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Is the transmission of the 2020 Ford Explorer experiencing any issues?

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The 2020 Ford Explorer is having problems with its transmission getting stuck in gear and jerking. It's important to replace the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, as not doing so can lead to unpleasant sounds emanating from the transmission. Hearing these noises indicates that the old transmission fluid is causing issues. A worn-out torque converter can also be a headache. The transmission is a crucial component of the vehicle, and facing issues with it is inevitable. You may experience problems such as hard shifts, shudders, jerking, gears getting stuck, or the transmission slipping. Delayed shifts can lead to acceleration issues. If you notice a leak in the transmission fluid, it's essential to address it promptly.

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  • Martin Ng

    My Ford Explorer's transmission stopped working at 5000 miles. None of the dealers are willing to repair it. Is anyone aware of any lawsuits that cover this issue?

  • Riyadh mueen

    I purchased my 2020 Ford Explorer in late May of 2020, and it has just crossed the 8,000-mile mark. Recently, it has started experiencing issues similar to those discussed in this forum. It began with a strange noise last Thursday, followed by odd shifting behaviors by Friday, and the problem escalated significantly by Saturday. Currently, I'm hesitant to drive the vehicle as it either shifts very harshly or struggles to shift at all. I plan to take it to the dealership first thing in the morning. My concern now is determining how widespread this issue is and what actions Ford will take in response. I wonder if there will be a recall and how installing a new transmission might impact the resale value of my SUV. Additionally, I'm worried about facing the same problem again in the future. Does anyone know where I can inquire about these matters? I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and wish you all a prompt and satisfactory resolution.

  • Nathan C

    I just took my car in tonight because the transmission is slipping. It was made in July 2019. I bought it in February when it only had 3,000 miles on it. A few weeks ago, I had the transmission cooler fixed, but last week it started slipping again, now with 11,000 miles. The service representative told me they would have it for a couple of weeks and provide me with a loaner car. I asked if it would need a new transmission, and he mentioned they have done replacements before. The silver lining is that the replacement won't be recorded on the CarFax when I sell the car. For those who have received a buyback offer, what kind of offer did Ford give you?

  • Sean M

    Bought a brand-new 2020 Ford Explorer ST at the end of April with just 50 miles on it. Unfortunately, the transmission failed at 6700 miles. The dealership initially refused to replace it due to company policy, opting to repair it instead. After enduring two weeks of delays with parts on backorder and uncertain delivery dates, the dealership eventually agreed to replace the transmission entirely. It took three weeks to get my car back, and now I find it difficult to trust the vehicle. It's disheartening that such a costly purchase, nearly $60,000, would encounter such a major issue so soon.

  • Sophia

    My car has 11,700 miles on it. When I shift gears and accelerate, it makes a noise that sounds like a remote control car changing gears - a high-pitched buzzing of metal. I dropped it off at the service department this morning and even though it's been 6 hours since my appointment at 8:30 am (so I know they should have checked it by now), I haven't received any updates. I'm worried that I might need a new transmission based on what others have said. Does anyone else recognize this sound I described? I'll provide an update later. Thank you.

  • Griffin Welsh

    In 2020, my Ford Explorer XLT AWD had trouble shifting into reverse. The dealership initially couldn't replicate the issue, but after I demonstrated it, they suggested replacing the valve body right away. Unfortunately, after just 9800 miles, they are now replacing the entire transmission. I'm curious if the replacement transmissions are more reliable.

  • Mwende

    I own a 2020 Explorer Limited edition that has nearly 6000 miles on it. From the outset, I noticed that shifting between gears 2 and 4 was rough and jerky. A few weeks ago, as I was leaving my driveway, I heard a loud noise when I shifted into "D" and the car didn't move. Pressing the gas harder made it move but it remained stuck in 1st gear. The check engine light came on. After turning the car off and waiting a bit, I tried again and it drove fine, though the light remained on. The car ran smoothly for a couple of weeks before the check engine light turned off the next day. Two weeks later, as I backed out of the driveway and shifted into drive, it once again wouldn't shift out of 1st gear. After returning the car to the garage and waiting, it was fine. Worried about these recurring issues, I contacted the dealer to schedule an appointment. I was concerned they wouldn't be able to replicate the problem and would just send me away. However, they ran several diagnostic tests and identified some issues and codes. For those facing similar problems, I recommend asking the dealer to look into TSB 20-2217. They conducted a detailed test and uncovered codes P062C and P2242. After following TSB 20-2217 procedures, the codes disappeared. I'm pleased to report that the transmission issues, including the jerky shifts between gears 2-4, have completely disappeared, and I haven't experienced any further transmission problems since!

  • Wes Johnson

    I'm currently waiting to hear back from Ford regarding my offer. They accepted my BuyBack request for a 2020 Explorer, which has the same issues mentioned previously. The transmission has been experiencing very rough shifting through the initial four gears.

  • Clarence B

    We bought a 2020 Ford Explorer last December. Recently, my wife Sandy noticed that the vehicle jerks and pulls hard when it shifts gears, especially when winding up. This issue became more apparent over the weekend when she used the car and experienced the transmission problem. On Sunday, while backing out of the garage and then shifting into drive, the car hesitated to move even when she pressed the gas pedal. The following day, we visited a Ford dealership in Green Cove Springs, Florida, to inquire about this issue, but the Sales Manager claimed they had never encountered such a problem before. It feels disappointing that Ford didn't disclose these issues upfront. Based on what I've read online, it seems like seeking legal assistance might be necessary. Ford has always had a good reputation, but they should acknowledge this failure and take steps to regain our trust.

  • Rachael

    I should have purchased a Highlander.

  • Lloyd M.

    The 2020 Explorer has been a complete disappointment! It's the worst investment I've ever made. I've had it for just 3 months, and it's already been in the repair shop at least 10 times. Most of the issues were related to the transmission, with my intercooler failing at only 2000 miles. With 3000 miles on the car now, I'm nervous to drive it because it struggles and jerks in low gears, vibrates and shakes at speeds over 70, and my adaptive driving system sometimes brakes hard on its own. I've taken it in for repairs multiple times, but every time they say it's fine, and the problems persist. The chassis also seems to have an issue as the body shifts and moldings come off the more it's driven. Even the back hatch has had problems, with technicians claiming it was fixed by replacing part of the bumper, but now the hatch sits at an angle and the tail light has been moved to try to hide the issue. When I sought help at another dealership, they were unable to repair the problems.

  • Martin T.

    My 2020 Explorer, which has only 5,000 miles on it, has been at the dealership since July 20. Today marks the 60th day of this ordeal. Despite Ford promising to cover a rental car, I haven't received one. I'm dealing with two people at the dealership - one is clueless while the other is helpful, but I still haven't seen a replacement vehicle. One of them suggested I choose a car from the lot, but I refused as I want the exact model I ordered. I mentioned looking into Florida's Lemon Law, which is beneficial for consumers. I'm not very familiar with Class Action lawsuits, but perhaps it's time to consider starting one.

  • Alvin J

    I bought my Explorer on June 30, 2020. By August 15, with only 2,814 miles on it, the transmission failed. I regret not checking reviews before making the purchase. Dealing with Ford customer service has been a nightmare - they were unhelpful and even refused to provide a rental car promptly. It's been two days and I still don't have a rental or loaner car. I won't be buying another Ford in the future.

  • Aydin Tilkal

    I'm hesitant to admit that I'm not the only one experiencing this, but it's evident that the issue I'm facing is quite common. I recently purchased a 2020 Explorer Limited for $50,000 with only 6,789 miles on it, only to encounter a complete transmission failure. The dealership is currently replacing the transmission, but I've lost all faith in the vehicle. I'm wondering if anyone has successfully sought a buyback or qualified for lemon law protection. I have three young kids and invested in a new car precisely to avoid dealing with such unexpected problems. This situation is unprecedented for me, as even with more affordable vehicles I've never encountered such a serious issue. It's a significant concern that needs to be addressed.

  • Doesn't work

    I got the transmission replaced early on, around 6,000 miles. The main issue was a really harsh downshift at around 35 miles per hour. It ended up taking them a whole month to get it replaced.

  • Juan Vines

    I bought a 2020 Explorer in January of last year. In April, with 2100 miles on it, I needed to get the transmission replaced. The replacement transmission only has around 5000 miles on it, but I recently had to get my car towed to Ford because it was stuck in 1st gear and not shifting properly.

  • Jose R Rodriguez

    In 2020, my Explorer's transmission stopped working at 76,000 miles, just 1,000 miles past the extended warranty expiration. Ford had provided the extended warranty due to the 97 previous visits to the mechanic for various issues from 2020 to 2022. The repair cost they are asking for now is $6,000.

  • Lucas Ramos

    My vehicle has clocked 11,700 miles. About three days back, I noticed it was having difficulty shifting gears smoothly, producing a noise resembling that of a high-pitched remote-controlled car. I took it to the dealership earlier today, but it's been almost 6 hours and I haven't heard back from them yet, which seems concerning. I will keep you posted on any developments.

  • Timothy D

    Here's a unique paraphrase of the text:

    We are selling our 2020 Ford Explorer ST due to ongoing transmission problems and other minor issues like broken emergency handles, sunglasses holder, glove compartment, and window button stickers. The car currently has 24,000 miles and is still under warranty. Initially, we noticed rough downshifting at 30mph and a burning smell, leading to clunky downshifting and acceleration issues. Despite getting the torque converter replaced within 2 weeks after a long wait for the part, we've lost confidence in the vehicle's reliability for our upcoming move. We've decided to switch to a Kia Telluride due to these concerns. It's disappointing as we really liked the Explorer, but repeated problems have eroded our trust in its performance, all before reaching 24,000 miles.

