I was driving to work on XXX. My explorer slipped out of gear while driving. I was a minute from work so I went and parked it. The vehicle wouldn’t shift out of gear or into park. The symptoms seemed to be tied to recall 26S48 / the federal safety agency Recall 26V402 so I had the car towed to a ford dealership. The service guy said it would be diagnosed in 1-2 weeks. It was finally diagnosed 3 weeks later. The service person told me I’d need a new transmission and it would cost 9800 to replace. I asked for the mechanics notes and diagnostic codes. They sent this: “Concerns verified, no crank no start the vehicle is stuck in park setting dtc P07E4. Found ssm 49685 and checked ground G210 and G214. Both grounds are not loose continued normal diagnosis. Completed work shop manual pinpoint test I. Found no issues with PCM or transmission harness wiring. Removed the transmission fluid pan for further testing. Found that the transmission fluid is black in color and is contaminated with metal debris. Found large chunks of steel within the transmission fluid pan. With further inspection found that the park pawl actuator rod has broken and has caused damage to the parking pawl causing the vehicle to hang in park. Dtc P07E4 sets because the vehicle cannot physically shift out of park. This failure has caused fluid contamination and has caused further damage to the transmission. Catastrophic failure is present. Transmission replacement is recommended along with replacing the transmission fluid cooler as fine metal debris may not be able to flushed from the cooler. -- [XXX]” I believe that the park pawl breaking is exactly the recall issue. I called ford corporate and they said they can’t do anything until the final remedy notice letter comes out at the end of this week 10/23 and can’t do any interim repairs until the recall is finalized. I texted the dealership to hold the vehicle until the letter is released. I’ve been out of a vehicle for a little over 3 weeks and frustrated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
Ford Explorer slipping problems
486 of the 34,647 owner complaints about the Ford Explorer describe transmission slipping, most of them for the 2002 model year.
- owner complaints
- 486
- worst model year
- 2002
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,500
- typical mileage
- 80,000
By model year
Often reported together
Transmission failure 87Jerking 57Harsh shifting 53Won't shift 25Hesitation 22Check engine light 21Stalling 14Grinding brakes 14
Trouble codes mentioned
P0755 2P07E4 1P0745 1P0732 1
What owners say
The transmission is actively slipping and dropping out of gear while driving causing unexpected loss of acceleration on public roads. This represents an extreme road safety hazard. The manufacture was notified but refused to offer assistance or grace coverage immediately following a Premium CARE factory contract expiration.
While the vehicle was under warranty, I reported a transmission problem to an authorized Ford dealership involving sudden slipping out of gear into neutral at highway speeds, resulting in momentary loss of power and acceleration. The dealership performed diagnostic testing but stated they could not identify a problem and advised that the vehicle was safe to continue driving. The condition persisted intermittently. After the warranty period expired, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic transmission failure while on a heavily traveled highway. The vehicle suddenly lost power and the rear wheels locked, creating a dangerous traffic situation requiring assistance from two state police vehicles until the vehicle could be towed. The vehicle was taken to the same Ford dealership that previously evaluated the transmission concern. The dealership then diagnosed a complete transmission failure requiring replacement at a cost of approximately $9,000. I contacted Ford Headquarters regarding this issue and the prior warranty period complaint, but Ford has not responded to the matter in any way. I believe the transmission failure is a continuation of the original transmission defect that was reported during the warranty period but not repaired. I am submitting this complaint because of the significant safety risk created by sudden loss of power and rear wheel lockup while driving at highway speeds. All documentation of original issue and current repair is at the Ford Dealership.
When I am driving at a speed limit of 35-45 mph, there is a shutter in my transmission accompanied by a rattling noise. It only happens at that range of speed, below 35 and above 45 it seems to work just fine. If I have to drive a considerate amount of time at that speed, it does it constantly and I can't make it stop. It feels like the transmission will blow up. I have seen multiple articles and recalls for the torque converter in the 2016-2020 models, but apparently my VIN number isn't included, although the symptoms are exactly like the open recall symptoms of other Explorers. I have taken it to a transmission shop to get it test driven and diagnosed and they agreed that it did feel like the torque converter was slipping, but their advise was to rebuild the whole transmission since there wasn't any recalls specifically for my VIN number. It does not show any messages or have any warning lights about this issue on the car itself, I don't know if the computer recognizes these type of issues or not.
