehicle that should be avoided at all costs.
- Typical Repair Cost:
- $3,060
- Average Mileage:
- 91,250 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 32 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
- new or rebuilt transmission (23 reports)
- go into debt for a new tran (5 reports)
- not sure (4 reports)
transmission problem
Helpful websites
- No one has added a helpful site for this 2006 Explorer problem yet. Be the first!
2006 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)
problem #32Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 139,569 miles
Vehicle well cared for. Mechanics diagnosis: 'Performed inspection.Found transmission has come apart.There is metal in transmission pan.' We needed to replace the transmission and cooler part of radiator. Large cost. I repaired but should have junked this P.O.S. right there. Mechanic stated older Explorers were rock solid (we had a 1993 that had 225,000 and running well when we got rid of it but new ones are junk (hear that Ford, you make crap)
- bobmcgrath56, Los Gatos, US
problem #31Explorer Eddie Bauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
Should have lasted longer - transmission slipped and hesitated in first gear and into second - once past second it worked fine.
- dshea1055, Stamford, US
problem #30Explorer Limited V4
- Automatic transmission
- 200,000 miles
This is the 3rd transmission we're going to have to replace on this truck. And that's not the only problem. We first made a complaint back in 2010, when we had a problem, but nothing was ever done. FORD sucks. It definitely stands for found on road dead! And this isn't the only problem. If only we could afford to buy a new car. I will never recommend Ford to anyone.
- Dana W., Lancaster, TX, US
problem #29
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 131,000 miles
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Noticed strange humming sound coming from engine area every so often over a couple of weeks. Car seemed to drive fine but I couldn't isolate the problem. Then, the noise got louder and noticed transmission was slipping and at times had trouble shifting between gears. Took it into mechanic and they said transmission needs rebuilt. Car has about 130k on it. Debating on whether I need to take it to another mechanic or have them start rebuilding transmission.
- Jay E., Aliso Viejo, CA, US
problem #28Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 173,000 miles
I have had my transmission rebuilt / replaced four different times. The first time it was rebuilt: $2,700. Within 1 year, it failed and had to be rebuilt again $700. It failed again 2 years later and I had it replaced: $3,000. Within 1.5 years it failed again: $230. Believe it or not, there may have been one more rebuild in there, but I cannot remember right now. Today is the $230 warranty replacement after 50,000 miles. I really like this vehicle, with the exception of the epic transmission failures of course. I have not gone to the dealer, but in hindsight I probably would have been better off. I had a new '95 Explorer for 11 years and had -0- transmission issues. I bought this 2006 explorer new as well and had failure after failure, right after the 36,000 mile warranty was up.
If I don't get rid of this vehicle, the plan is to have the transmission fluids drained annually to see if that works. With the cost of a newer vehicle, and the low amount of trade in value, I will probably try my luck again with this newly installed transmission.
- X R., Waltham, MA, US
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problem #27Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 30,880 miles
I bought this car new in 2006 ford explorer I am a 100% disabled 25 year army vet. I don't drive much I have no other problems with this car when I was told by ford I needed a new transmission I was shocked so I called ford at 1-800-392-3673 and asked for help. I was told that the car was out of warranty along with the extended warranty that I bought from ford motor co. I told them I had fords for 50 years they said the car was 10 years old and I said that the trans should not go bad in 30800 miles they said sol I guess customer service is something of the past I will never buy a ford again thanks for the post
- Bob S., Aurora, CO, US
problem #26Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 69,400 miles
Brand loyal Ford owner here. I am the 2nd owner bought from Ford dealer as a trade in. Vehicle was originally purchased from same dealer and serviced their exclusively by its previous owner. I purchased it 02/14/15 with 54500 miles on it. 04/03/16 while on the highway with my family, speed 65-70 mph, we heard a loud bang from under the car. It startled my wife and I immediately new that was not a good sound. Total and complete loss of forward momentum.
The guy behind us was not happy hammering his horn because of the sudden deceleration on our part. We were in the fast lane at the time. No smoke, no parts flying, no fluid loss. We moved over to the emergency lane and luckily we coasted to with in a few feet of an emergency call box to request assistance. The engine was and is running fine, no drive gears R D 3,2 or 1st. We had it towed to the closest AAMCO dealer.
