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1999 Ford Explorer transmission complaints

Page 2 of 5: complaints 11 to 40 of 115, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 1999 Ford Explorer transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Feb 18, 2010 · Transmission · 110,000 miles · IL

1999 ford explorer- reverse went out in transmission, then after spending 1500. To get that fixed , worked good for awhile, now the o/d light flashes and won't kick into overdrive, now I am told I need a new transmission. This vehicle only has 110,000 miles should not be on it's 3rd transmission fix.. Very disappointed !

Filed Jan 14, 2010 · Transmission · 153,000 miles · 00

Transmission slipping while trying to enter on ramp on busy highway sounds trivial however endangering lives of occupants of many vehicles.

Filed Nov 12, 2009 · Transmission · 137,124 miles · NY

Front end differential bearings freezing up.

Filed Jun 19, 2009 · Transmission · 112,750 miles · NJ

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....

Filed Nov 20, 2008 · Transmission · 84,000 miles · TX

Ford explorer 1999... O/d blinking, transmission missed 2nd or 3rd gears, fixed couple times including switches, solenoid,etc. The mechanic suggest to replace transmission, but not guarantee that will fix it.

Filed Sep 23, 2008 · Transmission · 95,000 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford explorer. While constantly attempting to shift the vehicle into drive, it failed to properly shift into gear. As a consequence, the vehicle drifts into neutral. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic and was informed that the transmission may need to be replaced. She is in the process of contacting an authorized dealer to have the vehicle inspected. The failure mileage was 95,000 and current mileage was 118,000.

Filed Sep 23, 2008 · Transmission · 72,204 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford explorer. Whenever the contact attempts to place the vehicle into drive, it functions as if it is in neutral. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The contact did not notice any differences beforehand. The current and failure mileages were 72,204.

Filed Sep 23, 2008 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford explorer. The contact noticed that whenever she places the vehicle into drive, it functions as if it was in neutral. The vehicle will not operate while in the normal driving gear. The dealer has not diagnosed the vehicle. The contact did not notice any differences beforehand. The current and failure mileages were 80,000. Updated 10/16/08 *bf updated 10/20/08.

Filed Jul 31, 2008 · Transmission · 72,000 miles · AR

O/d light stared flashing and it wouldn't shift out of the lower gear. Paid around $1400 to have some bands replaced in the trans and the computer flashed. Now has a hesitation between 30 and 40 MPH. Transmission issue.

Filed Jun 17, 2008 · Transmission · 117,000 miles · WI

My truck began revving for no reason, it only happens below 40 MPH. It doesn't always happen and happens more when it is cold outside. A few weeks back, I couldn't drive forward, I had to back up and then it finally decided to go forward. I just took the truck in and had a number of things checked and replaced. I was told that the transmission is going and it is just a matter of time. I don't understand why ford is not doing anything about the problems with their transmissions. I do not have money to throw away on a new transmission, especially with the price of gas. Please fix these problems.

Filed May 28, 2008 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · NJ

A few months a ago my SUV started to make a tapping noise from the engine especially when it was cold. It has progressively gotten worse and is now all the time. I had the SUV checked by a mechanic and was told it was the timing chain. And he would not fix it because it was too involved and was not worth it. Plus it would cost me $1500+. He even contacted ford and was told that it was a 'problem' and that the dealership that I bought the car from won't even touch it! I was told by a ford representative to 'drive it til it dies' and I got my money out of it. There is nothing else wrong with my SUV, not even rust. I can't believe that ford knows that the timing chain in this vehicle is a problem and refuses to fix it. Please help!

Filed Mar 24, 2008 · Transmission · 101,000 miles · MN

Same 2-3 shift problem. Especially when cold...gas it on the on-ramp, all of a sudden it "pops" out of gear and you're hoping someone doesn't slam into the side of your vehicle. After my last near death experience, I took it to the dealer, they said it was a valve body gasket that was missing? (where did it go?) they said they installed the upgrade kit and put in a new gasket, said it worked better. About 4 months later (when it got cold), it started again. Work & parts are supposed to be under warranty, but the dealer "thinks" it might be something else. My complaint is, 4 months ago I paid $900 for them to fix what is a common problem with their product, the exact same problem is happening again and they are looking for ways to get more money out of me, or worm their way out of fixing what I've already paid them to fix. The technician suggested it might be an internal leak, the torque converter, then suggested I might want to replace the tranny. My response was you had it torn apart last time, you didn't fix the problem, why should I trust you now? I don't subscribe to the theology of "repair through attrition". This is a serious problem that ford should address or be sued for.

