NHTSA Complaint #11471431 — 2016 FORD EXPLORER

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle started jerking and sputtering. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed. The vehicle was towed to the transmission specialist where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred a year later. The vehicle was taken back to the transmission specialist where the torque converter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated the vehicle was shifting hard while driving and was jerking upon acceleration. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the engine mounts were replaced twice. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact became aware of Ford Technical Service Bulletin Number: 20-2271, which he associated with the torque converter failure. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the vibration caused by the torque converter failure was damaging the engine mounts, causing the engine mounts to be repaired often. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.