2016 Ford Explorer: transmission slipping

Filed May 15, 2026 · Transmission · NC

When I am driving at a speed limit of 35-45 mph, there is a shutter in my transmission accompanied by a rattling noise. It only happens at that range of speed, below 35 and above 45 it seems to work just fine. If I have to drive a considerate amount of time at that speed, it does it constantly and I can't make it stop. It feels like the transmission will blow up. I have seen multiple articles and recalls for the torque converter in the 2016-2020 models, but apparently my VIN number isn't included, although the symptoms are exactly like the open recall symptoms of other Explorers. I have taken it to a transmission shop to get it test driven and diagnosed and they agreed that it did feel like the torque converter was slipping, but their advise was to rebuild the whole transmission since there wasn't any recalls specifically for my VIN number. It does not show any messages or have any warning lights about this issue on the car itself, I don't know if the computer recognizes these type of issues or not.

Filed Jun 21, 2025 · Transmission · MD

Transmission slips in and out of gear while driving causing loss of power. Many complaints online about this same issue from others.

Filed Mar 30, 2025 · Transmission · VA · crash

I have already filed a complaint about the transmission issues of my vehicle a few months ago. Ford will not take credit and help me so we had to keep driving it. Hard shifting, slipping, losing reverse, losing power and jerking into gear. Now not only has it nearly killed us twice when we went to pull into traffic, it has jerked into gear and locked up throwing the car into a guardrail and causing an accident while my fiancée was driving it. I reported it was unsafe and no one did anything, now I have a wreck vehicle, fighting with insurance about the safety of it and it’s sitting at a body shop. We are all afraid to drive it. It nearly killed my family and no one cared to help us. Plus we have no vehicle to drive now. Thank you FORD for nearly killing my family and making us feel unimportant in every way possible. Plus the federal safety agency did nothing when I filed my first complaint!

Filed Dec 15, 2024 · Transmission · VA

There has been an ongoing issue with my vehicle since it was last taken to service for a recall. The transmission has premature failure. I have had the entire vehicle powertrain fluids changed and nothing has helped. My boyfriend has been driving the vehicle and will not let me drive it anymore because it is unsafe. The transmission has torque converter issues. It has got stuck in second gear and when we went to pull out into traffic it would not move and we nearly got T-Boned. That happened while I was with him and I'm afraid to use it. He has to drive it to work because I have his vehicle and he wants me and my daughter to be safe. He says its downshifting hard when slowing down. It will downshift hard and loose power when trying to speed up on the interstate or while trying to get on the interstate. It shifts hard into reverse and is delayed shifting. Its lost power due to the transmission slipping. There has never been any check engine lights come on. Ford will do absolutely nothing about it. The vehicle has around 62,000 miles on it now and its gotten worse and is going to cause an accident or kill someone. I have called ford several times and they don't seem to care. They want me to go have it fixed and pay for it. I don't have that kind of money and I should not have to pay for there problem. Its a known issue I found out by searching online, even lawsuits. They need to recall these transmissions and fix the issue with them before someone is killed. If there hasn't already been deaths. Its unsafe. It has put me and my daughter at risk. Other drivers at risk and now with him having to drive it, his life is at risk everyday! Ford does not care about people or their family. They know they put a bad transmission in these vehicles and it cause premature wear. The transmission fluid is black, smells burnt and even metal shavings in it. Its a ticking bomb and its unfair they want me to pay for their mistakes!

Filed Apr 9, 2024 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · MO

The transmission began slipping causing poor control at higher speeds using the cruise control or passing gear. Only about 42,000 miles on the vehicle and no financial help from Ford. Service for a new transmission was $7667.11at Dave Sinclair Ford, 7466 South Lindbergh, St. Louis Missouri, 63125. 314‑892‑2600

Filed Mar 6, 2024 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · MS

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the transmission started slipping. In addition, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times and the contact was informed that the failure was due to transmission failure and the contact was informed that the repair had been completed; however, the contact was unaware of the diagnostic results. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred and became persistent. The contact stated that the failure had been ongoing since the purchase of the vehicle in 2017. The contact was informed after each failure that the vehicle had been repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Apr 27, 2022 · Engine · RI

Indicator light indicating power train issues came on after a few days of delayed shifting and slipping between gears. As well as thunking when putting the car in reverse. The car would not accelerate at all and was not safe to drive. I had it towed to the mechanic who consulted with a ford engine specialist. The specialist said the codes and symptoms lead to needing the torque converter fixed. That is when I consulted the recall for my exact vehicle. I had the vehicle towed to the Ford dealer. Ford is not agreeing to repair the recall. They have only agreed to fixing the valve body for $903.00. I would like my recall repair.

Filed May 16, 2021 · Transmission · CA

The transmission is constantly slipping. While driving up or down any steeper grades, the RPMs are so high we have to adjust speed to get the transmission to shift properly as to not blow the engine. The suv surges and shifts hard while going only 15 to 20 mph on regular pavement. This has all been happening since we purchased the vehicle (in 2018 @ 27,000 miles). We took in right away and they did replace the transfer case. Since then we’ve taken it to two different Ford dealerships in the area and they state there is nothing wrong. We were told ‘sorry it’s not like we can drive it up a hill to see what the issue is and it’s just not bad enough to warrant replacing the transmission at this time’ We’ve had to swerve to the side of the highway to avoid rear end collisions due to poor shifting and reduced speeds. It’s not trustworthy to travel and at our first chance we’re dumping it for a Chevy. Ford knows there’s an issue with their transmissions, but they push you off until you’re outside of your warranty to tell you to replace the transmission. We helped our elderly mom purchase a Ford and her transmission went out with the same issues and she had to purchase another vehicle as well due to being put off outside of her warranty (by three days - WOW Ford!). ‘It’s not bad enough’ - we’ll it’s not going to get better!!

Filed Apr 12, 2021 · Fuel system, Transmission · 123,519 miles · CA

On multiple occasions transmission was slipping which LED to an eventual complete failure. Explorer was on ca highway 76 going westbound when transmission failed. Driver wa forced to dodge traffic and coast to an emergency stop at the right side of the highway. Explorer had to be towed.

Filed Mar 26, 2020 · Steering · 53,000 miles · CA

Steering makes a popping sound while turning the wheel at slower speeds. This is contributing to the steering slipping while driving. The explorer has 53000 miles on it. Out of pocket at a cost of $2,200 to $2,500 dollars for a premature failure of steering system components. These premature/defective steering problems can lead to deaths or serious injuries while driving.

Filed Oct 1, 2019 · Transmission · 72,000 miles · OH

While the vehicle was parked, in a parking lot, turned completely off, and the gear selector was in the "park" position, the vehicle rolled forward (slightly downhill). The vehicle rolled approximately 8 inches until the front tires met with the parking curb. The emergency brake had not been applied at the time. The grade of slope was approximately 3-6degrees. The rear hatch was open, and two adults were sitting in the back with their feet on the ground when the vehicle rolled. It was apparent, that the transmission "slipped", while in park, when it should not "slip".

Filed Feb 14, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 40,000 miles · CA

During acceleration, a brief pause in acceleration or down shifting of gears. Feels like the transmission is slipping. Usually noticed during 30 minutes of normal driving conditions.