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
I purchased my 02 ford explorer 4x4 in oct 2005. This vehicle has a clean title and 71k miles. In june of this year, i was driving home from work and noticed that my overdrive light was flashing and check engine light was on. I noticed at the same time that my explorer was having difficulty shifting gears. When traffic would come to a stop, it would shift into 3rd, then 1st, then 4th and back to 2nd. Never before…
ODI 10165895
Automatic Transmission
I bought my 2002 ford explorer xls in nov 05 with 37000 miles, in june 06 with 43000 miles the transmission had to be completely replaced. Now, here in jan 07, with 52000 miles the transmission has to be replaced again. In my research, i have found that this a common problem with the 02 explorers. *jb
ODI 10180764
Automatic Transmission · Differential Unit
2002 ford explorer xlt, 56,000 miles. Whining from rear differential between 40-60 mph. Whining goes away if pressure is reduced from accelerator or if speed is greater than 60 mph. Some leaking of rear differential fluid around driveshaft pinion seal. Also had transmission rebuilt at 54,000 miles due to rough shifting from 3 to 4. Transmission was not covered under 36,000 mile warranty. In my research, i have…
ODI 10160723
Automatic Transmission
My 2002 ford explorer transmission went out at 65,000 miles. Now its costing me $3500 plus tax to have a refurbished one installed. Transmissions should last much longer than this and i have seen a huge number of ford transmission failures for this vehicle. Ford needs a recall and to reimburse us that have already paid. *nm
ODI 10160262
Automatic Transmission
Overdrive light began to flash, then shifting became very difficult becoming increasingly worse to the point of not shifting at all. Noticeably jerks when shifting into reverse. Lots of whining noise from under the vehicle. Also rear differential makes loud whine/roar at speeds above 30 and at acceleration. I understand these are very common complaints among explorer owners and can be very costly. Most transmission…
ODI 10161199
Automatic Transmission
Automatic transmission on 2002 ford explorer 4wd eddie bauer at 85450 miles - 3rd gear clutch out and requires rebuild. *jb
ODI 10160411
Automatic Transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. Intermittently, the vehicle would not shift out of park. The manual stated to bypass the shift interlock with a screwdriver, but then the brake lights would not illuminate. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer approximately six times regarding this same issue, but they could not duplicate the failure. The current mileage was 57,000 and failure mileage was 40,000.
ODI 10245371
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · Automatic Transmission · Electrical System · Engine And Engine Cooling · Equipment · Fuel System, Gasoline · Tires
On or about november 3, 2005, i purchased a break model used ford explorer xlt 2002 from norm reeves honda car dealer in cerritos, ca. The car had 78,000 miles on it at the time of purchase. I signed the papers and took the possession of the car. It has not been more than 2 months that the car started giving me trouble on the pick up of the speed, transmission, gear adjustment, over use of the gas, difficult high…
ODI 10159520
Automatic Transmission
O/d off light began flashing on dash, followed by service engine soon. Vehicle was taken in to ford where transmission had to be completely rebuilt with only 53,000 miles on it. Known defect according to ford tsb. *nm
ODI 10159169
Automatic Transmission
2002 ford explorer transmission started failing at 80,000 miles. Overdrive light constantly flashes, transmission does not shift into od, hard shifts between 2-3, 3-4, sometimes misses 3rd, clunks in reverse. All scheduled maintenance was performed on transmission. *tr
ODI 10208634
Automatic Transmission
2002 ford explorer had initial transmission failure at 101,000 miles. Car was serviced regularly, running fine until o/d indicator light illuminated and the vehicle would not shift into 3rd gear. Rebuilt transmission was installed and now has failed at 151,000 miles. Research concerning this problem shows that many consumers of ford 2002 ford explorer have had similar issues. *tr
ODI 10222720
Automatic Transmission
We own a 2002 ford explorer xlt 4x4...5-18-06 overdrive light flashes...5-19-06 it will not shift into drive gear...will only drive in first and second gears. Mechanic says the transmission is shot and needs to be rebuilt for $2200.00. This seems to be a very common problem with the 2002 explorer and should be recalled...period. *nm
