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
Transmission failure to shift properly into reverse and between 3rd and 4th gears after normal usage for 38 months and 66,00 miles. Repair facility states that this is a recurring problem for this make/model/year between 60 and 80k miles. Transmission rebuild and remilling of transmission case is required. *nm
ODI 10135108
Automatic Transmission · Differential Unit
1) began with whirling noise coming from rear end, ended with a leaking rear end component. Both rear end pinion seals replaced,new synthetic oil added and re-packed with all new gaskets.(new seals were ordered directly from ford) i was told that these particular parts were not available in aftermarket. *nm
ODI 10130542
Automatic Transmission
Noticed harsh shifting into reverse and from 3rd to 4th gears on 02 ford explorer 2wd with 48,000 miles. Required rebuilt transmission at cost of $2124.00. *tr
ODI 10213012
Air Conditioner · Automatic Transmission
I brought truck on 02/27/2004. The salesman at bill heard chevrolet made me sign some papers. In two weeks i had to go back to sign some more papers because they said they had made a mistake. They told me that i would finish paying for the car in three years the cost was supposedly $24,000. In two weeks after that i started having transmission problems. I told the dealership but they didn't want to fixed the problem…
ODI 10150370
Automatic Transmission · Differential Unit
2002 ford explorer [xxx] transmisssion not shifting properly. Rear end noisy at 40 mph. Not repaired. *jb updated 07/19/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
ODI 10131685
Automatic Transmission
We have a 2002 ford explorer. We purchased this used in august 2004. On june 2005 we started having trouble with the transmission and took it in to the dealership on june 8, 2005 they had it for 8 days and repaired it under warranty. We took it back on june 24, 2005 for the same problem. They had it for 5 days but said they could not duplicate the problem. On jan 20, 2006 we had to take it back in to the dealership…
ODI 10201897
Automatic Transmission · Equipment
I have had my transmission in my 2002 ford explorer rebuilt by a local ford dealership at 53,000 miles and a ford re-manufactured transmission installed at this dealership at 69,000. This local dealership has replaced the transfer case twice, drive axle, and universal joints between 69,000 and 74,000 to correct an ongoing reported shifting problem with the transmission. My transmission failed at 109,000, again, much…
ODI 10132689
Automatic Transmission · Hatchback/Liftgate · Power Window Devices And Controls
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer ext wagon. The contact that stated that upon purchasing the vehicle he noticed that the transmission would shift in an awkward manner. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who informed him that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The failure suddenly recurred and he had to replace the transmission. He also stated that 3 out of 4 window regulators have failed. The…
ODI 10375130
Automatic Transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. While driving 35 mph, the vehicle stopped in traffic; however, the engine was still running. There were no warning indicators present. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the oil pump failed. The transmission was rebuilt twice. The failure mileage was 48,000 and current mileage was 72,000. Updated 11/20/07 *tr
ODI 10207418
Automatic Transmission · Coil Springs
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The dealer informed the contact that the coil spring on the rear passenger side suspension failed. The dealer did not state the cause of the failure. As of august 1, 2007, the vehicle has not been repaired. The contact stated that the coil spring on the rear driver side suspension failed june 2005. He also stated that the transmission failed at 79,835 miles. The current and…
ODI 10198143
Automatic Transmission · Engine · Power Window Devices And Controls · Steering
At a complete stop vehicle surges (accelerates). Have to place in neutral at standing stops to prevent an accident. Driver's side power window switch failed, had replaced, also the window whines when rolling up. Passenger's side power window regulator(cable) snapped?? When rear windows are down at a speed of 20 mph+ it sounds like a helicopter is in the back seat(actually physically hurts your ears!!!) <<<<no fix or…
ODI 10167102
Automatic Transmission · Column Shift · Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive)
Was driving on a highway when the od light started flashing then the transmission failed completely. Having new transmission installed. Many other things have failed too. Three weeks prior shift lever broke off in my hands when i shifted from park to reverse. Have changed right rear bearing which "blew out". The [redacted] quit while the truck was still under warranty. When i first got the truck and complained to…
ODI 10123876
Automatic Transmission · Tread/Belt
2002 4x4 explorer limited with v8. At 7390 miles (3/12/03, invoice # w40836) two issues; the transmission never shifted properly and it started leaking fluid everywhere. Two weeks later the dealer admitted they didn''t know the cause and replaced the transmission with a new one. Engine severely overheated (invoice 3w47852). At 20k miles the truck will once in a while stop (as if i hit something) as i start to back…
ODI 10127873
Automatic Transmission
Transmission failed. Had to be replaced. Only 50,300 miles on the vehicle. Service technician advised this is the 5th ford explorer he's had to replace the transmission on this month alone. He said the transmissions on the explorers are failing between 50k and 60k miles.
