2012 Explorer base transmission thumps

[broken strut]

Amen. I have been developing some transmission difficulty over the last couple of days as well. Haven't had any loud bangs. Just some quirky jerks and uncharacteristic gear changes. Might be the computer getting used to my driving. Sure as hell hope it's not the tranny.

 

[cyber8]

Well it happened to me again!!! And of course it happened at night and while I was going to a wedding. So I just couldn't go directly to a dealership as Ford suggested in the previous posts. I love how Ford does not think people have lives and can just drop what they are doing to take a vehicle back to a dealership at a moments notice. I wished they just did the TSB while they had it and be done with it. Also I love how they don't send you surveys when they know you are going to give negative feedback.

 

[vergtim]

More 2012 Explorer Transmission Problems

We are having the same problems reported by others in this thread in our 2012 Explorer Limited 2WD.

If we let off the accelerator then get back into accelerator we occasionally hear a thump and the car jerks hard enough such that any passengers can also feel it. This has happened about 15-20 times since we bought the car. We have taken the car to our local dealership but they can't find a problem. They say that they can't troubleshoot the problem if they can't duplicate it in the service shop. They told us they drove the car once, hooked it up to the computer and did not find anything.

As this is an intermittent problem, they have not taken the time to recreate the conditions that are causing this problem. Essentially we are being told to wait till the transmission completely breaks, then they will take the time to fix it.

 

[xplanfan]

PLEASE HELP!! My 2012 Limited has 17K miles on it and it too has this intermittent banging from the tranny.. and when I say bang I mean like loud enough that it scares the hell out of me because I think somone has hit me.
I just heard from my local Ford Service Dept where they clain "can not duplicate", after I explained IN DETAIL when and how it happens.. This "bang"has been happening for about 2 months now.
I am totally frustrated and annoyed with my Local Ford Service Dept. I don't even want to pick up my truck.
Should I take it to another Ford Service Department?
PLEASE HELP!

I too had this problem on my 2012 Limited which could not be duplicated. Strangely enough this problem all but stopped happening coincidently after Ford performed a Sync about year ago. It has slipped a couple of times accelerating around corners since, but nothing like the load bangs I experienced previously. Hard to believe, but that's the Sync update was the only change the dealer claimed to have made.

 

[Untamed]

I haven't posted in this thread since February, but had the same "thump" happen to me again tonight. Approaching a curve I slowed, then accelerated through the curve and had the tranny thump as it tried to figure out what gear to be in. Given the infrequent experience with this, I doubt most service departments will be able to reproduce this during a 10-15 minute check ride.

I don't know enough about transmissions to even speculate as to why this is happening, so I cant help the service department imagine what kinds of test to do on it beyond a useless 15 minute check ride.

Frustrating and concerning for the future durability of the vehicle.

 

[peterk9]

I haven't posted in this thread since February, but had the same "thump" happen to me again tonight. Approaching a curve I slowed, then accelerated through the curve and had the tranny thump as it tried to figure out what gear to be in. Given the infrequent experience with this, I doubt most service departments will be able to reproduce this during a 10-15 minute check ride.

I don't know enough about transmissions to even speculate as to why this is happening, so I cant help the service department imagine what kinds of test to do on it beyond a useless 15 minute check ride.

Frustrating and concerning for the future durability of the vehicle.

Although I can't be sure but I would guess that this isn't unusual and may happen on certain occasions if all the conditions are right. I have had this happen a few times in different vehicles under similar conditions as you described and didn't even worry about. Never had any transmission issues.

Peter

 

[zips]

We had the transmission bump. Our ford dealer performed tsb 13-03-18 and my wife said it been fine since.

 

[FordService]

I haven't posted in this thread since February, but had the same "thump" happen to me again tonight. Approaching a curve I slowed, then accelerated through the curve and had the tranny thump as it tried to figure out what gear to be in...

Hi Untamed,

I want to get your regional customer service manager involved so they can help. I know we've been in touch in the past, so just send me a PM with your current mileage and confirm your preferred servicing dealership; I'll get your info into the right hands.

Crystal

 

[Coffey454]

We have the identical transmission issue of a serious THUMP when getting back onto the gas after coasting... Very scary. Making an appointment ASAP to have this checked out. I am very hopeful that this gets resolved without issue since this is quite obviously a widespread issue at this point.
Our vehicle is an '11 Limited 4WD with approx 87000 kms on it now. Also have a creaking noise during braking which I suspect is worn suspension bushings, and the a-pillar noise which I also hope will be addressed. This has been an excellent vehicle so far (we bought it used last summer with 55000 kms on it). My wife loves it, it is her daily driver, so I hope this batch of issues is not the "turning point" for our Explorer or I will be seriously second-guessing my decision to by this truck.
I will keep everyone updated. This will be resolved.

 

[FordService]

...Also have a creaking noise during braking which I suspect is worn suspension bushings, and the a-pillar noise which I also hope will be addressed. This has been an excellent vehicle so far (we bought it used last summer with 55000 kms on it)...

It’s great to see you love your Explorer, Coffey454.

I’m confident your dealer will take care of you. Because you live in Canada, you can also call Ford Canada at 1-800-565-3673 to speak with one of the great agents for assistance.

Cory

 

[Untamed]

Hi Untamed,

I want to get your regional customer service manager involved so they can help. I know we've been in touch in the past, so just send me a PM with your current mileage and confirm your preferred servicing dealership; I'll get your info into the right hands.

