Transmission problem, failure and sliping, of my Ford Explorer 1999...

- Lajas, PR, USA

My Ford Explorer "O/D off" light flashes and it has problems shifting into 2nd and 5th gear. From what I understand my transmission could go out at any minute, costing thousands to repair. If I am driving on a crowded highway or merging this could be dangerous. I have read countless complaints on other websites. This is a common problem and Ford needs to recall these transmissions before someone gets killed

- Powell, WY, USA

I have owned my 1999 Ford Explorer for about 1 year. About 2 months ago I noticed a delay with the transmission engaging when shifting into drive or reverse. Then about a month ago it started having trouble shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear and very soon after that my over drive light comes on intermittently and blinks which makes the vehicle sluggish like I am towing something. Upon researching this problem I have found that I am only one of thousands or more that have this same issue between the years of 1995 - 2004. Also finding out that this is anywhere from a $2000 - $5000 fix. From my research and I don't seem to be alone. This should be a Ford recall.

- Merrimack, NE, USA

The reverse in the transmission went out without any warning. How does this happen? not taken to dealer yet. Probably is not worth it. Probably will have to get another car. At least for now. I pretty much use the car only after work now since I started taking public transportation for the last 2 years. Came home, drove the car from the train station, (about 1/4 of a mile) went into the house to drop off my workbags, came back out, started the car, put it into reverse and heard a loud ping. Put the car back in park and tried reverse again and the car would not move. Go figure. Tried going forward and the car moved. Neighbor came out and said that he heard the ping and that the pin broke when I tried reverse. Advised that I would need to get either a new car or a new transmission, because it cannot be corrected otherwise. Needed to get another car for now, because not sure if it may be worth it to get a new transmission for an 11 yr old vehicle. Just replaced a timing belt, tensioner and pulley just 2 1/2 months before that. Now repairs are starting to add up just to keep it running and the car looks virtually looks like it is only about 5 years old. Would understand better if it was slipping, but again, no prior warning. One day it worked fine and the next day it was not.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

Transmission failure reverse gear at 115K miles in July 2010.

- Bremerton, WA, USA

1999 Ford Explorer- reverse went out in transmission, then after spending 1500. To get that fixed, worked good for awhile, now the O/D light flashes and won't kick into overdrive, now I am told I need a new transmission. This vehicle only has 110,000 miles should not be on it's 3rd transmission fix.. very disappointed !

- Washburn , IL, USA

Transmission slipping while trying to enter on ramp on busy highway sounds trivial however endangering lives of occupants of many vehicles.

- North Bay, 00, USA

1999 Ford Explorer Sport 112,750 miles. Car fine Tuesday night. Upon leaving driveway Wednesday morning, reverse was gone, but forward gears fine--no noise, no leaks. Vehicle has been maintained. Upon leaving to drive to get it diagnosed for repair, noises occurred, then fluid leaked. A component blew a hole in transmission case. Transmission needed replacement. Upon researching this problem, I found tens of thousands of similar complaints for this vehicle--mostly 2002 models, though all years were represented. Many experienced similar problems prior to 50,000 miles of use. Apparently this vehicle is called "exploder" by repair shops and Ford dealership service departments. A problem of this magnitude clearly needs addressing, , and it is obvious that the Ford Motor Co. Will not do it, as they have been aware of this problem for years and have made no modifications to prevent it from happening--it seems that they simply do not care to take the time, money and effort [mostly the money, I'm sure] to remedy this problem--they just will not care unless forced to--and you are the only ones who can force them to do something. I am looking into starting a class-action suit presently. Please do not make it necessary to continue....

- North Haledon, NJ, USA

Ford Explorer 1999... O/D blinking, transmission missed 2nd or 3rd gears, fixed couple times including switches, solenoid, etc. The mechanic suggest to replace transmission, but not guarantee that will fix it.

- Plano, TX, USA

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer. The contact noticed that whenever she places the vehicle into drive, it functions as if it was in neutral. The vehicle will not operate while in the normal driving gear. The dealer has not diagnosed the vehicle. The contact did not notice any differences beforehand. The current and failure mileages were 80,000. Updated 10/16/08 updated 10/20/08.

