2002 Ford Explorer Power Train Problems
- 283
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 283 stored complaint records:
- 5 indicate a crash
- 3 indicate injury
- 1 indicate fire
What owners report
- Automatic Transmission · 6 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 100–150k mi | 108 |
| 60–100k mi | 59 |
| 150–400k mi | 54 |
| 30–60k mi | 12 |
| 1–30k mi | 8 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Equipment · Power Train
It started around 78,000 miles. My transmission started to slip as i was driving up a hill. The tranny was slipping between 1st and 2nd gear. I took the vehicle into the dealership - had to replace the whole transmission ($3400). Transmission again at 137,000 miles slipping between 1st and 2nd gear again - warranty expired - ford could only give me a warrant for 36,000 miles or 3 years - i'm under my 3 yrs but not…
ODI 10227882
Power Train
When i start my explorer first thing in the morning, the 4 wheel low and 4 wheel high lights will come on and the explorer will not shift into reverse or drive. It's like the car is neutral and when i go to put it back into park, there is a grinding noise that sounds like grinding gears. *tr
ODI 10223187
Power Train · Tires
Rear end is making a horrible rubbing noise....thought it might be the tires but i just replaced all 4 tires with the same exact tires they come from factory with and still have the problem. *tr
ODI 10221956
Automatic Transmission · Power Train
O/d light went on then check engine light, lost third and fifth gear. *tr
ODI 10221255
Automatic Transmission · Power Train
Transmission slippage, rear end clunks when the tranny finally shifts to another gear, rear end whine at 60-70mph. Hasn't been fixed but the dealership estimates $2k for the rear end and $3k for the tranny. *tr
ODI 10227220
Power Train
Purchased 2002 ford explorer new in april 2002. Had little problems here and there. The real smack in the face came in 2007 when the transmission went bad. Was shocked that a 5 year old car would need a new transmission. Had to pay over $3,000 (three thousand dollars). This should have definitely been a recall and no cost to the consumer. Performed research on the topic and found that many owners of 'turn of the…
ODI 10572881
Power Train
Had bought 2002 explorer used, noticed noise from rear end. Told rear differential needed to be replaced, cost for used $1500. But possibility that used could have same issues as this is a very common problem with 02-04 explorers. My mechanic does several a month. After visiting numerous web sites and forums on the subject, i have seen that it is a very common problem and there is a very real safety concern as the…
ODI 10254308
Power Train · Power Window Devices And Controls · Suspension
The noise was the indication of a problem, took the car in for noise coming from the wheels. Was told by ford garage all four wheel bearings needed to be replaced i was very shocked. When ford mechanic said this was a recurring problem and common in this year and model i was angry. Not soon after that the four wheel drive module went out and needed replaced. This car is five years old with at the time 82,000 miles…
ODI 10219997
Power Train
Loud noise coming from rear of vehicle. Let off gas and is fine. Took it to the shop and have to have a new rear end and new housing. I am sorry but a 2002 vehicle should not be having these problems. It is the worst vehicle ford has ever designed. They just lost another customer. *tr
ODI 10206222
Power Train · Suspension
Noise and fluid leakage in rear diagnosed by local mechanic as failing wheel bearing and differential seal. Replaced differential seal and one rear wheel bearing at 57,000 miles. At 69,000 replaced one front wheel bearing because of noise. At 80,000 mechanic reported that both rear springs had corroded at their upper ends and cracked through. Both these issues are common on 2002 models based on the number of…
ODI 10232656
Power Train
TRANSMISSION DIED FORD WOULD NOT WARRENTY. *TR
ODI 10432817
Power Train
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was in park, it jumped gears, accelerated forward and hit a tree. The vehicle was identified to be still in park after the accident. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who could not determine or duplicate the problem. The dealer recommended that the contact should use the parking brake in the future.
