Ford Recall
Ford recalled over 1.3 million vehicles in 2019 to fix concerns with the car’s rear suspension, transmission, and software problems. The largest recall covers over 1.2 million vehicles produced by Ford from the 2012-2017 Ford Explorer years. If the suspension link breaks in one of those affected vehicles, it can cause the suspension to move and cause transmission damage frequently. The Ford transmission repair cost can also end up being incredibly expensive.
Since the normal transmission fluid service would cost you around $75-$150, you will be able to save as much as $35 to $75 on the labor cost. What you would just need is pan large enough to catch the fluid, socket wrenches, screwdrivers, a mallet, clean towels. Rebuilt transmission includes basic 12 month/ 12,000 mile warranty. Maintenance & repairs estimated on US average of $600 per year with two additional major $1000 repairs added to older vehicle. Taxes based on 6%. All calculations for pricing, insurance, taxes, et al throughout this guide were based on using Pennsylvania data.
If the steering control is limited, this increases the risk of a crash and reduces the driver’s control of the car. Furthermore, Ford also recalled over 120,000 Ford F-150 pickups due to unintentional downshifts that can lead to a high Ford transmission repair cost.
Ford C-Max Hybrid – Ford Transmission Repair Cost
The worst model year of the C-Max Hybrid is the 2013 year, with this car having the highest-reported issue of the battery dying during use. The three most concerning issues across every model year are the power steering failure in the 2013 C-Max, the battery completely dying in the same year, and the engine stalling in the 2013 C-Max Hybrid.
The main categories of concern in the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid include the electrical system, interior accessories, steering engine, and transmission. The most severe transmission concerns focus on the loud intermittent rumbling noise, the loud grinding sound from under the hood, and the transmission failure. Fixing the broken transmission typically requires owners to replace the transmission for a hefty Ford transmission repair cost.
Ford Contour
Another model produced by Ford that could be a victim to an expensive Ford transmission repair cost is the Ford Contour, with the most-reported problem in the 2000 model year with the car losing power and dying. Other concerning years of production is the 1998 and 1999, with each of these model years citing concerns with the dashboard peeling off, the car losing power, and the engine stalling while driving.
Regarding the least-reliable 1998 Ford Contour, the main categories of concern are the electric system, transmission, engine, and AC and heater. Owners state that the transmission problems focus on the engine surging, hard shifting, the car losing gears, and the car slipping out of gear while driving. Unfortunately for contour owners, any one of these issues could lead to a high Ford transmission repair cost.
Ford Edge
The Ford Edge has various complaints throughout the years, with the worst model years being 2012 and 2013 due to the high severity and prevalence of issues. For example, the 2013 Ford Edge has the most-reported problem of the door ajar light staying on while driving.
Furthermore, the 2013 Ford Edge is considered the least reliable model due to the doors coming unlocked while in motion, the key fob rendering useless, and the electrical system draining.
Other categories of concern in the 2013 Ford Edge focus on the electrical system, interior accessories, engine, brakes, and transmission. These problem categories increase the Ford transmission repair cost.
Owners cite issues with the car sticking in low gear, the warning message appearing in the vehicle, the car having a burning rubber sound, and the power transmission unit failing.
Transmission Service Cost
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape was a popular vehicle throughout production years but suffered from a high Ford transmission repair cost, especially in the 2005, 2008, and 2013 years. The 2013 is often considered the worst model due to the prevalence and severity of problems, but the 2005 has the most-reported issue of excessive wheel well shake.
Regarding the 2013 Ford Escape, the most concerning categories are the engine interior accessories, transmission, and steering. The Ford Escape was a victim of numerous recalls and an expensive Ford transmission repair cost. The worst transmission issues are the primary transmission failure, the transmission slipping and jerking, the transmission shifting unexpectedly, hard downshifting while driving, and no manual transmission option.
Unfortunately for Ford Escape owners, paying for the Ford transmission repair cost in the 2013 Escape is a very expensive endeavor. Replacing the transmission costs around $4,650 to fix at around 72,000 miles.