  • Khalil Q.

    2020 Explorer ST with 16K miles just lost its ability to go in reverse along with a powertrain failure warning. A supposed high-performance transmission? Yeah, right!

  • Myf150screen

    We returned our Explorer to the dealership we bought it from three times, experiencing endless delays each time, and the transmission issue still wasn't resolved! Eventually, I scheduled an appointment with a different dealership, and they discovered the transmission fluid pan was filled with metal. They ended up replacing the entire transmission before the car even had 8000 miles. Now, I'm facing difficulties shifting from drive to reverse as the vehicle unexpectedly rolls forward before engaging in reverse gear, resulting in sudden jerking motions. It's now clear that purchasing this expensive Explorer was a major regret.

  • Johnny S

    I bought a 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum in December 2019, and it has around 8000 miles on it. Recently, I experienced issues with it hesitating in both drive and reverse, and it eventually completely stalled at a stop sign. After trying various modes, I managed to get it moving slightly to get home, but the transmission was sluggish. Upon inspection at the dealer, I was informed that there wasn't a mechanical problem with the transmission but rather an issue with the "transmission selector valve." Unfortunately, the part is not readily available, with an expected wait time of up to a month or even longer. It seems that with this vehicle's complex engineering, a single malfunction can lead to multiple system failures. Due to this frustrating experience, I've decided to sell the vehicle as soon as possible.

  • Albena M.

    I bought the 2020 Explorer back in April 2020. When it hit 10,000 miles, the transmission started acting up - lurching, banging, and jerking. One scary incident was when I was cruising at 70mph on the highway, tried to overtake another car, and the rpm shot up to 7 before slamming into passing gear. The next day, I took it to the dealership where they found out major repairs were necessary. Unfortunately, it's been quite a wait since then. It's now mid-November, and they're still waiting for the parts needed for my Explorer and there are 5 others at the dealership facing the same issue!

  • Alfred V

    In 2020, my Ford Explorer ST had numerous problems. The car had trouble starting due to a key detection issue and would have the rear trunk open when locking the door. There were quality control problems, including the screen constantly rebooting or freezing, as well as the rear camera malfunctioning. The car has been at the dealer for over a month now. Fortunately, a buyback has been approved, and I am currently awaiting the terms of the buyback offer.

  • Teresa silversmith

    Oh no! My vehicle is currently at the dealership with 4300 miles on it, and it's having transmission problems. They said there's an oil leak that's causing the transmission to grind, which is just one of the many issues I've encountered. Right after purchasing it, the car alerted me about overheating on the first night out, apparently due to fluids not being properly filled at delivery. And then I experienced a sudden leak of windshield wiper fluid. Now with less than 5000 miles on it, the transmission is already acting up. It's really disappointing because I genuinely adore this car, but it seems like I may have gotten a defective one.

  • Karen P.

    We purchased our car brand new last September and had to replace the transmission in December. Now we're dealing with the same issue for the second time. This car is a lemon with its faulty transmission.

  • Judith J.

    We ran into issues with the car's transmission downshifting at around 2,000 miles. We brought it to Ford, and initially they just needed to replace a part. However, due to a long wait for the part, they ended up replacing the entire transmission system. Luckily, they only had our car for two weeks, and we were provided with a replacement Explorer to use in the meantime. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this fix has resolved the problem and we won't have to return to the shop in another 2,000 miles.

  • Romeo L.

    I have driven 1100 miles in my car since purchasing it less than three months ago. It seems like there are issues with the transmission, as it has been shifting hard and erratically. Today, for the second time, it suddenly stopped in the middle of the road, jerked a few times, and then continued very slowly, not exceeding 25 miles per hour during the 11-mile drive back home. I had to pull over twice, turn off the vehicle to let it cool down, and then start it again in the hope of reaching home safely. It was quite a nerve-wracking experience, especially when my car struggled to move at a traffic light in my neighborhood, and even after trying to cool and restart the engine, there was no improvement. The first time this happened, turning a corner on a hill helped resolve the transmission issue, but this time, turning corners didn't make any difference. Additionally, the brakes have failed a few times while backing up, forcing me to repeatedly tap them in desperation. This is a serious safety concern. I am planning to take the car to the dealer tomorrow morning and hope that they can address these issues.

  • Isaac Johnson

    My 2020 sports car's transmission broke down at 12,000 miles after I accidentally revved it too high when starting from a stop, and it wouldn't shift back into gear.

