2006 Ford Explorer: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Sep 8, 2017 · Transmission · 135,000 miles · UT

My explorer's transmission is starting to exhibit hard shifts that rattle the entire car. I know this is not a new problem as a family member had to replace the transmission in their 2006 explorer and cyber community is full of examples. This is a major safety issue as the transmission hesitates while excelerating through intersections and shifts hard enough to jolt the entire car while slowing down.

Filed May 25, 2016 · Engine · 108,000 miles · IL

First problem started with the brain in the transmission area. Hesitating, lunging forward and tachometer jumping when taking off and during driving down the roads/highways. Had diagnostics tests done (march 3, 2016.) replaced brain and it stopped the hesitation, lunging and tachometer jumping=$2700.00. Next problem came along when we started hearing a ticking sound when it was started in the driveway(may 16, 2016.) come to find out the engine was blown which is now going to cost $6700.00. We have always maintained our vehicles with proper care and attention, but how can all these major things go wrong at only 108000 miles???

Filed Nov 7, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · FL

In the last 2 years I have continued to have problems with this vehicle which has cost me a lot of time and money. Similarly to the majority of the complaints listed the vehicle jolts and hesitates while in motion. I have been to repair shop more times than I can count.... And not even the technicians at ford seem to know what to do as I continue to have the same issue. On my last visit to the shop ( a week ago) I was told that there was a problem with the computer which works like "the brain of the truck" but they couldn't figure it out so then I was encouraged " to look at "something new(er)". I questioned why I should be doing that when the vehicle has one 93k miles on it.... And why would I buy another ford vehicle when they couldn't fix or figure out what was going on with the one I have!!!!???? Based on the number of complaints directly about this same issue ,I am confident that there is a larger problem of which ford is aware and refuses to address. I am afraid every time I drive as I do not know or have much confidence that it will operate as intended. After calling ford's customer relations center, I was told that my only option was to take it to the for repair shop even if they did not know and has made it clear that then cannot identify of fix the problem.

Filed Oct 17, 2014 · Transmission · 108,000 miles · MI

The vehicle was hesitating and would not engage into gear when accelerating during a turn causing the rpms to rev . This caused several cars to swerve to avoid an accident. After taking it to the shop as it was a known problem with 2006 ford explorer that it was a failed transmission. Cost to fix is $2,508.

Filed Apr 14, 2014 · Transmission · 54,000 miles · IL

Three familiar issues: * transmission slams!!! Into reverse * when approaching a stop light/sign the transmission downshifts with a thump. * vehicle will surge forward shortly after placing in drive (under 15 MPH). It will hesitate back and forth about 3 or 4 times. Had it at a dealership to reflash/reprogram in november 2013. Paid $100 for the test and was told the solenoid body failed. I declined the offer of a $937 plus tax repair bill. Ford should fix this issue at no cost to their customers. Transmission issues in a vehicle with only 54,000 miles does not speak to ford's commitment to quality. These complaints have been noted for years. Needless to say the above three issues persist.

Filed Mar 8, 2014 · Transmission · 118,000 miles · CA

When I place my 2006 ford explorer in reverse it sometimes hesitates then kicks into reverse with a hard knock and thump. Also when placed in reverse it slips then catches the gear with a hard thump. I don't know why its doing this but its not safe. The transmission also shifts real weird with hesitation all the time. Ford should have made this an issue that they should fix. Many people have bought these ford explorers not knowing this condition because its not a recall issue and therefore they ...like me buy the car with problems that haven't been resolved by ford and have to foot a big transmission bill. I am asking ford to work with us on this. I have been a loyal customer of ford for over 10 years but this is soon to change. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 7, 2014 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · FL

Vehicle bangs into gear from 1st to 2nd, and constantly slides in and out of gear while the engine is revving at 2500 RPM. Also hesitates when shifting into reverse. Shop advice water getting into wire harness they fix by drying it and putting grease but issue persists (no code).

Filed Feb 5, 2014 · Transmission · 64,565 miles · NJ

I was attempting to place the vehicle in reverse and the transmission hesitated and then slammed into reverse. As the vehicle has been driven over the past year this problem still occurs and also the vehicle will slam into gear during transmission shifting. There is also a problem on occasion when the transmission downshifts. It slams with such force that it feels like the vehicle was rear ended. I have been to a few repair shops and have gotten different reasons for the problem.

Filed Jul 5, 2013 · Transmission · 88,250 miles · MD

On this date, the explorer, while trying to back into driveway, would not go into reverse and was weak when trying to back, as if it did not go all the way into gear. Also gear shift was hard and would hesitate when accelerating and slowing down it would jerk into gear. Something really needs to be done cause I have not even had the vehicle one week and the dealership said everything looked fine. Well I had them change the transmission fluid as part of the deal and these are the problems that are occurring after that. Taking it back to be corrected. Really like vehicle so hope it is fixable.

Filed Jul 2, 2013 · Transmission · 65,000 miles · TN

When putting the vehicle in reverse its a hesitation then a loud noise, and a violent jerking like you have been hit from the rear, also at 40 miles and hour it jerks.

Filed Nov 28, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 74,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal but the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The vehicle then rapidly accelerated to approximately 60 MPH and began to decelerate independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician advised the contact that the transmission would have to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000. Updated 02/20/13*lj the consumer stated there was an emmission issue and the radiator was leaking. Updated 02/20/2013

Filed Sep 7, 2012 · Transmission · 85,000 miles · NJ

No events leading up to failure. Regular vehicle usage. After 5 years and 85000 miles, the transmission began clunking and hesitating to shift. When shifting into reverse or drive, the transmission jolts violently. This failure has not yet been corrected but has been diagnosed and a rebuilt transmission is on order. I am complaining now because so many similar reports have also been filed across the internet. Upon seeing all the complaints I decided to lodge mine for more to see. This is a huge problem and is going to cost me 3500.00 to fix since the vehicle is no longer under warranty.