The 2016 Ford Explorer does indeed have a history of faults within the transmission system. Some of them are significant, and You should be aware of them. There have been multiple reports of difficult to shift gears, but also of sudden changing within the gears while driving. There have been some reports of slipping, grinding noises, and vibration from the engine compartment. Despite this, the biggest issue experienced with this SUV is complete rear suspension failure. This is a costly problem, which is thankfully covered by a recall. It involves not only failure of the suspension while driving, but sudden downshifting that is unexpected. When this occurs, the vehicle shifts itself into first gear, stunning the driver, and potentially causing an accident.
A.C.
September 29, 2020
Where to start? Transmission was just one of the problems. But yes, I had issues starting at about 70,000 miles. Was almost sideswiped twice when I accelerated to turn. Felt like driving a manual, but trying to accelerate while keeping it in 1st. Had it towed in and the transmission had failed. Had to be completely replaced. So glad I got rid of this Explorer. Like I said, transmission was only one of about a million issues. Don’t mean to be negative, this was just my experience.
JS
June 1, 2021
I needed a full transmission 2 years after buying it and now 3 years later the transmission needs to be replaced again.5 years 2 transmissions.
David M.
April 9, 2020
Trouble shifting gears or going into reverse, grinding and slipping gears, and rough shifting are secondary to the main issue of failed transmissions on 2016 ford explorers, typically occurring between 30,000 and 40, 000 miles.
Wayne
October 25, 2022
2016 Explorer missed and making noise up to 45 miles an hr...took in and dealer stated torque converter when parts finally came in torn apart and had to replace whole transmission. Vehicle in for 1 month and had extended warranty ,but a trans replaced within 50,000 mi is not a good look for Ford ..
The friction material in the lockup of the torque converter in the 6f35 transmission is not capable of handling the hi rpm and torque of the 2.3 liter engine. It begins as a shudder and jerking when accelerating. Common misdiagnosis is that the engine is misfiring. There is a extended warranty technical service bulletin Customer Satisfaction Program 20B27 Published October 9, 2020 Customer Satisfaction Program 20N07 Published October 9, 2020 PROGRAM TERMS This program extends the warranty coverage of the automatic transmission torque converter for twelve (12) months from the RO date of Powertrain Control Module reflash under Customer Satisfaction Program 20B27. This program DOES NOT apply to vehicles that qualify for repairs under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty or Emissions Warranty. This is a one-time repair program. Coverage is automatically transferred to subsequent owners.
2016 Explorer that I bought used in 18 w/ 40K miles on it. Had rough shifting from the get-go, but never a big issue and something that the dealership couldn't replicate. In 2020, it got worse to the point of the service light coming on intermittently and shifting being a big issue. Made an appointment (booked three weeks out) to have it serviced under warranty. The transmission failed in rural central Wisconsin necessitating replacement. Three weeks later, failed again due to issues from the first replacement. Fast forward to late 2023-early 2024. Started having the same shifting issues again. Took it to the dealer and they found that it was down to half of the fluid remaining and needed replacement again (three years, roughly 50k miles later). This is a sealed, no-maintenance transmission with no dipstick to check fluid levels. Definitely an issue that Ford should be addressing via recall or a maintenance program. Avoid buying a 2016 Explorer unless you want to replace your transmission every 3-4 years at $4000 minimum a pop.
Bought a 2016 Explorer, used. Vehicle was very well taken care of with all service records. Drove it for 2 weeks and transmission went. Ford replaced it for free because there was some sort of service announcement on that engine,2.3 ecoboost. 6k miles later it started with the same issues. Took it in the shop and surprise surprise they could not replicate the problem. 1000 miles over the 12000 mile 12 month warranty/ 6 months after rebuild, guess what happened? Transmission goes again. Same exact problem as before. Ford refused to honor their warranty stating it was 1000 miles over even though it was their parts and craftsmanship that failed AGAIN. Now my vehicle is sitting at the dealership. I hope the extra warranty I bought covers it. Shame on Ford for installing junk
I have a 2016Explorer and bought it used . I noticed it making noises when I test drove it but the dealer always had an excuse. After only having it the transmission completely went out. Luckily the dealer gave me a five month warranty and had to replace it. The person that put the new one in said he had never seen one that bad and had to have come from the factory with a bad transmission.
The Questions and Answers on this page are the statements and opinions of their respective authors and not VehicleHistory.com. VehicleHistory.com
does not research or authenticate any of the Answers provided.