2016 Ford Explorer Transmission Replacement Cost

A 2016 Ford Explorer transmission replacement usually means a used 6F50 — used units run about $474–$549 for the part itself, and remanufactured units run about $2,735–$2,960. The 6F50 is a proven transverse six-speed; harsh shifts are the symptom that decides the repair.

Harsh shifts, especially cold Rough or clunky shifts — particularly on cold starts or in high-mileage units — are the most-reported 6F50 complaint. Valve-body wear and tired solenoids are the usual cause, and the problem is often worse before the transmission reaches operating temperature.

Hesitation and delayed engagement A delay engaging Drive or Reverse, or hesitation when accelerating from a stop, usually means low or degraded fluid, a worn valve body, or clutch wear. Check the fluid level and condition first — dark, burnt fluid means internal wear.

Slipping under load If the engine revs climb without matching acceleration, the clutches are slipping. Slipping that worsens as the unit warms up is internal wear, not an adjustment — plan on replacement rather than another service.

A used 6F50 is the lower-cost path and a first-class option here: a pull from a donor vehicle, inspected and documented with mileage, that gets a solid vehicle running again without a large outlay. It carries up to 1 year or 12,000 miles of parts-only coverage. A remanufactured 6F50 is fully disassembled, inspected, and rebuilt to specification with new wear components and tested before it ships. It costs more, but it arrives with the stronger warranty — up to 60 months with unlimited miles, parts and labor — and it is the smarter long-term choice if you plan to keep the vehicle for years. Either way, confirm the VIN, the transmission code, and 2WD versus 4WD before you order, and have a licensed shop do the install. See the live stocked units for this 2016 Ford Explorer at eptransmissions.com/transmissions/ford/ford-explorer/2016.

We back every transmission we sell, and the two warranties are different in a way that matters when you choose. A remanufactured transmission carries up to 60 months of coverage with unlimited miles, parts and labor included, nationwide and transferable, with labor reimbursed per the Mitchell labor guide after an approved claim. A used transmission carries up to 1 year or 12,000 miles, parts only, with no labor reimbursement. Both require installation by a Licensed Automotive Repair Facility. Remanufactured units also carry a refundable core charge, returned when your old transmission comes back to us.

Replacement is the right move when the failure is internal and the rest of the vehicle is worth saving — solid body and frame, good tires, no major suspension or electrical issues. A quality used or remanufactured transmission can extend the life of an otherwise good vehicle by years at a fraction of the cost of a replacement vehicle. Get an honest assessment first: if the vehicle also needs major work elsewhere, or the repair cost approaches the vehicle's value, the math changes. Proper diagnosis from a trusted mechanic is the essential first step — don't replace what doesn't need replacing, but don't pour repair money into a transmission that is already mechanically compromised.

• Warranty policy and Expedia Protection: /warranty
• Transmission slip and shudder after replacement: /blog/transmission-slip-and-shudder-after-replacement
• Valve body issue or software issue: /blog/valve-body-issue-or-software-issue
• Used and reman transmissions: /used-transmissions
• Core return process: /core-return
• Shipping and freight delivery: /help-center/he-05130-what-are-the-different-shipping-options-costs-and-transit-times