2018 FORD EXPLORER Power Train Problems

- I have experienced a sudden loss of engine power and speed on 5 occasions. Very scary and dangerous to completely lose power on the highway with cars behind you. Had to pull off onto the shoulder(s) in dangerous conditions, with two young kids in the backseat. Hazards, turn off the car, restart the car, etc. - When the power loss happens, the vehicle's dashboard lights turn on, including the engine and wrench icons along with the words "See Manual." - Based on my research, I believe it may be due to a defective throttle body and/or software, related to the "terrain management system." - Problem was not reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center - No inspections by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others - No warning message is provided prior to the failure, which is another issue

Purchased 5 years ago aprox 100k miles.kept oil changed regularly. Of course parts kept coming off, monk safety clips etc. It's a dime store matcbox wannabe. Then the abs and engine light came on. The computer was acting up and it would do crazy things. Lock and unlock, go into that slow drive as i was pulling into a road. Etc. These would self correct, all but the abs in a matter of minutes. Oh i did have it checked. All that came up was right wheel speed sensor. I paid to have it fixed. Ford dealer told me his news, new sensor bad news still says it's bad. I was moving to another state. Stranger things kept happening. None could find out what was wrong. It started back firing so new plugs and coils. The shop told me after that it still had issues and while no code it was the transmission. It started to violently shake going 70mph. Scared me to death. I sold it and now car shopping. Never Ford again! I have always trusted them but they have compromised on quality, safety and customer loyalty.

Had a recall at 60K miles for transmission, every since then the transmission has been breaking down at every 20k miles, I am going through my 3rd transmission now and Ford can't make their transmission right. The diagnoses is internal failure every time.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine overheated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the serpentine belt had failed. The contact replaced the serpentine belt, and the vehicle was repaired. Later, while operating the vehicle, several electrical warning lights were displayed. The battery was replaced, but the failure persisted. The contact replaced the alternator; however, after replacing the alternator, the transmission remained stuck in park(P), rendering the vehicle undrivable. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 155,000.

Mileage: 155,000

On September 27th 2023 I brought my vehicle in because it was having shifting and vibration issues. To shop notice that the information I gave them was related to the transmission and with further review there was a recall on the transmission part of me coming into the shop. Which I wasn't aware of even when I brought my vehicle in months before that for recall maintenance. I had to pay for my transmission to be repaired we should have been done by Ford. The car was driving fine until early this year when it starts to do the vibration that was the issue previous when my transmission was going out. So I set up appointment at Ford dealership while I was in route to the dealership my car started to sputter and shake and fall out of gear. So I turned around tried to make it home in the car just stopped moving. I wasn't able to move forward or reverse there is no connection within the transmission for my car to move. I got my car towed to the dealership who diagnosed my car and my transmission and they stated that there was metal fragments found in the fluid level and I also said that the torque converter clutch performance never engage when it was testing it. I told him about my previous transmission issue with Ford and I also States them that four has have many federal recalls dealing with their transmissions in their vehicle.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC: P0303 (Misfire in cylinder #3). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, who confirmed the failure. The dealer replaced the spark plugs and ignition coils. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, after the contact had the tires serviced, and the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the torque converter and engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure due to the cost. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.

Mileage: 119,000

Vehicle has lack of acceleration during launch, sluggish vehicle operation, and shudder/vibration while driving. Vehicle acceleration falters while attempting to merge onto a freeway creating dangerous driving conditions for myself and others on the freeway. Ford has issued a TSB and Customer Satisfaction Program (number 20N07) to cover the costs of essential repairs to the torque converter for this problem but Ford claims my vehicle is not covered by this TSB/CSP. This is despite the fact Ford confirms my vehicle was assembled at the same plant during the same time period as the rest of the vehicles covered by the TSB/CSP. Vehicle is available for inspection. Ford should be compelled to include my vehicle in this important safety program.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating excessively and the vehicle hesitated with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while driving uphill the message "Hill Start Assist Not Available" was displayed. The contact was able to drive uphill; however, the failure recurred after driving a short distance. The transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle was not able to pull into the driveway. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that there were metal shards found in the engine and that the transmission had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Mileage: 86,000

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was black smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the battery was faulty. The battery was replaced. The contact stated that while driving, there was black smoke coming from under the hood, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The transmission was replaced. Later, while driving again, the black smoke was again present coming from the hood of the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine and turbo were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.

