2019 FORD EXPLORER Power Train Problems

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle suddenly started sputtering and decelerated unintendedly. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 52,000.

Mileage: 52,000

[XXX] � [XXX] [XXX] ⸻ To Whom It May Concern, My name [XXX], and I am writing to file a formal complaint against Ford Motor Company and multiple associated dealerships for gross negligence, financial harm, and discriminatory practices related to a recall repair that began in 2023 and has yet to be properly resolved. I own a 2019 Ford Explorer, VIN [XXX]. In 2023, I brought my vehicle to Wayne Akers Ford in West Palm Beach due to a torque converter recall. Before the issue was fixed, their transmission technician was fired, and I was redirected to Mullinax Ford. That began a two-year ordeal of being passed around between dealerships, misdiagnosed, and ignored while the original issue persisted. Alpaca Ford on 10th Avenue witnessed the malfunction twice but refused to repair it. I was told by Lenny, the Service Manager, and the Advisor Manager to “monitor the mileage” and report back — a delay tactic that eventually allowed them to deny my repair once the issue persisted at under 30 miles. When I returned with proof, they claimed the warranty had expired. This was caused entirely by their inaction and misguidance. To make matters worse: •I was forced to pay $1,300 for motor mounts that didn’t resolve the issue, despite telling them repeatedly it was unrelated. Ford covered a portion, but I was left to pay $897 out of pocket. •Tim Olsen at Wayne Akers Ford has refused to provide my refund and is now ignoring all calls and communication. •Ford’s corporate customer service has been involved from the beginning and failed to intervene effectively — despite acknowledging the situation. •I recently left a Google review describing my experience at Mullinax Ford, including my repeated denial of loaner vehicles while white customers were offered them freely. After posting the review, I was retaliated against — they refused to continue working on my car and told me to “come pick it up” without completing r INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The transmission was violently jerking when accelerating to get on the interstate. Our Explorer is available for inspection upon request. It was dangerous in that we couldn't have a consistent speed when joining oncoming traffic on the road. The local Ford dealer did confirm the transmission needed replacement. Ford did an inspection on the original transmission and confirmed it was damaged. It was a sudden failure of the transmission and it included a wrench light on the dashboard. We had a rebuilt transmission installed by the local Ford dealer which cost us over $9,400. This is known issue by Ford, especially for the Explorers, but they are not standing behind their powertrains. I contacted Corporate Ford to see about any goodwill, but they were not interested in providing any assistance.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after shifting to the drive position the vehicle would shake and vibrate. The failure continued while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the torque convert and reprogrammed the PCM but approximately one year later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 83,000.

Mileage: 83,000

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after shifting to the drive position the vehicle would shake and vibrate. The failure continued while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the torque convert and reprogrammed the PCM but approximately one year later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 83,000.

Mileage: 83,000

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, while depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle failed to respond as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was shielded by a bystander so that the contact would not be rear-ended. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was taken not to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that cylinder #2 had been replaced three times and the spark plugs were replaced; however, the vehicle was not fixed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

Mileage: 99,000

When i go to drive my car in the mornings when it first starts up I have to let it sit or it won't accelerate and if I just try to drive it the powertrane warning light comes on but it will be gone when I let it sit off for a bit. The ford dealership stated it was the torque converter and have replaced it twice in less than two years.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. While the contact's husband was driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that the failure mostly occurred while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal with the transmission shifting between second and third gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was then taken to Pioneer Transmission Services, where the transmission was replaced. The contact stated that the transmission warning light illuminated while driving at an undisclosed speed. The vehicle was taken back to Pioneer Transmission Services, where the torque converter was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an unstated related recall. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

Mileage: 84,000

Vehicle shutters during acceleration due to torque converter failure. Vehicle shutters while traveling due to torque converter failure. Vehicle jerks when transmission is shifting due to torque converter failure. The vehicle was brought to the Ford dealer without the check engine light or mechanical light on. The Ford dealer was able to verify the above listed issues and deemed the torque converter failed. The ford dealer quoted me $4,000.00 for repairs. The torque converter failures in these vehicles is a common issue that Ford has failed to fix that can cause accidents and harm to persons involved due to bad design of the torque converter and transmission.

Code P0301 can’t pin point issue

2019 Ford Explorer XLT with FWD Transaxle transmission and 46,107 miles on odometer, purchased in November 2018 and now 5 years old this month. Way too early for a transmission failure to occur. Normally drive the posted speed limit unless changes in the traffic patterns slower or a little faster.8 Heard a noise from left front wheel area when accelerating and slowing/re-accelerating in traffic. Extended service plan expired (5 year, 60,000 miles, Nov 2018-Nov 2023). Took car to local garage, did a test drive and checked by mechanic. It was determined that problem came from transmission. There have been NO warning lamps, messages, etc. prior to me noticing the problem and nothing since mechanic checked the vehicle. Sounded like the right front wheel area made a noise when turning around in a parking lot this morning. Mechanic estimated cost to repair with parts, labor, etc., will be $6,245.90 out of pocket.