  • Michaeli

    I encountered a similar problem when my 2020 Explorer reached 5000 miles. I leased it at the end of January, and by July, I began experiencing transmission problems. I had to replace the transmission cooler, but the car still feels slow in gears 1-3. Thankfully, it's a lease, but I'm anxious about driving it from California to Wyoming in the upcoming weeks.

  • Desiree Bitsilly

    My car's transmission broke down after just 3 months and 1,500 miles. It took over a month for it to get fixed at the dealership because they said the transmissions were on back order due to the Corona virus. I filed a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. After a few days, I received a call saying my car was ready. Just a week before the transmission problem, my brake booster failed. I've had other Ford vehicles without any issues, so I'm really let down. It makes me worried about what else might go wrong with my car.

  • Glenda L

    I purchased a 2020 Ford Explorer ST back in June 2020, and just last week, I noticed some issues with the SUV's transmission. It was skipping 2nd gear and jerking when trying to shift into that gear, despite the vehicle only having 4,000 miles on it. I brought it to the local Ford dealer where I made the purchase, and they determined that the transmission gear box had a snapped rod, along with broken bolts and gears. Parts for the repair have been on order for nearly a week now. I opted for a new vehicle to avoid such problems, as I wanted a worry-free, enjoyable driving experience as a mom. However, this situation has left me questioning my decision if the issue isn't resolved promptly. I am quite disappointed with the experience.

  • pistol pete

    I bought a Ford Explorer in June of last year, and now, just three months later in September, the transmission has failed.

  • Blake R

    My car, which has traveled 5000 miles, is experiencing the same issues as others. The backup camera is currently not functioning, and there is no timeline from the dealership for when it will be fixed. This is another major drawback of the 2020 Explorer.

  • Sandra T.

    Well, dang it all, I really adore this car - the style, features, and how comfy it is to drive. But now it's acting up with the park lock and constantly searching.

  • Cheryll M.

    I'm nearing the end of the extensive process of buying back my 2020 Explorer Limited that I bought in February 2020. Initially, the transmission was replaced after 2,000 miles, and the second replacement took over a month due to a shortage of parts. The loaner 2020 Explorer experienced similar issues, getting stuck in low gear one afternoon; however, the dealership fixed the problem by running a program update. The vehicle also had terrible gas mileage.

  • emilio

    The 2020 Ford Explorer experiences transmission problems that prevent it from shifting into park, causing the computer to engage the parking brake. However, there have been instances where the computer fails to engage the parking brake, resulting in the vehicle rolling away.

  • Ford Guy

    Just got mine replaced too. It was shifting roughly through the first few gears, thought it was just the clutch, but then they said they're replacing the entire transmission. Pretty wild, haven't even made a payment on it yet, haha!

  • Isaac long

    Greetings, my 2020 limited Explorer is experiencing a transmission issue after driving 16,000 kilometers. It has been at the Ford dealer for two weeks without any updates. Can you provide any assistance or advice on this matter?

  • Devin brinegar

    In 2020, my Explorer needed a new transmission after only 6600 miles. I've also been dealing with persistent issues involving the battery draining due to deep sleep mode. The plan is to upgrade the transmission to a slightly improved model, specifically changing from the original L1mz7000 M to the L1mz7000 Q.

  • David Low

    Just had to have my SUV towed to the dealership. On Saturday night, it started making a strange noise when I accelerated, but the dealership was closed and wouldn't reopen until today. Yesterday, I drove it a short distance to the grocery store and noticed it was shifting roughly with high RPMs even at low speeds. I had an appointment scheduled at the nearest dealership this morning, but they said they couldn't look at it for another two weeks and offered a rental car in the meantime. They advised me to take it to another dealership about 15 miles away. On the way there, just a few miles from the first dealership, the car suddenly made a loud noise, revved up, and came to a complete stop.

  • Shelby P

    My truck was towed back to the Ford dealership yesterday with only 3300 miles on it because the transmission is faulty and needs to be replaced. Although it's covered under warranty, the replacement transmission is on back order for months! What am I supposed to do without a car? It's only 3300 miles! I haven't even had an oil change yet. This situation is absurd, Ford!

  • Basil P.

    I have a 2020 Explorer with 5,000 miles that has a faulty transmission. It's been at the dealership since July 20, and they stated they won't be able to look at it until the end of August. Initially, Ford covered a rental for two weeks, but then I was informed I would have to pay for it myself. Feeling frustrated, I decided to file a Lemon Law claim against the car as I want a refund. Despite being a loyal customer who has purchased 10 new Fords consecutively, I am deeply disappointed in how this situation has been handled and it has made me reconsider buying from Ford in the future.