Mileage: 40,000

2018 Ford Explorer in SEP 24 loss of driving power, complete, would not shift into any gear approximately 10k miles after a new transmission. Limped to dealer and they confirmed a replacement for the transmission, torque converter in particular. April 2025, engine warning light comes on, transmission torque converter failed again.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to vibrate excessively. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Torque converter failed at 60k miles. Engine failure at 110k miles while driving causing risk of serious injury due to being stranded in the road. Transmission failure at 127k miles causing risk of serious injury or death due to failing while driving. Driver was unable to accelerate vehicle in automatic (rpms would increase to unsafe levels but no speed was gained). Driver able to switch to Sporty mode and manually switch between gears enough to safely exit the highway. This particular model of the Explorer has been a mess and a headache from day one! Attempted to request a buyback from Ford, which was denied. Ford did provide partial assistance with the replacement of the engine, but refuse to provide any assistance with the transmission failure.

I bought my 2018 Explorer in July of 2024, End of November 2024 it was completely dead no power what so ever, got it jumped and replaced the battery. Things had been going well until the middle of January I had to jump it every day took it to my dealership they tested the battery and said it had a bad cell, I took the battery back to where I bought it and had it replaced everything went fine again for a week and back to jumping it every single day except this time it would even jump with a jumper pack. There is no lights or warnings on at all indicating at problem

This will be another submission as I am getting frustrated. My Explorer has had constant issues like clock work every 6/7 months. I have gone through 6 batteries in a two year time span. I have had the battery control module replaced because I thought that would be the fix. However it is not. While operating my vehicle yesterday on [XXX] after barely even starting the battery died and my car said multiple systems were failing almost causing someone to rear ended me. This is a safety issue like no other. When will I receive feedback for these matters I keep submitting? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Body control module has went out in the vehicle multiple times. Which causes the battery to die and the vehicle not to start. Part has been replaced multiple times.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while approaching a stop sign, the vehicle started shuddering while depressing the brake pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

Mileage: 84,000

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to shift to revere, the vehicle jerked and hesitated before shifting into reverse. The contact stated that after shifting to drive, the RPM revved; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact released the accelerator pedal, shifted to neutral and back to drive while slowly depressing the accelerator pedal for the vehicle to operate as needed. The contact stated that afterwards while driving 20 MPH or more, the vehicle sputtered and was making an abnormal grinding sound. While idling, the vehicle started shaking violently. The contact stated that the “WRENCH” and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed due to failed spark plugs and filters. The mechanic also stated that there was a significant amount of rust on the engine. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact became aware of a Customer Satisfaction Program: 10181988 (Power Train) and Technical Service Bulletin 10184634 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Power Train) and linked the TSB and CSP to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall, Customer Satisfaction Program 10181988 (Power Train), and Technical Service Bulletin 10184634 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Power Train). The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.

Mileage: 65,000

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the transmission became inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the torque converter and flywheel were fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,033.

Mileage: 107,033

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission experienced rough downshifting. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission had previously been replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with torque converter failure, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced for the third time. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

Mileage: 104,000

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking while idling, initially without warning. Recently, while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the vehicle shut off while idling with the transmission warning light illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to an independent mechanic. The mechanic performed a diagnostic test and diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle related to the transmission. The contact was provided a case number and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Mileage: 120,000

Ford explorer transmission is out and at 62000 miles just under 5 years old. While driving vehicle it will loose power, making it difficult to drive safely. vehicle is currently at a ford dealership that verified issued. Ford motor company states must submit complaint here. when vehicle looses power it states "check manual" with a wrench symbol. No check engine is displayed.

