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 bought a 2002 eb explorer in july 2002 and have been having chronic transmission problems since oct/nov 2002. The transmission shifts between 2-3 and 3-4 are rough and it jerks into gear. The first time into the dealer, they "verified" my concern and did about $1,000 in repairs. It was ok for about 3 weeks and started again. It has gradually gotten worse, and the dealer claims they can not find a problem. They…
ODI 10019068
Automatic Transmission
Dt: the caller said vehicle had problems with the transmission. In september 2002 at 4775 miles when trying to accelerate the vehicle made noise and would not accelerate. In november 2003 at 34,114 miles the lights on the dashboard came on. She could smell something. Both times she was told nothing could be found. Currently, all the lights on the dashboard came on again. While getting on the highway the vehicle lost…
ODI 10133904
Automatic Transmission
5 speed auto transmission on 2002 ford explorer xlt failed at 43000 miles. Transmission was flushed at 40000 and problems began after flush. No financial help from dealer. Service rep told me piston striking transmission case was common problem on this transmission and warned me not to replace it with a used 2002 ford 5 speed auto tranny. *jb
ODI 10135254
Automatic Transmission
I purchased my '02 explorer new. From the begining the same problem persists. With your foot on the brake, if you place the vehicle in park and remove your foot from the brake the vehicle will roll foward approx 1-2 ft. It concerns me. There have been many instances when purchasing fuel that i have nearly rolled into a pedestrian from a dead stop. I have asked the dealer about this problem only to be told it is…
ODI 10028524
Automatic Transmission
Vehicle was purchased in april 2002. Vehicle broke down in july while consumer was driving, almost causing an accident. Dealer advised consumer that transmission needed to be replaced.*ak
ODI 8014178
Automatic Transmission
Transmission failure on ford explorer. Self enclosed transmission, no dipstick for checking fluid levels, poorly designed concept. Here is website with 428 complaints against this particular model/year. All the same issue. *tr
ODI 10234143
Automatic Transmission
When coming to a stop on an incline transmission shifts to neutral, causing vehicle to roll backwards. Dealer stated there is a tsb on this issue, to refill transmission fluid. Ford has no remedy for it at this time. Transmission fluid leaks from converter housing into transfer case.*ak
ODI 8016178
Automatic Transmission
Overdrive light was flashing, then stayed on. Dealer determined transmission had to be replaced.*ak
ODI 8014315
Automatic Transmission · Hinge And Attachments · Switch · Unknown Or Other
Last summer (july 2002) during a military move from ga to az i noticed that my windshield had a large piece of glass missing on the outter right edge that you could not see until you actually got right up on the windshield. Part of it was visible to and part of it was hidden behind the rubber seal that is around the windshield. This windshield was actually installed with this piece missing from it when the vehicle…
ODI 10005655
Automatic Transmission
We have 2002 ford explorer suv with only 68k miles and we had to have an entirely new transmission put in it,just a year and a half earlier with less than 59k miles we had a new shift solenoid replaced. A year and a half later the transmission started doing the same thing again which prompted the new transmission .at the transmission shop we were informed that they have done numerous complete transmission overhauls…
ODI 10163628
Automatic Transmission
Shifter hangs-up when trying to put car in park. When car was new the dealer said they would have to pull the trans. Apart to fix it but in a few months the burr would wear and it would work fine.(another dealer lie). I think it is getting worse. The car now has only 28,000 miles on it. *tr
Crash reported · 1 injury
ODI 10323887
Automatic Transmission
Consumer hears clicking noise in transmission. Also, vehicle jerks. *ak
ODI 8010595
Automatic Transmission · Control Unit/Module · Lock · Mechanical
Excessive problems with transmission jerking, and shifting problems, purchased vehicle as brand new after 4 months contacted dealer where care was purchased regarding problem. Brought vehicle in at least twice before problem was found.the transmission was replaced has since had the same problem along with other problems, vehicle stalling while driving, cd player power shuts off. Rattling when hitting brakes. Filed a…