  • Douglas Z

    I purchased a 2020 Ford Explorer on January 24th of this year. In March, my wife experienced issues with the transmission when shifting out of first gear, but it seemed to resolve on its own. The problem reoccurred in mid-April, and after being towed to the dealership, they initially suspected a transmission cooling problem, which turned out to be unrelated. Ford had released a patch to address the issue. Concerned for my wife's safety, the dealership took the car for a test drive without encountering further problems. However, later on, there was a camera issue which is awaiting parts, and another patch was installed. On July 12th, while in Orlando, the transmission started shifting hard and the wrench light appeared, prompting me to pull over and contact the dealership. The car was towed to Greenway Ford and is currently there while waiting for Ford's decision on how to proceed. This is the third time we've had transmission issues in less than six months of owning the Explorer, so I am now considering my options.

  • Jeremiah G

    In 2020, I had to get the transmission of my Ford Explorer replaced right after my first time towing my boat. Despite having the towing package, when I tried to shift into drive, it kept spinning back to park.

  • Steve Skupowski’s

    In my 2020 Explorer XLT, the transmission is experiencing significant jerking at low speeds.

  • Ralston jones

    There are significant transmission problems with my vehicle! It's stuck in first or second gear. It's frustrating that the transmission failed after only 24,000 miles.

  • Josh R

    In December 2019, we purchased a 2020 Ford Explorer Limited with only 7 miles on it. Shortly after, at 1,700 miles, the transmission needed a full replacement. Then, at 11,000 miles, we experienced further transmission issues, with grinding noises indicating a problem that required another replacement. Now, at 23,000 miles, we've had to replace the transmission once again. This will be the final replacement, and we are considering discussing the lemon law with the dealership. It's been quite a rollercoaster dealing with these recurring transmission problems.

  • Vaidotas

    My 2020 Ford Explorer has been at the auto repair shop for over 10 days due to unexpected shifts. The vehicle experiences sudden jerks without any input on the gas or brakes. The mechanics are indicating that the issue might be related to the transmission, despite recently replacing the transmission coolant system that was part of a recall.

  • Kub

    The 2020 Ford Explorer with a 10-speed automatic transmission is experiencing significant problems. I am personally encountering difficulties with it shifting from first to second gear, leading to the illumination of the check engine light. Despite two diagnoses by Ford stating that everything seems fine and them resetting the light, it reappeared three weeks later. My car has been at the Ford dealership for two weeks now, and I am still waiting for a resolution.

  • Crystal A.

    Bought a brand-new Explorer ST in May of 2020. It has 11,000 miles on it. Really enjoy the vehicle, but have been experiencing issues with the transmission. It has been in for repairs twice already and has spent a total of 76 days at the repair shop. Currently in talks with Ford about a potential buyback. Excited to see how it all turns out!

  • Karen F.

    It appears that Ford utilized multiple versions of the 10-speed automatic transmission in this vehicle. Initially, my vehicle was equipped with the L1MZ7000M transmission ($3000), which experienced a failure at 6600 miles. It was then replaced with the "upgraded" L1MZ7000Q transmission ($5500). The different suffixes on this part range from 'A' to 'R', and I am researching to identify the variations and determine which ones are known to have more issues. Additionally, there is a Ford program, FSA 20B34, which upgrades the transmission cooler from the flimsy L1MZ7869H1X to a sturdier part in 2020 Explorers. I am curious why Ford did not replace this component when they replaced my transmission, especially considering their technician noted low fluid levels, as many of the weaker coolers are prone to cracking and leaking.

  • cadlat

    I'm encountering the same problems at 3,500 miles. It feels slow to start, has trouble shifting through the first four gears, but runs fine in the rest of the gears. Has anyone else noticed a strange noise when speeding up? Also, my vehicle occasionally engages the parking brake when shifting to Park.

  • NADENHOLT

    When you downshift to first or second gear, it feels really abrupt. The same goes for when it shifts into those gears during takeoff. This issue has occurred after driving 2000 miles.

  • Rodgers

    My 2020 Explorer’s transmission broke down before reaching 1500 miles, and now at 21k miles, it's gone out again. Despite taking it to 4 different dealerships over the last 3 months due to hard shifting and a burning smell, they repeatedly reassured me that everything was fine. Even when I received alerts about a shift system fault and the car wouldn't shift out of park, the dealerships claimed there was no issue. Additionally, the LCD screen randomly goes black and requires a full reset to function again, which is frustrating. After contacting 7 local Ford dealerships with no one willing to assist, Ford corporate instructed me to tow the car 28 miles away for repairs, promising a loaner. However, within 3 hours of dropping it off, I received an angry call from the service manager saying they were overloaded and wouldn't be able to look at the car for 2-3 weeks, calling the Explorer a "pile of junk.

  • Elisabeth J

    My transmission broke down only 6000 miles in. I haven't even had my first oil change! Terrible quality.

  • Anne C

    I purchased my 2020 Explorer in May of last year. The transmission was swapped out in July, but now it's starting to slip once more in June of this year.