- Ridgeway, PA, USA

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer. While constantly attempting to shift the vehicle into drive, it failed to properly shift into gear. As a consequence, the vehicle drifts into neutral. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic and was informed that the transmission may need to be replaced. She is in the process of contacting an authorized dealer to have the vehicle inspected. The failure mileage was 95,000 and current mileage was 118,000.

- Ridgeway, PA, USA

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer. Whenever the contact attempts to place the vehicle into drive, it functions as if it is in neutral. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The contact did not notice any differences beforehand. The current and failure mileages were 72,204.

- Ridgeway, PA, USA

O/D light stared flashing and it wouldn't shift out of the lower gear. Paid around $1400 to have some bands replaced in the trans and the computer flashed. Now has a hesitation between 30 and 40 mph. Transmission issue.

- Conway, AR, USA

My truck began revving for no reason, it only happens below 40 mph. It doesn't always happen and happens more when it is cold outside. A few weeks back, I couldn't drive forward, I had to back up and then it finally decided to go forward. I just took the truck in and had a number of things checked and replaced. I was told that the transmission is going and it is just a matter of time. I don't understand why Ford is not doing anything about the problems with their transmissions. I do not have money to throw away on a new transmission, especially with the price of gas. Please fix these problems.

- Oak Creek, WI, USA

A few months a ago my SUV started to make a tapping noise from the engine especially when it was cold. It has progressively gotten worse and is now all the time. I had the SUV checked by a mechanic and was told it was the timing chain. And he would not fix it because it was too involved and was not worth it. Plus it would cost me $1500+. he even contacted Ford and was told that it was a 'problem' and that the dealership that I bought the car from won't even touch it! I was told by a Ford representative to 'drive it til it dies' and I got my money out of it. There is nothing else wrong with my SUV, not even rust. I can't believe that Ford knows that the timing chain in this vehicle is a problem and refuses to fix it. Please help!

- Absecon, NJ, USA

Same 2-3 shift problem. Especially when cold...gas it on the on-ramp, all of a sudden it "pops" out of gear and you're hoping someone doesn't slam into the side of your vehicle. After my last near death experience, I took it to the dealer, they said it was a valve body gasket that was missing" (where did it go") they said they installed the upgrade kit and put in a new gasket, said it worked better. About 4 months later (when it got cold), it started again. Work & parts are supposed to be under warranty, but the dealer "thinks" it might be something else. My complaint is, 4 months ago I paid $900 for them to fix what is a common problem with their product, the exact same problem is happening again and they are looking for ways to get more money out of me, or worm their way out of fixing what I've already paid them to fix. The technician suggested it might be an internal leak, the torque converter, then suggested I might want to replace the tranny. My response was you had it torn apart last time, you didn't fix the problem, why should I trust you now? I don't subscribe to the theology of "repair through attrition". this is a serious problem that Ford should address or be sued for.

- St Louis Park, MN, USA

Transmission failure, twice. First @ 90,000 miles, second @ 115,000 miles.

- Suffield, CT, USA

1999 Ford Explorer transmission O/D light flashing. Transmission has not failed yet, but it won't be long. I am writing to add my voice to the ten's of thousands of unhappy Ford customers who have had the same problem for a decade of Ford transmissions that no one seems to want to hear about or help us with.

- Sanford, NC, USA

Transmission failure 1999 Ford Explorer 1. transmission started slipping, after a transmission flush at the valvoline oil change company. Mileage on vehicle approx 75000 miles when service was completed. 2. catastrophic failure of transmission, resulting in complete transmission rebuild at cost of $3000.

- Louisville, KY, USA

1999 Ford Explorer caught fire. Consumer states that his vehicle was in the shop for about 5 to 6 weeks getting a new engine transmission and radiator, and recall repair done. The vehicle caught fire a month after the repairs were made.

- Burgaw, NC, USA