Ford Explorer loss of power 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 Oct 24, 2026 · Transmission · CO

About 3 years and 3 months after a Power Control Module reflash was done in March 2021 under the Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 20B27, vehicle was brought to Ford dealership on 06/07/2024 with mileage at 79,730 for multi point inspection due to vehicle runs rough and hard time accelerating. Diagnostic code was P0316. Service tech recommendation was to replace engine for $14,000.00 including parts and labor (declined recommendation). Brought vehicle to another dealership but found no codes. Instead replaced engine motor mounts, sparkplugs, and air filter due to noticeable vibrations. Dealership service tech inspected engine but found no abnormal findings. Went to another Ford dealership on 10/08/2026 to check Code P0299 that appeared on OBD test and for further inspection due to sluggish acceleration from full stop and slows down going uphill. Ford's guidance stated that torque converter failing due to mileage, acceleration/power loss from dead stop. Recommended fix was to replace the transmission for $8,461.03 (declined recommended service). On 10/23/2026, I picked up my vehicle from the dealership. During my return journey from the dealership, I encountered the same sluggish acceleration. A safety hazard that is attributed to a malfunctioning torque converter, a know problem for Ford. Consequently, Ford dispatched CSP 20B27 to assist in safeguarding the transmission converter from overheating. Regrettably, this intervention proved ineffective in mitigating the problem. Ford issued CSP 20N07 to extend warranty coverage of the automatic transmission torque converter for 12 months from RO date which in my case, RO date on CSP 20B27 was 03/19/2021. Despite the 12-month eligibility period not being met, my vehicle should have remained covered. Initially, Ford was aware of a transmission torque issue and was attempting to resolve it through CSP 20B27 and CSP 20N07. Currently, mileage is at 85K miles but I'm hesitant to drive due to safety concerns.

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · VA

On October 19, 2026, I experienced a serious braking malfunction while driving my 2025 Ford Explorer ST at highway speed. While my foot was on the accelerator, the vehicle unexpectedly began braking repeatedly without me pressing the brake pedal. The vehicle jerked and pulsated as though the ABS was activating. When I attempted to brake, the pedal felt unusually loose and did not immediately respond to the pressure I applied. I eventually managed to slow down and pull onto the highway shoulder. This created a dangerous situation that put me and other motorists at risk. Multiple warnings appeared, including Anti-Lock Brake System Fault, Electronic Parking Brake, Pre-Collision Assist Not Available, and Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power. The dashboard also displayed “Park Brake Not Applied,” although I had not activated the parking brake. FordPass reported that the ABS control module was sending invalid information to other vehicle modules and that the electronic parking brake had a fault. This was the second nearly identical incident. On September 29, 2026, I experienced similar unexpected braking and difficulty controlling the brakes. The dealership diagnosed a software glitch and charged approximately $690 for a system reboot and update, which they stated was not covered under warranty. Despite that repair, the dangerous braking malfunction returned less than three weeks later. The vehicle was towed back to the Ford dealership on October 19 and is awaiting further diagnosis. I am concerned about this recurring braking malfunction and the risk of a serious collision. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this potential safety defect.

Filed Oct 11, 2026 · Engine · CA

Both turbochargers on my 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 have failed. The first turbocharger failed and was replaced in 2025. On August 10, 2026, at about 138,000 miles, the second turbocharger failed: the vehicle lost power and poured thick white smoke from the exhaust as engine oil burned off, making it undrivable. Sudden power loss and heavy smoke while driving are serious safety hazards. This failure is consistent with the turbocharger oil supply tube defect in the federal safety agency recall 16V925000 for this same 3.5L EcoBoost engine, but my VIN falls outside that recall's range. I ask the federal safety agency to investigate turbocharger failures on 2016-2017 Ford Explorer Sport and Platinum models with the 3.5L EcoBoost and consider expanding the recall, and I ask Ford to provide reimbursement or support for these repeated failures.

