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The 2016 Ford Explorer has a track record of issues with its transmission system. Some of these problems are quite serious, so it's important to be aware of them. Drivers have encountered challenges with shifting gears, as well as unexpected changes in gears while on the road. There have also been instances of slipping, grinding noises, and engine vibrations. However, the most significant problem with this SUV is complete rear suspension failure. This can be a costly issue, but fortunately, it is covered by a recall. The suspension failure not only affects driving but can lead to sudden and unexpected downshifting. This can startle the driver as the vehicle shifts into first gear on its own, potentially causing an accident.
I faced a myriad of issues with my car, with transmission troubles being just one of them. Around the 70,000-mile mark, I started experiencing difficulties, leading to a scary situation when I almost got hit twice while trying to accelerate during a turn. It felt as though I was driving a manual and struggling to move forward in first gear. Eventually, I had to have the car towed in for a complete transmission replacement. After going through all of this, I'm relieved to have gotten rid of that Explorer. To be clear, the transmission woes were just the tip of the iceberg in terms of problems I encountered. I'm sharing these details not to spread negativity, but simply to recount my personal experience.
here is a paraphrased version of the text: I had to replace the entire transmission two years after purchasing it, and now, three years later, I need to replace it again. In total, within five years, I have had to replace two transmissions.
Issues with changing gears or engaging reverse, as well as problems like gear grinding, slippage, and rough shifting, stem from a common problem of transmission failure in 2016 Ford Explorers. This issue typically arises between 30,000 and 40,000 miles.
In 2016, my Explorer was experiencing issues with vibrations and noise when driving at speeds up to 45 miles per hour. I brought it to the dealership, and they determined that the torque converter was the problem. However, when the parts arrived and they started working on it, they found that the transmission was also damaged and needed to be completely replaced. Despite having an extended warranty, having to replace the transmission with less than 50,000 miles on the vehicle is disappointing and reflects poorly on Ford.
The friction material in the torque converter lockup of the 6f35 transmission can't handle the high RPM and torque from the 2.3 liter engine. This can cause a shuddering and jerking sensation during acceleration, often mistaken for an engine misfire. There are two technical service bulletins, Customer Satisfaction Program 20B27 and 20N07, issued on October 9, 2020, related to this issue. The warranty for the torque converter is extended for twelve months from the date of Powertrain Control Module reflash under Program 20B27. This does not apply to vehicles covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty or Emissions Warranty. The program covers a one-time repair and is transferable to subsequent owners.
I purchased a pre-owned 2016 Explorer in 2018 with 40,000 miles on it. Initially, it had some rough shifting, which wasn't a major concern and the dealership couldn't replicate it. By 2020, the shifting problem worsened, prompting the service light to come on intermittently and causing significant shifting issues. After making an appointment scheduled three weeks out, the vehicle was serviced under warranty due to a transmission failure in rural central Wisconsin, resulting in a replacement. Unfortunately, the replacement transmission failed three weeks later due to issues from the initial replacement. Moving forward to late 2023 or early 2024, the shifting problems resurfaced. Upon inspection at the dealership, it was discovered that only half of the transmission fluid remained, necessitating another replacement approximately three years and 50,000 miles later. The transmission is sealed with no dipstick for fluid level checks, indicating a concerning maintenance issue that Ford should address through a recall or maintenance program. It is advisable to avoid purchasing a 2016 Explorer unless you are prepared to replace the transmission every 3-4 years at a cost of at least $4000 each time.
I purchased a used 2016 Explorer that had been well-maintained with service records. After driving it for two weeks, the transmission failed. Ford replaced it for free due to a service announcement related to the engine. However, the same issue resurfaced 6,000 miles later. Despite taking it back to the shop, they couldn't find the problem. Just over the 12,000-mile/12-month warranty and 6 months after the replacement, the transmission failed again with the same issue. Ford refused to honor the warranty, claiming it was 1,000 miles over. Now my vehicle is at the dealership, and I'm hoping the extended warranty I purchased will cover it. It's disappointing that Ford installed faulty parts.
In 2016, Ford Explorer had been around for a century, so you'd expect Ford to have mastered the art of building a reliable transmission by now.
I purchased a pre-owned 2016 Ford Explorer. During the test drive, I heard some suspicious noises, but the dealer kept brushing it off with excuses. Soon after, the transmission completely failed on me. Thankfully, the dealer provided a five-month warranty and had it replaced. The technician who installed the new transmission mentioned that he had never seen one in such bad condition, suggesting that it might have been faulty from the factory.