1998 Ford Explorer: transmission slipping

5 of the 1,958 complaints about the 1998 Ford Explorer describe transmission slipping.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 0%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 86 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Transmission slipping by model year

2025
1
2023
2
2022
2
2021
6
2020
21
2019
1
2018
3
2017
9
2016
13
2015
2
2014
1
2013
4
2012
2
2011
2
2010
3
2009
1
2008
2
2007
11
2006
30
2005
14
2004
61
2003
38
2002
180
2001
4
2000
18
1999
16
1998
5
1997
3
1996
9
1995
9
1994
6
1993
5
1992
1
1991
1

What owners say

Filed Jul 28, 2018 · Transmission · 167,000 miles · CA

I was going down clinton keith in murrieta when all of a sudden my transmission would not shift passed 3rd. It was working fine the day before. So I took it slow back home and the closer I got home the transmisson started slipping gears.

Filed Jan 18, 2010 · Transmission · 152,600 miles · MS

1998 ford explorer transmission overdrive light started flashing and trans started slipping badly all at once. Can not drive now. I don't yet know how much a new trans will cost, but vehicle has been well maintained and serviced regularly. I believe this transmission should be recalled.

Filed Feb 12, 2008 · Transmission · 108,201 miles · NC

Transmission slips when shifting into gear and clunks. Transmission disengaging out of drive gear; will not stay in gear when moving in the forward (drive) direction. Almost was in wreck due to transmission/drive failure. Had taken vehicle in to transmission specialty service station to have looked at. Faulty solenoid and stuck mechanism due to failure. Total cost of repair $1700.00.

Filed Oct 23, 1999 · Transmission · VI

4x4 automatically engaging when under heavy load on dry pavement and wheels are not slipping, 4x4 selector is in the auto position and no error codes are displayed or found. Causes pulsation in the drive train and groaning noises in the engine compartment, noise and pulstation goes away when engine load is decreased and or 4x4 is switched to 4x4 high. Dealer has replaced the 4x4 computer and checked the axles and differential, problem still exits. Dealer has stated they cannot fix the problem and they will try and get a technician from ford three weeks ago.

Filed Aug 30, 1999 · Transmission · MD

Automatic transmission slips in and out of gear. Yh

Service bulletins that may apply

Apr 1, 2005 Service bulletinFront axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4X4 or AWD
Dec 13, 2004 Service bulletinGeneral (PCM) power train control module programming procedures
Nov 10, 2003 Service bulletinLow line pressure reading at wide open throttle (WOT), slipping shifts and / or delayed engagements with...
Jul 21, 2003 Service bulletinNew transmission cooler flusher - service tips
Jul 1, 2003 Service bulletinAn uncommanded shift to 4X4 low
Mar 17, 2003 Service bulletinFluid may leak out of the front axle vent tube
Jan 5, 2003 Service bulletinNew service part - number 5 needle bearing and race kit - 4R70W transmission - service tip
May 1, 2002 Service bulletinSome vehicles may exhibit a no 1-2 upshift, no 2-3 upshift, a no engine braking condition in manual 1 or...

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the 1998 Ford Explorer slipping

Is transmission slipping a common problem on the 1998 Ford Explorer?

5 of 1,958 owner complaints about the 1998 Ford Explorer (0%) mention transmission slipping. The model year with the most reports is 2002.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Ford Explorer?

There are 0 recalls and 86 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

All model years of the Ford Explorer

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