Filed Oct 11, 2026 · Engine · CA

This is a second complaint for the same vehicle. Complaint number 11770400, filed today, understated the failure history, and I am filing this one so the complete record is in the database. Vehicle: 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, VIN [XXX]. The first turbocharger failure occurred in 2023, at under 110,000 miles, and was repaired at a cost of approximately $2,900. A turbocharger was replaced again in August 2025 at a cost of $2,895. The catalytic converter was replaced in March 2026 at a cost of $1,700. The internal water pump, which sits inside the engine and is driven by the timing chain, was replaced in April 2026 at a cost of $2,350. On [XXX], at about 138,000 miles, the turbochargers failed again, with loss of power and thick white smoke from burning oil, and the vehicle is now undrivable with both turbochargers in question. Major repairs total roughly $9,800 since 2023, with $6,945 of that in the last thirteen months alone. This is a repeating failure of the same components, and it matches the turbocharger oil supply tube defect described in recall 16V925000 for this same engine. Ford limited that recall to 1,352 vehicles, and my VIN falls outside it. Other owners of 2016 and 2017 Explorers report the identical failure outside the recall window, repeat failures after replacement, and turbo failures damaging their catalytic converters. I ask the agency to consider this complete history, and the pattern of identical complaints, in deciding whether to open an investigation, expand the recall, and compensate the affected customers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 10, 2026 · Engine · MI

Vehicle: 2021 Ford Explorer XLT - 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 VIN: [XXX] Odometer: 127,824 Date of failure: [XXX] Complaint Description: I am reporting a complete engine failure due to coolant intrusion on my 2021 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost. This is the known defect affecting 2016-2024 Explorer 2.3L engines. Independent shop diagnosis from attached receipt states: "Engine failure due to Head problem, which cylinder 3 + 4 and head in engine known for coolant intrusion. Cylinder Head failure, carbon build up plus Turbocharger also failure." Vehicle stored DTCs P0300, P0302, P0304, P0316 - random misfire and start-up misfire. Symptoms included rough idle on cold start, white smoke from exhaust, loss of power, check engine light. Mechanic confirmed coolant in cylinders 3 and 4 due to cylinder head failure. This matches Ford's own TSB process for coolant intrusion where if coolant is found, the long block must be replaced. Safety Risk: Loss of drive power, stalling, overheating. This occurred at 127k miles with regular maintenance. This is not wear and tear - this is the documented design defect where machining grooves in the head allow coolant to pool and leak into cylinders. I have requested Ford Customer Relationship Center (1‑866‑436‑7332) open a case for goodwill and check VIN for open recalls including 23S05 (PCM/10R60) and the June 2026 2.3L long block recall for roller finger failure. Ford has not yet issued a formal recall for coolant intrusion despite class action litigation. Request: the federal safety agency investigate and expand recall to include 2021 Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost coolant intrusion / cylinder head failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Steering · 99,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving into a parking lot at approximately 20-25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed after the failure. The contact was able to continue driving and pulled into a parking space, where the vehicle remained overnight. The vehicle was in the process of being towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing and repair. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · OH

Intermittent locking of steering wheel while driving for about 8 months. Now it has complete loss of power steering. [XXX] says service advance trac and complete steering loss pull over safely. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Transmission · OR

Several sensors starting going off all at once, car would lose power, if I tried to reverse it wasn’t able to get in gear for 5-10 seconds. It was around 78k miles. Of course my warranty ended at 75k. It was happening randomly then became more frequent. I took it to the dealer they said they think it is “dtc C0631 present referred tsb 25-2373 need to replace frontIntermediate Shaft Assembly . cost to replace is $1400.00 . then retest after.”. I was shocked to find that this was a known issue for years before it happened to me. I do not understand how this is not classified as a safety issue, or at the very least a manufacturer defect.

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Fuel system · 66,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 10 MPH with children inside the vehicle, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and loss power. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond. A dealer was contacted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a representative would return the phone call. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.