Vehicle’s coolant over temperature warning light comes on only on highway and vehicles slows, which can cause a crash. However, temp gauge fluctuates quickly going back and forth from normal to hot.
2017 Ford Explorer transmission complaints
Page 3 of 5: complaints 41 to 70 of 125, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered and vibrated. The contact stated that a tire rotation was performed on the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pushed into a parking lot. The vehicle then was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could be repaired under Ford Campaign Number: 20N07 if the dealer determined that the failure was related to the campaign. A case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Took a trip and the torque converter went out while driving down the interstate. Got off at an exit and as soon as we stopped the whole car starting shaking, you could feel it and hear it through the whole car, could see the hood shaking. Pulled into a parking lot thinking the car might cool down and it would be fine again. It did not stop, it has progressively sounded worse, only if the car is idling while in drive or reverse. Had a Ford certified mechanic look at the vehicle and he immediately said it was the torque converter, and that there is a TSB for this problem. TSB 20-2271
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.
Vehicle was at 65K miles and the water pump was leaking. When they went in to fix the water pump they noticed the timing chain had been stretched. Got my car back and not even 2-3 days later I heard a noise (only heard in less than a handful of times prior) and the noise began to be more consistent and found out that my CAM phasers went bad. All prior to reaching 70K miles...my vehicle is still only 67K. Later found documentation that timing chain and CAM phaser should be covered by CA emissions and the dealer is saying that is not the case. My vehicle fits the attached addendum as it was manufactured on [XXX] and in Chicago, IL. Dealer is saying this addendum does not constitute as a warranty document, just a notification. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
See attached document for complaint
The water pump just went out and left us stranded in 110 weather and the gentleman that own the shop that I took it to told me that he has replaced 13 within 6 months! I have read and studied it and every single customer said the water pump went out at about 70,000 so there needs to be a recall! This is ridiculous!
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.
I have replaced all the starter coil packs in my engine and still have the same problem the codes read misfiring on multiple cylinders wich causes the car to lose power and pull back on the transmission while pushing on the gas pedal this is an ongoing problem
2017 Explorer vehicle equipped with a 2.3L engine exhibits a vibration/rough idle when the vehicle is in DRIVE or REVERSE. The vehicle also exhibits a lack of engine revolutions per minute (RPM), lack of acceleration on take off and/or shudder while driving. This may be due to the torque converter overheating causing damage to the torque converter as well as possible internal damage to the transmission.
My torque convertor has started to fail, extreme vibration when in drive or reverse at a stop, hesitation when trying to take off from a stop, RPMS will redline and the car won't move and then it will slam in to second gear. I have found a recall/customer satisfaction program (20N07) I took the car to a Ford dealership and they confirmed the torque convertor is ruined. I am terrified to drive this car, when the hesitation first happened I was pulling out in to moving traffic and the car would not move then took off very quickly. The vehicle has only been inspected by a Ford dealership where they diagnosed the torque convertor. I believe that this should be considered a safety issue. The hesitation alone could cause an accident when trying to move with the flow of traffic.
- Transmission/torque convertor has and is failing. Results in lack of acceleration during launch, sluggish vehicle operation and shudder - Known issue with this make/model/year of vehicle. Failure of the above began at 40,000 some miles and is presently not driveable at only 67,000 miles without an $8-$10,000 repair for a new transmission. - Confirmed with dealer the above issue and is in writing and submitted Case #CAS-47518676-K5Y6Y7 with Ford directly. Located letter sent to dealerships regarding this very issue dated 10/2020. - Vehicle has not been in any accidents, but am receiving a "warning" light indicating failure.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Programs: 20B27 and 20N07. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Since owning vehicle with around 60k, 2 serpentine belts have been replaced, high pressure hose replaced, water pump is now failing. Looking online, this vehicle has been plagued with issues and no recalls? A failing water pump from 2011 models on? Not sure how a car can have over $10k in problems and no recalls.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while at a complete stop and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle started shuddering. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove to the residence. Additionally, the contact stated that her husband had informed her that the vehicle had failed to accelerate as intended while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter had failed, and the dealer determined that the transmission 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 for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 20,600.
