Ford Explorer rollaway problems

Filed Sep 13, 2026 · Transmission · CT

I am concerned this is a known and widespread defect. The 10R60 transmission is the subject of multiple Ford Technical Service Bulletins and an active Ford/the federal safety agency safety recall (26S48 / the federal safety agency 26V‑402) addressing transmission-related park-system and rollaway defects on this same transmission, model, and year. My vehicle was well maintained with routine service, yet the transmission failed internally at approximately 87,000 miles. Given the documented history of failures with this unit, I believe this defect warrants further investigation into transmission reliability and safety on 2020–2021 Ford Explorers equipped with the 10R60, beyond the current recall scope. Repair was quoted by the dealer at approximately $5,000–$8,000. I am filing this complaint so that this failure is documented in the federal safety agency's database and to support identification of any broader safety defect trend.

Filed Sep 13, 2026 · Transmission · CT

I am concerned this is a known and widespread defect. The 10R60 transmission is the subject of multiple Ford Technical Service Bulletins and an active Ford/the federal safety agency safety recall (26S48 / the federal safety agency 26V‑402) addressing transmission-related park-system and rollaway defects on this same transmission, model, and year. My vehicle was well maintained with routine service, yet the transmission failed internally at approximately 87,000 miles. Given the documented history of failures with this unit, I believe this defect warrants further investigation into transmission reliability and safety on 2020–2021 Ford Explorers equipped with the 10R60, beyond the current recall scope. Repair was quoted by the dealer at approximately $5,000–$8,000. I am filing this complaint so that this failure is documented in the federal safety agency's database and to support identification of any broader safety defect trend.

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Transmission · FL

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle came to a complete stop in the middle of traffic. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact attempted to shift it into drive(D); however, the shifter returned to park(P) independently. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced due to a transmission rollaway issue. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). The contact stated that a yellow light was flashing on the instrument panel, with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle during the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the fault codes listed for the transmission failure were associated with the recall.

Filed Sep 3, 2026 · Transmission · TX

My 2020 Ford Explorer experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure directly tied to active Safety Recall 26S48 / the federal safety agency Campaign 26V402000. While operating the vehicle, the transmission's internal parking pawl failed/shattered, completely locking the rear wheels mechanism. The vehicle is entirely immobilized and cannot move even an inch, even when the gear selector is manually turned to Neutral or when the Manual Park Release (MPR) tether is fully engaged. [1, 2] The vehicle had to be flatbed-towed using specialized wheel dollies to prevent severe structural and drivetrain destruction because the wheels are locked solid. When attempting to have the vehicle received at an authorized Ford dealership, the dealership refused to accept the vehicle or open a formal repair ticket, claiming that because the final recall remedy parts are delayed until 2027, they "cannot take the vehicle." [1] Ford Motor Company is failing to provide a timely safety remedy or manage its dealership network to accommodate a vehicle that has already suffered a total mechanical failure due to this exact recalled defect. The vehicle is a severe rollaway and structural hazard, completely undriveable, and Ford is denying responsibility or alternative transportation assistance because the parts do not yet exist. I am requesting immediate federal intervention to compel Ford to ground this vehicle, provide a safe loaner, and initiate a manufacturer buyback.

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · CA

I am reporting ongoing safety-related powertrain and drivability concerns involving my 2021 Ford Explorer ST in Fresno, California. The vehicle has experienced recurring transmission and driveline problems, including harsh or delayed shifting, hesitation, abrupt gear engagement, jerking/surging, and inconsistent acceleration. These symptoms are similar to transmission concerns documented by Ford for 2021 Explorers equipped with the 10R60 automatic transmission, including harsh/delayed engagement or shifting and potential issues involving transmission controls, solenoid strategy, and main-control valves. The vehicle has also required CV axle/half-shaft repairs, raising additional concerns regarding driveline reliability. I am also concerned about the known rear differential/rear axle mounting-bolt defect affecting 2021 Explorers. Ford has documented that the rear axle mounting bolt may fracture, allowing the axle housing to move. This can result in severe vibration/noise and possible driveshaft or half-shaft disconnection, potentially causing loss of propulsion. The defect may also contribute to a vehicle rollaway hazard. These combined transmission, CV axle, and rear differential concerns create a significant safety risk. Delayed acceleration or engagement can prevent the vehicle from responding as expected when entering intersections, making left turns, merging onto highways, changing lanes, or avoiding hazards. Abrupt engagement after hesitation can cause unexpected vehicle movement. Failure of a CV axle, half-shaft, or rear axle/differential mounting component could cause sudden loss of propulsion or vehicle control. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether these recurring transmission and driveline problems represent a broader safety defect involving the 10R60 transmission, CV axles/half-shafts, rear differential mounting system, or related powertrain components.

