transmission problem
9.3
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$2,291.00
Average Mileage:
76,381 miles
Number of complaints:
57 complaints
Most common solutions:
- rebuild transmission (21 reports)
- transmission overhauled (11 reports)
- issue a recall! (8 reports)
- replace transmission (8 reports)
- Ford should comp the damage (7 reports)
- not sure (2 reports)
2007Aug 14
Explorer XLT 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
Well first the motor went bad, We had to replace it. Got the vehicle back one week later the tranny goes out. After just spending $3000 for a motor. Need I say I may have been a little PO,d
2008Apr 09
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 115,001 miles
Bought this vehicle new at the end of 2001 and took veh into Ford for any and all servicing. Even went as far as to purchase the Ford ESP up to 100K miles. As soon as this vehicle hit the 100K mile mark it seemed to trigger a breakdown switch. Currently I noticed a small leak on the garage floor which led me to take it into dealer who adv that diagnostic code indicated the trany was over temp. The leak was coming out of the vent on top of the trany. Recommendation was full replacement for $3500.00, decided to go w/ rebuild for half of that expense. Expecting to need a seal and to have this happen was a shock. Blue Oval My A$$. No reason these transmissions are not recalled- obviously FORD is aware of the issue and does not care. I look forward to trading this veh in after repairs, and will NOT be buying another FORD anytime soon. Inexcusable why you cannot advise your loyal customers about these situations and do some damage control before the transmission goes. Congrats Ford you just lost another one to the imports, sleep well, no surprise why your sales are decreasing.
2007Feb 08
Explorer XLT 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 69,000 miles
PIECE OF JUNK, FORD SHOULD DO SOMETHING. BUT THEY WON'T, SO HERE GOES ANOTHER CUSTOMER...WHAT A SHAME, IT WAS A DECENT COUNTRY NOW IT WILL BE OWNED BY FOREIGNERS
2008Apr 01
Explorer XLT 4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 108,000 miles
Had an appointment to have "sealed" transmission serviced next week. Leaving shopping center, transmission slipped while shifting from 2nd to 3rd. At next light, would not shift from 2nd to 3rd until I took my foot off the gas. At the next light (about 1/2 mile total), vehicle felt like it left the ground as it attempted to shift from 2nd to 3rd. Noticed OD/Off light flashing. Ironically, I was only 1 block from the dealership where I had the service scheduled. Official diagnosis - "transmission trashed". Solution: rebuild for $2900 or replace with new for $3700. I opted for the rebuild, which comes with a 12 month/12K mile warranty.
2008Feb 12
Explorer XLT V6 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 107,000 miles
WARNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!=====FORD EXPLO"D"ER======!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!We just replaced our transmission for the SECOND time in three years. We called Ford and they said that there was nothing they could do but to record our information. O/D light flashed for seconds before trany going out. Thanks for the WARNING Ford. Now I am giving you'll a WARNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DO NOT BUY A FORD Explo"D"er because it will burn you... I wish I would have had the same advise because I am out about $5000.00 in total repairs. NOT One but TWO tranys, Two wheel bearings, Power Window motors, Air Bag Light (NO REASON??), Rear end rebuild, Emission sensor (Again? NO REASON??) Reverse warning sensors OUT, Dash lights (mileage) still out, oil pressure sending unit and there is probably MORE to come?????????????
2008Feb 01
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
Bought my exploder in August and overhauled the transmission in January. Not real happy about the whole situation. If I had known about all the negative reports on this make and model of car, I absolutely would have never purchased it! I believe this vehicle should have a total recall and the owners of this make and model should be given a refund by the Ford Motor Company!
1920Dec 14
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 44,000 miles
I am a housewife who drives her POS around town. We have had problems from the start, everytime (3) we took it to a dealership they retarded the engine. A week before Christmas we spent almost 4,000 dollars for a new trans. 2 weeks later another new trans, it will be going back in the shop this week, because it still is not right. When I called ford all they ask me was what I wanted them to do(pay for it) they said if I had taken it back to a ford dealership for repair they MIGHT be able to help me. Why would I want my transmission retarded yet another time. Check your door panel, my transmission was made in FRANCE (oh by the way my husband works for a transmission plant in sharonville Ohio ( I'm so %#*& proud and so is he).
2008Feb 16
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,207 miles
I have always had firm solid belief in Ford quality, until,,, My 2002 explorer XLS had its transmission go belly up in a matter of minutes,, It started slipping and not upshifting only when going around left corners,, went to check fluid level,, No dipstick!!! WTF??
I found that these were a "sealed transmission",, nice,, but what if it sprung a leak or something?? Come on Ford,, Get your heads out of your asses!! I'VE ALWAYS bragged you up after seeing what happens in other domestic (and foreign) manufacturers when/while owning them all,, Now you want to shit on us?? The people that support you? GMAFB,, I'd be going off a hell of a lot more if i'd not been impressed with your past quality control issues,, Thank God I have a good friend with an auto service center that steered me in the right direction as far as a service person goes,,,this is the last automatic transmission i'll ever own!!,, back to the manual for me
2008Feb 11
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 71,000 miles
I think Ford has disgraced the American auto worker by building and selling such a piece of junk, I could of had a Chevy. I think they need to be accountable for expenses that the consumer has occurred. A $42.00 O/D SERVO is what failed causing such a great amount of damage. At this time I would strongly recommend against anyone buying FORD. It just happened that I only owed 1600.00 it, huh go figure. I got one word for the Ford Motor Company, TOYOTA!!!
2007Aug 18
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 61,000 miles
I won't even bother boring anyone with my personal -Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 2002 - horror story. I can only thank God that I found this site. I felt I could not trust the dealership and now I know I was right. The dealership mechanic merely drove the car one block and stated that I needed a new tranny - to the tune of $3800 - not including the $400 diagnostic cost.!! I laughed at them and I asked for my truck to be returned untouched, and it has been parked for three months. Suffice it to say I experienced the very same malfunctions as all the posters.
I am going to follow through and file a complaint with all the recommended resources posted on this site. However I would like to get my truck fixed at a trustworthy transmission specialist - for less than the mortgage payment I was quoted above.
I am in the NY tristate area - prefer someplace in NYC 5 boroughs or New Jersey... Any recommendations?