Ford Explorer – Ford Transmission Repair Cost
The Ford Explorer had many problems throughout the production years, with the 2002-2006 years causing the most issues for owners and mechanics. The 2006 is often considered the least reliable model due to the severity of problems, while the 2004 Ford Explorer has the most-reported issue of the dashboard rear panel cracking.
Regarding the 2004 Ford Explorer, the most concerning categories are the body and paint, transmission, interior accessories, and engine. Owners state that the transmission slips, there is hard shifting, the car can’t go in reverse, the car vibrates while driving, and the car rolls in reverse on a flat surface.
2004 Explorer owners will have to pay for hefty Ford transmission repair costs to either rebuild the transmission, replace the shift solenoid, or replace the entire transmission for around $2,040 and at nearly 75,000 miles.
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 has been produced for many years – but not without its fair share of owner concerns and reports of an expensive Ford transmission repair cost. The worst model years are the 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015, with the 2004 Ford F-150 having the most-reported problem of the windows not rolling up.
However, the 2013 Ford F-150 is often considered the least-reliable due to the numerous engine, breaks, transmission, and window concerns. The main concerns from owners about the transmission system are the erratic shifting, the car losing power, trouble shifting, the car stuck in 1st gear, and the transmission fluid leaking.
The typical repair cost of the erratic shifting is around $960 to replace the connector harness, replace the timing chain, or replace the entire transmission at around 71,000 miles, with owners having to pay the expensive Ford transmission repair cost to fix their Ford F-150 truck.
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus has had a few concerning years, with 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2018 Ford Focus being the worst-rated in terms of owner reliability and the high Ford transmission repair cost. The most-reported problem is the key not turning in the ignition in the 2003 Ford Focus, while the 2012 is considered the least-reliable.
The 2012 Focus has top categories of concern focusing on the transmission, interior accessories, steering, and engine. Owners state the car jerks and hesitate while you accelerate, the transmission lags, the car shifts roughly, the transmission fails, there is a grinding noise while shifting, and there are noises while trying to accelerate.
Fixing the transmission jerking will usually cost about $1,060 to replace the clutch, carry out a software update, or replace the entire clutch mechanism at around 33,000 miles. Unfortunately, owners have to pay this expensive Ford transmission repair cost to keep the car running.
Ford Fusion – Ford Transmission Repair Cost
The worst model years of the Ford Fusion are from 2010-2013, with the 2010 and 2014 Ford Focus having the most-reported problem of the power steering fluid leaking and the entire mechanism not working correctly. However, the 2011 Fusion is considered the least reliable due to the seriousness of the repairs and the price.
The 2011 Ford Fusion has concerns in the steering, interior accessories, engine, AC and heater, and transmission categories, with the main transmission concerns focusing on the slipping transmission, the car shifting hard, the car lurching, the transmission failing, and the car making loud bumping noises when coming to a stop.
Fixing a slipping transmission typically requires owners to replace the entire transmission, with 2011 Fusion owners having to pay the expensive Ford transmission repair cost of around $3,040 at nearly 50,000 miles.
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang has a span of problematic years, ranging between the 2007-2012 production years. The 2007 model has the most-reported issue of paint blistering, while the 2010 is considered the worst buy due to the prevalence of issues in all categories.
Regarding the 2012 Ford Mustang, the top categories of concern are the body and paint, engine, suspension, and transmission. The transmission stopping and slipping, the car shifting roughly, and the car going into limp mode and stalling. The typical repair cost of fixing the transmission is usually quite expensive. The Ford transmission repair cost’s repair price is coming to around $1,100 to replace the sensor or the entire wiring harness.
Ford Taurus
The Ford Taurus has concerning problems in the 2003 and 2005 model years of production, with the 2003 being the least reliable and having the most-reported problem of transmission failure. The top categories of concern focus on the transmission, engine, suspension, and AC and heater.
The high Ford transmission repair cost can be attributed to the premature transmission failure, torque converter failure, transmission not shifting properly, slipping transmission, and the transmission fluid leaking. Unfortunately for Taurus owners, fixing the transmission failure typically involves an expensive Ford transmission repair cost of nearly $2,000.
