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
2002 ford explorer "sealed" transmission failure. Regular maintenance performed, transmission began to slip when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. *tr
ODI 10207307
Automatic Transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. While driving 50 mph, the contact noticed that the vehicle began to drastically decelerate. The vehicle would not exceed speeds of 20 mph. She heard a loud winding noise, but no warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. She took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the transmission was defective. The vehicle was serviced, but she does not know what parts…
ODI 10204297
Automatic Transmission
2002 ford explorer transmission failure. During normal highway driving conditions, transmission slips, o/d light flashes, vehicle coasts to a stop. Causes traffic delays, increases chances for multi-vehicle accidents. *tr
ODI 10226546
Automatic Transmission
Transmission failed out of the blue in the middle of traffic, had this been a highway, consequences could have been dire. Car had to be towed and new transmission installed. According to research i have done, this has happened to a large number of these vehicles. *jb
ODI 10199272
Automatic Transmission
At 105k miles the car just died. New transmission needed. They installed/reinstalled the new transmission three times before it worked properly. *tr
ODI 10219565
Automatic Transmission · Cruise Control · Switch
Repeat failure of brake light switch, cruise control won't disengage when brake pedal depressed ,an unsafe situation. Also intermittent inability to shift out of park and brake lights not operating. *tr
ODI 10198289
Automatic Transmission
Transmission began shifting hard & then the od off light began flashing. Before i could get it to the dealership that day, the transmission just quit. I parked at a grocery store, ran in & when i came back out to leave, it wouldn't shift. It remained in park even though the gear shift was being moved through the gears. I took it to a transmission shop & had the whole transmission rebuilt. It was full of metal. I was…
ODI 10207120
Automatic Transmission
2002 ford explore xlt v6 transmission failed in the middle of traffic while my children were on board. Frightening experience and quite sad that ford did nothing. Truck was only 4 yrs old and should not have needed a rebuilt transmission. I had to get it towed to a mechanic and get transportation home. They had to rebuild it completely! *tr
ODI 10227443
Automatic Transmission
The overdrive light on the 2002 ford explorer is blinking. This was after the 100k miles checkup. I am now being told that the transmission is possibly damaged due to a faulty part that is a know issue with ford motor company. *jb
ODI 10200063
Automatic Transmission · Wheel Bearing
Had to replace three wheel bearings at the same time. One went bad while on vacation. Luckily we pulled off the highway for a break and heard a lot of grinding. Took it to a repair shop and they wiggled the tire like a loose tooth. Technician said the wheel was about to come off and could have at highway speeds. With only 67,000 miles on this vehicle this must be a manufacturers defect that could have cost me and my…
ODI 10198527
Automatic Transmission
2002 ford explorer xlt transmission failure. Driving vehicle on highway was easy. Transmission has been regularly maintained. There have been numerous complaints for this specific pr yet no one has taken action suitable to have ford recall the transmission. Ford dealer says they know it is a defective design but ford will not take action to correct the problem. It is a pity that someone will have to be severely…
ODI 10195339
Automatic Transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. While driving 30 mph, the transmission failed to accelerate and shift into second gear. The dealer stated that the transmission needed to be overhauled. As of june 29, 2007, the vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 54,000.
ODI 10194971
Automatic Transmission
Oh where to start!! I have a 2002 ford explorer that has had numerous problems, mostly the transmission. Something needs to be done to correct this problem. I have around 75k miles and i'm on my 4th transmission, including the one that came with the car. Now, one a cold day my passenger side window has broken. I am very upset with the quality of this vehicle. One transmission went out while i had my kids in the car…
ODI 10216174
Automatic Transmission
Just out of the blue o/d light started blinking and transmission making very rough shifts into 4th. This happened 3 years ago and i have been driving as is as can't afford a new transmission. Car had 70,000 miles roughly when problem occurred. *tr
ODI 10340316
Automatic Transmission
First the car would not engage into reverse or drive, then there is a hesitation when accelerating, the o/d light comes on and revs the engine while traveling, sometimes it lurches forward while sitting at a light. *tr
ODI 10251489
Automatic Transmission
I have a 2002 ford explorer and wound up rebuilding my transmission - like thousands of other people with the same car. This cost me over $3000. Why hasn't there been any investigation into ford and all the 2002 explorers with failed transmissions? *tr
ODI 10247908
Automatic Transmission
Vibration and grinding at low speed turns. Told by ford a differential clutch package is needed at a cost of $1,100. Called around to severl different repair shops. Found a ford dealer to repair for $790 plus tax. Getting the usual 12 month 12,000 mile warranty. Called ford relations for some relief and they offered none because i am out of warranty. This is clearly a problem experienced by a large number of…
ODI 10192783
Automatic Transmission
2002 ford explorer transmission problems. Slips when vehicle starts moving from stopped position. Delay between reverse and drive. *ak
ODI 10193107
Automatic Transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle began to make an unfamiliar noise. The overdrive indicator flashed repeatedly and the vehicle began to hesitate. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a transmission shop who replaced the transmission. The engine size was unknown. The current mileage is 62,000 and failure mileage was 61,800.
ODI 10191628
Automatic Transmission
Purchased a 2002 ford explorer in november 2001. In october/november 2004 had to have transmission serviced with 30000 miles on it. At that time it was repaired under warranty. Now, with 48700 miles the transmission was again shifting very roughly in 2-3 and 3-4 shifts. Ford dealership stated that repairs costs would be $890. Spoke with ford customer service, and they declined to assist with the cost of the repair…
ODI 10191356
Automatic Transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that the transmission was faulty. While driving 25 mph, the transmission began making a roaring noise. The vehicle would jerk badly in traffic and the contact would lose control. He called the local ford dealer and they stated that the repair would cost $5,000 because the warranty expired. Ford also stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. He took…
ODI 10224248
Automatic Transmission
The car had no reverse at times. When it shifted into reverse, it was very jerky. Eventually reverse was lost. Grinding noise at approximately 30 miles per hour. Transmission completely rebuilt at a cost of $2700. Car had only 67,000 miles. I still have the grinding noise and occasionally the o/d light comes on due to sensor in 4th gear. Ford should be ashamed. *tr
ODI 10196358
Automatic Transmission
No noticed problems until 68,000 miles and odometer light came on and noticed revving past 4 to get out of first gear. Took to shop and told needed 'update kit' , and all enclosed ford transmissions needed repairs. *ak
ODI 10190233
Automatic Transmission
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, NO 3RD GEAR. *AK
ODI 10189976
Automatic Transmission
Transmission would not work beyond 2nd gear. This truck had less than 60,000 miles and was a 2002 model. The transmission had to be completely removed and a new transmission was put in during 2007. *tr
ODI 10216589