For months, almost a year, my transmission could not properly accelorate. The car would not allow for the pick up in speed to happen. Each time I took it to the shop that cares for my car, Mike's More Miles, the problem would not duplicate. My special needs son, his service dog and I were all of the expressway traveling, the car slowed down on its own, I had not applied the brakes, the speed dropped from 65 to less than 35 in seconds. I pulled over and tried to regain speed after putting the car into park. No luck. the car would not go faster then 20-30 miles an hour, with me putting into neutral when coasting downhill, then back into drive manually to get it to the repair shop. This almost caused a terrible accident. This scared my son, who has brain disease. Our 85 lb. service dog was jolted from the back of the car slamming into the seat. I was also very scared and shaken. My son began to yell and scream what is happening, it was a scary and tense, literally jaw dropping experience. I drove to Enterprise Rental, called Austin the owner of the shop that has tried to duplicate the problem on a dozen tried and told him what occurred. I left my car at Enterprise, where Austin picked it up. The problem did duplicate. FINALLY a code came up to diagnose the problem. The transmission fluid was also black, with metal shavings in it as well. Please refer to all technical service bulletins that note this is a known problem by Ford. I have paid $7582.70 for a new transmission. The shop owner, Austin, told me the torque converter overheated, the transmission had failed. I also paid for the rental car an estimate of $490.00.

Vehicle lost acceleration while driving down highway and shuttered severally when depressing gas pedal. I had to cut across lanes of highway traffic with no power and nearly caused an accident. Engine revs up be vehicle wont accelerate, just shakes badly. I am waiting on a mechanic to verify the problem but appears to be a transmission failure. The vehicle has had hard shifting in recent months leading up to this failure. A 2019 model year with 105000 miles.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered and failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that the failure also occurred on several occasions while driving up an incline. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 84,000.

Mileage: 84,000

Vehicle suddenly began vibrating while in drive or reverse, and developed decreased acceleration, and overall sluggish performance. Mechanic checked and said it was the torque converter. This exact problem is addressed by a Customer Satisfaction Program 20N07, which seems like it should include my vehicle because it was manufactured in the covered location and dates. However, my VIN number does not appear to be covered.

Rough idle in drive and reverse, hard shifting or not shifting In to gear

The vehicle vibrates excessively when shifting into Drive or Reverse (rough idle). Additionally, the vehicle lacks acceleration/power when driving in slightly uphill roads, creating a hazard for nearby drivers. There were no check engine lights and the issue first appeared at approx. 84,000 miles. The vehicle was diagnosed at a Ford dealership and the issue was determined to be the torque converter. The Ford Service Dept cited TSB 22-2287 and recommended replacing the full transmission to fix the issue.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was an orange wrench warning light was illuminated when the vehicle was shifted into reverse. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the failure was with the torque converter. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the same information was provided. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised to contact NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

Mileage: 65,000

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle began making abnormal noises from under the floorboards. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing forward momentum. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle only revved and was not gaining forward momentum. The contact stated numerous warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that he was able to reach his destination, but was not able to exceed 30 MPH. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the transmission had been replaced a year prior and felt that the failure was related to the transmission. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

Mileage: 52,000

My wrench light came on in my 2019 Ford Explorer with 2.3L engine last week. It caused my vehicle to have lack of acceleration during launch and shudder while driving. When my son and I took off from a stop, it was very slow when crossing traffic. Made appointment with Ford dealership to have it looked at the next morning. After car was parked and restarted, wrench light went off. Kept appointment and told them a mechanic friend said it sounded like the torque converter (which my mother who has a 2019 Ford Edge just had replaced the week before!). Explained this to the dealership, they said it didn't sound like that was it. 4 wheel drive module was corrupt so they updated it and told me I may need a new transmission in the near future. Today, my light came on again while taking my son to school and caused lack of acceleration while pulling onto the highway and I took it to the dealership while it was lit up. Codes P0767 and P2704 showed and they told me it was I needed a new transmission due to my torque converter failing. I checked into it and Customer Satisfaction Program 20N07 does not include my car even though it is doing the exact same thing and was assembled in Chicago in January 2019 (timeframe of the program and location). I just don't understand how my car doesn't fall under that program when it is DOING THE EXACT SAME THING with only 67,200 miles on it. This is a serious safety concern. So thankful that there was not heavy traffic when I pulled onto the highway.

Needs a full transmission replacement and only have 80,000 miles on it. Bought new from dealership in 2019.

VEHICLE SHIFTS ROUGH. I WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT I NEED TO REPLACE MY BATTERY EXCEPT I DO NOT HAVE ANY BATTERY ISSUES AT ALL. ALSO WHEN I PUT MY VEHICLE IN PARK IT ROLLS FORWARD A LITTLE.