After evaluation they found the fluid to be burnt and black and metal in the pan. Catastrophic complete and total failure of the transmission. I have never had a Ford transmission due this to me, and I have owned many Fords and put well over 130000 miles on all of them never with a transmission problem. Other problems yes, but not transmission failure.
End result, AAMCO certified rebuilt transmission 3yr/50000 mile warranty $3500.00....... Ugh... Ford should take note of this, I have read many other ford owners having issues with these transmissions and that should not be happening. 100,000 mile or more I would say ok it happens. But to be having so many issues below 80,000 miles on a tranny and not being abused or worked hard, there is a manufacturing and design flaw leading to these failures. Thank you for reading my post . DARROCH..
- darroch, Philadelphia, PA, US
problem #25Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 87,000 miles
Third transmission. WHAT IS WRONG WITH FORD. All I do is drive to and from work which is at LaGuardia airport. 25 miles round trip. Ford sold me a LEMON right out of the factory. Shame on FORD.
Never, ever, ever will I think of or inquire about FORD.
- Isabel M., Brooklyn, NY, US
problem #24Ford Explorer Transmission 2003
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Ford is a piece of sh*t! I will never buy another Ford as long as I live. I bought this Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition 8 months ago. Today I was leaving to go to the store and I put it in reverse and guess what?!?! No reverse. My car just sits there as if it were in neutral. Call a Ford garage nearest me and they tell me that they couldn't get me in for 3 weeks to look at my car. So I call a transmission shop and just to pull the tranny out and look at it prices started at 700 dollars. I have 3 kids I don't have thousands of dollars to put into this vehicle considering I am already paying 300 a month but for what? A yard decoration. This is nonsense . Like I stated before Ford is sh*t. And I have several of other complaints also but I won't even go there right now.
- Brittany B., Ashland, KY, US
problem #23Explorer EX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
This truck has been one problem after another. Worst used car purchase ever.
- Shariye R., Montgomery, AL, US
problem #22Explorer 4 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 30,000 miles
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The transmission in the 2006 Ford Explorer isn't safe, the parts inside the tranny are plastic and it has a closed system so you can't change the fluid.
The drivetrain burns out every 3 months. I have to put the car in the shop to be fixed, it already cost me 1500.00 dollars into the Ford, and once again, on my way home the transmission pooped and all the fluid went on the ground and now the Ford will not drive. Ford owes me big the Ford, could have killed my family when the tranny went, it stuck us in the middle of the highway.
Eight times in one year putting the car in the shop to be fixed is crazy, and I don't have that kind of money. Plus our mechanic told us to get rid of the Ford before someone gets hurt.
Ford you knew about the tranny problems but refused to recall it. Now just maybe you will, but Ford, you owe me a new car.
- sspicer, Wofford Heights, CA, US
problem #21Explorer Eddie Bauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 42,000 miles
6200 miles on this vehicle to have to replace the transmission is insane! Did not want to buy a Ford in the first place, the wife had her heart set on it so I gave in. Hey Ford GM might have a lot of recalls, but at least they are standing behind there product unlike you. I do not understand how there can be a known problem and they don't do anything about it. I have replaced every caliper on the vehicle twice, on my third exhaust system, second radiator, second sway bar end links,
Will never buy another Ford product again. Time will not heal these wounds, nothing but trouble from the start. First day with it, the sun went down. Turned lights on and that they did not work. Three days later, would not start. I had to have towed to dealership. So many little things went wrong with this car. The dealership had it more then I did first couple of months. Never again
- Jeff B., West Yarmouth, MA, US
problem #20
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 121,000 miles
Well I bought my 2006 Eddie Bauer Explorer in April 2014 with 113000 miles. In September just 5 months later at 121000 miles I am spending 2200 dollars on a new transmission!!!! BULL!!! These are known to be bad transmissions and Ford refuses to back this defect..I am pissed to say the least!!!!
- Mike T., Albemarle, NC, US
problem #19Explorer ES V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
The car won't go into gear at all!!!!!!!!! You put it in reverse and it moves forward! You put it in drive it doesn't move at all and when it use to move it would jerk so hard you felt like you were just involved in a 12 car pile-up. It's very hard and the pick up is so slow and sometimes is really hard to drive.
