Transmission fails or needs replacement

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transmission (27 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the transmission and drivetrain covers the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

All 15 recalls on the 2016 Ford Explorer, with the owner complaints on each recalled system

NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Explorer

None of these investigations covers the 2016 model year.

What owners paid

8 of the 27 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $5,585 to $12,000.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 45,000 and 84,000 miles, from the 24 reports that gave a mileage.

What owners wrote

“Transmission was rebuilt by Asheville Ford three years ago we’d only put 40,000 miles on it and now it needs a new transmission. We did bring it to another Ford and they had to reseal the casing saying the original sealant wasn’t done right”

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · 40,000 miles

“My car started shaking while i stopped (like at a red light, stop or traffic) I had it diagnosed ($175) and was told it needed to have the transmission changed, my explorer was 6 yrs old with less than 50k miles. I have never hear of that happening as the car well kept. New transmission cost me $5585.40, it seems that every year this car has a new problem. I feel so ripped off this shouldn't happen on a $50k car.”

Filed Aug 23, 2024 · 50,000 miles

“I was driving and stopped in the left turn lane and the car wouldn't move. Had to have the vehicle towed and now I have to replace the transmission on a car that has 72,000 miles on it. There was no advance notice that there was a problem. I have the vehicle serviced regularly.”

Filed Apr 2, 2024 · 72,000 miles

Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works

Other problems on this car

• Trim or a body panel comes off while driving 375 reports
• Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 249 reports
• Windshield cracks or distorts 248 reports
• Engine overheats or leaks coolant 160 reports
• Engine stalls or loses power while driving 142 reports
• Steering wheel clicks, clunks or grinds when I turn 140 reports
• A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 110 reports
• Airbag warning light or recall 99 reports
• Check engine light or misfire 81 reports
• Suspension noise, struts or alignment 73 reports
• Seat belt or seat problems 72 reports
• Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 65 reports
• Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 54 reports
• Water leaks into the cabin 53 reports
• Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks 50 reports
• "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 48 reports
• Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 45 reports
• Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 36 reports