  • Bethany

    While traveling at 70mph and three hours away from home, my car suddenly lost all power. Ford roadside assistance wasn't very helpful, only offering to tow it 15 miles. I ended up paying $400 to have it towed home, but they eventually reimbursed me after some back and forth. The transmission was replaced at 9000 miles, and now at 14,000 miles, it's starting to feel jerky again. I recommend getting it serviced at the first sign of trouble to avoid the possibility of being stranded like me. This was my 10th new car and first Ford, but likely my last. While I love the car for its features, a $60,000 vehicle shouldn't have these persistent issues. I usually support "buy American," but unfortunately, I'm running out of reliable brands to choose from. It's a shame that the craftsmanship and pride in this country seem to be dwindling, with everyone seemingly just looking for handouts.

  • Colin P.

    I bought a brand new 2020 Explorer and within a week of having it, I took it on a vacation that was 1400 miles away from home. The total distance I traveled in the vehicle at that point was 1600 miles. Unfortunately, the transmission completely failed with a loud metal grinding noise and was not shifting properly. It took a month to get a new transmission installed. Despite the inconvenience, Ford provided excellent service by covering the cost of a rental car and arranging to have our vehicle shipped back to our local dealership.

  • Patrick N

    The transmission of my 2020 Explorer XLT AWD broke down at 9800 miles, but luckily, the dealership is replacing it at no cost under warranty.

  • 19192

    My car has 17,000 miles on it and recently had the transmission cooler replaced for the second time. I was informed that the jerky transmission is considered normal and that the car is learning my driving habits to make adjustments. Can you believe that?

  • Douglas Hayes

    My car has been at the dealership for 6 weeks, and they're struggling to diagnose the issue. I use it frequently and have already racked up 28,000 miles. Once it's returned to me, I'll likely put it up for sale.

  • Tammy clark

    Our brand-new 2020 Ford Explorer ST, which has only 3000 miles on it, is experiencing transmission issues. The mechanics informed us that the coolant fluid has become mixed with the transmission fluid. Prior to engaging, the car was jerking and making noises, similar to what others have reported.

  • Jesse H.

    Here's the paraphrased and slightly modified version:

    Our 2020 Explorer XLT, only driven for 5500 miles, recently developed a high-pitched, gear-like noise from the transmission. We brought it to the dealership, and it has been there for two weeks now. I am concerned that the transmission might be damaged beyond repair. The dealership informed me that the issue is with the transmission cooler, which they are in the process of replacing. However, I have not received any updates since then.

  • Laurel R.

    I'm facing similar problems. I bought a 2020 Ford Explorer in April last year, which was a demo with 3000 miles. Since then, we've driven it for about 2500 miles. The transmission has never shifted properly, especially in the lower gears. During a trip from Atlanta to Tampa, about 200 miles from home, we stopped for gas and when trying to accelerate back onto the interstate, the engine revved high without any speed increase, leading to a dangerous situation. I discovered transmission fluid leaking from the gearbox when I checked under the car. I had it towed back to the dealer in Atlanta, and they are currently working on it. If they don't replace the transmission, I'll have to get rid of this car. It's disappointing how this SUV was marketed, only to be a letdown in reality. My previous Explorer (2011) had its own set of problems too. After this experience, I won't be buying from Ford again.

  • kelvin myers

    I signed a lease for a Ford Explorer XLT in February 2020. At 440 miles, the transmission failed to shift out of 1st or 2nd gear, a problem that others have experienced as well. I had to drive home at a slow speed of 20mph. Then, at the end of July, the parking brake would randomly engage and a "network communication error" appeared on the screen. The Explorer completely stopped driving. I was advised to disconnect and reconnect the battery, which eventually allowed the car and computer to start up normally after 30 minutes and 25 attempts. I decided to cancel the tow truck and brought the vehicle in for service, but Ford could not identify the issue. About a month and a half later, the same problems occurred again. A week after that, it happened once more. I am taking the car in for service again this week and considering filing for lemon law protection. So far, this vehicle has been a nightmare. With only 6000 miles on it, I have been stranded four times, including once at an intersection which was particularly unsafe. Additionally, my backup camera is glitching, although that concern seems minor compared to the others.

  • stevie J

    I purchased a brand new 2020 Ford Explorer, but the transmission failed when we had driven 5,000 miles on our way back from vacation. We ended up stuck on the side of the highway for 4.5 hours in the middle of the night. Ford couldn't arrange a tow truck until the morning, but luckily Geico came to our rescue, providing us with a tow truck and a ride to the nearest town. It took 23 business days before we finally got our car back, and thankfully Ford agreed to buy it back due to the Lemon Law. Dealing with this situation has been a major hassle.