ODI 10000738
Automatic Transmission
I have a 2002 ford explorer with an automatic transmission that is going bad. One day the car is fine and the next day my light when on - out of the blue. I didn't know there was a problem until my o/d off light is blinking & the service engine soon light is always on. Plus, check transmission light is also lit up. This all happened with absolutely no warning. I feel the car is dangerous to drive and am not sure…
ODI 10265360
Automatic Transmission
2002 ford explorer with transmission problem, appears to be a common complaint, this transmission is faulty and should be recalled. Driving normal and transmission started acting up. Took it too dealer and says has to be replace at $4000. Transmission has always been maintained at the recommended individuals. Transmission in the 2002 explorer is defected. *tr
ODI 10265013
Automatic Transmission
I have a 2002 ford explorer that is now having transmission problems which will cost in the neighborhood of $3000 to fix. After doing some research on the internet i can't believe the number of owners who have the same problem. Ford apparently knows of this problem and has declined to accept responsibility. I know its not a safety issue but we are having to pay for repairs of a faulty product in bad times when some…
ODI 10267292
Automatic Transmission
Only 58,000 miles and the transmission was slipping when going from 2nd to 3rd gear. I babied this car so it has to be a defect.*ak
ODI 10187490
Automatic Transmission
Today is 2/21/2011 and just had the crap scared out of me, three children (ages 4, 2, and a 10 month old) and 4 other vehicles when guess what---my transmission blew the servo plug!!!! Gee imagine that another piece of junk that china/japan or whatever you call them people, assembled!!! Thanks again ford for selling out!!! Ford ceo's whom i'm sure are filthy rich arent true american people otherwise they wouldnt…
ODI 10383394
Automatic Transmission
Tl* - the contact stated she has been having problems with a 2002 ford explorer since she purchased it in february 2002. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The vehicle vibrated and the check engine light turned on. The contact stated that the vehicle is at a ford dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle may need a new transmission. The contact stated that the repair shop told her the problems…
ODI 10181075
Automatic Transmission
Because it performed as if it were in neutral while in drive coming from a stop, i nearly rolled into vehicles behind me then when it sped out of control when it grabbed drive, i nearly collided into vehicles in front of me even while braking.*ak
ODI 765001
Automatic Transmission
The transmission on my 2002 ford explorer has failed. It will not shift from second to third gear, and the top speed i can go it 20 to 30 mph. Though transmission problems happen frequently, i know that this is not an isolated incident. I have made this complaint not so much for myself but on behalf of all owners of ford explorers. While i was researching 2002 ford explorer transmission problems, i came across the…
ODI 10213770
Automatic Transmission · Differential Unit
With in the first year of having my vehicle i had to have 2 transmission repairs. Within the next year it was done again and then i started to complain about noises and a thumping coming from the rear during acceleration. I now know that the thumping is due to the rear differential and axle needing repairs. Now the vehicle is out of warranty and this is going to cost me about $1,000.00 not to mention that i have had…
ODI 10228952
Automatic Transmission
Almost hit someone due to the transmission not down shift coming to a stop and then shifting back into drive after being stopped for a good 10 15 seconds then when it does, it lurches . *ak
ODI 10187977
Automatic Transmission
Bought explorer xls 2002 in july 2001. Since owning vehicle have noticed an increase in gear slipping between 2nd and 3rd. Slamming into gear. Dealer unable to reproduce. Charged me $90 to check computer. In 2004 noticed a whining coming from engine, transmission pump failure, replaced. 2 days later, returned to the dealership, the replacement pump also failed. Transmission still shifting hard, increasingly getting…
ODI 10150512
Automatic Transmission · Gasoline
While driving, vehicle will automatically shut off. Vehicle will only shut off when it is idling. When going up hills vehicle will stall.*ak. Consumer states the transmission gives a ticking noise when the engine is running.8jb
ODI 8007713