My 2019 Ford Explore XLT wouldn’t shift right, kinda hesitated to lock. My RPM were jumping like crazy. My mechanic replaced my torque converter and throttle body. Now my vehicle drives fine but when you stop at a stop light it shakes you to death. Then it sputters when trying to accelerate. So back to the shop it went because that can cause an accident. Not to mention if it stalks while driving. My mechanic says my torque converter is [XXX] again. After paying $4000 to have my transmission basically rebuilt a year later I’m back in the same boat. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

coolant leaking into engine 2.3l eco boost

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered while shifting gears. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 20B27. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

I bought Ford Explorer 2019 brand new. I think first week of January 2023 My wife mention 3 times the car lost power and powertrain light on. She was afraid this happens in the freeway so I took to Ford dealer and they took around 3 month to repair.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. The contact stated that while coming to a stop the vehicle shuddered and hesitated to resume driving. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: 20N07 (2.3L Engine and 6F35 Transmission). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.

Mileage: 82,000

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at a complete stop, the vehicle shuddered. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while driving. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that the VIN was not included in Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N07 (Transmission Extended Warranty Coverage) and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

I saw an article about the a pillars coming off while driving and wanted to report my story/experience with this problem vehicle! I pay wayyyy too much for this vehicle to be a 2019 and still have low miles (46,700) for it to be such a safety hazard for my family, I definitely expected more for such a big first Ford purchase. Very very disappointed. I don’t have all the receipts together right now to take pictures at this time but they are at my house if needed. -the a pillars have flown off the vehicle while driving down the freeway even after being fixed, even most recent fixes will not completely stay down and could still come off again. This has led to the window trim being ripped off with them and it all causing wind issues and allows stuff to catch on the windows while driving or build up underneath for weather conditions. -there is something within the vehicles power train that will not take alignments and has a very bad shimmy/sway within the wheels while driving. This is very very unsafe at any speed but quite bad at highway speeds, especially with wind because of the a-pillars issue. The way it moves while driving it feels like you’re not in control of the vehicle. Multiple alignments have been attempted, tire swaps and brand new ones have been put on and it continues to get worse. Nobody can figure out what’s causing this. -there are some electrical and heating shortages within the vehicle and intermittently these futures will glitch out and won’t work. Sometimes the display screen won’t come on or shut off, sometimes all the wipers will stop mid swipe and not fully stay down, sometimes the mirrors won’t adjust, some sensors barely work, there are times the seat warmer doesn’t work or does partially, the floorboard heat will only put out cold air unless it’s on auto and high, some lighting functions glitch out, same with the radio, sometimes the auto start don’t work, sometimes the seat positions will stop in mid move and won’t reposition

The torque converter on my 2019 Explorer is messing up. Causing a stutter while driving and an extremely rough idle when trying to stop at a stop light/sign. This stutter happens intermittently and unexpectedly weather driving at a high rate of speed or low. A light never came on and no codes were able to be read. The last day I was able to dive my car the idle suddenly dropped so low mid driving. Thankfully I was going at a low rate of speed and able to get my vehicle off the road. I took my vehicle back to the Ford dealership and asked that they re-evaluate as the problem had gotten worse. That’s when I was informed my torque converter had malfunctioned. Not only did the dealership provide me with that information, but they also informed me that this is a known issue and has affected so many Explorers in this way, Ford had issued multiple TSBs to their service departments notifying them of this issue. I have attached screenshots of TSB 20-2271 and 22-2287, showing Ford is aware of these issues being reported on the 2016-2019 model Explorers. In my research, I’ve also found that the NHTSA has had a previous case, 17S16, showing Fords directive to replace faulty Torque Converters back in June of 2018. It is clear that Ford has not taken this issue seriously and continues to produce and sell vehicles with this bad part. This stutter and sudden decrease in idle could cause a wreck. Thankfully it did not with me, but it is an ongoing issue that could in the future. Ford has acknowledged there’s a problem but has not yet issued a recall on this part, for my VIN or cars like mine. I urge the NHTSA to investigate and encourage Ford to make this right and improve the quality of the torque converters they’re producing and selling to consumers.

When I took a left hand turn coming from a stop-sign the control arm on my front right passenger side busted. I did not hit anything or cause the damange instead this was in part of failure of the product. I was traveling approximately 3 mph on a flat surface with no traffic exiting an industrial park. Because the control arm broke, it caused significant other damage to my vehicle due to the inability to steer my vehicle and the wheel to no longer be controlled by the steering wheel. There were no warning signs and nothing to signal to me that my car was in fact having issues. If I would have been traveling on the hwy during this incident chances are I would have been severally hurt or even killed. I had just dropped off my husband and child at an event where we were traveling on a hwy. Luckily I was traveling at a slow speed during this incident and nobody was injured. The vehicle has been inspected and based on the significant damage (fender, door, mechanical) there has been nothing but challenges getting the issues fixed. My car is still covered under warranty because it's new however between my car insurance and the warranty nobody wants to help cover the cost of the damage that was cause at no fault of my own. Finally, this is a known issue with Ford vehicles. Research shows many, many other complaints just like mine where faulty control arms are breaking at no fault of the driver. As a matter of fact, 3 days ago there was the same incident at a round-about where another Ford Explorer was sitting in the middle with it's control arm broken. Same issue, same scenario.

Transmission torque converter and transmission clutches malfunctioning. Yes it's available for inspection if needed. Safety is an issue because car shudders when driving. Yes, problem has been observed by a dealer. And has been inspected with an estimated cost of $5,100+ No warning lights come on to know to assess the issue.