On February 9, 2024 I was headed to work as a ICU Charge Nurse. I was driving about 65 mph on the highway and suddenly my engine failed. My engine completely turned off. I wasn’t able to press the gas to accelerate. My steering wheel also locked so I had no control over my vehicle anymore. Eventually, smoke started to come from my engine. I nearly lost my life with no control over my vehicle. Someone could have hit me from the spontaneous failure of the engine. This was extremely traumatic for me. I bought this car from a Ford dealership and get all my services done through Ford. On January 24, 2024 I took my car to Ford for a multi-point inspection, oil change, and tire rotation. I also got a fuel system change. I had no warning lamps, messages, or any symptoms that the vehicle would fail prior to the incident. I got my vehicle towed to the dealership of purchase. They reported that it was an internal failure of the engine from a broken water pump. This is an ongoing issue that Ford is aware of. How does a water pump fail with no indication? Why hasn’t there been a recall on Ford’s water pump and engine failure. How many people have to lose their lives before a safety recall is issued. I was lucky to survive that but others may not be. Please help!

January 2023 - vehicle shifts hard, revs high between shift points, almost jumps between shifts. Trouble code p0757- shift solenoid “b” stuck open. 85,000 miles. Cost to fix $900. December 2023 - same code, same symptoms. Now entire transmission needs to be replaced at a cost of $6600. 100,000 miles.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving with Adaptive Cruise Control mode engaged. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission fluid was flushed. The contact stated that the failure recurred increasingly after 4,000 miles. The contact stated while at a complete stop and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle shuddered significantly as if the vehicle was attempting to drive forward. The contact stated that he applied more pressure on the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 115,631.

Mileage: 115,631

Torque converter issues as outlined here: [XXX] Almost was in accident due to loss of power and slow take off from issue with transmission torque converter. Engine shaking bad when in drive or reverse while stopped. Caused two motor mounts to be damaged. One split open and leaked fluid. Those have already been replaced. Less than 60k miles this should not be an issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Torque converter and transmission problems cause the vehicle to stutter upon acceleration or not accelerate at all. Gear shifts can be erratic. No CEL or DTCs appear in the OBD system. I was barely able to proceed through an intersection until the transmission finally engaged fully and I was able to accelerate correctly. Ford is aware of the problem as proven by TSBs 20B27 and 20N07 but refuse to fix my vehicle as I am just outside of the expiration window and apparently my VNI does not fall within the TSB program, even though my car's problems are identical to the TSB description. This transmission problem is a huge safety concern for anyone driving Ford's using the 6F35 transmissions. The contact stated it was confirmed the torque converter failed and shed debris throughout the entire transmission. This cause multiple non-accelerations at stop signs and red lights, gear slipping when trying to accelerate, failure to engage first gear, and random RPM drops while lightly accelerating.

I have owned this vehicle for a year and have gone through three batteries. It shows multiple coded for circuit shorts - Passenger mirror motor, tailgate/liftgate/trunk motor as well as the cinch striker motor, instrument panel which has lost communication with cruise control module, power steering module, battery voltage circuit below threshold, driver side curtain deployment control 1 circuit short to ground, switch illumination. When the vehicle is stopped or parked it constanly idles up to 1000 to 1500 rpms. These are all the codes that are showing on my vehicle. There has to be some sort of issue causing these problems. What happens if my airbag deploys without warning causing me to cause a major accident which can harm myself, my spouse, children and the people around me.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a stop, the vehicle hesitated while responding. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the torque converter had overheated. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic for a second opinion where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was then towed to the residence where it remained. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

Mileage: 103,000

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic signal, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N07 Torque Converter Shudder (Power Train). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

Mileage: 67,000

The vehicle had a premature water pump failure that leaked antifreeze into the engine compartment and caused the engine to seize up while traveling at a higher rate of speed.

Dealer refuses to repair vehicle without issues being present. States They will only fix it once the problem has arisen.

I’ve taken my vehicle multiple times to the Ford dealership due to continuing issues. Every time I’m told nothing is wrong and now I can’t even drive my car 5 feet.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while approaching a stop light, the vehicle started to vibrate without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the transmission support needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the transmission might have malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that there was no recall for the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 78,000.

Mileage: 78,000

2018 Ford Explorer developed a shudder and rough idle, sluggish vehicle operation, slow acceleration during launch. No warning lamps. Researched issues online and found a bulletin from Ford Motor Company dated October 9, 2020 that identified the issue as a torque converter defect. My vehicle was manufactured during the identified time period and at the identified assembly plant but I did not receive a notice from Ford for the repair program. My vehicle has exhibited all of the known issues as well as a total loss of power while reversing leaving me sideways in the middle of the road while I had my family on a road trip risking collision and injury. Dealership confirms there was an issue but refuses to repair because my VIN was not listed in their system as affected. Feel the issue may extend to more vehicles than Ford previously figured.