Owners of this specific Ford Taurus model will have to pay approximately $1,930 to replace the transmission, replace the torque converter, or rebuild the transmission at around 93,000 miles.
Ford Windstar
The last model produced by Ford that has had the most user complaints over the years is the Windstar, with the most problematic production years being the 2000 and 2003 options. The 2003 has the most-reported transmission failure problem, while the same model year is also considered the least reliable.
The top categories of concern are transmission, interior accessories, engine, electrical system, and suspension. The 2003 Ford Windstar’s main concerns for the transmission focus on premature failure, torque converter failure, the car sputtering while accelerating, and the car having a strong burning smell when shifting.
Fixing the transmission failure will typically be priced at around $2,000 for the overall Ford transmission repair cost. The most common solution to replace or rebuild the transmission or replace the torque converter at around 102,000 miles.
The Bottom Line – Ford Transmission Repair Cost
The average Ford transmission repair cost is between $1,800 and $3,400 to replace the transmission, between $800 and $1,500 for a salvaged mechanism, and between $1100 and $2,800 to rebuild the transmission. However, the specific price of the repair will depend on the specific Ford make and model that you own!
Imagine this: you hop in your car, put it in Reverse, and back out of the driveway.
Then, when you go to put it in Drive, it hesitates, makes a loud “clunking” sound, and then starts acting normal again.
It sounds like you might have an issue with your transmission.
How much do transmission repairs cost? It depends on the severity of the damage. If all it needs is a fluid change, you’re looking at a cost between $80-$250. To repair a fluid leak, expect to spend between $150-$200, and for a solenoid shift replacement, $150-$400.
However, the cost to repair a transmission pales in comparison to how much you’ll spend on rebuilding or replacing one.
Sadly, if you forego a needed repair, you will eventually find this out the hard way.
Thankfully, in this short guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about transmission repairs. We’ll start by taking a closer look at how a transmission works.
Then, we’ll examine what causes them to fail and how to tell if yours is having issues.
Lastly, we’ll dive headfirst into each of the repair/replacement options available, and what they typically cost.
What Does A Transmission Do?
While an engine creates power, a transmission controls how much of it actually reaches the wheels at any given speed.
Using the gears of a bike as an example. When you shift between one to the other, the chain is temporarily lifted off, then put back in place.
This is similar to how a manual transmission works. By pressing the clutch in, it disconnects the engine from the transmission, allowing you to shift into a different gear. When you let off the clutch, it re-engages the two.
As for an automatic transmission, it is basically an automatic gear shifter that does the work for you. It uses what’s called a torque converter to determine when to shift so that when you speed up, it moves to a higher gear, and when you slow, it returns to a lower one.
Pokemon gba uranium. If you start experiencing issues with your transmission, then it’s likely time to get it checked out. If you ignore it, it may eventually fail, meaning your car won’t be able to function.
Now that you understand the basics behind how a transmission works. Let’s look at what causes one to fail.
What Causes A Transmission To Fail?
Low Transmission Fluid
Just like an engine, a transmission requires fluid to function, which in this case is called transmission fluid. It not only acts as a lubricant but as a hydraulic fluid as well. This keeps it within a safe operating temp, facilitates gear shifts, and lubricates the moving parts.
As you might have guessed, if you’re low on transmission fluid, it will get hot, it won’t be able to shift smoothly, and the internal parts will eventually seize.
Thankfully, most tranny fluid lasts for between 30,000-60,000 miles, meaning if you’re an average driver, you only need to replace it every 2 ½-5 years. Not only that, but the cost of changing it is low, ranging between $80-$250.
Transmission Fluid Leak
This one is similar to the last in that it means your transmission doesn’t receive the essential fluid it needs. However, if your transmission is leaking fluid, you can’t simply add more, you need to fix the issue.
Thankfully, transmission fluid is red, so if you notice a puddle of red liquid under your car, it’s pretty apparent what it’s from. We’ll cover how to repair a leaking transmission, as well as how much it costs a little further in this article.
