2018 Ford Explorer: jerking or lurching

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 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 Nov 25, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · 65,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to shift to revere, the vehicle jerked and hesitated before shifting into reverse. The contact stated that after shifting to drive, the RPM revved; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact released the accelerator pedal, shifted to neutral and back to drive while slowly depressing the accelerator pedal for the vehicle to operate as needed. The contact stated that afterwards while driving 20 MPH or more, the vehicle sputtered and was making an abnormal grinding sound. While idling, the vehicle started shaking violently. The contact stated that the “WRENCH” and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed due to failed spark plugs and filters. The mechanic also stated that there was a significant amount of rust on the engine. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact became aware of a Customer Satisfaction Program: 10181988 (Power Train) and Technical Service Bulletin 10184634 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Power Train) and linked the TSB and CSP to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall, Customer Satisfaction Program 10181988 (Power Train), and Technical Service Bulletin 10184634 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Power Train). The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.

Filed Nov 4, 2024 · Fuel system · 100,200 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle jerked forward and backward. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven back onto the driveway. The contact turned off the vehicle and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with throttle body failure that was seized closed. The contact was informed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the purge valve had been replaced 26 days prior to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,200.

Filed Oct 26, 2024 · Engine · PA

Driving home from work when all of a sudden my car started jerking, not shifting correctly and could hear a noticeable noise coming from the engine. Low oil pressure light came on and pulled over. Car would not restart. Had it towed to mechanic and was determined that the engine was hydrolocked due to coolant getting into the pistons and oil. New engine needed on a 6 year old car with 91,000 miles. Upon researching it seems this is a common problem with eco boost engines and I don’t believe I should be responsible for this apparent COMMON issue.

Filed Jun 28, 2023 · Driver assistance · CA

Have had the vehicle for less than a year have had nothing but lil problems but recently have gotten a cranking noise, transmission / coolant leaking under the vehicle. Also have water leaking from the exhaust line when car is in park. Driving back from work early in the morning a sounded like a big pop not sure what it have may been took it to the mechanic ass well twice an got it diagnosed an they’re response was they couldn’t find the problem. The area I’ve seen an heard the clunking the most would be under the vehicle at the center by the catalyst converter. Transmission jerks as well I’ve had this vehicle for 8 months a don’t seem to be what a vehicle should be doing.

Filed Jan 13, 2023 · Suspension · WV

In wet, or snowy conditions, or when driving over a bump in the road, the rear end of the vehicle jerks sideways. New tires and 4 wheel alignment have not corrected the issue. Vehicle feels like it may lose control. Symptoms feel the same as previous year explorer that had a rear toe link issue.

Filed Nov 9, 2022 · Transmission · MI

As I was driving the car slowed down and jerked a little. ( no lights came on ) It happened again getting on the freeway, on another day. Still no lights on the dash. It did it another time and the light that indicate it's the power train. All while I was going through this I took it to a shop that said nothing was wrong with my vehicle. I only had my vehicle 5 months before the first slow down. I tried to take it to Pat Millenkin Ford they MEVER looked at the powertrain after me telling them I thought it was the transmission, but I was told it has no issues because it wasn't a light on. Two day's after getting my car back same problem happened, I called then was giving the run around then after my warranty expired they said bring it in which now they want me to pay over $4000 but they never did a diagnostic test on my powertrain. There also was a manufacturer customer satisfaction program from Ford on the transmission #20N07 before I purchased.

Filed Aug 3, 2022 · Transmission · 45,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the vehicle inadvertently rolled. The contact stated that while shifting to reverse, the vehicle hesitated to respond. Additionally, while driving the vehicle was jerking. The service warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

Filed Aug 29, 2020 · 6,000 miles · CA

Vehicle equipped with a 3.5l ecoboost v6 engine had an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (mil), powertrain malfunction (wrench) lamp, service advancetrac message, hill start assist not available message, and lack of power with diagnostic trouble code p0107 (map faulty). Occurred while pulling away from a red light without warning. This disabled the vehicle in middle of intersection and power steering was lost. Vehicle lurched erratically and had to be pushed to safety then towed to dealer. Very unsafe as it literally died and steering went out without warning!!! Initially towed to colley ford in glendora, ca. That dealer was so horrific to deal with, we had the SUV immediately towed (again) to puente hills, ca dealer. Unacceptable handling by colley ford.