2007May 19
(reported on)Explorer Eddie B
- Automatic transmission
- 62,000 miles
This is my fifth and final Ford product I will ever buy again. I have not had anything but problems with this vehicle. I have always purchased my autos new and treated them like show cars. A total transmission overhaul at 62,000 at a cost of $2,500 is totally unreasonable. Good Bye Ford...
2007Oct 01
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Hard shifting started way back at 40K miles, but I didn't realize what was happening. Last Fall started getting the "O/D Off" light, which would only go away if I turned off the ignition. But a computer "check" showed no problem. Soon the transmission was obviously slipping and the MPG dropped off about 25%. The Ford dealer was quick to ID the problem, and Ford has rebuilts ready with "improved parts". They know what's going on.
Really it would be better if they took care of their customers.
2008Jan 11
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 124,000 miles
I just cannot believe this crap. I had the transmission rebuilt a year ago for no 3d gear. Now, will not go into gear in the morning when cold. Once warmed up works fine. Turned the vehicle back in and now it needs a bushing from FORD. Well there is a national back order on the bushing. Can you believe it, a NATIONAL back order on FORD part. Still, FORD does not recognize a problem. The next higher assembly is a valve body, I asked for the next higher assembly, they offered me a loaner car. What the hell do you think that says, 1. We don't know when the bushing will arrive because of national back order and 2. Won't replace next higher assembly which is available. DUH, It is no wonder foreign cars are selling like hot cakes. I wish to take this opportunity to thank all the accountants, lawyers and those who could care less at FORD. You need to pay attention to your OEM parts back order logs and meet the need.
2006Nov 24
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
The sealed transmission is just a bad idea. Not being able to add fluid or check the fluid easily just isn't smart. I love all the other features on the car, but this one has me a little leery to buy another, and I bleed for blue.
2007Dec 29
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
Purchased brand new in '02. And although I generally liked the car, I had the usual run-of-the-mill problems, i.e. rear window falling off on me (finally recalled after 17 visits to dealership for this problem), window motors going out and a strange "wind noise" from rear passenger door, the tranny didn't go out on me until recently. The O/D Off started flashing and "check transmission" came on. But, after about 20 miles, went off and never came back. I thought, "just a sensor." Ooops. I was in the middle of the frickin CA desert over a holiday weekend when the gears started slipping. Finally the car just stopped. Had to get towed to a Ford dealership who wanted $4K to fix it! I took it to a local transmission guy - who laughed when I called with the problem (he said Fords are his biggest moneymakers) and he charged me $3,200! Now looking to sell the car with a new transmission. Any buyers? Got myself a nice Nissan Murano. Ford can go fuck themselves; they know about this problem and are just going to let it happen forever. Now we know why everyone hates American car manufacturers. I'll never buy another American car.
2007Nov 19
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
I'M PISSED!
OK, so we all know the problem with the damn transmission, so I don't have to go into to too much detail. The short of it is that my transmission died exactly 1-month to the day I purchased the vehicle! I bought it in June of 2004 with only 40000+ miles on it, making the hunk of crap only 2 years old at the time. I decided to take my nice semi-new XLT on a road trip from California to Phoenix, AZ, roughly about a 6 hour drive.
Made it there, and ALMOST back! I pulled into a gas station must after crossing the California border and my truck would not shift gears! I wouldn't go into drive, reverse nothing. Here I am stuck at a damn gas pump in the middle of nowhere, not knowing what the heck was going on.
THERE WAS NO WARNING, NO SLIPPAGE, NOTHING! I came to a complete stop and the truck would not go into gear after that. So, luckily for AAA, I had the hunk of crapp towed back to the dealer where a I bought. HAHAHA, jokes on me, since I was over 30-days by about 2 weeks, I had t let the warranty deal with it. OK fine, I was smart enough to purchase an extended warranty and got the damn thing fixed, with a $200 deductible.
In November of '06 I moved from California to Oklahoma, taking my lovely XLT once again on the road. No problems, it made just fine. I put the vehicle in storage as I wasn't sure if I was going to become a resident of the state, and hadn't renewed my tags from California, that had expired in January '07. So my truck sat from Dec '06 until approximately May '07, that's 5 freaking months of NO driving, except for the weekly spin around the block to keep the motor and battery healthy!
Once I decided I would become a resident of the state of Oklahoma, I legitimized my vehicle with proper registration, got an oil change and tune up...you know, the basic requirements for a vehicle that has been sitting for awhile.
Well here it is Nov' 07, (December now, but problem occurred last month), and I'm on the highway and I GOT A WARNING THIS TIME! The damn thing starts to slip, the O/D light starts flickering on and off, and the Service Engine light comes out. I'm thinking to myself, oh hell no!
Having some history and general knowledge of cars, I knew it was the damn transmission...AGAIN! Take it to a specialist for diagnostics, and low and behold it requires yet another OVERHAUL! That's twice in less than 3 fucking years! I have to say less than 3 years, bearing in mind I didn't drive the car for almost 6 months.
I called the original dealer that did the firs repair in California, and of course he blew me off saying well, it's way out of warranty nothing I can do.
Somebody tell me how can a vehicle with less than 100,000 miles, just over 4 year old, well maintained, not harshly driven, required a fucking transmission overhaul twice! This is bullshit, and as I stated at the opening, I'M PISSED!
2007May 14
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
On my 2002 Ford Explorer XLS, the trans has to be fixed in May. Took it to Ford, they told me $3800, and told me it needed to be started on today to prevent further damage. Gotr a 2'nd opinion, took it to AAmco, they charged me the "FREE" $49.99 fee to look at it, and told me it was not bad enough yet to measure on the chart, but they also told me that it would cost me around $2300 just for them to look around inside the pulled out transmission, and they would replace any bands and seals needed. I asked them if that would fix the problem for the $2300, and they said the standard B...S... answer of "it all depends on what we find when we are in there." I asked them if this was the very first transmission they had ever repaired, they said no, then I told the guy that he should know how much it costs, on the worst case scenario. He then told me probably another $1,000 at the most, totalling $3300. WOW!!! By the way, the radio ad stating that AAmco will diagnose for FREE the "Check Engine" Iight, but ONLY if you have them do the work and let them "look around."