Crystal

I'll be due for an oil change in July so I'll have my regular service guys look at this at that time. There is mention of a TSB for this, so I'll contact you, Crystal, when it comes time so that the information gets passed on to the dealer like you've done in the past.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Coffey454]

We have the identical transmission issue of a serious THUMP when getting back onto the gas after coasting... Very scary. Making an appointment ASAP to have this checked out. I am very hopeful that this gets resolved without issue since this is quite obviously a widespread issue at this point.
Our vehicle is an '11 Limited 4WD with approx 87000 kms on it now. Also have a creaking noise during braking which I suspect is worn suspension bushings, and the a-pillar noise which I also hope will be addressed. This has been an excellent vehicle so far (we bought it used last summer with 55000 kms on it). My wife loves it, it is her daily driver, so I hope this batch of issues is not the "turning point" for our Explorer or I will be seriously second-guessing my decision to by this truck.
I will keep everyone updated. This will be resolved.

Update: My wife picked up the truck this morning. They replaced the speed position sensor and reprogrammed the trans (warranty). A-pillar noise was not heard, but was recognized as a known issue. $665 to fix (I said no thanks) since bumper to bumper no longer in effect after 87000kms. Creaking noise / worn bushing noise was not heard by them, and generally said brakes were great and everything else seemed fine. Kennedy Ford was great to deal with - very friendly and no surprise charges. Cost of this experience was $0. Kennedy Ford in Oakville has been the best dealer I have dealt with (I have been very disappointed by other dealers...). Worth the drive from Brampton!

 

[FordService]

Update: My wife picked up the truck this morning. They replaced the speed position sensor and reprogrammed the trans (warranty). A-pillar noise was not heard, but was recognized as a known issue. $665 to fix (I said no thanks) since bumper to bumper no longer in effect after 87000kms. Creaking noise / worn bushing noise was not heard by them, and generally said brakes were great and everything else seemed fine. Kennedy Ford was great to deal with - very friendly and no surprise charges. Cost of this experience was $0. Kennedy Ford in Oakville has been the best dealer I have dealt with...

Outstanding news, Coffey454! I'm thrilled to hear that your dealership treated you like gold.

Crystal

 

[Jenann]

Its been a little over two weeks since i got my explorer back with a new transmission. All the sounds it was making before are still there....plus i hear clicks and pops constantly. I noticed over the weekend that now my steering wheel squeaks when turned to the right. I'm going to have to call the dealer again. I truly believe i own a lemon now and Ford needs to do something to make this right. I've had nothing but problems.

I also have a 2012 Explorer XLT with similar transmission issues. And, Ford has already put a new trans assembly in this vehicle a few months ago. I've had nothing but problems with this car from the day I bought it. I'm quite disappointed in the quality of this vehicle as its been in the dealership service dept multiple times, for weeks on end a couple times to boot! This has not been my experience with Ford products in the past, but I'm hesitant to keep this vehicle & certainly hesitant to replace it with another Ford product!

 

[peterk9]

I also have a 2012 Explorer XLT with similar transmission issues. And, Ford has already put a new trans assembly in this vehicle a few months ago. I've had nothing but problems with this car from the day I bought it. I'm quite disappointed in the quality of this vehicle as its been in the dealership service dept multiple times, for weeks on end a couple times to boot! This has not been my experience with Ford products in the past, but I'm hesitant to keep this vehicle & certainly hesitant to replace it with another Ford product!

Welcome to the Forum Jenann.:wavey:
Sorry to read about your transmission issues. It seems some members have all kinds of issues with their Explorers while others have none or very few minor ones. If you plan to keep it, I think it may be a good idea to take out the ESP on it if you haven't already. I bought mine before leaving the dealership but haven't had any major issues. Random windshield wipe TSB and battery replaced.
It would also be helpful if you added the model (XLT) to your profile so the members can see what you have without you having to post it every time.
Good luck and Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Peter

 

[Jenann]

Thank you, Peter. I did purchase an ESP (thankfully!!) and because my ESP ends at 100,000 miles, I plan to only keep this Explorer until that point. My dealership does address the issues I present with (in fact, my Explorer is at the dealership now as they look into some of the current problems I'm experiencing). I can't help but wonder if the Ecoboost engine isn't contributing to the ongoing trans issues my car has....despite having a whole new trans assembly replaced this summer. After all, something else in the vehicle's components must be causing these transmissions to fail.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year as well!

 

[FordService]

...in fact, my Explorer is at the dealership now as they look into some of the current problems I'm experiencing...

How are things going at the dealership, Jenann? I'm happy to do what I can to assist with your concerns; send me your info (full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, mileage, and servicing dealership) in a PM and I'll check out some options.

Crystal

 

[DavExp12xlt]

2012 explorer hard downshifting

Hello, I am a new member looking to see if anyone else is still experiencing occasional hard transmission shifting(banging noise) during acceleration and if their is a ford service rep that could help. I would appreciate any assistance as this will be my third trip to dealer to get issue diagnosed and resolved.

 

[peterk9]

Hello, I am a new member looking to see if anyone else is still experiencing occasional hard transmission shifting(banging noise) during acceleration and if their is a ford service rep that could help. I would appreciate any assistance as this will be my third trip to dealer to get issue diagnosed and resolved.

Welcome to the Forum DavExp12xlt.:wavey:
Have you checked out the 2011 - 2012 Frord Explorer TSB thread?
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343204

There are several there that pertain to a harsh bump. I think the latest is TSB 13-3-18 sluggish acceleration followed by a harsh bump or slip.

You can send a private message to Crystal (FordService), the Ford rep that monitors this forum. You can use this link;
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=157968
When you PM, be sure to include your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, mileage, and servicing dealership in your message.

Peter

 

[DavExp12xlt]

Thanks peterK9 for your helpful response. I have read the 2011-2012 Ford Exp TSB thread. It was helpful , I was just inquiring to see if their were any more members with problems since those posts. Took it in today for third time. They finally have a certified mechanic there that I hope can troubleshoot and resolve problem. If not ,I will be contacting Crystal for help. Thanks again.