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8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,110
Average Mileage:
91,450 miles
Total Complaints:
28 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. new transmission is only fix, per mechanic (12 reports)
  2. not sure (12 reports)
  3. rebuilt and replace parts (3 reports)
  4. technical service bulletin - solution kit available (1 reports)
2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac transmission problems

transmission problem

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2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #28

Aug 082014

Explorer Sport Trac 6.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 185,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS!! CAR SLIPS WHILE DRIVING, THEN JERKS BACK INTO GEAR. I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO TRY AND FIX THIS, I'M SURE THE BILL WILL BE CRAZY HIGH...I AM SO WORRIED BUT UNABLE TO AFFORD THE BILL.

- Russell B., Austin, TX, US

problem #27

Sep 172004

Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,351 miles

I was the second owner of this vehicle, I bought it from a Ford dealer in Jacksonville, AR, it was still covered under the 3 year 36,000 mile warranty. The transmission went out at 58,351 miles and again at 159.000. The 1st time the O/D light blinked with the slipping of the transmission. The 2nd time it started slipping from 2nd to 3rd gears. I have own 5 Fords two of which are Sport Tracs (2007 is my wife's)

and they both have Transmission issues. Ford needs to STEP UP AND BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE!!!!!

- Timothy F., Little Rock, AR, US

problem #26

May 162012

Explorer Sport Trac 4DR 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 171,654 miles

Well let me just say i wish i would have seen this site before i bought my truck. I am in a world of hurt now, simply enough because i got a 8,000. dollar yard decoration that i have not finished paying for and now i have to buy a new trans that might cost me about what the blue book says my truck is worth. I am having identical problems with it as everyone else on here is , trans slips out when you try to accelerate,when i come to a complete stop i have to turn my overdrive off manually shift down into low 1 then manually shift up to 2 and then drive , once i get to 55 mph i have to let off the gas push button on for the overdrive wait for it o kick in then i can begin to accelerate.I think this is all bs cause with that many problems ford should recall them or at least reduce the price drastically for a new trans and when i say drastically i mean thy should replace our transmissions. I loved my truck but now i can't stand the sight of it thanks a lot ford cause now i am a disable man on fixed income that has to pay for a truck i can't drive and i 'cant fix until its paid off. i think i will go buy me TOYOTA after i sale his one for scrap.

- Jerricho B., Moss Point, MS, US

problem #25

Oct 012011

Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

So i have spent about twenty minutes and found over a hundred complaints about the sport tracs tranny problems, i bought mine five years ago with 54000 miles and now i have 117000 and mine started slipping like most people said from 2nd to 3rd. I love my truck but the ford dealerships are a bunch of cheap a-holes bc i to bought the extended warranty for mine and it didn't cover anything that was wrong with it so i just started doing everything myself. The thing is my problem started around 110000 miles and i beat the living crap out of mine, lifted with 33's on it and i also have mine programmed but I'm doing a tranny flush on it and will see if that fixes the problem.

- Thomas F., Bath, OH, US

problem #24

Mar 012011

Explorer Sport Trac V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,500 miles

It looks like I'll be needing a new transmission based on the issues I have read from this forum. One would think that Ford would go back to their Chinese supplier and make them stand behind the defective component. Sad thing is, Ford will not stand behind the product and my only revenge is I was "going" to buy the new redesigned Explorer; but now I think I'll seriously look at the BMW X5. Pretty confident that the Germans know how to build a car that lasts without throwing $2500 at it after only 86500 miles.

- Matt L., Vancouver, WA, US

problem #23

Oct 222010

Explorer Sport Trac V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

I felt my transmission slipping when I tried to step on the gas! Imagine that! It would slip into neutral and if I let up it would shift to second. Didn't seem to do this in lower gears. So I Googled this and found that Ford Explorers are notorious for this problem! It's a 2001 with 78000 miles on it and it's in really great condition. Been kept up well and taken care of and POOF! There goes the tranny! It's not a total loss because I took it right in but it's still costing me a lot of money and Ford doesn't seen to care or have a recall on their problem. I've read many people's similar experiences and would think it should be taken care of. Not only is it inconvenience but it's wicked pricey! I know the fix is going to be guaranteed so I'm doing it because all in all it's less then a new vehicle but it's still a lot of dough to have to shell out on this dying economy. I'm not happy!

