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 · Differential Unit · Gasoline
Driving on highway at 63 mph and valve spring broke. Valve dropped into piston causing engine failure. Check engine code called for random engine misfire and code was triggered at around 2600 rpm. Prior to engine failure i have been experiencing a shudder when transmission shifts into overdrive. There is also a problem with the clutch pack in the limited slip differential that is causing a shudder when turning right…
ODI 10220432
Automatic Transmission
TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND REAR END FAILURE. *TR
ODI 10216818
Automatic Transmission
We have 02 ford explorer xlt with a faulty transmission that has failed. I reviewed car complaints.com regarding the 02 ford explorer transmission failures and the complaints are enormous but yet there has been no safety recall regarding this faulty transmission which ford has discontinued use after 2 years. This transmission obviously has problems as failure is being seen with 80,000 miles or less which is…
ODI 10247584
Automatic Transmission
My 2002 explorer transmission started slipping as shifting and putting in reverse and drive. This vehicle has 76000 miles on it. Took to the ford garage, all test came out ok, tech stated i need a new transmission at a cost of 3500.00. After doing some research and reading complaints of other explorer owners, i feel this expense should be covered by ford. *tr
ODI 10207810
Automatic Transmission
My gear shift snapped off. I've noticed many similar complaints. This is not an inexpensive repair and it appears the parts are not available. I'm an older driver, handicapped and i'm the only person who has driven my vehicle. It is not the result of abuse. *tr
ODI 10206967
Automatic Transmission
Placing vehicle from park to drive wants to accelerate on its own. When placing back into park it is hesitant. This really scares me, i have to park a bit from the car in front of me , to make sure i don't hit it. *tr
ODI 10224231
Automatic Transmission · Mechanical · Parking Brake
Continuous problems with transmission, and e-brake. E brake replaced and bad again. Had transmission repair at dealership a 400 miles before 75,000 mile warranty ended. Taken back 100 miles later transmission problem again. Past warranty now and still having problems. I will not buy ford again, it has been a nightmare. Also air bag light keeps coming on. -please ignore equipment part of this complaint, i…
ODI 10224168
Automatic Transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. While driving between 65-70 mph, the transmission failed. The engine revved, but the vehicle would not move. The check engine, odometer, and transmission lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a shop and they stated that the transmission failure was due to a manufacturer defect. The vehicle is currently being repaired at the shop. The current and failure mileages were…
ODI 10207419
Automatic Transmission · Electrical System · Rear
Bought the car used in sept. 2007. A month and a half later, had to replace rear passenger wheel bearing. A month after that, we had to replace the driver side rear wheel bearing. Driver door window motor went a week after the wheel bearings. Abs light is on. Also had to replace two coils in the electrical unit. Put approximately 3,000.00 into car since purchase in less than eight months. *tr
ODI 10227553
Automatic Transmission
Transmission slipping, gears slippage, o/d light flashing, all equals a new transmission at price of $3100. Only reached 80,000 miles an maintained properly at all times! *tr
ODI 10206410
Automatic Transmission
Transmission seized after approximately 75k on car 5 years old. Luckily my husband was driving slowly on local streets when it occurred so he was uninjured. Transmission was repaired at dealer costing $3546.23 this happened to our previous ford explorer and if you look online at carcomplaints.com seems to be an extremely common occurrence with 2002 ford explorers. Ford doesn't see a need to repair this problem since…
ODI 10208458
Automatic Transmission
Transmission failure on highway, in a construction zone, almost resulting in an accident. This is a known problem w/ 2002 explorers. Ask any transmission shop. Also check out carcomplaints.com - it is their #1 worst vehicle. I counted 10 technical service bulletins on this transmission, but no recall !?! *tr
ODI 10217518
Automatic Transmission · Rear
Transmission started to slip with no warning and completely went out on my wife's way to work. This happened at 98,000 miles. Now there is a issue with the wheel bearings and also had to replace the four wheel drive module two years earlier. *tr
ODI 10228618
Automatic Transmission · Structure
The body panel below the back window is cracked for no reason when i took my truck into a ford dealer they said that is normal and ford knew about the problem and there isn't anything they could due. So i called the ford service number in my ford handbook and the manager confirmed they knew about the problem but its not a recall out because its not a major problem and if i wanted it fixed i would have to pay. So i…
ODI 10220711
Automatic Transmission
2002 ford explorer xlt 4wd transmission is slipping shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. The o/d light and service engine soon light are on. There are only 66,000 miles on the car. All maintenance has been done as directed. Many complaints of this have been found and noted. I had a licensed mechanic "adjust" the bands on the transmission and that stopped the problem for about a month.*cn
ODI 10213438
Automatic Transmission
I have a 2002 ford explorer xlt 4l 6cyl. Will not shift into 3rd gear smoothly. O/d light flashes. *tr
ODI 10208636
Automatic Transmission
Automatic transmission shift level housing broke off. When attempting to place the car into reverse the level broke from the housing requiring the car to be towed to the dealership. Basic part# 3c529. Currently , have the car at sill-terhar motors where we are awaiting used replacement, since no parts are available. Seeing that this part is only used for shifting there is no reason for this to break this soon and…
ODI 10203963
Automatic Transmission
We were driving the car to work, going about 55 mph and the overdrive light came on and then the car just stopped moving. It nearly caused an accident. Now i have been told that i need the transmission replaced or rebuilt. I have had this car for 17 months and there was no indication that there was a problem. It wasn't even at the point to have the transmission flushed, so what is the deal with the inferior…
ODI 10203583
Automatic Transmission
The transmission in my 2002 ford explorer began to slip at 57,000 miles. From first gear into second it would rev high and then with a clunk and a grinding noise reluctantly go into second gear. *tr
ODI 10211009
Automatic Transmission
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving at speeds of 20 mph the transmission began to slip. The contact believed the failure to be intermittent; however, the failure became progressively worse and the overdrive warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the transmission was replaced. The dealer and manufacturer…
ODI 10323739
Automatic Transmission
There has not been a total failure yet, but from what i have read from others it is not too far off. I have a 2002 ford explorer and the transmission is starting to fail. From what the repair shop tells me there is a defective pressure control valve. From what the forum tells me that is the beginning of the end. Ford must know about this problem by now, but as i far as i can tell they have no intention of fixing…
ODI 10262654
Automatic Transmission
Started as my [redacted] would kick in and i would have to wait to get it out. Then my trans started slipping i hit the brake and goes out of gear. Now it just takes itself in and out when ever only have 95,000car has been driven easy. *tr
ODI 10226874
Automatic Transmission
My 2002 ford explorer transmission failed. O/d off light blinks constantly. Hard shifting and slipping is constant. Dealer wants $3,000 to repair. This has happened to hundreds / thousands of explorer owners. Someone can get killed if the transmission slips on the highway and the driver loses control the way i did. I was lucky. Someone else may not be. Ford ignores the issue altogether. *tr
Crash reported · 1 injury
ODI 10210469
Automatic Transmission
I own a 2002 ford explorer xlt 2wd, it started to do this grinding noise in tranny,/d light flasihng, couldnt shift,took it to dealer in mexico, yeah middle of vacation, said coulnt do anything to save it. Car is sitting in mexico. Thanks ford *tr
ODI 10204734
Automatic Transmission
My transmission has to be replaced which will cost $3800. Plus $500.for the cost of a rental car. 2nd time transmission has to be worked on. The first time the car just stopped in the middle of rush hour. Car is maintained every 3000 miles@a ford dealership. Check engine light came on with overdrive light blinking. *tr
ODI 10201118