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 illuminat…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11636240
Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2025
Power Train
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 deale…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11634967
Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2024
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other
Code P0301 can’t pin point issue
NHTSA ODI #11629481
Mileage unknown · Nov 22, 2024
Power Train
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 …
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11626836
Mileage unknown · Oct 14, 2024
Power Train
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…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11619592
Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2024
Power Train
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 tr…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11614350
84,000 miles · Aug 9, 2024
Power Train
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 …
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11607557
Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2024
Power Train
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 manufact…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11606907
Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2024
Power Train
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 …
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11603907
Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2024
Power Train
Rough idle in drive and reverse, hard shifting or not shifting In to gear
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 25, 2026.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats:mid/rear Assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Seats:front Assembly:recliner
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
PE23001 · Windshield Trim Molding Item Detachment
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Feb 8, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:roof And Pillars
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.