2008 Ford Explorer transmission problems

Filed Jul 10, 2026 · Transmission · 165,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park, and the vehicle rolled backwards about an inch. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the parking brake was enabled to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with possible transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

Filed Feb 1, 2021 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 197,000 miles · VA

An orange wrench light comes on on my dashboard and I can't pick up speed. I've had it looked at a few times and no one can figure out the problem. There's been many people on youtube complaining of the samething. This is very dangerous and should be investigated immediately, luckily the interstate wasn't busy when my truck lost its ability to accelerate. I could've cause a car pile up and there could've been many lives lost

Filed Nov 13, 2019 · Transmission, Wheels · 61,000 miles · IL

Transmission on my ford explorer v8 4.6 limited not changing into last gear. When coming to a complete stop transmission jerks slightly. At 61000 miles now ..... I didn't expect transmission problems. Front wheel bearings are humming..... I had this wheel bearing problem before on my other 2008 ford explorer xlt 6 cylinder 4.0

Filed Sep 9, 2019 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · HI

Stopped at the 4 way ..and my turn to go..my car goes maybe 2 seconds then it revvs when I pressed the pedal bit mycar doesnt engage . The tool light and engine light on. I rode it to the side ..turned it off. Then started it again..getting back on the road again..and once again I move some..then the engine revvvs but the car doesn t fo..twice I almostgot side swiped by on coming vars up behind me. I talked to the mechanic..as I just bought this car in july last year..hesaid its a ford thing..commom.. But no one has the correct answer..trial and error..or spend thousands on a new transmission. A few people said its the transmossion wire harness??

Filed Aug 12, 2018 · Electrical, Transmission · 100,232 miles · FL

"transmission failure" at 100233 miles the wrench and engine light came while driving. Upon parking & turning off the vehicle, the transmission would not work. Cut thru all gears like butter. Wound not "enter" into any gear. Towed. After vehicle cooled, transmission works again, only to become hot, repeat tow. Code p0775. After cooling, same event. Transmission solenoid goes out while hot, in a hot climate. Manufacturer defect. Needs safety recall.

Filed Jul 12, 2018 · Seats, Transmission · 136,700 miles · LA

Transmission failure, front driver seat will not adjust before going out would move on its own and cause interior lights to come on. Previous owner took vehicle in after purchase for hard shifting of transmission and no repairs were done. Transmission problem was not disclosed to me at time of purchase.

Filed Jun 28, 2018 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · MO

Transmission going out at 100,000miles and cooliant problems.

Filed Sep 12, 2017 · Transmission · 147,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford explorer. While depressing the accelerator pedal to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The wrench warning icon illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and was able to drive normally. After driving a block, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 07v453000 (power train). No further assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 147,000.

Filed Jul 19, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 117,809 miles · FL

I've had my 2008 eddie bauer ford explorer just over a year. As I'm driving on a local road, it starts acting like it's about to cut off. I get to a red light and as I'm about to take off, it shuts off. I placed it in park and restarted it then it sputters and then catches. A few minutes later this error message comes up on the dash with a wrench. I took it to the nearest auto store, they placed it on the machine and said it looks like my engine wiring harness or ECM/PCM. I had the harness replaced (almost $900) and a week later the wrench error message returned and the problem has returned as well.

Filed Jun 28, 2017 · Transmission · 103,500 miles · IL

When the problem occurred it came from nowhere. I was driving as normal then there was an initial loss of power as I noticed the check engine light and an unfamiliar orange wrench were now illuminated. Seeming as I had no power I cautiously guided the vehicle to the shoulder of the expressway. Since then I've tried having the problem fixed to no avail, because it's intermittent and ford themselves have no remedy. Also, took it upon myself to contact ford to be told the vehicle is past warranty so go the dealer and have them look at the vehicle. This has been an issue for the past 2 months of owning this vehicle and still occurring occasionally.