Filed Aug 26, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · CA · crash

the federal safety agency COMPLAINT: VIN [XXX]: Transmission cooler (Part 7869) ruptured, mixing fluid/coolant into corrosive glycol-acid in violation of SSM 52917. Contamination dissolved wiring insulation and delaminated clutch plates, causing systemic short circuits and CAN-bus load-shedding. Boiling fluid released toxic glycol/hydrocarbon vapors through HVAC ducts into the cabin without notice, creating an inhalation hazard. Vehicle available for inspection at South Bay Ford (BAR #XXX; captive 93 days).RISK: On XXX short circuits caused complete power steering assist dropout mid-transit. Steering locked during a turn, causing a crash into gate posts, endangering my minor children inside. Cabin chemical vapor inhalation caused respiratory tract irritation, dizziness, and headaches. Open recall hazards remain for visibility loss (Recall 26S14) and rollaway (Recall 26S48 parts backordered to 2027).CONFIRMATION: Contamination, a -1,212-mile odometer fraud discrepancy, and bricked electrical starting systems confirmed by dealer records XXX. Admitted unauthorized repairs to mask trouble codes and evade SSM 52917 confirmed in writing by Service Director [XXX] XXX, violating CA Bus & Prof Code 9884.9.HISTORY: Tracked under Ford RAV buyback #XXX, Corporate Escalation #[XXX], and CA Bureau of Automotive Repair Investigator [XXX] (Case #XXX). Total statutory loss is $54,628.75.SYMPTOMS: Transmission drops began XXX (42,319 miles). Dealer cleared codes and coerced 500 extra miles. XXX alerts included "Powertrain Malfunction" loops. Telematics registered false "Vehicle is On" loops. On XXX, dealer blocked diagnostics via a manufactured battery charge demand exactly 24 hours before federal Recall 26S48 launched. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 27, 2026 · Transmission, Visibility · 78,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle unexpectedly rolled forward while the vehicle was in park(P). Due to the failure, the contact was forced to engage the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling forward while in park(P). The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility) and 26V402000(Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not available. The dealer was notified of the recalls and confirmed that parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Transmission · CO · crash

The vehicle was parked on a slight incline and they were inside the vehicle rolled away and struck a fire hydrant. The vehicle was in park and rolled down the hill and struck multiple stationary objects.

Filed Jul 2, 2026 · Transmission · 84,612 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after his wife had parked the vehicle, the message "Parking Malfunction" was displayed and the vehicle rolled forward. The parking brake was activated to prevent the vehicle from rolling away. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,612.

Filed Feb 16, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

I own a 2020 Ford Explorer with approximately 85,776 miles. The vehicle has experienced two separate loss-of-propulsion events in traffic. On both occasions, the vehicle suddenly lost power while driving and stalled in the middle of a busy intersection. There was no prior warning of imminent engine failure. After stalling, the vehicle would crank but would not restart. The vehicle was disabled in the intersection for approximately 45 minutes to one hour each time. My family was inside the vehicle during these incidents. The vehicle displayed multiple malfunction warnings including “Shift System Fault” and messages indicating the vehicle was not in Park even when the shifter was in the Park position. The dealership, Hansel Ford of Petaluma, verified the concern and referenced Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 23-2249 related to internal transmission components, including the valve body and park pawl actuator system. The dealership confirmed that when the vehicle is placed in Park, it may actually remain in Neutral. This creates an additional safety risk of unintended vehicle movement. This issue presents a serious safety hazard due to: •Sudden loss of propulsion in traffic •Vehicle disabled in active intersections •Extended inability to restart •Potential rollaway risk due to Park malfunction The vehicle is currently pending major transmission-related repairs. I am submitting this complaint due to concerns about loss of propulsion and park system malfunction creating a safety risk for occupants and surrounding traffic.