Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2007 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of a failure with the transmission. The contact attempted to shift the gear shifter and the vehicle made a loud clanking sound and the vehicle was rattling. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 150,076.
Transmission failed. Took it in to be rebuilt and it never shifted right so I took it back again and they replaced an electrical strap; still not shifting right. Took it back again to be looked at. Got it back today and when I left the shop it was OK, later in the day I ran an errand and when I got in to come home I didn't have any gears, nothing and putting it in park was very difficult. Finally got reverse after a few minutes of shifting up and down; put it in park again; after many many attempts I finally got drive but in the 2 position on the shifter. I had noticed that the shifter was really loose when I first got in but thought perhaps it was that way before but I just hadn't noticed. Got home and had to force it in to park and then tried to go in reverse or drive again and had nothing.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that immediately after the vehicle was started, the check engine light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and that the 02 sensor was defective. The contact mentioned that in the process of replacing the 02 sensor, he noticed several bare wires. The insulation on the wires had rotted and fallen off the sensors. As a result, the wires needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact pulled down the transmission wire harness and noticed that 15 wires were affected. Also, the cooling temperature sensor had the same problem. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not provided. The failure mileage was 140,000. Updated 11/12/15
Tl contact owns a 2007 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle crashed into another vehicle. There were no injuries but the vehicle was not in drivable condition. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealership where transmission fluid was added to allow the vehicle to shift properly. The contact noticed similar transmission problems a month later so the vehicle was taken back to the dealership where the transmission overhaul and throttle position sensor were replaced. After the repairs, the vehicle was parked on hill and it suddenly rolled down. The failure mileage was approximately 21,900.
Transmission started to have hard shifting, slipping between 3rd and 4th gear. Jumps very hard when put in reverse. This problem only started three months ago. The car only had 73000 miles on it when it stared to act wrong. It would slip between 3rd and fourth gear when going above 40 MPH and do it only one or two times when starting to drive then operate normally until the next cold start. Truck has mostly highway miles and just started driving city routes in the past two years. I see several posted complaints about this model transmission. Maybe NHTSA should recall it before someone has a bad accident due to transmission failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced trouble shifting, an abnormal noise was heard from the engine, and the vehicle would not accelerate past 30 MPH. In addition, the check power train warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred twice more. The contact stated that the transmission had been previously replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,681.
The vehicle hesitates when shifting from park to reverse, or park to drive or any other gear. You have to put the car in the gear you want and wait for it to shift. It then gives a jolt when it shifts, and then you can move. At times, the car will shift to neutral when stopping for red light, and you have to move the gear to another gear then back to drive on green to move the vehicle. The vehicle only has 73,950.9 miles and the mechanic advised it needed a new transmission. The date below is an estimated date. We have had the vehicle in the shop several times in the past year.
Tl contact owns a 2007 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle started to jerk without warning causing the vehicle not to shift into gear mode. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000. ....updated 06/09/15 the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired. Updated 7/16/2015
While driving on the the highway on ramp the vehicle was hard to accelerate and almost caused an accident merging on the highway. When the vehicle was scanned 16 transmission OBD codes came up. The cause of the codes was a corroded connector going to the transmission. It corroded from water intrusion from water leaking from the A/C drain onto the transmission electrical connector. This is a safety issue that needs to get fixed and paid by Ford for poor engineering.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost power and shut off without warning. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road where it was towed to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the PCM needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000. The VIN was not provided. The replacement PCM also failed. Updated 02/02/16.
Transmission complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2007 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 57 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2007 Ford Explorer, 27% of the model year's 208 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Ford Explorer transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2007 Ford Explorer, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Ford Explorer transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.