  • Kiara C

    After driving just 6500 miles, the transmission suddenly failed on me in rural Iowa. Before this happened, I experienced the parking brake engaging spontaneously and heard strange clicking sounds in the car, which I thought was related to the locking mechanism. I also noticed oil spots underneath the car. If you notice your car lacking power or struggling to shift gears while changing lanes, it's best not to continue driving and contact Ford right away, as this appears to be a serious problem.

  • Jon N.

    This conversation contains some really surprising accounts. I purchased my 2020 Explorer in November, but we've been dissatisfied with the performance of the first two gears since the second week. Lately, I've noticed a transmission fluid smell during long drives, and the check engine light has been coming on. I've brought the car to the dealership and they've now confirmed that there are transmission problems. Initially, they had thought it was an issue with the O2 sensor. Having owned five Fords previously, I've never encountered a problem like this before, so it's quite unsettling.

  • Timothy E

    My 2020 Explorer has been experiencing transmission problems since I bought it in May. The intercooler has already failed, resulting in loud noises, rough shifts, and occasional unresponsive acceleration. Despite my repeated attempts to address the issues, the dealership keeps insisting that everything is fine and only resets the car before returning it to me.

  • Juby Stout

    My 2020 Explorer had 5200 miles on it when it began shifting roughly and giving off a burning odor. Found out that a coolant line had broken. The issue persisted even after it was supposedly fixed at the dealership, with the transmission shifting erratically. They did a recalibration, which solved the problems temporarily. But now, at 10,000 miles, a new noise has cropped up. I suppose it's time to consider trading it in.

  • Marvin

    Our 2020 Explorer, the XLT 4x4 201A package with towing, seems to be facing a similar problem. It has only 7000 miles on it, and now they are saying there are transmission issues. They advised me to continue driving it until the parts arrive, which made me very angry. I contacted Ford for a more satisfactory solution but haven't received a significant response yet. What about you? Are you considering getting a different vehicle? I'm not inclined to keep it under these circumstances.

  • Danyelle M.

    My 2020 Ford Explorer XLT, with around 13,000 miles, is currently undergoing a transmission replacement due to severe issues with shifting in lower gears during acceleration and downshifting to decelerate. The transmission was leaking a substantial amount of fluid, and the concerning flaw is the inability to add or check fluid levels independently, with no warning light indicating low levels. Additionally, there is a troubling loud grinding noise while accelerating, giving the impression that the transmission is straining.

  • Jared T

    I recently purchased a 2020 Explorer ST with 27,000 kilometers on it. Unfortunately, the transmission failed this morning, just three weeks after buying it. This situation is concerning as I have young children and I don't feel safe having them in this vehicle anymore. I am uncertain about what steps to take next.

  • Karl C

    I recently bought a lease for a 2020 Ford Explorer that had 5800 miles on it. But after driving just 64 miles, the transmission started jerking and jolting the car forward when I'm at a stoplight or trying to park. It's really scary and dangerous, it could lead to a big accident or something worse if Ford doesn't fix it. I've had the car for two weeks now, but it's been in the Ford service department for almost a month with no estimated time for when it will be fixed. They only offered to cover 5 days for a rental, so I've had to pay more than $1500 in rental charges with no resolution in sight.

  • Doris A

    I own a 2020 Explorer that has been leaking transmission fluid since I bought it. Despite multiple visits to the dealership, they finally replaced the transmission twice, but it's still leaking. Ford is refusing to take it back. It looks like my mistake was being too patient and not complaining to corporate sooner. All my complaints to the dealership seem to have been ignored.

  • Trymore

    I own a 2020 Explorer with 66,000 miles on it. When I brought it to Liberty Ford because it was having trouble shifting gears and they said I need a new transmission, with me having to cover the expenses. I'm surprised that I would need a transmission replacement so soon into owning the car.

  • Jennifer W

    My car was towed initially because it was stuck in first gear. Then, it was towed again after it seemed to overheat on the highway, even though that wasn't the case. Now, it's at 70,000 miles and needs a transmission repair and a new moonroof track because it has been leaking since day one. I'm curious to see how it will be once I get it back!

  • Jeremy K

    My vehicle has 25,000 miles on it. I am facing the need to repair or rebuild the transmission. I regret not doing proper research before buying it. Ford should allow us to trade in these cars for the amount we still owe on them.

  • Bob I

    Search for information on the 2020 Ford Explorer, which is the model year that the vehicle received a redesign (referred to as a "truck" in insurance and Ford's terminology). These vehicles were manufactured in Michigan, where they were tested, driven by employees, and then made available for purchase. Unfortunately, I have encountered issues with the transmission, computer system, and heating/air conditioning in my vehicle. Despite this, Ford has not been able to identify any problems. I have only driven 11,750 miles over the past 2 and a half years and consider myself a responsible driver. It's disappointing to have these issues with my car!

