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
While driving on the freeway, my o/d light started flashing and my car would not shift. I ended up having to drive at 25 mph and at 5000 rpms in order to get home. I have heard of more than several other people having the same problem with 2002 explorers. Ford did nothing to help me. *jb
ODI 10153785
Automatic Transmission
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE SUDDEN. *NM
ODI 10153459
Automatic Transmission
Transmission failed suddenly while traveling at highway speed of 65 mph, car jerked extremely hard at 65 mph and suddenly slowed to 30 mph. O/d on/off light came on and also check engine light. I was able to get the car off the road thanks to the help of another motorist who was behind me and realized my car was breaking down. He assisted in helping me change traffic lanes to get to a safe spot to stop. Car was…
ODI 10154897
Automatic Transmission
2002 ford explorer exhibiting transmission and rear end problems ford should recall all 2002 ford explorers for this problem. It appears to be very wide spread. Cost estimated to be $6000 for repair. *nm
ODI 10153268
Automatic Transmission
Ford explorer xlt 2002 with 61,000 miles o/d light started flashing rapidly and the check engine light came on. Was told the transmission was slipping between 1st and 2nd gear and needed replacing. Replaced transmission and less than a year later the o/d light started flashing rapidly and check engine light came on again. Had the codes read and needed to replace pressure sensor valve. Worked fine until lately and…
ODI 10217391
Automatic Transmission · Recreational Vehicle/Trailer
This is the second time in less then two years i have had to have the transmission rebuilt. It was bought on 8/14/04 as is no warranty from a dealer (demo) unit it had 38547 miles on it, 10/13/04 the transmission blew with 41675 miles on it. The dealer wouldn't give me no help as well as ford customer service, i paid 2181.03 to have it rebuilt including the torque converter replaced, and the solenoid pak (which was…
ODI 10152612
Automatic Transmission
Overdrive light flashes leading to transmission failure on my 2002 ford explore xlt. *nm
ODI 10171123
Automatic Transmission
Automatic transmission began having shifting difficulties shifting up and down between gears. The occasion that prompted this occurred as i attempted to place the car in reverse and it did not engage immediately. I was almost broadsided by an approaching vehicle before reverse engaged and i was able to avoid the collision. It seems it took approximately up to 1 minute for reverse to engage and the vehicle lurched…
ODI 10152247
Automatic Transmission
2002 explorer transmission is bad after only 33,000 miles. *jb
ODI 10152628
Automatic Transmission
Last year i had an issue with my 2002 ford explorer xlt. The ford dealer said it was the rear axel and tranny and fixed the issue. This year the same symptoms occurred plus the od light began flashing signaling tranny problems. Of course i am out of the warranty now and i know that the tranny on this model ford is "sealed" meaning i cannot check tranny fluids and only the dealer can service the transmission. I hear…
ODI 10156834
Automatic Transmission
Automatic transmission (5r55w) has failed at 30,300 miles 10 months past lousy 3yr/36k bumper to bumper warranty expiration! 1 month prior to failing there was a second or so delay shifting into reverse or a harsh bump upon engagement. On 2/26/06 after a [redacted] on the interstate and then doing an in-town errand, the overdrive off light started flashing. After parking it in our garage there was a burned fluid…
ODI 10154221
Automatic Transmission
I bought my 2002 ford explorer limited edition used with less than 47,000 miles on it. It was recommended that i have the transmission fluid changed which only the dealer can do. Since then 2nd gear would slip and my gas mileage dropped 5 mpg. The dealership said nothing was wrong. Now my used warranty is up and 2nd gear went out. They replaced 1, 2, and 3 bands, a drum, and a valve. I had it back 3 days and the…
ODI 10151183
Automatic Transmission
Transmission overheating and not shifting correctly while on highway at 65 mph 63000 miles on 2002 ford explorer xlt complete overhaul needed on transmission approx cost $2600.00 to repair. *jb
ODI 10151666
Automatic Transmission
I bought my 2002 ford explorer with 55,000 miles on it about 2 years ago. Every once in awhile i would get a loud thug when the car shifted between 25 and 35 mph. The service places were never able to reproduce the problem. Last week, i was driving and the car just would not shift - the check transmission light came on and the od light started rapidly flashing. My car is of course out of warranty and the dealership…
ODI 10150931
Automatic Transmission
The overdrive light is flashing and truck will not go into overdrive. I paid $1500 6 months ago to fix the problem and it is doing the same thing. I took it in again and the repair shop said it was electrical. I paid another $400 to fix it and 4 days later it is doing the same thing. *jb
ODI 10150738
Automatic Transmission
The transmission on the car has problems and the 4x4 doesn't work with only 80000 miles. *jb
ODI 10150064
Automatic Transmission
TRANSMISSION - GEAR BAND. *JB
ODI 10149900
Automatic Transmission
Transmission failure on 2002 ford explorer at 50,000 miles. Transmission jumps out of gear randomly, almost causing collision. *ak
ODI 10148770
Automatic Transmission
2002 ford explorer, when the car is at 30-40 mph and shifting gears it lurchers forward. I spent $1000.00 for repair 2 months ago with ford dealer. I am back again now they say i need a full tranmission.*ak
ODI 10148856
Automatic Transmission
My 2002 ford explorer ltd's transmission failed on or about 20 january without any prior warning. The vehicle had apprx. 65,000 miles. The vehicle has been with the veterans ford dealership in metairie, la for over 3 weeks. They have informed me the transmission will have to be replaced at a cost of apprx. $3000. I now understand this is a widespread problem with the 2002 ford explorer and urge a recall. *jb
ODI 10150146
Automatic Transmission
The transmission sometimes slipped when we first bought the vehicle new. We were told that was normal. The vehicle now will not lock into second gear, told we needed a new transmission. It is only 4 years old and has 58,000 miles; too soon for this kind of expense for a well cared for car. We are out of warranty. *nm
ODI 10148236
Automatic Transmission · Lower Ball Joint · Upper Ball Joint · Wheel Bearing
On january 16, 2006 while driving on the highway i noticed a shaking feeling under the driver's side floor. There was also loud noise. I slowed down and continued to drive. On saturday, january 21, 2006 i brought ford explorer 2002 to a ford dealer for them to drive and take a look. The result was vehicle all over the road, was unstable and needed all 4 wheel bearings, upper rear ball joints. Replaced. Not safe to…
ODI 10148962
Automatic Transmission
Transmission has been making soft shifts and sounds as it shifts. Dealer has "reprogrammed" the transmission. Now transmission has completely failed. Dealer claims the 3 gear in this heavy duty transmission is broken and transmission must be replaced. *jb
ODI 10150034
Automatic Transmission
While driving the suv to work on 11 jan 2006 @0800 on the interstate, everything was operating normally then suddenly the overdrive light began to flash and the transmission began to slip and would not shift out of 2nd gear, with no prior warning light to this day or malfunctions. @ 0900 i took the suv to a local near by transmission shop where they deemed after driving and running diagnostic testing that it needed…
ODI 10147603
Automatic Transmission · Differential Unit
TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED. *JB
ODI 10197498