Filed Feb 25, 2008 · Transmission · 117,000 miles · CT

Transmission failure, twice. First @ 90,000 miles, second @ 115,000 miles.

Filed Feb 19, 2008 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · NC

1999 ford explorer transmission o/d light flashing. Transmission has not failed yet, but it won't be long. I am writing to add my voice to the ten's of thousands of unhappy ford customers who have had the same problem for a decade of ford transmissions that no one seems to want to hear about or help us with.

Filed Jan 31, 2008 · Transmission · 86,872 miles · KY

Transmission failure 1999 ford explorer 1. Transmission started slipping, after a transmission flush at the valvoline oil change company. Mileage on vehicle approx 75000 miles when service was completed. 2. Catastrophic failure of transmission, resulting in complete transmission rebuild at cost of $3000.00.

Filed Jan 3, 2008 · Acceleration, Engine · NC · fire

1999 ford explorer caught fire. Consumer states that his vehicle was in the shop for about 5 to 6 weeks getting a new engine transmission and radiator, and recall repair done. The vehicle caught fire a month after the repairs were made.

Filed Jan 22, 2007 · Transmission · 104,510 miles · NY

The overdrive light on my 1999 ford explorer(104,510) began flashing today and the transmission is not shifting properly.

Filed Oct 30, 2006 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · NJ

The overdrive light in my 1999 ford explorer (105,000 miles) began flashing today & the transmission is not shifting properly.

Filed Aug 30, 2006 · Transmission · 109,000 miles · NY

On july 9, 2006 while my family and I were traveling on a highway our 1999 ford explorer xlt just died. Fortunately we were not killed. When we had the car towed home (over 30 miles) the mechanic said the crank shaft was snapped in half. We had no warning before hand. No noise, no lights on the dash, no smoke, nothing. I called ford and complained and they were very unsympathetic to me. I also own a 2003 ford explorer limited which I have also had a few problems with. Very dissatisfied with ford. Until now I have only owned ford explorers but I guess I will have to start investing in a more reputable company.

Filed Feb 24, 2006 · Acceleration, Electrical · 79,000 miles · NY

Gem module (vehicle gets locked into 4 wheel drive or will not exit 4 wheel drive the federal safety agency campaign id number: 99v06200.

Filed Nov 6, 2005 · Transmission · 113,000 miles · OR

While backing up on level ground, after hearing a loud bang, my explorer lost reverse. Contacting a reputable transmission shop, they told me mine will be the 10th explorer trans they will be rebuilding this week. They also say to never tow with this vehicle.

Filed Aug 22, 2005 · Transmission · 45,000 miles · WA

Dt: the contact has a 2005 chalet, when going on vacation yes the axle broke. The trailer was being towed at 55-60 MPH. When the axle broke it caused damage to several parts of the travel trailer and tire. There was smoke damage from the tire and structural damage to the cabinets and under carriage. The rear axle that broke was the only axle on the trailer. There was no damage to the vehicle that was towing the trailer. The trailer was towed to the dealer, and there has not yet been a determination about the repairs. Upon the vehicle owners inspection, they discovered that the axle was covered with rust and had many cracks. The police were called, but no police report was filed since there was no accident.

Filed Aug 5, 2005 · Brakes, Transmission · 65,000 miles · VA

Normal, light usage (11,000mi/y); scheduled maintenances performed. 1. Rear axle seal(s) leaking. 2. Front pinion gear seal leaking. 3. Parking brake flooded with fluid from 1 or 2, not sure. 4. Evaporative unit for AC defective, needs replacement. 5. Lcd for clock/audio system defective. 6. Rear window wiper motor failed twice. ------- manufacturer admits not usual wear/tear, but won't cover any portion of approx. $2000.00+ repair cost, nor even provide "loaner".