As I was driving the car slowed down and jerked a little. ( no lights came on ) It happened again getting on the freeway, on another day. Still no lights on the dash. It did it another time and the light that indicate it's the power train. All while I was going through this I took it to a shop that said nothing was wrong with my vehicle. I only had my vehicle 5 months before the first slow down. I tried to take it to Pat Millenkin Ford they MEVER looked at the powertrain after me telling them I thought it was the transmission, but I was told it has no issues because it wasn't a light on. Two day's after getting my car back same problem happened, I called then was giving the run around then after my warranty expired they said bring it in which now they want me to pay over $4000 but they never did a diagnostic test on my powertrain. There also was a manufacturer customer satisfaction program from Ford on the transmission #20N07 before I purchased.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the vehicle inadvertently rolled. The contact stated that while shifting to reverse, the vehicle hesitated to respond. Additionally, while driving the vehicle was jerking. The service warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

Mileage: 45,000

I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING ACCELERATION/TRANSMISSION CONCERNS, WHERE THE VEHICLE ESSENTIAL STALLS AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 5 SECONDS, THE COMPUTER AND TRANSMISSION APPEAR TO 'SYNC' AND THE VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE, BUT THE ISSUE WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPEN, I WAS IN A COSTCO PARKING LOT, SO I DID NOT THINK MUCH OF IT. THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPEN, JULY 12TH, 2020, I WAS CROSSING A BUSY ROAD OF TRAFFIC NEAR MY HOME AND WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE. AS I WAS CROSSING THE 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN, MY VEHICLE STALLED AND I WAS ALMOST SIDE SWIPED BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. UPON EXTENSIVE ANALYSIS OF THE VEHICLE, THE TECHNICIANS COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE INCLUDING NO FAILED SENSORS IN THE COMPUTER AND THE TECHNICIANS WERE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE THE CONCERN. ON AUGUST 19TH, 2020, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I IMMEDIATELY RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO FORD DEALERSHIP HOPING THIS WAS A RESULT OF THE ISSUES I HAD BEEN HAVING. UPON ANOTHER DIAGNOSIS, THE ERROR WAS CLEARED FOR AN ENGINE KNOCK SENSOR, BUT THIS WAS NOT RELATED TO MY CONCERNS WITH THE ACCELERATION OR TRANSMISSION.

Mileage: 30,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC ON THE FREEWAY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO LIMP MODE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AUTONATION FORD EAST (28825 EUCLID AVE, WICKLIFFE, OH 44092) WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC ATTRIBUTED THE FAILURE TO A POTENTIAL TURBO LAG. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. CONSUMER STATED INDICATOR FAULT LIGHTS ON THE DASH FAILED THREE TIMES.*JB

Mileage: 14,500

TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE FOR NO KNOWN REASON WITH LESS THAN 3000 MILES AND 4 MONTHS OLD. CANNOT BE FIXED, MUST BE REPLACED.

Mileage: 2,350

MY 2016 EXPLORER HAS 74,000 MILES AND THE RPM NEEDLE IS STICKING. HAD IT EVALUATED AND FOUND TRANSMISSION NEUTRAL OUT ON A 2/3 SHIFT AND A 4/5 SHIFT. FLUID LEVEL IS CORRECT, THIS IS DUE TO EXCESSIVE CLEARANCE IN THE DIRECT CLUTCH. THE FORD DEALERSHIP RECOMMEND OVERHAUL OR REPLACEMENT. REPLACEMENT IS ON BACK ORDER AND WOULD TAKE SEVERAL MONTHS TO GET. I CALLED THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND GOT A CASE #CAS15675568. HAVE REACHED OUT TO THE DEALER SHIP AND THEY ARE DISCUSSING AND IT HAS NOW BEEN 48 HRS. WHAT IS DIFFICULT ABOUT MAKING A DECISION AND CONTACTING ME. I'M INCLINED TO BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF 2016 WITH THIS SAME ISSUE BECAUSE OF THE BACK ORDER. IT SHOULD PROBABLY BE A RECALL ISSUE?