Repeated failures of the rear axle bolt recall remedy on my 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid. The vehicle has undergone multiple repairs including replacement of the rear axle bolt, axle seals, and transmission alignment. Despite these repairs the vehicle continues to exhibit driveline instability, seal leakage and symptoms similar to transmission slip.
The car was up on ramps, to replace a sensor, in park and slipped out of gear rolling backwards with force. Someone could have been under or behind the vehicle. Other vehicles could have been behind, property could have been damaged. The cars door caught the building and pulled it all the way back against the front fender.
Stopped at traffic light when changed to green pushed on the gas started to roll backwards . Got it stopped and pushed on gas would barely go sounded like transmission slipping. Finally got it thru the stoplight and it started again. Got it home called local dealership took it in and have to take it back Friday morning at 8. Scary!
slipping gears between 1&2nd gear, harsh/delayed shifting, some power loss. Vehicle is around 120k miles
While braking vehicle downshifted harshly with a noticeable slam into gear. While under acceleration, vehicle rpms raised sharply as transmission slipped and would not engage and accelerate. Potential risk to injury as vehicle transmission failed on interstate with loss of acceleration. Towed vehicle to Ford dealership. Ford dealership inspected to the conclusion of "Fluid full/extremely burnt. Possible A clutch failure due to faulty front support". Ford dealer recommended to remove and replace transmission. - Transmission failure, not available for inspection. - Safety risk due to transmission failure at interstate speeds with loss of acceleration. - Problem reproduced by Ford dealership - Transmission inspected by Ford dealership - Wrench light illuminated shortly after initial harsh downshift and acceleration with transmission slip.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The transmission failed at approximately 80,000 miles. It requires a complete rebuild/replacement. The failed transmission is available for inspection upon request. It is currently at the transmission shop. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Although the vehicle was technically still drivable, it did not feel safe. The transmission slipped and struggled to shift, and the vehicle felt like it could break down or cause a wreck at any point. The sudden and unpredictable loss of proper control put me and other drivers at risk. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. An independent transmission repair service confirmed the failure and determined that the transmission required a full rebuild/replacement. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. It has only been inspected and diagnosed by an independent repair service. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages prior to the failure. The first symptoms were slipping and difficulty shifting gears, which began shortly before I took it to a repair shop.
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
- Risk
- Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on June 26, 2026.
Recall number 26V402000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.
- Risk
- A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect for park system damage and replace the park system components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S39. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on on June 12, 2026.
Recall number 26V371000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module: software
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles. The powertrain control module (PCM) may reset while driving, which can damage the park system or cause an engine stall.
- Risk
- A damaged park system can result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. An engine stall while driving can result in a sudden loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S35.
Recall number 25V239000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V‑199 or 22V‑255. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
- Risk
- A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S22.
Recall number 25V166000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve body
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
- Risk
- Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
Recall number 25V164000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
- Risk
- A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. They will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole location and replace with a new cover if any damage is found. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S55.
Recall number 23V675000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to "PARK."
- Risk
- The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S06.
Recall number 23V070000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.
- Risk
- A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S05.
Recall number 23V069000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 3.3L engine and a 10 Speed Automatic Transmission with the All Wheel Drive package. The drive shaft may fracture along the weld seam.
- Risk
- Defective drive shafts may fail and cause a loss of connection between the transfer case and rear axle, possibly resulting in a vehicle rollaway when in Park or a loss of drive. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash. The drive shafts can also deform and separate from the driveline and potentially contact the fuel tank, increasing the risk of fuel leaks and/or fire.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shaft label inspected and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S65.
Recall number 20V693000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
- Risk
- The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
Recall number 20V692000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford Explorer slipping
Which Ford Explorer years have transmission slipping problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2002 (180 complaints), 2004 (61 complaints) and 2003 (38 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix transmission slipping on the Ford Explorer?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,500 (median of 83 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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