2020 Ford Explorer: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Aug 14, 2026 · Transmission · PA

Vehicle started hard shifting while driving and noticed hard shifts when slowing down. Vehicle then began to lose power while driving. Display screen has issues at times screen will only display blue or stay in backup camera mode.

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Suspension, Wheels · TX

I keep feeling a clunk or thump towards the back of the car at random times, towards the back axle. Sometimes it's when i stop and drive forward, other times it happens while I am just driving normally, usually at slow speeds around 5-45mph. I have an extended warranty and the ford dealer has said they can;t replicate it and want to give my car back until it gets worse, and then try fix it. I am highly concerned about this process....

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Visibility · TX

The front windshield wiper motor on my 2020 Ford Explorer is experiencing severe intermittent failure and physical binding/clunking while in operation, resulting in a total loss of front visibility while driving in rain. This failure matches the exact root cause and symptoms described in Ford Safety Recall 26S14 / the federal safety agency Campaign 26V117 (intermittent wiper function progressing to complete electrical continuity failure due to internal terminal misalignment). However, Ford claims my specific VIN falls just outside their designated production date window, leaving my vehicle uncovered under the safety recall despite suffering from the identical defect. Although Ford confirmed there is an active Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) listed for my vehicle's wiper motor, severe supply chain restrictions and dealership backlogs have prevented repairs. Ford has placed a restricted distribution hold on replacement motors, preventing independent shops and local dealers from securing parts, while requiring a multi-day diagnostic wait during which I am expected to drive a vehicle with non-functioning wipers. Driving a vehicle with active, unpredictable wiper failure poses an immediate safety hazard and severe crash risk. Ford's refusal to expand recall coverage or immediately supply unrestricted safety components leaves vehicle owners exposed to hazardous driving conditions. Furthermore, customers face a mandatory four-day intake period solely for vehicle diagnostics. To qualify for a wiper motor replacement under warranty guidelines, Ford requires the motor to experience total failure while under dealership care. If technicians are unable to duplicate the fault condition during testing, the vehicle is returned to the owner without repair, leaving an ongoing safety hazard completely unresolved. I have also contacted Ford Corporate and filed a formal complaint and that was of no assistance.

Filed May 12, 2026 · Transmission · AL

7/2024- Harsh transmission shifts- Lost power on very busy highway on 4th of July weekend- spent 12 weeks in the shop for transmission repair 64,000 miles 3/2025- Harsh transmission shifts again- Vehicle slammed into gear very hard- 3 weeks in the shop for another transmission repair 71,000 miles 3/2026- Harsh transmission shifts again- 1 week in the shop- told it needed an adaptive relearn 88,000 miles 4/2026- Still experiencing harsh transmission shifts!!! 90,000 miles

Filed Apr 23, 2026 · Transmission · FL

The failure involves the automatic transmission system (10-speed 10R60) in my Ford Explorer 2020. The issue appears to be internal, affecting clutch packs and/or internal components (spring-related failure was initially noted by the dealership).Yes, the vehicle and transmission are available for inspection upon request. The transmission malfunction caused delayed engagement and loss of proper power delivery, which created unsafe driving conditions. There were moments where the vehicle hesitated or failed to respond properly when accelerating, increasing the risk of being struck in traffic or being unable to move out of the way of oncoming vehicles. This presents a clear safety concern, especially in traffic or intersections. Yes, the issue was inspected and confirmed by an authorized Ford dealership. The dealership initially diagnosed the problem as an internal transmission failure involving clutch-related components. However, those diagnostic notes were later removed or altered in the service record. I have retained screenshots of the original diagnosis as evidence. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized dealership representing Ford Motor Company. At this time, it has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. The manufacturer has not physically inspected the vehicle but has reviewed the case and offered partial financial assistance. Yes. Prior to the failure, the vehicle experienced symptoms including harsh shifting, delayed engagement when shifting into drive or reverse, and abnormal transmission behavior. These symptoms developed over time before the failure occurred. In some cases, there were no warning lights present before the issue became severe, which made the failure more sudden and unexpected. I was informed the original technician is no longer employed and there is no service manager currently overseeing the department. This lack of oversight makes it difficult to verify the original diagnosis or changes made to service records.

Filed Apr 6, 2026 · Transmission · TX

Thank you for your time reviewing my complaint. I've answered each of your bullet points below. - the transmission is hard shifting in low gears however no warning/no dashboard lights to indicate issue. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. - I use my car for work which includes transporting individuals to work and appointments. This hard shift happened with a passenger while on the freeway in traffic, then continued for the remainder of the ride each time I approached low speeds. - A vehicle diagnostic was performed by an independent service center/certified mechanic and no errors registered with the transmission. However the transmission diagnosis was determined by the service center driving the car and experiencing the hard shifts. I have a copy of the report. - The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance or any other representatives. _ There were no warning lamp messages leading to the problem or a this current time and currently there are no warning lights indicating the transmission issue, although it has been diagnosed by a certified mechanic/service center as "Engine concern - neutralizing in gears between 1st & 2nd". There were sporadic episodes of this "hard shifting" within the last few months and the frequency of hard stops occurring were random. Additionally, there were no warning lamps or messages to indicate an issue. On 4/4/26 a hard shift happened on the freeway and has been consistent daily at low speeds.

