2018 Ford Explorer: Torque converter
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2018 Explorer report: torque converter. CarComplaints.com lists 2 owner complaints, average mileage 56,500 miles.
NHTSA has 50 owner complaints for the 2018 Explorer in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11766098 (filed 09/22/2026): “The contact owns a 2018 ford explorer. the contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle jerked. the dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was d…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11762086 (filed 09/04/2026): “At 30 to 40 mph, there is a shuttering or stutter in the transmission during acceleration. this is a problem when trying to enter traffic on the expressway (interstate or other lanes of traffic). i have taken this to the dealer and they indicate that the tra…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace transmission (1 reports) warranty replacement (1 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Diagnosis needs a scan tool; repair or replacement needs a lift, transmission jack and the manufacturer's fluid fill/relearn procedure. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $8,000 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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