I then searched and found a local independent shop that would do it for around $1900. I went with that. VERY BAD DECISION. It is now Dec 24, 2007, and my truck transmission is out as we speak, right now!!! On Christmas Eve 2007. It will not go into gear after driving it for more than 15 minutes and parking it.
The first time in May 2007, it was very clunky when changing gears, the OD light flashed like crazy, and the Check Engine light came on. I was on my way back from Greenville sc headed home to Atlanta GA. I took it to my local mechanic, he got me the error code of "P0775 Pressure Control Selonid Valve Problem." He told me he could not fix it, recommended I take it to Ford. I did, Too expensive. AAmco, expensive and shaky, then I took it to the local guy for $1900.
He overhauled the trans, I paid him $1900, and I drove off in mid May 2007. Around Labor Day 2007, same thing started happenning, with OD light flashing and Check Engine light on. I was pissed. I took the 2002 Explorer back to the local guy, and he told me that these Explorers are notorious for having the same problem come up again after 5,000 miles or so after an overhaul. He fixed at no charge, and off I went. Last week, same thing, but with very loud clunking noises at low speeds, OD light flashing, and Check Engine light on. I took it back to local guy, and he said he fixed it, and that he did something extra that he did not do the last 2 times, so I should be OK for now. I drove it to the mall, and towards home, stopped to get gas, and it would not go into gear. In Reverse and in Drive, it seems like it is in neutral. Got it towed back to the local guy for $70 fee. The next day, he said he cranked it up, put in reverse, OK, and in Drive, OK, and drove it for a few miles and brought it back to the shop. Told me to come get it since no problem found. I drove it home, no problem, parked it in my driveway. Then about 2 hours later, I go to leave to get pizza and gas, and it seems to be in Neutral when I put it in Drive and/or Reverse. I am really pissed. I call the local guy, and he tells me that when he fixes it this time, for me to trade it in, since this will continue with the sorry ass transmission from Ford. He blamed Ford. He asked me why I bought a Ford Explorer. 2 days ago, I looked around in his shop, and I saw 4 other 2002 Ford Explorers there.
Enough said.
Daryl
2005Jul 14
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
Had to have the transmission rebuilt at 52,000....and would you believe it, again at 82000!!! When is Ford going to do something? Definitely the last Ford I'll EVER own!!
2007May 22
(reported on)Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
First off I would like to say, I wish I would have found this site when I first bought this POS.
I recently had to get my transmission rebuilt at 60000 miles. I am with everyone else on this post, if I would have had a way to check the trans fluid I may not be in the mess I am now. Typical automotive engineering, try something new, it doesn't work, and tell the consumer "sorry, we F#@%ed up" and "oh yea, we will not fix it either" I just can't wait to get this loan paid down so I can get rid of this hunk of crap. Its pretty sad when a company knows it screwed up and then doesn't take responsibility to look out for the consumer.
2007Oct 01
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V
- Automatic transmission
- 101,000 miles
I have owned 6 Explorers, and other than normal wear and tear - NEVER - had a problem....UP UNTIL NOW. Being familiar with the product over the years, I am meticulous about service. Oil changes, all fluids, etc. Imagine my dismay to see my OD light flashing and the check transmission light appear? I took it to 3 different places in Indianapolis. The first was the dealer, Bill Estes Ford. They hooked it up to their computer and confirmed that 5th gear would not stay engaged. I decided to leave the car with them, only to be told I would need an appointment. I made the appointment for the next day, arrived 15 minutes prior actually - only to be told that the mechanic's wife was in labor and could I wait until next week. I refused, of which the service advisor explained that transmission problems for the 02 version of the Explorer were QUITE common. Momentarily, I played with the idea of trading it in for another one. Let me explain it this way, FORD DOES NOT WANT THESE BACK. Although I had purchased 4 vehicles from this dealership in 8 years, they LOWBALLED me an offer would not budge. To make a long story short, I had the transmission rebuilt and will pick it up today. I can assure you that I WILL NEVER PURCHASE or RECOMMEND a FORD product EVER again in my life. The dealership in Brownsburg, IN sucks - their service advisors suck - and FORD sucks!!
2007Apr 18
(reported on)Explorer XLT 5.9 V6
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
Ford 2002 sealed trannies definitely have issues @ the 50k ish miles... dealer worked it out but it still ended up costing us....
2007Nov 08
(reported on)Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 62,000 miles
Just another shmuck reporting the same thing as everyone else and 2 months past warranty. O/D Light Flashing, slipping between gears, recommendation...Rebuild or remove and replace. I'm rebuilding for about $1000 less than replacing and selling ASAP. I bought used from the dealer with 30000 miles on it. The last 32000 (car has 62000 miles) has cost me (after I trade it in, assuming I get blue book) $18,000 to own for 3 years. For the math impaired that's $6000 a year. I am going to lease a BMW and never look back. F^^^ You Ford!!!!!!!!!
2007Nov 06
(reported on)Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,700 miles
I just want to add to the complaint I filed on August 3, 2007 (#87). Fortunately for me, I did purchase an extended warranty on my Explorer when the transmission started to fail. I was just about 50 miles shy of my warranty expiration when I took the vehicle to the dealership for repair. I left the truck at the dealership and was placed in a rental without any charge to me. The free rental was included in the extended warranty but only for 3 days. I was told that it would take about 3 days to repair but it was a week. When I picked up the vehicle, I drove it around to run some errands and on my way back home, the truck started bucking like a mechanical horse and making clunking sounds. It sounded like the insides were going to fall out! Also, the OD drive light started doing it's thing. I immediately returned to the dealership. The transmission problem was worse after the repair than before the repair. I was put in a rental again for another week before the problem was fixed. The dealership was great and picked up the tab for the additional days because it was their fault that the vehicle was not fixed the first time. I still don't feel safe in it because I feel that I could still have problems with the transmission later. I only had to pay the $100 deductible for the repair.
2007Oct 24
(reported on)Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 111,000 miles
My 2002 Ford Explorer with 111,000 miles on it needs a new transmission. Ford needs to recall their transmissions. I see alot of people are having trouble with the the 2002. I also had a 1996 Ford Explorer and the transmission went out at 75,000 miles. I have learned my lesson and will not buy another Ford Explorer.
Angela D.