- Carmen H., Saint Albans, VT, US

problem #22

Nov 012009

Explorer Sport Trac LX 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 149,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When the transmission first started acting up, I took the vehicle into a private repair shop. They told me that I needed to have the transmission flushed, which I did immediately. The problem returned only with additional symptoms and other repair issues.

- Rochelle D., Orangevale, CA, US

problem #21

Jan 292010

Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 121,775 miles

From a name as Ford, would expect transmission be the last thing to go wrong. Problem is shifting from 2nd to 3rd. Most noticeable when warmed up. I agree that Ford should fix the problem. Sound like they have planned obsolescent build in for money sake. Ford quality is down the tubes.

- Neil S., Lemoore, CA, US

problem #20

Mar 252004

Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

I GOT THIS CAR (0) MILLES AND NEVER DROVE IT OFF ROAD OR PUT A HEAVY LOAD. I FELT THE TRANSMISSION A LITLE SLIPPERY WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD ABOUT 75,000 MILLES. THE WARANTY WAS ONLY UP TO 65,000 .

THE REPAIR COSTME 1,800 DOLLARS. ON A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST SHOPP, BUT ONLY LAST ME FOR 3 1/2 YEARS. EVEN THE PARTS ARE BAD OR A BAD TRANSMISSION DESSIGN?

THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THIS TRANSMISSION IS BEEN REBUILT.

MY BROTHER TOLL ME TO REPAIR IT AND SELL IT BUT, HOW CAN PEOPLE IS GOINIG TO BUY THIS PIECE OF JUNK. THAT ONLY LOOKS GOOD FROM OUT SIDE? I'M GOING TO KEEP IT UNTIL IT COMPLITLY DIES, HOPPING THAT SOME DAY THE FORD COMPANNY ACCEPT ITS MISTAKE AND RECALLS THEM ALL.

- scubabiker007, Danbury, CT, US

problem #19

Dec 012008

Explorer Sport Trac W 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles

everybodys truck is having same problem . why cant we get a recall . 79k on a transmission is a shame . i would not want my name on a product like that . help please not everybody can afford a new transmission . where is all the bail out money . because we need bailed out .

- Blair Q., Salem, OR, US

problem #18

Feb 102009

Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 134,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Well I hope they close down and go bankrupt and never build cars again. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN! 2 is enough to handle since they end up costing a lot of $$$. Go for cars that are made in Japan.

- jotads, Las Vegas, NV, US

problem #17

May 012007

Explorer Sport Trac Sport 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

The car can be dangerous due to every time I take off from a full stop I never know if the vehicle behind me will hit my car thinking that I am about to pull off but when in reality all you here is the the engine rev-up and then it jumps into gear.Ford should be responsible and at the most pick-up 1/2 the bill to repair transmission. Put your self in my shoes you are at a red light and about to make a left tun your vehicle starts of fine but half way on the turn the transmission starts to slip your family is in the car with you and suddenly it will not go into next gear but you are giving the driver behind you the thought that you are about to speed-up but in stead he hits you. should he realy be responsible or I no Ford is at fault. Due to Ford's reputation that is why people due not buy their junk. (Take pride in what you build or stop destroying our market (U.S.A.) and taking our money or placing our economy in a down fall.

- Roberto C., Pembroke Pines, FL, US

problem #16

Oct 302007

Explorer Sport Trac

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

I bought this vehicle used with 70000 mi in August 07, and chose not to purchase a warranty, as it did not cover for much mileage, and I drive ~60 miles per day. Note that I bought this vehicle from a FORD dealership.

Within a short period of time, I noticed that the vehicle was slipping from 2nd to 3rd gear, especially in cold weather. Also, I noticed that if I drove with a "heavier" foot, it did not happen. I did not have the money to fix it, so I started to "baby" it, to make the slippage less rough, and less destructive.

The issue progressed, and by March 2008 was doing it constantly, and started to frequently jerk and the O/D OFF light would blink. I took the truck to AAMCO, and they said that there was a solenoid that had gone bad. This replacement cost me $450, because of COURSE, it was the main electrical controller solenoid that was bad. Upon receiving the truck back, within 1 day it was slipping and jerking from 2nd to 3rd gear again, and the O/D OFF light was blinking again.