- stjkmommy , Santa Clarita, Califorinia, US
problem #18Explorer LX
- Automatic transmission
- 128,000 miles
She's into the transmission specialists again. The vehicle throws out of gear when going down the road. You might recover by turning off OD or using manual shifting to 3rd....other gears do not seems to engage. OD when hitting the passing gear seems to worsen the issues. Limped home via 3rd gear OD off. GRRR One thought is the clutch in the box is not engaging--solenoid is stuck or popping out..I am hopeful that this is it the repair is considerably cheaper than xmission and I can do this via new gasket, seals and about 400.
- Jason O., Walla Walla, WA, US
problem #17New Ford Explorer Transmission
Explorer Eddie Bauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
I purchased my 2006 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer in May 2010. By November, I had to have the transmission repaired which cost $1200 but luckily I had an extended warranty and only had to pay $100 out of pocket. Since then, I've had the thermostat replaced which was also under warranty. Since the warranty expired, in 2013 I had the following repairs made, which I paid out of pocket:
Hub barring's- both front at $850. One rear at $500.Radiator repair $1200.Gasket replaced $60.
2013 total cost on repairs $2610.
Now it's March of 2014, having transmission problems which a mechanic says will cost between $700-1500 to be repaired.
This is what I think Ford means. If you have a Ford vehicle it will be
F oundO nR oad D ead
- Aretha H., Texas City, TX, US
problem #16Explorer Limited 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
I would just like to say that my 2006 Eddie Bauer FORD EXPLORER is TRASH. I have only had it 1 year. When I bought it there was 60,000 miles and a high dollar price. I really liked the way it looked but here I am less than a year down the road THE AIR WENT OUT, TRANSMISSION WAS NEXT AND THERE IS SOME SORT OF LEAK FROM THE HOSES THAT RUN FROM THE TRANSMISSION TO THE RADIATOR. Its one HUGE mess and FORD WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSiBILTY !!!!!!! So now a single mother I am with out a car during the school year and very much in debt ..... THANKS ALOT TO FORD YOU REALLY SUCK AND IT'S BECOMMING KNOWN !!
- jjustice, Minerva, OH, US
problem #15Explorer SL 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 56,785 miles
Had a problem with hesitation back when it was under warranty. Finally had throttle body fixed. Now at 56785 miles I need a new transmission -- slipping in 3rd gear. I called ford customer service but they would not do anything to help me.
- Holly S., Monroeville, PA, US
problem #14Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 78,867 miles
I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL FORD MAN ALL MY LIFE MUCH TO THE RIDICULE OF MY FRIENDS. THIS IS MY SECOND EXPLORER MY FIRST IS A 1996 XLT FOUR WHEEL DRIVE , STILL HAVE IT WITH 236000 MILES . MY 2006 FOUR WHEEL DRIVE EXPLORER THAT I PAID OVER $ 30000.00 FOR IS COSTING ME $ 2600.00 MORE AT 78000 MILES. I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE FORD WONT STEP UP SO MAYBE MY NEXT SUV WILL BE A TOYOTA GOD FORGIVE ME FOR NOT BUYING AMERICAN BUT THERE IS NO EXCUSE NOT STANDING BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. WORK FOR MYSELF IF I PUT OUT A PRODUCT LIKE THAT I WOULD GO BANKRUPT. SO MUCH FOR THE LITTLE GUY WHO WORKED MY ASS OFF TO BUY A NICE SUV .
BE ASHAMED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THE DESIGNER OF THIS TRANSMISSION.
- Keith A., Dacula, GA, US
problem #13Explorer LX V6 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 91,000 miles
I swore many years ago I wouldn't buy another Ford due to quality issues. Well, time heals all wounds and I bought a 2006 Ford Explorer. Well, here I am with 91,000 miles on it and the transmission has to be replaced due to slipping in and banging of the trans.. Just seems so lousy that Ford can continue to produce vehicles and leave the consumer with no recourse as this was out of the power train warranty in 2011.
- Raymond B., Atkinson, NH, US
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