A Clogged Transmission Fluid Filter
If you didn’t know, your tranny has a filter that screens out harmful debris like dirt, dust, and metallic flakes before they continue on to wreak havoc. However, once the filter screens out enough debris, it can become clogged, rendering it useless.
Not only that, but it can also block the flow of fluid, meaning the same issue as the first two causes.
Thankfully, by changing your transmission fluid (and filter) every 30,000-60,000 miles, your tranny will remain healthy. Additionally, doing so will also allow you to catch small problems before they get worse.
Now that you know what causes a transmission to run into issues. Let’s look at a few of the most common symptoms that suggest yours is.
Symptoms Of A Faulty Transmission
Burning Odor
It’s never a good sign if you start noticing a burning smell coming from your car. As we mentioned earlier, a lack of fluid can cause your transmission to overheat. When there’s a small amount left, it can burn, giving off a unique, sweet-smelling burning odor.
Again, catching a failing tranny while it’s in the early stages is crucial to preventing further damage, and therefore, a higher shop bill.
Gear Slippage
This one is pretty easy to notice, it means your transmission shifts gears when it shouldn’t. This can not only cause further damage but make your car dangerous to drive as well.
A lot goes into making sure an automatic transmission shifts smoothly, but if yours is slipping gears, all of that goes out the window. This means you’ll experience a rough jerking sensation as the RPMs climb without warning.
While you might just consider this a nuisance, if you’re driving on slick roads, it can actually cause your car to lose traction. This puts yourself, your passengers, and those around you in danger.
Transmission Service Cost Ford
Clunking/Whining Sound
Transmission Service Cost Estimate
Earlier, we mentioned how bad it is for a transmission to be without fluid. One of the reasons for this is because tranny fluid acts as a lubricant, creating a thin layer between the metal.
Without it, metal meets metal, which can produce a “clunking” or “whining” sound when the gears lock into place.
The longer these sounds continue, the more of a beating your transmission will endure, eventually leading to its failure.
Issues Shifting Gears
If your transmission hesitates, or jerks while changing gears, it’s likely low on fluid. Transmission fluid facilitates gear shifts, and without it, yours may have issues doing so.
As with the previous symptoms, taking your car in for an inspection at the first signs of a problem will help prevent the issue from worsening. Less damage equals a smaller repair bill.
Now that you better understand the symptoms to watch out for. Let’s look at how much you can expect to spend on transmission repair costs.
How Much Does Transmission Repair/Replacement Cost?
Transmission Fluid Flush
This service consists of depleting the system of all of the old transmission fluid and replacing it with new fluid. Depending on where you take your vehicle, the cost can range from $80-$250. Thankfully, it’s also something you can do at home to cut these costs in half.
Related:What Does It Cost To Change Transmission Fluid?
Shift Solenoid Replacement
A shift solenoid is basically a valve that controls how much fluid flows through the transmission. Replacing a single solenoid can range anywhere from $150-$400 (including both parts and labor). Most transmissions have 2 or more solenoids, meaning the costs can rack up fairly quickly.
Transmission Fluid Leak
Transmission leaks typically occur from a worn seal, which can cost as much as $200 to replace. However, if the leak stems from the front seal, this amount will increase by a significant amount.
Thankfully, most transmission fluids carry seal swell agents, which keep them from drying out and shrinking. You can also add specific additives meant to maintain transmission seals.
Transmission Rebuild
A transmission rebuild consists of replacing any worn/broken parts and salvaging what you can. The issue is that this takes a lot of time. Because of this, the costs are close to how much it is to simply replace the tranny. How much does a transmission rebuild cost? $2,500-$4,500.
Transmission Replacement
And then, there’s transmission replacement, which is the only thing worse than finding out your engine is shot. Why? Because when all is said and done, the costs of replacing your transmission with a new one ranges between $4,000-$8,000.
Thankfully, you can reduce these costs by replacing it with a used or rebuilt transmission, which ranges between $2,500-$4,000.
Instead Of Repairing/Replacing – Maintain The Transmission You Already Have
It’s that simple. Instead of staring in wonder at a sizable repair bill, avoid it altogether, by maintaining your tranny throughout its lifetime.
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