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, 274k miles. Transmission began making grinding noise; had it rebuilt by a reputable transmission shop. Shortly thereafter, if braking hard, the engine just stops and all power is lost. This has happened several times, yet it starts right back up when i turn the ignition key. Mechanic cannot get any codes to show up. Six months later, overdrive off light flickers or flashes fairly regularly,…
ODI 10370598
Automatic Transmission
I have an 02 ford explorer eb edition. Not too long ago, my od light began flashing and my transmission was hesitating. I was 1.5 hrs from home at 9pm (sunday). Called my husband, he made a couple of suggestions and i was able to make it home. Same problem occurred twice the next day (monday). Contacted my ford dealership and dropped the truck off for a solution to my problem. Was told it was a solenoid body going…
ODI 10360937
Automatic Transmission
Transmission does not engage when put in drive until 3000 rpms. I was pulling out in traffic and was almost hit by another car because mine was not engaging to move the car. I understand that this problem is very common on the 2002 ford explorer. *tr
ODI 10361677
Automatic Transmission
We own a 2002 ford explorer that we have kept up all the maintenance on. We have owned if since june of 2008 (bought it from a used car dealer) and have had no really big major issues until now. The o/d off light is flashing which is causing the transmission to get mixed signals as to if the over drive is on or off. Which causes the transmission to shift hard and actually try to lock up at some times. It has been…
ODI 10359250
Automatic Transmission
My 2002 ford explorer transmission failed. I was traveling on an on ramp. When the o/d light started to flicker and there was a sudden powerful jerk. It was similar to getting rear ended. The failure occurs above 35 mph. The consequences are sudden uncontrollable jerks. In order to correct the failure the transmission must be rebuilt for a vehicle under 80,000 miles. *tr
ODI 10373547
Automatic Transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving various speeds the vehicle would lunge forward at times, stall, and shifting would be difficult. The vehicle was not inspected by the dealer nor been was it repaired. The manufacturer advised her that the transmission might need to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
ODI 10390279
Automatic Transmission
Got a transmission overheated error and o/d was off. Looks like its a common occurrence on my explorer. *tr
ODI 10354932
Automatic Transmission
We bought a 2002 ford explorer xlt 2 weeks ago with 129,000 miles within 2 days of owning this vehicle, the o/d light started blinking. Upon investigation with transmission repair locations, we have to spend $2500.00 or more to replace the entire transmission! What a rip off, after researching this issue, it is quite obvious that ford needs to recall this vehicle, step up to the plate, and help their customers out…
ODI 10357063
Automatic Transmission
I do not have to provide an in depth description, myself as with all the owners of a 2002 ford explorer are all having this same problem. Ford should be ashamed, and have this recalled if its happening with more than enough vehicles. The o/d light will flash rapidly and then the transmission will skip a gear, has a hard time switching into first gear. Big clunk! This is ridiculous. If all of these people are…
ODI 10355140
Automatic Transmission
Transmission doesn't shift from 2nd to 3rd gear - entire transmission needed to be replaced. *tr
ODI 10356818
Automatic Transmission
2002 ford explorer xlt v-6: overdrive off (o/d off) light blinking rapidly. Transmission is suddenly shifting very erratically which makes vehicle difficult to control. I understand that there have been numerous complaints regarding this issue on this vehicle -- please exert your authority to require ford to address this serious problem. *tr
ODI 10354024
Automatic Transmission
Transmission failure in 2010, almost caused vehicle accident on the highway; was rebuilt in march 2011, but transmission is slipping again and it is now august 2011. I have been checking several different websites and i received 1 recall letter in the mail but happened to notice there is another recall. If all of these problems are continuing to happen, why is a recall on the entire truck not done? It is obviously a…
ODI 10421000
Automatic Transmission