ODI 10158042
Abs Warning Light · Automatic Transmission · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Suspension
My 2002 explorer is also having the same problems which have been previously noted by other explorer owners. The whining when reaching 50-60 km/hr, which goes away when you take your foot off the gas, the slipping and shuddering of gears and sometimes passing gear never kicks in, the abs light comes on (usually after the truck has warmed up and it doesn't seem to happen when the weather is really cold), the abs is…
ODI 10159199
Automatic Transmission
2002 ford explorer xlt 65,000. Transmission has gone bad. Third gear band is broken. Always driven in light city and highway miles. Never towed a trailer. Ford dealer says that truck is out of warranty. *jb
ODI 10157420
Automatic Transmission
Car has been having transmission problems, got it checked by a mechanic running diagnostics on the computer, the od light came on and was flashing. At the time of the service it was working correctly but light would not turn off. It finally would not go into gear stranding my wife and infant son. I had the transmission replaced with a jasper transmission. *nm
ODI 10157701
Automatic Transmission
I have a 2002 ford explorer xlt, i bought it on nov. 29 2005. After i bought it i noticed that when i would put the transmission in reverse there would be a delay and then a loud bang or clunk. I took it to a transmission place and i was told that they got a lot of explorers with that same problem. So i had it repaired and the total came to $ 3,855.13. The car had a warranty but it didn't cover everything, so i had…
ODI 10165688
Automatic Transmission
Soon after we bought it. The began over-revving before shifting on flat road. At approximately 80k the over drive began light flashing erratically. Would reset if i turned engine off, sat for few minutes, and restarted engine. Began slam shifting on flat road at approximately 100k. Complete transmission failure leaving me stranded at approximately 107k. * repair shop said 02 explorers are #1 for needing transmission…
ODI 10157160
Automatic Transmission · Front · Rear
Grinding noise sounding like it is from front end, especially on accelerating at low speeds, and turning slow. Told to replace tires and front hub. Both done and still making same noise. Cannot figure what is wrong. Think the sound is from transmission or rear end. Also having problems with the transmission. The truck does not switch gears properly. It takes to long and sometimes reaches 4 rpms before finally…
ODI 10156889
Automatic Transmission
Dt*: the contact stated the overdrive light flashed and the check transmission light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, where it was determined the transmission needed to be rebuilt.
ODI 10156652
Air Bags · Automatic Transmission · Electrical System · Rear
2002 ford explorer. Failed transmission, starter, rear wheel bearings, airbag, pinion, electric window. Now loud sounds from rear of car. *jb
ODI 10156337
Automatic Transmission
2002 ford explorer xls 4.0l v6, these transmissions need to be investigated, you cant check the fluid level in them which is not right only to be designed to benefit ford when it tears up with high repair costs, my explorer had only about 60000 miles when trans went out. I had it rebuilt at a licensed transmission repair shop for about $3000.00 it drove good for about the same miles and stop pulling in the middle of…
ODI 10246010
Automatic Transmission
Tranny slips on 2002 ford explorer had my kids in car did not accelerate almost got hit in an intersection. Changed solenoid was good for couple months then started slipping and making clunking noise new tranny cost me $2400 @ yrs later starting again with the blinking o/d lite. *tr
ODI 10278463
Automatic Transmission
Took 02 ford explorer in due to car not shifting when it should. According to ford, i need a new transmission. The explorer only has 34,000 miles. Freedom ford in hampton, va installed a new transmission for $3600.00. *nm
ODI 10154753
Automatic Transmission
Transmission went bad at 68,000 miles. It was unable to shift from second to third gear. Previous to that make very hard noises when shifting from third to second. *jb
ODI 10154841
Automatic Transmission
2nd gear lost in transmission o/d light flashing erratic shifting, had transmission rebuilt at over $3000.00 cost to me ford said whoops sorry. *jb
ODI 10155101