Ellaville GA
2007Aug 27
(reported on)Explorer XLT 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
Problem first started about 2 weeks ago when suddenly the exploder would lurch and the RPMs would soar. Sure enough, without warning the whole thing failed. The mechanic said he'd never seen anything this bad in his 27 years servicing Fords. Had to be towed 100 miles to get home, and another 15 miles to get to the mechanic. Couldn't even get it into neutral.
2007Aug 29
(reported on)Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 94,000 miles
I purchased my Ford Explorer in July of 2003. For the most part it was a great car except for the door ajar alarm randomly not working and Ford breaking my lift gait during the recall. This just happened to me last week. It started with my overdrive light flashing while I was on the freeway. Which went away once I restarted my car and it seemed OK. I didn't have much trouble with the car shifting hard except on a rare occassion. The real problem began when I started hearing a vaccum/metal scraping sound during accelaration of my explorere. the sound never went away but did seem to quite down once I got the car warmed up. I immediately took it to a trusted mechanic who found that my transmission fluid was black and my timing chains in my engine were going bad. The estimate to fix my car completely was between 5,000.00 and 6,000.00. The mechanic warned me that these cars have so many problems with their transmissions and engines that correcting the problem was a bad idea. I owed about 4000.00 on the car and it was only blue booked at 8800.00 if it was in great condition, which was now not the case. Had I fixed it I would have been an idiot since my debt combined with the cost of fixing the vehicle would have resulted in spending more than it was worth. I followed all the rules when it came to car care and it didn't do me one darn bit of good. I would say that 80% of the miles on my car were highway miles. I ended up trading my car in and getting Toyota. I lost a lot financially with my car and emotionally. I will never buy from Ford again. When this percentage of people have a problem with the same aspect of their cars it seems awful that a company leaves them hanging. The least they could do is recall and replace transmission the most would be to give me back the value of my vehicle, that is what I could have sold it for had it not had this problem.
2007Sep 27
(reported on)Explorer LX V8
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
I have had this car in several times about noises in the trans, slipping, late shifting, it just did not feel right... Since 58,000 miles I have been suspicious something was wrong....... So I am 4 hours away from home today and my transmission goes completely out....... I am in not such a great part of a Cit...... The transmission guys tells me that 3rd gear is gone and a total rebuild is needed........ my warranty covers only under 75,000 miles......... well now I have over 100, but have been complaining about it since 58,000 !!!! So here I am 4 hours from home...... I have to leave my car there, get a rental car to get home.., figure a way to come up with almost $3,000. and then have to drive 4 hours to pick it back up in a week......... I am supposed to leave on vacation in 2 days ??? Now no way can I go. I think this should be covered....... especially now that I see how many have had the same problems........ my trans problems were showing at 58,000 miles. The problem has been there a long time...... Ford dealership said they could not find anything wrong but I knew it was there...???
2007Sep 19
(reported on)Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 68,496 miles
I purchased brand new the 2002 Ford Explorer in late '01. The warranty expired and I just paid off the vehicle with less that 69,000 miles on it. The transmission began to slip, the rpm's revved and the transmission would shift or slam into the next gear. Ultimately the Check Engine Light came on and the O/D symbol would flash six times a second. My trusted mechanic said a diagnostic test showed that the third gear was problematic. Estimates $2,500 for a complete overhaul.
Ford has lost another customer. I will drive this for 9 more months while I pay off the transmission fix and then sell it. NEVER again will I purchase a FORD, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Mazda or any other piece of crap that Ford associates with. I do not recommend any Fords with automatic transmissions. Good luck and happy driving.
2007Aug 30
(reported on)Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 71,000 miles
At 71,000 miles my transmission was shot. Had it rebuilt by a local reputable mechanic. He showed me the problem and told me he has seen numerous of these types of transmissions having problems. Basically he said that these transmissions were not made too well. And like with my transmission one thing wrong can cause something else in the transmission to wear , break, etc. To be specific it was a hole in the side of the transmission that has a long thing hooked to a filter looking thing (sun something) lol-that goes into the hole. The hole which is made of metal or steel gets bigger (not supposed to but the maker made it cheap), then the long thing that goes into it slips out and it also gets wear on the filter thing as well. So they fix the hole by putting a adapter piece with a new strong hole in it. Ford should have this recalled-We pay between $20,000 -$32,000- mine being $32,000 for the transmission to be shot around 70,000 miles because of them using a cheap ass transmission. There have been to many complaints about the 2002 explorer around the same miles.
2007Aug 16
(reported on)Explorer 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Hi from Australia. Transmission started with a noisy torque convertor followed by sluggish shifts Transmission went in for a complete overhaul with a Ford transmission preferred repairer. The first mistake he made was he put the wrong solenoid pack in and there was lots of clunking going on, apparently the excuse was the wrong solenoid was packed in the right packaging box. Since repair, the shifts are harsh between the gears, clunks from park to reverse also from neutral into drive. Now we have a wind noise coming through the drive train somewhere, sound is similar to a wheel bearing wind but it's not coming from there. This repairer also to our disgust put in a quick shift kit!!!! in a 4WD, we weren't even asked if we'd like one fitted, if we had of been asked we would have flat out said NO THANKS, this quick shift gives you whip lash when you least expect it. In fact the first day we drove it repaired our 8 year old son said "what did you just run over?" it was so loud and forceful. We rang the repairer and told him of our above complaints to which he said oh that will all iron out after 800miles or so, it is now over the 800 miles and nothing has improved so we will be taking it back in and definitely asking him to remove the quick shift for starters. Everything else about the car we love it's just the transmission problem. Can Ford find the problem so we can modify it or alter it in some way. Perhaps they might find all their solenoid packs are packed in the wrong box???? They're the ones with the expertise and resources. Ford please give us answers so we are not stabbing in the dark or throwing good money after bad. Thank you.
2007Jun 05
(reported on)Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
Just for the record this is another complaint I've had besides the crack in the tail gate. The transmission had to be overhauled shortly after buying the vehicle. I'm glad I got the extended warranty but mad I had to use it so quick with it being a certified pre-owned with minimal miles. Back to Toyota I go.
2007Jun 12
(reported on)Explorer XLT 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Well, I am the latest victim of a 2002 Explorer transmission failure. All I can say is that Ford is the worst car company that I have ever had to deal with, that includes the after market warranty company Buyer's Choice.