Failure of transmission in 2002 ford explorer - known problem of many vehicles made my ford especially this model/year. But no recalls or help in fixing this problem. Had to replace mine costing $2600 in parts and labor. *tr
ODI 10361781
Automatic Transmission
O/d light is blinking and transmission might be going out. *tr
ODI 10353962
Automatic Transmission
It has been an ongoing issue for years about the transmission failure in the 2002 ford explorer yet ford doesn't wish to address this issue by calling the vehicle back. I have my transmission now gone after only 150000 miles. This issue needs to be addressed by ford taking responsibility for a faulty transmission. *tr
ODI 10353658
Automatic Transmission
Transmission failure with no warning, engine reved instead of accelerating, resulting in near accident while pulling off an interstate ramp. Had to have vehicle towed. Estimate to repair is approx $4000. Vehicle only has 112k miles on it! *tr
ODI 10352340
Automatic Transmission
O/d light started to blink while accelerating. Transmission starts to slip. This a permanent failure. Took to ford service and without inspecting the vehicle, i was told that the transmission needs to be replaced. *tr
ODI 10351890
Automatic Transmission · Cooling System · Front · Parking Brake · Rear · Seats · Steering · Suspension
Purchased 2002 explorer xlt v6 4.0l already transmission slipping solenoid or whatever out.. I have read reports and wonder why this transmission is not recalled? I have it in shop now having to have it rebuilt and everything changed. Also right wheel bearings bad, upper and lower ball joints bad, suspension shot. And the records show the previous owners maintained everything well. But also had transmission replaced…
ODI 10350869
Automatic Transmission
2002 ford explorer transmission failure. The transmission kept slipping, wouldn't shift, and the o/d light kept coming on. I took it to the ford dealer in wasilla, ak three times and each time they kept it for 3-4 weeks while "repairing" it. The fourth time it went out (may 2008), it was out of warranty, so i had to purchase a rebuilt transmission. In august 2012, the transmission went out again; it simply wouldn't…
ODI 10350747
Automatic Transmission
We own a 2002 ford explorer xlt with the 4.0 v6 4x4 , the transmission we believe has a major safety hazard to occupants and pedestrians with vehicle serge from a long delay engaging the transmission ether forward or reverse possibly causing injury to driver/passengers and /or nearby objects/persons and or runaway vehicle from the transmission not disengaged from gear or from a sudden vehicle launch if the driver is…
ODI 10351069
Automatic Transmission
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer xlt. The contact stated when driving at various speeds, the vehicle would fail to engage in third and fourth gears. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer advised that the vehicle was not under recall and would not provide any further assistance.…
ODI 10350020
Automatic Transmission
Hello, i am complaining about a problem with my 2002 for explorer. Me and my family were driving and getting ready to merge onto the highway and suddenly the car jerked and the overdrive light started blinking. Then the rpm's went up to about 5000. I then had to run off the road to avoid a semi running us over. I have 5 children and we were lucky. I don't want this to happen to other families. This needs to be a…
ODI 10349461
Automatic Transmission
2002 ford explorer with 120,000 miles. Transmission began to slip 3rd gear. Stalling in traffic. Ford dealer could not look at it for 2 days so went to independent shop who knew the problem well. Not only had to replace solenoid valves, but also torque converter and rebuild. Had to drill out one port and install stronger linkage part ford offered since 2006. *tr
ODI 10350194
Automatic Transmission
Original owner of a 2002 ford explorer xlt. Transmission is not shifting properly. O/d light is constantly blinking on the dashboard. Never towed anything and had the transmission serviced. Very disappointing coming from a loyal ford fan. *tr
ODI 10348410
Automatic Transmission
Last night, the o/d off light on my 2002 ford explorer started blinking. Today, the vehicle will not drive in normal drive mode or reverse. In doing some investigating, apparently, this is a common issue with ford explorers. Particularly the 2002 models. This is not only dangerous, but unfair that ford has not taken responsibility for this very common issue. I'm awaiting an answer on what exactly is wrong with my…
ODI 10345071