2022 Ford Explorer: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Aug 25, 2026 · Suspension · CO

While operating the vehicle, a loud clunk occurred, followed by a grinding noise. I stopped the vehicle immediately. Upon exiting, I observed the rear driver‑side tire positioned at an abnormal angle. Inspection underneath the vehicle revealed a fractured rear control arm. This failure is consistent with recall 23S55, which applies to Ford Explorers manufactured between 6/25/21 and 7/6/22. My vehicle’s build date is July 2022, which falls within the affected production window. The damage is clearly consequential to the control arm failure.

Filed Jun 12, 2026 · Suspension · TX

Driving home from work at intersection of XXX and [XXX] after stopping at signal light heard loud knocking sound. Stop check tires and could find anything wrong visually. Drove off and vehicle making clunking noise from rear. Drove home parked vehicle. Called warranty agency Fidelity and had vehicle towed to Planet Ford I-45. XXX Fidelity denied claim state the rear differential mounting bushing failure caused by workmanship performed in previous recall repair 23S55/22S27. 5/1/26 Planet Ford submit claim to SSSC 5/8 SSSC claim denied. 5/12/26 Called Ford Customer Care - Case# XXX as of 6/12/ 26 pursuant to 49 USC Chapter 301 the persistent recall issue has not been repaired. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 15, 2026 · Transmission · TX

Every time the vehicle begins moving from stationary position(both in forward and reverse gears) a loud clunking sound is hear originating from the rear axle/rear differential mounting bolt. I have seen it my self when looking under the vehicle . And I'm concerned about safety when driving it like this.

Filed Jan 2, 2025 · Transmission · CA

The transmission performance is poor, sometimes bordering and dangerous. In reverse you sometimes supply the gas in the car just sits there and doesn’t move and then it will quickly move backwards dangerously. There’s also a hesitation on acceleration and harsh shifting. I’ve had it to the dealer where they reset and reloaded the transmission software, it seem to smooth out the driving a little bit, but it’s been four months and it’s pretty much back the way it was originally, harsh, shifting, delayed power.

Filed Jul 14, 2023 · Transmission · TX

While attempting to reverse the vehicle has a delay, or rolls forward, and then vehicle will hard shift into gear quite roughly. the vehicle was taken to the dealership in 02/23 for repair where it spent 2 weeks at a mileage of 5650. the dealership did what they would fix the issue. Well in June 2023 the issue started happening again, and now slips while driving. For as much as i paid for this car, this should not be happening. It is a serious safety hazard that could result in an accident or someone being hurt. My vehicle should not have to go back into the shop again, and Ford needs to resolve these issues, or provide replacement transportation given the amount of time the dealer has to have for repairs. This is my only vehicle. They should replace the transmission, and see if it resolves the issue. This is a know issue, and it needs fixed asap.

Filed Dec 23, 2022 · Transmission · FL

When trying to shift from Drive to Reverse, the transmission delays going into Reverse for 3 seconds. While this is going on, the car is basically in Neutral. After three seconds it goes into gear. Does not happen when going from Park to Reverse! Dealer checked it, he says, and they didn't find anything wrong on scanning it. Explorer has hard shifts in the lower gears and today I gave it some gas to accelerate and it kept accelerating when I took my foot off the gas pedal. This has been going on for quite some time. What if I have to backup to avoid someone hitting me at a light or stopped in traffic?