I dropped off my vehicle to Ford on Monday June 4th. O/D light flashing, Check engine light on, transmission not shifting, etc... After a week they finally told me that the transmission needed to be replaced. A band was broken, the transfer case cracked and it was not worth fixing. The adjustor is investigating it to see if they are going to cover it. It is going to cost over $2000 and if the warranty company doesn't pay, who is going to pay? Not Ford. They are responsible for this and they need to take responsibility for bad design and workmanship. You know what the Ford dealer told me, "Well, it does have 80,000 miles!" My Toyota Camry had 180,000 miles and i never even changed the transmission fluid.
Beware to all those considering Ford, DON'T!!!!!! Buy Toyota, or Honda but not FORD!!!
2007Jun 30
(reported on)Explorer Limited 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 79,000 miles
Car revs to 4000 rpm in first gear, need to let off on throttle to have it shift gears. O/D light flickers, "check transmission" light comes on. I took the car to the Ford dealer--they diagnosed transmission failure with bands broken. Estimate was $4800 for replacement transmission with "upgraded" transmission cooler. I had never heard of transmission failure with a car of this low mileage. I got another estimate from an independent transmission shop for $2500. I don't intend to keep this vehicle for long after repairing it, so I'll go with the cheaper repair. I know that I'll never buy a Ford again. Before buying this Explorer, I owned a Jeep Cherokee that gave me 210,000 miles of trouble-free driving. Back to Chrysler for me!!!!
2007Aug 04
(reported on)Explorer LX 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
Only got 67000 miles on my 2002 Explorer and the transmission is shot! I frequently change the transmission fluid, but I guess that was a waste of time and money. Don't tow anything, and drive very light! I love the USA, but our car manufacturers suck! It's time Ford steps up and deals with some of these expensive and unsafe problems. I wouldn't sell this Explorer to Osama! If anyone out there is buying one of these pieces of scrap metal be prepared to pay for it about 3 times with all the repair costs.
2007Jul 25
(reported on)Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
I purchased a used Explorer in May 2006. This July the transmission went. I had ALMOST the same EXACT symptoms as KeSha P., single mother of four in GA.
Service technician states that third gear is missing. Car was owned by one previous owner, who per the car facts reports kept up with routine service dates.
Recommended repairs:
Overhaul $2,395 (2 year warranty)
No prior indication of problems. After driving approximately a quarter mile car would not pick up speed. After letting up on the accelerator, I was able to get car going. When approaching 3 rpms car began to jerk and grind. Immediately service engine came on, and overdrive light flashed on and off. Car continued to grind and move hesitantly. Jerking repeated at every effort to shift gears automatically.
Once car was turned off, allowed to cool, and then restarted, everything appeared to be back to normal with the exception of the check engine light (it never went back off). When put into drive the vehicle performed as usual, until again it attempted to shift gears automatically as I picked up speed.
-----
The entire situation really sucks, as I am a single mother of two and this car is my sole means of transportation.
I thought Fords were supposed to be some the highest rated vehicles.
2007Jun 04
(reported on)Explorer LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
First transmission went at 33,000, was covered under warranty. Replaced with a rebuild. How do they get away with giving a used transmission for a new car warranty. What a joke. That went at 70,000 (only 37,000 miles later). This one's on me. Dealer went out of business (what a surprise), and talking to Ford is waste of time. Totally unacceptable. Wouldn't drive a Ford if they gave me one.
2007Apr 29
(reported on)Explorer XLS 4.0 V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
complete transmission rebuild .. towed it to a local ford dealer where I bought the truck .... charged me 98.00 to tell me the transmission had no 3rd gear ...... told them that when I towed it in to them .... has a disscussion about the problem and found out the cost to repair ... was told they would take it apart and replace what needed to be replaced .... well that didnt sit well with me because if you are going to take the transmission out rebuild the whole thing.... was told that they havent had any problems with these transmission and I ask why they would say that the tranmission would not need service until 150000 miles and I hear about all these problems with transmissions..,, so its not the vehical that is the problem its the ford dealerships that will take u for every cent they can ..... so towed it away from the ford dealership and took it to a dot transmission who replaced everything in the transmission with all updated parts and a shift kit.. what a world of differance in attitude between the ford dealership and a independant transmission shop ... would suggest anyone having to pay for this problem out of pocket take it to a transmission shop for excellant service and a better attitude ... have relized that ford dealerships will only fix what needs to be fixed and knowing that it will fail again soon.. U will be back and they will say not covered on warranty
2006Aug 04
(reported on)Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 41,000 miles
My 2002 Explorer has 41K miles on it but I have had transmission problems since around 16K miles. At first, I noticed the car shifting hard between 2nd & 3rd gear and then the overdrive light started flashing. Long story short, the transmission was worked on 5 times. The first 4 times they replaced the selenoid pack & valve body and then the flow control valve was replaced once and then during the 5th trip to the dealer, the transmission was overhauled.
Interestingly enough, each time it was fixed (at a couple different dealers) I was told that the 02 Explorers had bad transmissions but Ford wouldn't "allow them" to replace it. I feel like they were just "putting a band-aid" on my transmission to fix it until the warranty ran out because suddenly, they were allowed to replace it or overhaul it. I don't understand why a recall was never issued.
The only reason the cost was so low to overhaul the transmission is because the 4th time I had it to the dealer, they told me that it was definitely fixed and if I had problems shortly after my warranty expired, they'd fix it for free and I held them to their word!
Other problems I have had:
leaking rear differential, 6 disk cd changer that had to be replaced because it would try to eject 2 cds at once and it would give an error and say the slots were empty when they were full and finally the air conditioner stopped working all of a sudden. Right now, I have a groaning noise during tight turns and a clunk when I come to a stop. The dealer isn't sure what that could be and told me to come back when it's worse. So... when I wreck my car, is that considered "worse"?
I will never ever buy another Ford product.
2007Mar 17
(reported on)Explorer XL 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 61,000 miles
My 2002 Explorer needs a new transmission at 61k. This is my 5th ford. No more.
2007Mar 13
(reported on)Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
transmission went out at 60,000. and what is worse is seeing that there is so many problems. I WISH FORD WOULD STAND BEHIND THERE PRODUCT!!!!
2005Sep 01
(reported on)Explorer
- 35,000 miles
One problem huh, I am tired of doing all these neat forms!!! ;)
Check engine, did not want to start. You name it.