Near tears, as I had just spend half of what little wedding savings we had, I took the vehicle back to AAMCO. They took a while to tell me, but apparently, they had trouble getting the truck to "act up" again, as the gentlemen there apparently have a heavier foot than I do. One gentleman there was successful, and was able to get the truck to slip. Upon AAMCO speaking with Ford (although I had spoken with Ford SEVERAL times about this problem, to which they had "No Idea"), they determined that the transmission lines were losing significant power when shifting from 2nd to 3rd. The PSI should be about 32, and it dropped below 15 when shifting, causing the rough jerk and rough shift, and the O/D light. Ford presented to AAMCO a "solution" from a Technical Service Bulletin, or TSB that included a "Shift Correction Kit" and a "Transmission Boost" package to fix the problem. These packages will be an additional $250 in parts, and because I was in tears, I think the nice men at AAMCO felt bad for me (either that, or they didn't know what to do with the mascara stained mess in their lobby!), and they offered to waive their labor. I had to pay for a gasket, AT fluid, and the work that was done by a 3rd party, which came to a total of $315. I have now spent nearly $800 on this truck, and our wedding savings is GONE. I can't believe that FORD is not paying for this, and that they would expect their customers to pay because they built a malfunctioning transmission. These "TSB"s perfectly named - TOTAL STINKING BULL. Ford should be standing behind their product.

- sugarbean86, Havelock, NC, US

problem #15

Jan 252008

(reported on)

Explorer Sport Trac

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,351 miles

WHAT A PIECE OF JUNK. DROVE MY SPORT TRAC FOR 6 MONTHS AND IT FELL APART. ALWAYS WELL CARED FOR, NO OFFROADING, AND LOW MILEAGE.

TRANNY STARTED SLIPPING. $$$$$$

ALSO, FRONT END FRAME FELL APART FOR NO REASON. ALL THE RODS AND BOLTS BROKE AND CRACKED. $4000

BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED, FRONT WINDSHIELD, SHOCKS SOON, AND BATTERY. I CAN GO ON AND ON. WORST MISTAKE EVER BUYING THIS TRUCK.

I JUST WANT TO PAY IT OFF AND BURN IT! 4 YEARS TO GO.

EVERYWHERE I'VE LOOKED THIS IS RATED THE ABSOLUTE WORST VEHICLE TO BUY EVER!!!!!!!

- C S., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

problem #14

Dec 142007

Explorer Sport Trac

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

Had Slip in Transmission. Dealer has given me several prices to fix it from $2,300-

7,000. The car is not blue books for that. This seems to be a problem that a lot of

2001 Ford Trac owners are having. What can be done to make Ford fix this on a

recall.

- Douglas F., Saginaw, TX, US

problem #13

Nov 162007

Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

Hey, I guess my luck ran out 2day..... transmission slips. i drove by the Ford dealer here in Hinesville and they gave me an appointment for a diagnostic.... which cost around $ 150.... they 4got 2 mention 2 me that they been knowing about this kind of problem..... how many complaints will it take 4 Ford 2 make this a recall or some .....

- Ute S., Jacksonville, FL, US

problem #12

Aug 092007

(reported on)

Explorer Sport Trac 4WD 4.0L SOHC

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,643 miles

F*ing Ford Dealer! I started complaining about this at 72k, when it was still under extended warranty. Their solution? Change the fluid/service tranny. Now that I am of ext warranty coverage, I am out $1800 instead of $250 (deductible). The absolute last Ford I will ever own.

- Richard S., Lubbock, TX, US

problem #11

Jul 012007

(reported on)

Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,540 miles

still in midst of repair, price quoted ($3,300) is from Ford dealership. It's less elsewhere, but this is starting to sound so common that Ford ought to declare it a warranty defect. Started as a mild rev (2300 rpm jumped to 3000) on transition from one gear to the next at about 25 mph. I found it odd that if I started in 2nd gear and dropped into Drive that the rev didn't happen. Mechanic says that the band may be burned up, but it's at least $600 just to open up, and at least $1,600 (Cottman) to repair.

- thom0573, Fairfax, VA, US

problem #10

Mar 132007

(reported on)

Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

A new transmission with only 42,000 miles??? that is a catastrophic failure on Ford's part. I take incredibly good care of my truck, all preventative maintenance done, usually before required. I put low miles on my truck, never abusing it.

- Scott D., Hicksville, NY, US

problem #9

Mar 042007

(reported on)

Explorer Sport Trac V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

this will probably be my last ford. i've never had car that the transmission went out so fast. it seems like a solenoid or something. no wonder the american auto industry is dying.

- Dave P., Mount Pleasant, PA, US

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