2018 Ford Explorer: complete transmission failure

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 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 16, 2026 · Engine · CA

My vehicles transmission has been replaced 2 times already (3 years apart)- now it is overheating. Absolutely no warning lights have came on at any time in regards to any of my situations - My vehicle is available for inspection at any time. When the transmission went in my vehicle, I was traveling on an interstate with my child. The dealer has confirmed replaced the transmission as it was still under the 5 year warranty - my vehicle is set to go back into the shop today to be inspected as to why it is overheating.

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.

Filed Apr 17, 2026 · Engine · UT

At 89k miles, my engine has failed, due to coolant intrusion, according to Ken Garff Ford Dealership in St. George, UT. I started having issues with rough start and timing miss and engine light came on. I immediately took it to Dealership and they did two repairs (tune-up) and subsequent gasket change because they said oil was getting into my spark plugs. It did not resolve the issue, took it straight back and now they're telling me I need a new engine. This comes 2 years after I had to pay $7k for a new transmission at only 60k miles. This is wrong and not OK that I am having to deal with this. I don't have $12k laying around for a new engine on a vehicle that shouldn't be having all these issues!

Filed Apr 15, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 40,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was black smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the battery was faulty. The battery was replaced. The contact stated that while driving, there was black smoke coming from under the hood, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The transmission was replaced. Later, while driving again, the black smoke was again present coming from the hood of the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine and turbo were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.

Filed Apr 15, 2025 · Transmission · VA

2018 Ford Explorer in SEP 24 loss of driving power, complete, would not shift into any gear approximately 10k miles after a new transmission. Limped to dealer and they confirmed a replacement for the transmission, torque converter in particular. April 2025, engine warning light comes on, transmission torque converter failed again.

Filed Feb 8, 2025 · Transmission · KY

Torque converter failed at 60k miles. Engine failure at 110k miles while driving causing risk of serious injury due to being stranded in the road. Transmission failure at 127k miles causing risk of serious injury or death due to failing while driving. Driver was unable to accelerate vehicle in automatic (rpms would increase to unsafe levels but no speed was gained). Driver able to switch to Sporty mode and manually switch between gears enough to safely exit the highway. This particular model of the Explorer has been a mess and a headache from day one! Attempted to request a buyback from Ford, which was denied. Ford did provide partial assistance with the replacement of the engine, but refuse to provide any assistance with the transmission failure.

Filed May 9, 2024 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking while idling, initially without warning. Recently, while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the vehicle shut off while idling with the transmission warning light illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to an independent mechanic. The mechanic performed a diagnostic test and diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle related to the transmission. The contact was provided a case number and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Jan 10, 2024 · Transmission · MN

January 2023 - vehicle shifts hard, revs high between shift points, almost jumps between shifts. Trouble code p0757- shift solenoid “b” stuck open. 85,000 miles. Cost to fix $900. December 2023 - same code, same symptoms. Now entire transmission needs to be replaced at a cost of $6600. 100,000 miles.

Filed Mar 25, 2019 · Transmission · 2,350 miles · MI

Total transmission failure for no known reason with less than 3000 miles and 4 months old. Cannot be fixed, must be replaced.