They first tried to rebuild the old one, then a month later came back and they had to put in a brand new one!
2007Mar 09
(reported on)Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 74,400 miles
I have had problems with the transmission not shifting from a stop and more recently not shifting between 2nd and 3rd. The most annoying part was the Service Engine light kept coming on. The dealer replaced the solenid four times and paid $1300 for one of them. Now I can't get my car registered this year without clearing the SE light! The dealer wants to fix the problem by taking apart the transmission ($1500) and then replacing parts (more $). The only warranty will be on the new parts, however. They can put in a rebuilt for $3800!! and a 3 year warranty. I talked to Ford who said they would help with the cost and then never came through!! I am now having it rebuilt at a local shop for $2500 with a two year warranty. All this really because of a Service Engine light! I can't really get some use out of the car and then sell it without fixing the problem and getting a reliable warranty. Ford should recall these transmissions!
2007Mar 08
(reported on)Explorer Eddie Bauer LTD 4L
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
MY SITUATION IS TIME CRITICAL!!!!! I HAVE CAUGHT DISCREPANCIES IN WHAT THE DEALERSHIP HAS TOLD ME and might be able TO PROVE Ford Motor Vehicles is DELIBERATELY NOT RECALLING these HORRIBLY MADE, WORTHLESS TRANSMISSIONS.
If you have ANY INFORMATION THAT CAN HELP ME BRING NATIONAL NEWS ATTENTION ON THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER TRANSMISSION,
SEND ME A TEXT EMAIL -
RecallFordExplorer2002@gmail.com
I'll pass on the e-mails to NHTSA or any NEWS Media who is willing to investigate Ford and the 2002 transmissions (as well as any other significant problems)
I filed a complaint with the NHTSA today and presently there are NO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON FILE AND NO CURRENT INVESTIGATION on any of the transmission or, specifically, the solenoid pack - the part directly responsible for most of the previous complaints on this web site. I listed this web site as the referral to the NHTSA and encourage every single on of you to call them ASAP.
IF YOU CARE ENOUGH TO MAKE THESE COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEB SITE, THEM PLEASE, GO ONE STEP FURTHER and CALL THE NHTSA!
NO other organization performs the legal investigation!!! Please, even if your incidents are a long time past, you will help build the case to force FORD to be LEGALLY ACCOUNTABLE for their inexcusable corporate behavior and wholly defective vehicles.
NHTSA'S TOLL FREE number is 1-888-327-4236. For FORD to be FORCED TO RECALL these transmissions, COMPLAINTS HAVE TO BE FILED WITH THE NHTSA!
PLEASE, PLEASE, AT LEAST MAKE THE ONE FORMAL COMPLAINT. I WAS ON HOLD FOR MAYBE 3 MINUTES AT 12:30PM ON A THURDAY - YOU CAN MAKE THE ENTIRE COMPLAINT ON THE PHONE!
**********************************************************************
CALL FOX NEWS in NEW YORK AND in YOUR CITY & CALL AMERICAN IDOL - TELL them about how YOU were TREATED BY THE AMERICAN IDOL TITLE SPONSOR - FORD MOTOR VEHILCES!!!!
***********************************************************************
DEMAND that FOX Media and AMERICAN IDOL FIND A NEW TITLE SPONSOR!!!!!
***********************************************************************
Tell FOX how FORD treats their AMERICAN CUSTOMERS, I do not diminish any of you that live elsewhere and respectfully ask that you also tell FOX and American Idol EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT FORD AND WHY - WITH ALL THE DETAILS YOU CAN!!!
************************************************************************
CALL YOUR STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL, YOUR LEGISLATORS AND SENATORS,
AND contact every POLITICAL-WANNABE-a-CANDIDATE and CHALLENGE THEM to TAKE ON the REAL ISSUE of PEOPLE who are getting RIPPED OFF BY FORD and WARRANTY COMPANIES WHO DO NOT HONOR THEIR CONTRACTS.
FRANKLY, I AM OF THE OPINION that I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO TAKE OUT EXTRA OR EXTENDED OR SPECIALTY WARRANTIES - THEY PUT OUT A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT, THEY SHOULD FIX IT. In every job I've had, ANY EMPLOYEE who behaves as the FORD Corporation SO OBVIOUSLY TRAINS them to behave - TERMINATED on the spot.
I AM STUNNED BY THE FLAGRANT DISDAIN THE FORD COMPANY HAS FOR ITS CUSTOMERS regardless of WHERE YOU AND I LIVE. CLEARLY, FORD thinks ITS CUSTOMERS are EXPENDABLE.
IF I AM SO EXPENDABLE, then I INTEND TO "SPEND" MY MONEY ELSEWHERE - and definitely SPEND TIME engaged in the TIME-HONORED, TOTALLY AMERICAN, demonstration of the effectiveness of WORD-OF-MOUTH. The cliché is tiresome, but it is TRUE - "The squeaky wheel gets the oil." Be vocal - LOUD - and PERSISTENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DO NOT think you can rely on a lawsuit to get your money back or make them pay. I have this vehicle because of a dishonest mechanic who I took to small claims count. That judge flat out SAID IN OPEN COURT that he knew the business did what I said they did, but that CAR REPAIR LAWSUITS are NOTORIOUSLY HARD TO PROVE. SO CALL OR EMAIL OR WRITE the NHTSA, Fox News, CBS, ABC, NBC, BETTER BUSINES BUREAU, you local newspapers and TV stations, the talk radio shows.
SOMEWHERE AWAITS A ROOKIE, OR A REALLY SMART, INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST who has THE POWER to do undercover research and PUBLICALLY EXPOSE FORD!!!
SO let's MAKE Ford Motors TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for their DEFECTIVE CAR PARTS and DEPLORABLE TREATMENT of CUSTOMERS who THOUGHT they were buying a trustworthy, reliable, American made product. Personally, my NEXT CAR will probably be a TOYOTA OR VOLVO - and NEVER, ever, ever! will I buy an automatic transmission! Technology makes it much HARDER to catch the problems OR TO PROVE THE FAULT OF MANUFACTURER OR CERTIFIED SERVICE businesses.
