2002 Ford Explorer Automatic Transmission Problems
- 886
- 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 886 stored complaint records:
- 16 indicate a crash
- 7 indicate injury
- 2 indicate fire
What owners report
- Torque Converter · 2 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 328 |
| 100–150k mi | 203 |
| 30–60k mi | 158 |
| 1–30k mi | 58 |
| 150–400k mi | 28 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Automatic Transmission · Power Train
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly hesitate and the speed would decelerate. The contact indicated that the check transmission sensor light and over drive light had iluminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the transmission was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
ODI 10606347
Automatic Transmission · Power Train
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving 40-45 mph, the transmission failed without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
ODI 10679911
Automatic Transmission
This is an update to complaint no. 10459987. After looking at the car records, we discovered that during a service of my transmission, ford factory required the dealership to cut the metal transmission line and installed a rubber line with a filter. If they did not install the filter, then the warranty would have been void. After installing, no one ever inspected or replaced the line or filter. It was simply…
Fire reported
ODI 10462808
Automatic Transmission
Transmission failure - stupid design doesn't allow you to check fluid level, leak at transfer case seal seems to have caused loss of fluid and cannot be added without some special pump to fill transmission back up because it's a sealed unit. Designed so only ford dealers can do service and then it just goes out and you're driving 65 mph down the mountain and unable to control speed. Ford needs to recall these piece…
ODI 10455780
Automatic Transmission
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that the shifter handle fractured while attempting to exit a parking lot. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 187,000. Updated 03/05/12*lj updated 03/06/12
ODI 10445935
Automatic Transmission
4x4 module now the transmission is shifting into 2 gear hard. *tt
ODI 10444568
Automatic Transmission
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that she was unable to shift the vehicle into reverse. The dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that she needed to replace the transmission. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. No repairs were performed. The current and failure mileages were 131,000.
ODI 10420029
Automatic Transmission
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 mph she noticed smoking in the rear of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic who stated there was a minor defect in the transmission. The mechanic repaired the defect and within two weeks the transmission failed. The contact towed the vehicle to her home and notified the manufacturer regarding the transmission…
Fire reported
ODI 10420717
Automatic Transmission
I have a 2002 ford explorer that has 120,000 miles on it. I was recently driving back home from a trip in san francisco, california to sacramento, california. Two days after having my car fully serviced and my over drive light came on and as soon as that happened my car started telling me i need to get my transmission checked. I sat there thinking to myself how can this be happening i just spent 800 dollars to have…
ODI 10421267
Automatic Transmission
Was driving home from getting groceries and the car failed to accelerate. Was at a intersection so it was a unpleasant situation as their was oncoming cars. Pulled the car over and shut off.. Checked for transmission fluid.. There was none. Started car and it would only drive about 15 mph the remainder of the trip. The overdrive control on the transmission had failed. 2200 repair.. Checked the recalls and there…
ODI 10415126
Automatic Transmission · Vehicle Speed Control
2002 ford explorer-transmission failure-130,000 miles-july 12, 2011 transmission rebuilt at 119,000 miles on jan. 13, 2010 by a local ford dealer- both failures consisted of the transmission slipping in and out of gear during normal driving. In heavy traffic this is a very dangerous situation. The vehicle suddenly loses speed and passengers are subject to rear end impact or sudden surges of speed when the…
ODI 10413261
Automatic Transmission
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle would not accelerate more than 20 mph, and the over drive warning light remained illuminated. Due to the type of warning light, the vehicle would not shift into gear, causing the transmission to fail. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls or warranties, and offered no assistance.…
ODI 10411723
Automatic Transmission
I own a 2002 xplorer, recently the o.d light began blinking and the truck started jerking violently. I did some research and found out there are thousands of people with the same transmission problem.i have an eight year old who was in the truck with me at the time.this is a major safety issue with ford and should definately be looked into. *tt
ODI 10411742
Automatic Transmission
Transmission has gone out at 85,300 miles, must have it rebuilt. *kb
ODI 10413687
Automatic Transmission
When shifting from reverse to park the shift lever broke off in my hand. To research this problem please look at www.carcomplaints.com and look under the 2002 explorer and under the sub heading interior accessories problems. Of the 180 complaints under this sub heading, 126 are for the broken shift lever problem and these were all reported since 2008. Please issue a recall for this safety problem. The problem is…
ODI 10407745
Automatic Transmission
My 2002 ford explorer's transmission completely stopped working while stopped at a traffic light. That is a major safety hazard and could have caused a major accident. I have read numerous complaints about the transmission in these model and year vehicles. There needs to be some recall for this. *tr
ODI 10408551
Automatic Transmission
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that the odometer began to flash and the vehicle began to jerk abnormally. The vehicle was taken home and parked. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were 84,000.
ODI 10405546
Automatic Transmission
Transmission has had problems since car was bought. Have had work down on it and finall y had to replace it in may 2011, cost $5000. *tr
ODI 10399106
Automatic Transmission
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact was driving approximately 45 mph when the overdrive warning indicator illuminated until the engine was turned off. The transmission also exhibited severe hesitation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection where the technician detected that the failure was related to the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was…
ODI 10396039
Automatic Transmission
My transmission on my 2002 ford explorer xlt wont shift into 3rd gear. *tr
ODI 10396781
Automatic Transmission
Driving 2002 ford explorer when o/d light flashed and warning came on to check transmission. Will need a new transmission. *tr
ODI 10395494
Automatic Transmission
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that the automatic transmission failed and was replaced at the contacts expense. Two years later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic shop who advised that the transmission would need to be replaced or rebuilt a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted who offered no assistance and there were no…
ODI 10400540
Automatic Transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle would not shift properly from second to third gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they performed a diagnostic test which concluded that the hydraulic pressure build up had caused the torque converter to pop out and advised the contact that they would need to replace or rebuild the transmission. A private mechanic confirmed the…
ODI 10389827
Automatic Transmission
I was driving my 2002 ford explorer suv when the transmission suddenly failed, shifting into neutral/losing power in traffic. This was a dangerous situation! Fortunately i was able to get out of the way of traffic. *tr
ODI 10384540
Automatic Transmission
Going out of town driving on the highway in traffic at 65mph. O/d light started flashing on and off. Transmission started acting erratically and i felt that i lost 5th and 2nd gears. Shop ran diagnostic test and codes p0732, p0735 and p0775. Codes confirmed problems with 2nd and 5th gears and solenoid b malfunction. *tr
ODI 10384249