At somewhere between 100k-123k the water pump started leaking. This was noticed by smelling a faint smell of coolant after driving. Additionally a small leak of orangish fluid was noticed under engine (front passenger side). Given the symptoms I had the vehicle taken to a Ford dealer for inspection where it was confirm from a system pressure test that the water pump had a leak. Additionally I was just outside my warrant coverage to have this covered by Ford (within the years, outside the mileage). After researching, I have found that many others have the same compliant and even a class action has been attempted. Ford needs to offer a recall for this very cost repair and known issue. Water pump failure could cause engine damage, resulting in vehicle failure while operating, which puts the operator at risk on the side of the road or while operating at highway speeds.
While driving my 2017 Ford Explorer, There was a smell of burnt oil/tire entering my vehicle through the vents. I took it in to the Ford Dealership and I was advised that I needed a brand new transfer case, and the front engine mounts needed to be replaced due to broken seals. This was causing transmission fluid to leak onto other parts (hot) which was causing the smell while I was driving. My vehicle is at 89,000 miles, and if I don't get this replaced, then it will cause transmission failure. I was told that this should not happen on a vehicle with 89,000 miles. The leaking fluid can also cause a fire under the hood. When asked why or how this could happen, I was told it just wasn't "built" well. Cost of repairs will be about $4,500.00. WOW.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle experienced a severe shudder and vibration. The vehicle was connected to an ODB scanner which produced a code related to a faulty torque converter. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 140,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was a whirling sound while shifting gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Villages Transmission & Auto Clinic and was diagnosed with a failed transmission. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the started was previously replaced by the Villages Transmission & Auto Clinic. The contact was informed that the transmission was dropped to access the starter switch for the repair. The starter switch was replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to Villages Transmission & Auto Clinic because the heat was inoperable however, the vehicle mis-diagnosed with a failed water pump. The contact stated that the mechanic dropped the transmission to replace the water pump. While replacing the water pump, the mechanic replaced the valve cover gasket, spark plugs, crank shaft seal kit front, antifreeze, and timing chain kit. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 129,828.
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
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. After restarting the vehicle, the failure reoccurred. The contact added transmission fluid to the vehicle and later the vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence; however, the failure later reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 126,000.
Transmission is shuttering, had it checks by River City Ford and the tech advised the Torque converter needed to be replaced. After research, the recall 20N07 in October 9, 2020 for torque converter issues was found. After reading the document, the same issues, same motor same transmission is happening to my vehicle. The issues are as stated, vehicles that experience adverse NVH, vibration and/or rough idle in Drive or Reverse, low performance / lack of acceleration during launch, sluggish vehicle operation and shudder while driving. However my vehicle is doing the same thing, has the same 2.3L engine with the 6F35 transmission, but it is not on the recall list. the federal safety agency should step us and add all Ford Explore with that year, engine and transmission to this recall since the same issues are happening.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 144,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while accelerating from a stationary position. Additionally, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with a faulty transmission. The transmission was rebuilt. The vehicle later experienced a fractured transmission bracket and was towed to the local dealer. The transmission and transmission bracket were replaced but the check engine warning light continued to illuminate. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine had experienced coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 57,850.
While driving cross country, driver began to experience lag in acceleration and delayed shifting. In some cases, noted transmission was not down shifting. At destination, the check engine light came on and we took the vehicle into a Ford dealership for repair. It should be noted that there was a low coolant light just prior to the trip and we filled up approximately a quart to bring it back to serviceable limits. The dealer called after several hours to explain the car would need a new 2.3L EcoBoost engine and new Automatic transmission. The engine had evidence of coolant in the engine/oil. The transmission was diagnosed to have a failure of an internal component. The vehicle was been regularly serviced for the 79000 miles with no previous warning lights. We currently have the vehicle in our garage trying to decide if it's worth fixing for $25000 quoted by the dealer.
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle shutoff without warning. The contact coasted the vehicle into a neighboring driveway, and the vehicle was later towed to the residence. The contact had several independent mechanics inspect the vehicle and each diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for additional assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
The vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle would not properly shift gears while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 60,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while approaching a stop light the vehicle was shaking violently. The contact shifted into neutral, and the shaking stopped. While shifting into drive or reverse, the vehicle shuddered and was shaking and then stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter was faulty, and the transmission cooler line and plate needed to be replaced. The dealer informed him that the transmission line was contaminated. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and referred him to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 96,626.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was jerking while shifting from park(P) to drive(D), and while shifting from drive(D) to park(P). Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to respond while shifting between gears. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked, hesitated, and made an abnormally loud sound while driving from a complete stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she read on the news that the failure was related to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was unknown.
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