REPORT YOUR LOCAL DEALERSHIPS WHO ARE PARTICIPATING IN THIS SCAM TOO. LOCAL BAD PUBLICITY will HIT THEM HARD and be MOST IMMEDIATELY effective- AND THEY ARE THE ONES who have to PERSONALLY FACE THE CUSTOMER - SO MAKE THEM ASSUME THE RESPONSIBLITY FOR THE PRODUCT (the DISMAL 2002 FORD EXPLORER OR whatever your vehicle) AND THEIR BASELESS CLAIMS OF QUALITY AND SERVICE.
!!!!****!!!!!AND ANYONE WHO OWNS OTHER VEHICLES UNDER THE FORD UMBRELLA, DO THE SAME. MY SISTER HAS A 2001 MAZDA TRIBUTE WHO'S TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 1 1/2 YEARS OLD WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING 800 MILES TO MOVE TO ANOTHER CITY. SHE GOT REALLY, REALLY, REALLY LUCKY IN THAT THE DEALERSHIP WHO SHE ENDED UP WITH . . . . (HEADS UP! Don't let Your chin hit floor) . . . a dealership who STOOD UP for her - THE CUSTOMER - and challenged MAZDA'a attempt to REFUSE TO HONOR another FORD WARRANTY ON THEIR TRANSMISSIONS.
I immediately recognize the symptoms of this pile of worthless metal that hides behind the Explorer's transmission case! The flashing OVERDRIVE light followed by the flashing CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT. I pulled over immediately and called AAA. The dealership, ADAMSON FORD, and Extended Warranty Company flat out refuse to cover this. It has been over a week and I was nice at first and am no longer being nice at all due to the shameless absence of any customer service (I bought the DELUXE COVERAGE for $1200 which supposedly covers internal transmission parts, but was flat out REFUSED COVERAGE SPECIFICALLY ON THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID PACK - WHICH INCLUDES SEVERAL PARTS). I purchased the 2002 Ford Explorer in August 2005 even though it was more than I had planned to spend - and was largely influenced by the positive "Consumer Reports" review and the feedback from several people who owned older models that were nearing the 200K mark. My prior vehicle was a 1991 ISUZU TROOPER with 199,993 miles on it - the only things I ever replaced on it were clutches and distributor caps and filters.
Still owing $8000+ and planning to move in SIX WEEKS more than 1000 miles away from where I live, I now am SCARED to drive this METAL MANURE cross-country. I only just started to recover from the financial difficulty caused by the other mechanic. I bought my Explorer because I thought I was buying a vehicle I would continue to use for . . . at the very least . . . the next five years. Now I wonder if have just thrown $16,000+ or more for a vehicle that ACTUALLY will be found dead on the side of the highway. To think that I may very well be making monthly payments on a vehicle that is not drivable, UNACCEPTABLE.
Those of YOU who have had MORE THAN ONE transmission replaced ARE CRUCIALLY IMPORTANT TO THE NHTSA'S SUCCESS INVESTIGATING THE 2002 FORD EXPLORER AND FORCING FORD TO RECALL THE TRANSMISSION!!!!!!!!!!!
2006Jul 06
(reported on)Explorer EX
- 81,000 miles
I was on my way out of state to visit a sick family member with 6 passengers in the explorer when it started acting crazy. The O/D light kept flickering, RPM's were going up to 5-6. The horrible thing is, this is not the first time. This happened 14 months. The first time my warranty place sent my car to Ford to "over haul" the transmission. That took about 2 weeks. I have had no problem and now out of the blue the transmission went up again. It seems they fixed my transmission to get me through their warranty. The positive thing... my warranty sent my car to a new place. It's a local place. They are giving me a 36 month or 36,000 year warranty on this transmission.
2005Jun 06
(reported on)Explorer
- 48,000 miles
The SUV has been driven primarily by my wife. We have pulled no loads and usually drive nearly empty.
2005May 24
(reported on)Explorer XLT
- 53,000 miles
Ever since we had the car(New), the tranmission has clunked and made awful noises. It would hesitate when backing up as well as make a clunk when we let up on the accelerator as the car would coast.
We reported a problem to Ford (30000 + miles) (THinking if it was reported they would support it if it failed, guess what, no-such thing).
They adjusted the program module when the problem was reported. THis really did not help. They also told me nothing was wrong. They quoted 3350 for a rebuilt trans, it is now at AAmco for rebuilding and we won't be buying another Ford. We have been Ford owners for over 30 years.
2007Jan 16
(reported on)Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 67,117 miles
Well, after owning a 1997 Ford explorer with over 180,000 miles on it and still going, I told the wife that we should find a newer explorer because I was just sure that this one would start heading south and I didn't want her stranded on the side of the road...... So we ended up trading the 97 in on a 02 Explorer with all the bells and whistles on it. It was off a used car section of a Honda lot, and shoulda been weary of it then, But Hey!.... all the other fords in my life had been great. It had 36,000 on it then. Fast forward 1 and half years and 30,000 more miles and its now in a shop other than a ford dealer and they have seen lots of these "sealed nightmares" and they knew just what the problem was. I found this site by chance and all the transmission problems that other explorer owners have had and find my self wondering why haven't Ford recalled these things? Am I'm being silly for wanting more than 67,000 miles out of a transmission? Call me selfish, but I think that when a car costs more than my parents paid for their first 3 houses total, it should last at least 68,000 miles. So I called the number for customer care that I found on this site and believe it or not, this problem has never been heard of before by the people answering Ford's care line and was told that I should take it to a Ford dealership and have it looked at..... Hmmm, let's see, 2 days earlier I took my 99 Ranger into The Shawnee Mission Ford dealership to get a simple 4 wheel alingment on it and found out that all 4 balljoints just happened to be bad!..... Nothing that 1027.00 wouldn't fix! It's now since been aligined at a private shop without any balljoints being changed....... Why ramble on this way?..... Face it folks, Ford broke it off in me and the dealerships will do it also, only deeper and drier, so get it fixed at another shop and chalk it up to experience and don't think its only Fords, because my friend and his wife overhauled the tranny on a Chevy Tahoe 3 months earlier with only 80,000 miles on it. Me and my wife really wanted this 02 explorer, so please Lord, in the future, protect me from what I want.