ODI 10121977
Automatic Transmission
Dt: transmission will not go into reverse, and there is no neutral. There is only 57,000 miles on the vehicle. The vehicle has had regular maintenance and checkups. Transmission was making clanking noise when put into drive or reverse. Vehicle has been making noise since 2002. It was taken to the dealership, and it was checked. Dealership did not find a problem with the transmission. Vehicle was put in reverse, and…
ODI 10121878
Automatic Transmission · Seal
Transmission and rear-end. Sealed transmission was serviced at dealership at 29,000 miles. Since then transmission has a whirr and then a clunk while decelerating back into first gear. Whining noise from rear-end since 12,000 miles. Ford replaced faulty rear-end seal 6 months ago, whining still there. I feel that ford is stringing me along until warranty expires. Ford knows there are problems but wont fix until part…
ODI 10120695
Automatic Transmission
I have had my 2002 ford explorer eddie bauer edition for 4 years. The entire time of owning this vehicle it sounds like the engine slips and lately it seems like it is getting worse. I have talked to a few car repairmen and they said that this make and model is known for this complaint. I feel like since there is an overwhelming amount of complaints for the transmission, someone should look into this. *tr
ODI 10273708
Automatic Transmission
In may of 2005 the transmission was rebuilt at the dealer. The vehicle had 34,767 miles. In may of 2006 the rebuilt trans converter failed with about 47,000 miles. This was just a few hundred miles out of the 12 month, 12,000 ford service warranty. There was an aftermarket warranty on the vehicle that covered it. Upon written notification to the dealer and ford we set an appointment to have the vehicle inspected and…
ODI 10178456
Automatic Transmission
The transimiison began to slip aat 30 mph, 37, 000 miles. On 10/02/03- was serviced, but problem returned from time to time. In 2005 problem worsened at 48, 000 miles. Took vehicle to dealer for transmission service. $dealer reported new transmission was needed @ cost of 3,222. The repair was done on 4/22/05.*ak
ODI 10119600
Automatic Transmission · Column
Began backing out of garage but noticed "door ajar" light on; a frequent occurrence in this car, and light doesn't indicate which door is the problem. So, finished backing car out of garage and parked it in driveway, placing car in park and applying emergency brake. Left car running. Exited car, left driver door open, and had some time to stand, turn around and look at back door behind driver's side first.…
1 injury
ODI 10137472
Automatic Transmission · Ignition
Dt: consumer complained about transmission problems. While driving 65 mph the transmission locked. The vehicle slowed down, operating at a reduced speed, and then the engine suddenly shut off. The car coasted to the side of the road. Consumer inspected vehicle and found nothing. Got back into vehicle about 10 minutes after the occurrence, restarted the vehicle, and drove to a dealership about 5 miles down the road…
ODI 10133794
Automatic Transmission · Column Shift
Dt: consumer states that transmission went from park to drive. While she was at her daughter's school she stepped out of the vehicle to talk to someone and the car jumped from park to drive and hit another vehicle. Also the transmission went out. She had several other problems with this vehicle. She was never notified anything from ford about any type of problem. The service department printed out a tsb for her,…
Crash reported
ODI 10125133
Automatic Transmission
Driver noticed while shifting the transmission forward or backward the gears are hard and a loud knocking noise started coming from the front. Driver took the vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic determined that the vehicle has to be placed on a diagnostic machine for analysis. *ak this particular problem has been on going since the warranty expired. The gear shifter became stuck in reverse gear unless it was pulled…
ODI 10117573
Automatic Transmission
Bought the 2002 xlt 4x4 explorer in july of 04 with 43,000 miles on the car. At 60,00 miles had the transmission serviced. At 63,000 miles o/d light flashed. Took car into dealer the next day and car needs a new transmission. Thank goodness we bought the extended warrenty so the work should be covered but after reading all the repeat problems i am concerned that this might become a constant problem. Also experienced…
ODI 10116553
Automatic Transmission
4x4 automatic transmission complete failure. Lost 3rd and 4th gears and reverse. This truck never towed or was worked at all. 47000 miles and the transmission melted. Dealer advised to completely replace, nothing left to rebuild. The only hint was the truck had a pause of 3-4 seconds before it went into a forward gear.*ak
ODI 10116447