  • S Ross

    I'm experiencing a similar issue here. I've been having transmission problems since I bought the car. It jerks when downshifting at around 60mph, going into no gear and shaking for about 10-20 seconds before returning to normal. I've taken it to Dana Ford dealership twice, and they returned it to me without fixing the problem. It's been over 100 days in and out of the dealership. I guess I'll have to keep driving it like this until the lease ends, as Ford seems unable to do anything about it! I definitely won't be dealing with Ford again after this experience.

  • Wilton R

    My 2020 Explorer Limited has traveled 36,542 miles. I bought it in November 2019 when it had only 15 miles on the odometer. In October 2021, I had the transmission coolant problem repaired. Currently, it's at the dealership due to a similar issue - experiencing rough shifting from 1st to 2nd gear.

  • Gene Wilkins

    Just reached 3,900 miles on our brand new 2020 XLT Explorer, and we're experiencing a strong jolt when slowing down around 28 mph. Took it to the dealership today. After seeing similar complaints online, I'm worried about the durability of the transmission even if they resolve the current problem. This is our inaugural Ford vehicle, so I'm hoping we chose wisely.

  • Greg'sAUTO SERVICE

    I bought my 2020 Explorer in May 2020. It was a "Loaner" with 5,000 miles on it when I drove it home, still considered new. Right after leaving the dealership, I noticed the car jerking, so I returned the next morning since it was already late when I left at 10 pm. The dealer assured me nothing was wrong, attributing the issue to the car being relatively new. Fast forward a year and two months, I've brought my Explorer back a total of 9 times for the SAME problem. The car spun out on me on the highway when the transmission line broke. Each time, the dealership claimed the transmission system needed to be "updated." They would then promptly call back the same day to say the vehicle was fixed and ready. Seeing others with the same problem online, I'm wondering what can be done. I no longer feel safe in my car, especially since it's still new and I spent a lot on it. It doesn't seem right.

  • Derek I

    My car's transmission shifts really roughly and occasionally jerks into gear.

  • George S

    My family purchased a 2020 Ford Explorer XLT, but we've experienced numerous issues with it. We've already had the transmission replaced at 3000 miles, the cooling system repaired at 3500 miles, and now it's having the gear-jerk problem mentioned in this online forum at 7800 miles. We're currently waiting on parts for the necessary repairs. I've initiated a case with Ford to explore the possibility of them buying back the vehicle. Has anyone else managed to successfully get Ford to repurchase their 2020 Explorer? If so, could you share your experience with the process?

  • Jerry B

    In 2020, my Ford Explorer currently has 17888.88 miles on it. I purchased the vehicle when it had 12000 miles, and it is still covered by warranty. Just four days after buying it, I encountered a transmission/coolant leak issue, which was promptly fixed. Then on January 21st, the car suddenly experienced a hard downshift, so I brought it to the dealership right away. They diagnosed it as a valve block problem that rendered the vehicle undrivable. Unfortunately, the valve block is currently on backorder. The dealership mentioned that there are multiple Explorers awaiting the same repair, indicating a manufacturing issue with this particular part.

  • Mary Woiak

    After owning my 2020 Explorer for just over a month, I started noticing a harsh downshift occurring at 28mph and 64mph. Despite multiple visits to the repair shop, it was eventually determined that the issue lies within the transmission, specifically the malfunction in the clutch piston and spring snap ring of the 6th and 7th gears. Unfortunately, the necessary parts are on backorder for at least a month. I raised a concern the first time I brought it in for repairs, anticipating that something was amiss. However, now that the root cause has been identified, I am struggling to get in touch with Ford for an update. Despite making four unsuccessful attempts to contact them, I have yet to receive any response or follow-up. This situation is completely unacceptable, and Ford must be held responsible for their lack of communication and accountability.

  • Lane B

    The 2020 Explorer, which has only 6700 miles on it, has always had issues with shifting smoothly. Recently, the problem escalated with loud jerking downshifts in lower gears and clunky upshifts. It has been at the dealership for a week now, and they are still trying to diagnose the issue. The car is nearly impossible to drive, and I was unsure if it would even make it to the dealership. This shifting problem is far worse than the occasional dead battery issue the car has, where it goes into deep sleep mode once a month. Despite being loyal to Ford and having owned 14 Fords over the past 40 years, we traded in our excellent 2017 Explorer for this 2020 model, which has been a disappointment.

  • Fred Cannon

    I had to have the transmission replaced on my new 2020 Explorer, which had only been in my possession for 7 months and had 10,000 miles on it. The dealership cited a "coolant issue" but ended up replacing the entire transmission, a process that took 2 months. After I got the car back with the new transmission, one rainy day as I was driving home, the screen suddenly went black and then came back on after I restarted the car. The following morning, I found that the front passenger seatbelt would not buckle. The dealership indicated that I may need to replace the ENTIRE SEAT and I decided to trade it in for a new Mercedes at the Mercedes dealership right after speaking with the Ford dealership.

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