2018 Ford Explorer transmission problems

Filed Nov 8, 2026 · Transmission · CA

2018 Ford Explorer FWD, approximately 112,000 miles. For over a year, the automatic transmission has intermittently shifted into neutral on its own while in drive. The gas pedal can be pressed but the vehicle does not accelerate, even though it is still in gear. The problem has recently worsened. The transmission now clunks and at times fails to engage a gear, acting as if it is in neutral. COMPONENT: Automatic transmission (6-speed). Exact cause UNKNOWN. My best assessment is a fault in the valve body, solenoids, or internal clutches. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. SAFETY RISK: Loss of power while in gear happens without warning and can occur in traffic, at intersections, when merging, or when crossing lanes. This creates a serious collision risk for me and other drivers. I cannot predict when it will happen. CONFIRMED BY DEALER OR SHOP: UNKNOWN [update if any shop has confirmed it]. INSPECTED BY MANUFACTURER, POLICE, OR INSURANCE: [No, or update]. WARNING SIGNS: No warning lamp or message that I recall [update if different]. First symptoms appeared 1 year ago. I request that the federal safety agency review 2018 Explorer transmission complaints of neutral-out and power loss. Inspected by manufacturer, Tuttle - Click San Juan Capistrano CA, provided a diagnostic test on the transmission and found nothing to be wrong with the electronics, and I asked for them to reset any software updates, and was told nothing was updated, but we can get the details in writing from Member ID 1212521954 Warning lamps or symptoms: The wrench comes on from time to time, then goes away. The first symptom was the intermittent neutral and loss of throttle response about 12 months. The symptoms have since progressed to clunking and failure to engage a gear. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review complaints of 2018 Explorer transmissions shifting to neutral and losing power, and that Ford be asked to address this condition.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Transmission · 107,300 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle jerked. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed torque converter. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N07. The failure mileage was approximately 107,300.

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · Transmission · FL

At 30 to 40 mph, there is a shuttering or stutter in the transmission during acceleration. This is a problem when trying to enter traffic on the expressway (Interstate or other lanes of traffic). I have taken this to the dealer and they indicate that the transmission needs to be replaced. They indicate that there is metal shavings in the trans fluid. This is in line with similar Ford SUV and transmission problems. At this point in time there is no recall, but this matter should be address as it is in line with similar Ford transmission failures.

Filed Sep 3, 2026 · Transmission · GA

my transmission, like several others' I have spoken to, is about to lose reverse. The incident happened when i encountered a problem on the road and was UNABLE to put my car in reverse. I have taken it to several dealerships and nothing is ever done, it's been going on for years. Well now it's become more of a safety hazard since I do transport my children in the car.

Filed Aug 7, 2026 · Transmission · CA

The transmission is actively slipping and dropping out of gear while driving causing unexpected loss of acceleration on public roads. This represents an extreme road safety hazard. The manufacture was notified but refused to offer assistance or grace coverage immediately following a Premium CARE factory contract expiration.

Filed Jul 15, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · NY

This vehicle was inspected by a certified Ford dealership (Premier Ford, Service Advisor: Harry). Ford Motor Company’s Consumer Affairs Department subsequently reviewed the case under Complaint ID: XXX. In their official written response, Ford explicitly admitted the root cause, stating: "the vehicle experienced a failure to the harness for the alternator which melted due to heat from the exhaust." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Transmission · OH

Less that 100k miles and my transmission already needs replaced. Last year my engine was sputtering making my car jerk while driving went to shop they did a total transmission fluid changed but said my transmission is likely going bad it helped mostly and I had high hopes the problem was solved it was not fast forward to now my transmission went then caused the torque converter to go my car was shaking so bad while stopped and in drive in order to go i had to put my foot all the way to the floor and quickly move to the break sometimes my car would fly other times it would take so long to go that people would try to fly around me then my car would shoot forward and id have to slam on breaks and the rpm gage was all over the place while maintaining the same speed. My car should not need a new transmission at under 84000 miles. This was so dangerous. When I did a search so many reddit posts about 2018 explorers torque converters and Transmissions going bad. I'm livid. I don't have 8k to replace the transmission in a vehicle i still owe 10k on

Filed Jun 19, 2026 · Transmission · IL

Vehicle: 2018 Ford Explorer Mileage at Failure: 62,212 miles On [XXX] while driving my 2018 Ford Explorer, the wrench warning light suddenly illuminated on the dashboard. At the same time, the vehicle experienced a significant loss of power and became extremely sluggish in acceleration. When I pressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond normally and did not accelerate as expected. This condition created a serious safety hazard because the vehicle could not maintain or increase speed when needed in traffic. Had this occurred while entering a highway, crossing an intersection, or attempting to avoid another vehicle, it could have resulted in a crash. The vehicle has been inspected by McCarthy Ford. The dealership diagnosed transmission-related problems and provided a repair estimate of $6,384.94. Ford Motor Company previously issued Customer Satisfaction Programs 20B27 and 20N07 for certain Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with the 6F35 transmission. Ford's own documentation acknowledges that transmission torque converter overheating may result in low performance, lack of acceleration during launch, sluggish vehicle operation, vibration, shuddering, and related transmission concerns. These symptoms are consistent with the condition experienced in my vehicle. I reported the issue to Ford Motor Company and sent a certified letter to CEO James D. Farley, Jr. requesting assistance and a policy adjustment due to the known transmission and torque converter concerns. To date, I have not received a satisfactory response. I am submitting this complaint because the sudden loss of acceleration and reduced vehicle power created a significant safety risk while operating the vehicle on public roadways. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 3, 2026 · Body, Electrical · FL · crash

The driver side Keyless door entry pillar has come off on the highway and hit something. The keyless door entry panel came off in 2023 and Koons Ford of Annapolis charged me $ 523.00 to fix the panel. The panel has a small clip and double stick tape. Sorry, double stick tape is not going to hold up to weather variations throughout the year, wind speed and age. Terrible and dangerous design. You gave 2017 a Recall 25S53 for ford but NOT 2018

Filed May 26, 2026 · Transmission · AL

The transmission completely failed without any warning lights or any other audible or visible signs of failure. This left my stranded on the side of the road. The local dealership has told me that I do have to replace the transmission. I have since called Ford Manufacturing's customer service department who told me there are no programs available to help assist with the cost of the transmission repair. There were no lamps, messages, sounds, smells, or visual cues.