1996 Ford Explorer Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 120about this part
- Share
- 8%of 1,450 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,962miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 120 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Ford Explorer, 8% of the 1,450 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,962 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We have a 1996 Ford Explorer with only 74,000 miles. When we bought the vehicle it had only 25,000 miles. The maintenance on the transmission was done according to the maintenance book. When the vehicle is put into gear it slips in each forward gear. Reverse gear no longer works. When in reverse its as though in park. The overdrive light flashes rapidly.”
NHTSA complaint #10007679, filed 2003-02, 74,000 miles“I have an Explorer sport with manual transmission. This car is will taken care of even if it has alot of miles on it. The manual shift shakes considerably. If there is a rough surface on the highway, it seems to be ready to take flight. At 165,000 miles I had the clutch, pressure plate, and throwout bearings replaced. The machine at the dealership couldn't tell me why it happened but he thought something was still wrong. Now at 212,000 miles the bearings and clutch are out again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10066316, filed 2004-04, 138,579 miles“1996 Explorer, has been a great vehicle. Started loosing power and shifting down and strange times. Then the o/d fail light started to flash. I understand this is a common failure and Ford knows about it but refuses to acknowledge the fact or accept responsibility. They need to recall these transmissions.”
NHTSA complaint #10328640, filed 2010-05, 178,450 miles“Our 96 Ford Explorer transmission has slipped out of gear at unpredictable times, speeds, and inclines. Only have had a back bumper bumped when this happened, but would really like for some dept or entity to refer us to a truly knowledgeable and experienced transmission shop or other helpful source.”
NHTSA complaint #10313333, filed 2010-02, 149,800 miles“Driving truck down wisconsin avenue in appleton when truck refused to shift. Immediately brought truck into to wisconsin motors sales and service and was informed the transmission had failed in truck. Truck had just been purchased ten days earlier.”
NHTSA complaint #10535179, filed 2013-08, 72,428 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10017891Apr 1, 2005Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 7% |
| 2025 | 16 | 15% |
| 2024 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 | 12 | 11% |
| 2022 | 61 | 23% |
| 2021 | 127 | 28% |
| 2020 | 504 | 40% |
| 2019 | 35 | 12% |
| 2018 | 50 | 7% |
| 2017 | 125 | 7% |
| 2016 | 215 | 9% |
| 2015 | 86 | 5% |
| 2014 | 80 | 5% |
| 2013 | 119 | 5% |
| 2012 | 55 | 7% |
| 2011 | 64 | 5% |
| 2010 | 28 | 24% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 36 | 24% |
| 2007 | 57 | 27% |
| 2006 | 296 | 47% |
| 2005 | 99 | 20% |
| 2004 | 460 | 35% |
| 2003 | 335 | 30% |
| 2002 | 1,502 | 46% |
| 2001 | 42 | 11% |
| 2000 | 133 | 14% |
| 1999 | 115 | 9% |
| 1998 | 103 | 5% |
| 1997 | 104 | 6% |
| 1996 | 120 | 8% |
| 1995 | 119 | 14% |
| 1994 | 86 | 7% |
| 1993 | 72 | 8% |
| 1992 | 77 | 12% |
| 1991 | 69 | 11% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Explorer
570 complaintsVehicle speed control
148 complaintsBrakes
132 complaintsSuspension
97 complaintsEngine cooling
81 complaintsSeat belts
78 complaintsBody and structure
63 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsSteering
47 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
47 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
34 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology