2017 Ford Explorer: jerking or lurching

Filed Oct 11, 2025 · Driver assistance, Steering · NJ

When driving and going to make a turn or change lanes . The steering wheel will stick and have a little jerk . Had it looked at but could not find anything. It’s been happening since July . I’m afraid it might not turn when I want it to . My husband did notice it when I drove him to airport . Wondering if recall on this .

Filed Jul 28, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 52,590 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. In addition, while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle jerked before slamming into gear. The check engine warning light was continuously illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was leaking oil onto the ground and the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion into a cylinder, which caused the engine failure. The spark plugs were replaced. The mechanic also informed the contact that the transmission had failed. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 52,590.

Filed Jul 14, 2025 · Fuel system · 94,084 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked and vibrated. In addition, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was able to partially coast to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,084.

Filed Oct 23, 2024 · Transmission · 48,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic signal, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle hesitated before responding as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating and was jerking into gear. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission was leaking from the case and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Filed Oct 22, 2024 · Transmission · 118,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the transmission jerked, and the vehicle shuddered. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, and diagnosed with torque converter failure. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

Filed Sep 17, 2024 · Engine · 94,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked violently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC code: P0300; and determined that there was an engine misfire. The contact's husband replaced the coil pack and spark plugs; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

Filed Sep 6, 2024 · Transmission · 67,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that in 2nd and 3rd gear, the vehicle jerked, and transmission slipped. The contact stated that while in 4th and 5th gear, the transmission was slipping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N07. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter had overheated, and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

Filed Jul 24, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · NC

While going up a steep hill or mountain the car starts to over heat when you stop pressing the gas the car will start to go back down in to cooler numbers and you can start driving again with no issues until you hit another hill.. car breaks wear out excessively also the car jerks when going into gear to shift

Filed May 13, 2024 · Transmission · MN

The torque convertor is bad, causing my vehicle not to accelerate properly, especially when going uphill and until reaching a sustained speed. It also shudders while at a sustained speed and jerks when going in reverse. Recently, while accelerating onto the highway (from 30mph to 60+ mph) I was almost rear ended due to the vehicle shifting hard and not accelerated at the rate of speed expected. This happens often, but I'm typically able to compensate for it. This time, I was unable to and it almost caused an accident with my 2 minor children in the back seat. I have taken it to my local Ford Service Center. They know that the issue is caused by degraded torque convertor function. Ford issued Customer Satisfaction Program 20B27 and 20N07 previously but is no longer honoring the program- leaving many of us with no resolution. I never received notice of this program, nor was it listed in Oasis for my vehicle (per my service center). Because this was not listed in Oasis, and it doesn't throw any codes when assessed, the problem with the transmission was dismissed a year ago when it wasn't as severe. This is a safety hazard and the federal safety agency needs to step in and force Ford to either reopen Customer Satisfaction Program 20B27 and 20N07 or issue a recall.

Filed Apr 1, 2024 · Transmission · NC

The transmission/torque converter has a chattering/shuttering issue in certain gears that causes the RPMs to jump and drop randomly causing unpredictable drivability, acceleration and deceleration. The SUV lurches forwards and backwards when the chattering occurs. There is no check engine light to indicate an issue with the powertrain. According to online forums, many other owners of 2016-2019 model year Ford Explorers experienced the same issues as I've described, with documented cases on YouTube of torque converters failing, and other owners being told by ford dealerships that the transmission assembly (including the torque converter) need to be replaced, with quotes from 3000$ to 8000$. My car in particular doesn't even have 130,000 miles yet and was purchased from a city surplus auction where the city maintained the car every 5000 miles or less and performed every recall and Customer Satisfaction Program. I myself have been quoted 2,600$ for a remanufactured replacement transmission and at-least 1000$ in labor for installation by a local mechanic. Temporary fixes performed by the previous owner included adding Lubeguard friction modifier to the transmission fluid which fixed the issue for a short period of time. This fix was performed 3 times before the dealer made them aware the vehicle needs a new transmission that wouldn't be covered under any existing recall or warranty. A damaged torque converter cannot simply be the only part replaced, since broken off friction material will cycle through the automatic transmission valve body and can damage the transmission, requiring an entire rebuild. Due to the location and tools required to access/replace the transmission, it makes it impossible for a home mechanic that can change their own oil, service their own brakes and perform basic maintenance on their vehicle to inspect, test, or diagnose their own torque converter/transmission. A powertrain, with regular maintenance should last the life of the vehicle.

Filed Dec 28, 2023 · Transmission · MI

Vehicle shutters, jerks and loses acceleration between 50 to 60 miles per hour. Can cause accident with other vehicles behind on freeway or any other circumstance. Have had vehicles behind me almost ram the back of my vehicle when this happens. No warning lights on dash. 12/27/23 Dealer says it’s the Torque Converter. Issue occurs every time during acceleration and deceleration. Has been going on for several years but I didn’t know it was an actual transmission problem. Dealer told me when I purchased vehicle that the car had to learn my driving habits and that’s all it is. Has not been inspected by anyone other than dealer

Filed Sep 15, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · 46,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking, vibrating, and transmission was slipping. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the torque arm, engine mount, axle shaft, and catalytic converter were all damaged due to the jerking and vibrations from the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who performed service repairs under an unknown Customer Satisfaction Campaign however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 46,000.