Filed Mar 20, 2026 · Transmission · IN

Vehicle Issue Description – 2020 Ford Explorer Limited (Transmission Failure) The issue involves the transmission system in a 2020 Ford Explorer Limited. The transmission began exhibiting hard and erratic shifting, particularly between lower gears and when decelerating to a stop. A within days experienced complete failure, leaving the vehicle unable to properly move or engage gears. There were no warning lights, messages, or dashboard indicators at any point prior to the failure. This lack of warning prevented any opportunity to address the issue before it became severe. This failure created a significant safety risk, as the vehicle became unreliable in traffic conditions. Hard shifting and delayed engagement made it difficult to predict acceleration and deceleration, increasing the risk of being rear-ended or unable to safely merge into traffic. The final failure rendered the vehicle inoperable, which could have been dangerous if it occurred in a high-traffic or unsafe location. The problem appears consistent with known transmission issues reported by other owners of 2020 Ford Explorers, including hard shifting, jerking, hesitation between gears, and sudden loss of drivability.  Many drivers report similar symptoms progressing to severe transmission problems or complete failure. At this time: •Confirmation by dealer or service center: 3/18/26 Despite the number of similar complaints and documented issues, there has not been a specific recall issued for the transmission system itself, although other drivetrain-related recalls (such as rear axle or driveline failures) have been issued for this model year.  Based on the pattern of symptoms and widespread reports, this appears to be a systemic issue affecting the transmission in this model year, rather than an isolated incident.

Filed Mar 13, 2026 · Transmission · OH

Transmission had hard downshifts, whining, would.not change gears intermittently and would clunk when going into reverse or drive. Upon inspection at the dealership, the fluid was burnt and there were chunks of gears in the transmission pan.

Filed Mar 6, 2026 · Transmission · NJ

Power Train, Automatic Transmission Issue The vehicle is a 2020 Ford Explorer XLT with approximately 71,000 miles. The automatic transmission has developed delayed engagement and harsh shifting during normal driving conditions. The issue occurs most often during low speed driving, rolling stops, and when shifting from Park into Drive or Reverse. The transmission will hesitate or pause before engaging, followed by a sudden harsh shift or jerk into gear. The condition has been reproduced multiple times during normal driving and is consistent. This behavior creates unpredictable vehicle response when I accelerate into traffic or proceed from a rolling stop. The delay followed by sudden engagement can cause the vehicle to lurch forward unexpectedly, which could increase the risk of a crash when entering intersections, merging into traffic, or operating near pedestrians. The vehicle is scheduled for inspection at a Ford dealership, and the issue will be evaluated under known Ford technical service bulletins addressing harsh or delayed shifting in the 10-speed automatic transmission. At this time, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer. The vehicle will be inspected by an authorized Ford dealer Monday March 9, 2026. No warning lights or messages have appeared. The condition occurs without warning indicators and is noticeable through delayed engagement and harsh gear shifts. My vehicle has been regularly maintained and received the recommended 60,000 mile service prior to the issue appearing. Similar transmission complaints appear to be widely reported among owners of 2020–2022 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with the 10-speed automatic transmission.

Filed Feb 6, 2026 · Transmission · VA

The catalytic converters (both) on my 5-year-old Ford Explorer both failed due to cracked welds. This failure appears to be common with the v6 ecoboost engines. It happened sometime before 124000 miles, it was only noticed because my wife and daughters started complaining about headaches and sleepiness when riding in the vehicle. The failure was only noticed when a mechanic evaluated it, the failure was not noticeable otherwise. I believe this is a very dangerous condition, as the fumes were evidently getting into the vehicle somehow and causing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. The estimate to repair both is $5000, but according to the repair shop, there are currently none available. Ford has acknowledged this defect in Customer Satisfaction Program 21B35 and the 2025 service bulletin covering cracked weld failures. At about the same time, the transmission suddenly. The failure is very specific, and is documented in Ford Technical Service Bulletin 22-2411 as a known defect. The vehicle experienced harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and ultimately complete transmission failure requiring full replacement at a cost of approximately $7000. This appears to be a widespread defect, and I believe it represents a safety concern due to unpredictable loss of drivetrain function.

Filed Jan 28, 2026 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shifting roughly while upshifting or downshifting before slamming into gear. Several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the failure persisted and worsened. There was transmission fluid odor coming from the vehicle and entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. The contact stated that the engine unexpected revved while driving on the freeway. The contact stated that when the transmission slammed into gear, the vehicle felt like the parking brake was activated. The vehicle was taken to another dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the repairs were put on hold until the warranty had ended. Most recently, the contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shifting roughly while upshifting and downshifting before slamming into gear. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The contact was called for assistance and went to where the vehicle was pulled over. The vehicle was driven back to the residence in LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to another dealer, where it was confirmed that the transmission had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact stated that the failure was more predominant during colder weather. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Jan 16, 2026 · Transmission · VA

The vehicle has experienced repeated automatic transmission malfunctions, including harsh and delayed shifting and hesitation. These issues caused unpredictable acceleration/deceleration and hesitation when starting from a stop or merging, creating a safety risk. The condition has been confirmed by authorized Ford dealers with repairs attempted and service bulletin referenced. The transmission is available for inspection. Symptoms have recurred despite repairs. Warning indicators and abnormal shifting behavior were observed intermittently beginning around 65,000 miles.