Filed Jan 1, 2005 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · CA

In my 99 ford explorer 4x4, the front differential failed costing $2500 in damages. Although there was no accident the vehicle was unsafe to drive and the 4x4 system was not operating. We had no idea , the dealer caught it during a service check.

Filed Dec 17, 2004 · Electrical, Transmission · 80,016 miles · NM

I purchased my 1999 ford explorer in may of 2004 and within a month, I began experiencing problems with my transmission. More specifically, the vehicle would loose power while driving, the transmission could be heard shifting and also shifting movement was felt while driving. I took the vehicle back to rio valley in espanola, new mexico where I paid cash ($8700.00) and was told that I did not purchase the warranty and my vehicle needed a new transmission and it would cost me $3200.00 to have it repaired. I complained and was told that my gasket was sealed with a sealant that went in to my gaskets and damaged my solenoid. I has just taken it for a transmission oil change and thought well that could be, however, after talking to the owner of hindi's oil stop, I felt certain that this was not the cause. Rio valley ford did clean out the transmission a couple of times and charged me $340.00 and I was told that this was basically going to have a band-aid effect and I would ultimately need to get my transmission fixed. It was getting me around for awhile but lately the same shifting noises and feelings I had heard and felt are recurring. My overdrive light also goes of and on continuously sometimes while I am driving the vehicle.

Filed Oct 23, 2004 · Transmission · 144,000 miles · IN

I have a 1999 ford explorer and the reverse went out in it. The rest of the other gears work. It will cost 1500.00 to fix thru a transmission dealer. I contacted a recently retired ford mechanic who works out of his garage now. He told me this reverse is a part in the transmission that can be replaced without a total rebuild. He said last month when he left the dealer, the part was on back order from ford for 3 weeks due the extent of it being a serious problem in the 99-00 ford explorers. I contacted ford customer service and they wont fix it because it is not on a recall list right now. Can you please check into this and let me know how I go about getting this fixed through ford? Thank you.

Filed Aug 17, 2004 · Brakes, Suspension · 115,889 miles · NC

1999 ford explorer eddie bauer edition... We had gone out to dinner and when leaving the parking space it sounded as if we ran over a glass bottle. My husband looked around the vehicle and could not find anything. I got in the drivers seat and it felt as if the emergency brake was on (was not) and was very hard to move. We returned to the parking space, turned off the vehicle getting ready to call aaa for services. We both heard a "release" sound. He turned on the vehicle, backed up and we drove home very carefully. The next morning the vehicle was at the dealership to look into this mystery. The brakes were fine; however, they found the following to repair: *seals to brakes *rear axle pinion seal *both lower ball joints on the front end I was told the front right tire ball joints were completely worn down and the tire was just wobbly held on by the lug bolts. We recently purchased this vehicle and would appreciate your help in reviewing the past recalls on this type vehicle. This could and would have been an extreme hazard with probably extreme injury to the persons involved. Also, if you can please check the past history of the owners to make sure they have kept the vehicle maintained with any suggested recall items. Thank you, marlene morgan *la *sc

Filed Jul 21, 2004 · Transmission · CA

While driving at 65 MPH, the driver heard a loud noise coming from the front. The driver stepped on the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the transmission needed to be replaced. Please provide further details.

Filed Jul 19, 2004 · Electrical, Transmission · KS

While driving in inclement weather windshield wipers failed. This caused poor visibility to the driver. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle ,and drove it to a private mechanic, who determined that a gem module needed to be replaced. *ak the vehicle's power windows, 4 wheel drive and dome light have also stopped working.

Filed Jun 6, 2004 · Transmission · 43,000 miles · IN

While driving at 70mph, flat, smooth road, I felt and heard a "thud" from left front area of vehicle, followed by high pitched squeel, pulled off road and did a visual check & found nothing out of place, or any loose or missing pieces.*ak pulled back onto highway, slowly increasing speed, everything seemed fine. After 5 to 6 miles I had to apply breaks hard, vehicle pulled abruptly to the left as I pulled back to right it pulled very hard to right w/ a grinding noise, had to slow to 30 MPH to maintain control until reaching a service facility. Upon inspection the mechanic found the left front hub bearing had failed, he explained it would have become uncontrolable if I continued to drive it. Hub bearing was replaced with a new unit, old part is still available, I have sealed in box replacement came in.

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