Crash reported
ODI 10164721
Engine And Engine Cooling · Fuel System, Gasoline · Power Train · Vehicle Speed Control
2002 explorer has problems picking up speed and over use of gas. *ts the consumer also had problems with the transmission, gear adjustment, difficult high altitude driving even after gear change, air suction into the engine and transmission, accelerator and ses light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but they refused to provide any assistance. *nm updated 07/06/06. *jb
ODI 10161606
Power Train
I had my transmission replaced in june 2006 under my extended warranty, $4000 (brand new ford built transmission), my cost $100. My explorer had 59,900 miles. I was somewhat surprised! Here it is again, october 2011, at 109,000 and the transmission needs to be replaced again! No more extended warranty! A brand new ford built transmission has to be replaced after 50,000 miles? I would've never thought in a million…
ODI 10433475
Air Conditioner · Coil Springs · Power Train
Horrible whining noise coming from rear differential of my 2002 ford explorer limited edition. Replaced twice already and now it's whining louder and louder everyday. I refuse to pay for the same repair a 3rd time. I have read many complaints on the web about this problem, along with many other similar complaints. Other popular defects for the new ford explorer are cracked rear coil over springs, along with…
ODI 10157729
Power Train
2002 ford explorer rear end noise when accelerating between 50-65 mph (a loud howling sound). When i let off of the accelerator the noise goes away. Took it to a mechanic and they replaced the bearings, but the noise is still there. They said it was the rear end gear ratio. This sound is too unbearable. The rear end gear ratio should be fixed under a recall. *nm
ODI 10158053
Power Train
Whining noise from rear end of my 2002 ford explorer xlt. Small drips in garage from rear end. Dealer said rear differential was leaking but no big deal. Now my overdrive light is flashing which per the owners manual says get to a repair shop right away as my transmission in trouble. *nm
ODI 10145068
Accelerator Pedal · Air Conditioner · Engine And Engine Cooling · Power Train · Rotor · Solenoid · Suspension
2002 ford explorer experiencing problems with the 4wd, the over drive light illuminates on the dashboard and the vehicle is giving off a rotten egg smell. *mr there were front end problems. The 4wd module wasn't working. The driveshaft and both front wheel bearings were replaced. The rotors were out of round. The service engine light illuminated along with the over drive light. The transmission experienced the same…
ODI 10122656
Engine · Power Train
1. Rear end howling noise (3/18/2005) - hear noise when accelerating between 40 and 65 mph. When letting off of accelerator, noise goes away, comes back again when accelerator is pushed again. Dealer service dept replaced rear carrier bearings, cup, seals, and spacer in rear differential. Noise now occurs between 65 and 70 mph. Was taken back to dealer service dept on 4/11/2005. Was informed 4/20/2005 that rear…
ODI 10118200
Power Train
There is a loud droning sound from underneath the car and vibrations in the floorboards.
ODI 10120251
Abs Warning Light · Power Train
The vehicle experienced strange sounds and delay when shifting the vehicle from park to reverse. *bf the abs light was illuminated continuously. *sc
ODI 10109399
Power Train
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. While driving at any speed, the gear would not engage when shifted. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission band did not connect. The technician recommended that the transmission be replaced or rebuilt. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no…
ODI 10917336
Power Train
Rear-end whines excessively when driving at 45-65 mph. Very load. I am concerned because as i researched it on the internet it is apparent that i am not the only one suffering from this type of problem. *nm
ODI 10143699
Power Train
Transmission had to be replaced. *ph the vehicle was shaking, made rattling noises and had become impossible to steer. The mechanic suggested that the transmission had looked as if it fell apart and may be a result of an assembly line error and. The mechanic also found that the 4wd was inoperative. *sc
ODI 10062823
Power Train
The stated the vehicle felt as though it was going to shut down, as if the transmission was failing. As days went by the overdrive light started to blink days later the vehicle made a sudden halt in the middle of the road, the consumer turned the engine off and back on, it ran for awhile and then stopped again. *ak *jb *nlm
ODI 10038126