Used Ford Explorer Transmissions
Used, remanufactured and rebuilt transmissions for the 1991-to-present Ford Explorer — tested before they ship and covered by warranty. Tell us your Explorer and we’ll match the right unit.
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Transmission Options
Which transmission does your Explorer have?
The Explorer began as a truck-based SUV, became a front-wheel-drive-based crossover in 2011 and a rear-wheel-drive-based SUV in 2020, and each change brought a completely different set of transmissions. A unit from one of these three families will not fit the others.
The truck-based Explorer, sold from 1991 to 2010, used four-, five- and six-speed automatics, and a Mazda-built five-speed manual was offered until 2003. The table below shows what was fitted when. Within a generation the engine, the body style and the model year decide the unit, so we confirm it from your VIN.
| Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|
| M5OD-R1 five-speed manual | Mazda-built; standard. |
| A4LD four-speed automatic | Optional. |
| Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|
| M5OD-R1 five-speed manual | Pushrod 4.0L V6. |
| M5OD-R1HD five-speed manual | Heavier-duty version for the overhead-cam V6 in the two-door Explorer Sport. |
| 4R55E four-speed automatic | 4.0L V6, 1995–1996. |
| 5R55E five-speed automatic | 4.0L V6, 1997–2001. |
| 4R70W four-speed automatic | 5.0L V8, 1996–2001. |
| Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|
| 5R55W five-speed automatic | Four-door models, V6 and V8. |
| 5R55E five-speed automatic | Two-door Explorer Sport, which stayed on the older body through 2003. |
| M5OD-R1HD five-speed manual | Two-door Explorer Sport, 2002–2003. |
| Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|
| 5R55S five-speed automatic | 4.0L V6. |
| Six-speed automatic | 4.6L V8. |
| Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|
| 6F50 six-speed automatic | 3.5L V6. |
| 6F55 six-speed automatic | Heavier-duty unit built for the 3.5L EcoBoost (Sport and Platinum). |
| Six-speed automatic, four-cylinder | 2.0L EcoBoost (2012–2015) and 2.3L EcoBoost (2016–2019). |
| Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|
| 10R60 ten-speed automatic | 2.3L EcoBoost and 3.0L EcoBoost. |
| Ten-speed hybrid transmission | 3.3L hybrid; the electric motor is built into the transmission. |
Not sure which one is yours? Request a quote and we’ll work it out from your VIN.
Before You Order
What to check before you order
Lengthwise, across, then lengthwise again
The 1991–2010 units mount lengthwise, the 2011–2019 units sit across the car, and the 2020-on units are lengthwise again. Nothing crosses between them.
Match the engine
From 1996 to 2001 the 5.0L V8 had its own four-speed, the 4R70W. In 2011–2019 the 3.5L EcoBoost had its own heavier transmission, and from 2020 the hybrid uses a ten-speed with the electric motor built in.
Two-door Explorer Sport
A 2002 or 2003 two-door is built on the 1995–2001 body and takes that body’s 5R55E or manual gearbox, not the four-door’s 5R55W. Tell us if yours is a two-door.
Two-, four- or all-wheel drive
Rear-wheel-drive, four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions can differ. Tell us which your vehicle has.
Have your VIN ready
With the VIN we can confirm the transmission, engine, drivetrain and model year before we quote, which avoids ordering the wrong version.
Common Problems
Common Explorer transmission problems
Overheated four-speeds — 1991–1996
The A4LD and the electronically controlled 4R55E that replaced it both run hot in the Explorer, above all when it tows. Heat breaks down the fluid and wears the overdrive band and clutches, so slipping in overdrive is a common first sign.
Worn servo bores — 2002–2010 5R55W and 5R55S
The aluminum case wears where the servos move, causing flared shifts, gear-ratio fault codes and burnt bands; solenoid-pack failures are common too. The case can be sleeved, but a replacement unit is often the better route.
Harsh and delayed shifts — 2020-on ten-speeds
Harsh, delayed or clunky engagements and shifts are a common complaint about the ten-speed. Ask a dealer whether a software update applies before you condemn the transmission.
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- 04
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Install with confidence — all parts are tested & covered.
Related
More for the Ford Explorer
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- Used Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty Transmissions
- All Ford transmissionsTransmission families and other Ford models.
FAQ
Explorer transmission questions, answered
Which transmission does my Explorer have?
A 1991–1994 Explorer has a Mazda five-speed manual or the A4LD four-speed automatic. In 1995–2001 the automatic is a four-speed (the 4R55E with the V6 to 1996, the 4R70W with the V8) or, with the V6 from 1997, the 5R55E five-speed. From 2002 to 2010 the automatic is a five-speed (a six-speed with the V8 from 2006), then a transverse six-speed in 2011–2019 and a ten-speed from 2020. Send us your VIN and we will confirm the exact unit.
Will a transmission from an F-150 fit a 2020-on Explorer?
Not as a straight swap. Ford uses its ten-speed families in both, but each vehicle has its own version. The unit has to match your engine and model year, so send us your VIN.
My 2020–2022 Explorer lost drive suddenly. Is it the transmission?
Check the rear-axle bolt recall first. A fractured bolt lets the driveshaft disconnect, which feels like a transmission failure but isn’t one.
Is the transmission covered by a warranty?
Yes. Every transmission we sell is covered by warranty, and extended cover is available at extra cost. The full terms are in our Warranty Policy.
Ready to replace your Explorer transmission?
Tell us the year and have your VIN to hand — a specialist will confirm the right unit and send you a quote.
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