2007Jan 08
(reported on)Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 38,785 miles
Bought 2002 Explorer brand new with all updated factory maintenance and records. Wife drives the truck low miles. Transmission light overdrive light flashing, won't get into 2nd gear, sluggish, etc. I have full ESP warranty to cover it but it sounds like a design engineering problem to me. How does a low mileage properly maintained vehicle blow a transmission so soon? Again, this truck is easy driven, never ever abused! Ford better step to the plate and offer at least a 100,000 10-year warranty! Or Toyota or Honda will get my future business!!!!!
2006Nov 17
(reported on)Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
I've had Ford cars for years and up until now I have been fairly satisfied with them. The 2002 Ford enclosed transmission is one of the stupidest ideas I have ever seen a car manufacturer have. What the hell were they thinking? They just wanted to make it neccessary for the average joe to be compelled to take the transmission to a so called "Qualified" service center. Most of the contacts and mechanics I have been using for years refused to work on my Ford so I was indeed compelled to take it to a Ford service center. They charged me $200 just to check the car. And after 5 days I was told I would need a new transmission or rebuild my transmission for either $3500 (new) and $2500 (rebuild).
You could imagine my shock. I paid for the the $200 diagnostic and asked for a printout of the diagnostic and I was told "We didn't print it out" What idiots. All I could get was a receipt for my $200 payment with some notes written in broken english that basically provided no details.
I convinced my mechanic friend to put his hand held computer on my truck and we got "P0745 Pressure Control Solenoid Malfunction" code. This does not sound like a code that implies fatal damage to the transmission yet Ford wanted to charge me $3000 for a new one. We then downloaded instructions for doing the maintenance on the Transmission and did it. The car is now driving pretty well. The enclosed transmission compells you to go to a Ford dealer who without a doubt is going to tell you that you need a new transmission no matter if you do or you don't. They give the same answer all them time. I am considering never buying another Ford again.
2006Nov 13
(reported on)Explorer Eddie Bauer
- Automatic transmission
- 27,000 miles
3rd Gear Band broken and servo damage. Transmissions failure on cars with only 27,000 miles and driven normally, should never happen. When they do, the manufacturer should stand behind their product. Ford did pay for half, I'll given them that much, but they have do a lot more to keep me as a repeat customer.
2006Sep 08
(reported on)Explorer XLT
- 69,000 miles
Transmission began lurching when putting vehicle in reverse and intermittenly when engaging first gear. Ford said the tranny box was full of metal shavings and said it needed a total rebuild. Would have cost >$3,000 but for the extended warranty.
I maintain my vehicles and have never heard of a transmission failure at this mileage . . . at least not until I started reading this board!
2006Aug 21
(reported on)Explorer XLT
- 70,000 miles
I have had the Ford Exlporer XLT since 2002 and bought the extended warranty. I think Ford was mad because instead of replacing the transmission they have overhauled it twice and I am facing my 3rd transmission. I will go with a Jasper transmission I just spent $707 today in service for the check engine light I will not buy another Ford. I will keep getting this one fixed because I do not want another car payment and when this one is completely new with parts my 16 year old daughter will have it for her first car. I am buying a Toyota truck. This is definitely a recall situation in my mind but I am just an ex-Ford customer. Someone said Ford stands for "fix or repair daily" I believe this--I wanted to believe in Ford and even the slick new service ads took me back to the dealer but that was not pleasurable either. I had to get a rental car for 4 days! What do poor people do who can't afford rental cars and such.. I can't afford it either but have no choice. I have to work and I can't walk to work. 3rd transmission problem this should be a recall problem!
2006Apr 17
(reported on)Explorer XLT
- 53,000 miles
I am the original owner. I always buy Japanese however in 2002 I decided to give Ford a try. I serviced my truck at the dealer religiously following every recommendation. After 53000 miles my transmission going is terrible. My wife just stopped work after the birth of our third child. I called Ford Motor Company complaining. I will never buy an american car ever again.
2006Feb 07
(reported on)Explorer Limited
- 86,000 miles
Diagnostic registers P0745: Pressure Control Solenoid Malfunction and P0733: ????
Service technician states that third gear is missing. Asked how can you be missing third gear, technician speculated due to lack of maintenance or burnt fluid. Car was owned by one previous owner, who per the car facts reports kept up with routine service dates.
Recommended repairs:
Overhaul $2,800 (12 month warranty)
Factory Remanufacture $3,400 (36 month warranty)
----
Per car facts report transmission was serviced as recently as 8/04. I purchased 11/04. Dealership states they can't track previous service issues by VIN, although car facts states that transmission was serviced under terms of original new car warranty.
No prior indication of problems, until five days ago. After driving approximately a quarter mile car began to jerk and grind. Immediately service engine came on, check transmission dialog appeared and overdrive light flashed on and off. Car continued to grind and move hesitantly. Jerking repeated at every effort to shift gears automatically.
Once car was turned off, allowed to cool, and then restarted, everything appeared to be back to normal with the exception of the check engine light (it never went back off). When put into drive the vehicle performed as usual, until again it attempted to shift gears automatically as I picked up speed.
-----
The entire situation really sucks, as I am a single mother of four and this car is my sole means of transportation.
I thought Fords were supposed to be some the highest rated vehicles.
2005Apr 14
(reported on)Explorer
- 51,000 miles
When you have a 3 year old vehicle you should not have to overhaul the transmission!!!!!!!!!!!! I am really disappointed with Ford. I have totally lost all faith with them.
2005Mar 07
(reported on)Explorer
- 92,000 miles
Upon purchase of the vehicle I pointedly asked the salesman about transmission maintenance. I had a problem with a Galant before and know how frustrating it is. He said the transmission would not even need to be serviced until 100,000 miles. It is an enclosed transmission. My brother just bought a 2004 explorer and they told him the same thing. I called my dealership back and they informed me that they instruct everybody to have the transmission maintained every 30,000 miles. LIARS!!!!!!!! As soon as I hung the phone up with him I called my sister-in-law. She turned around and called another dealership and told them that she was looking at buying a 2002 or a 2004 Explorer and asked them if she was right in thinking that each had an enclosed transmission and did not need to be serviced until 100,000 miles. He told her that was correct.
If I was supposed to have had the maintenance done every 30,000 miled I would have. All they had to tell me was the truth. After spending $33,000 on a vehicle you want to maintain it as well as possible. That is really hard to do when the manufacturer lies at every turn.
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your transmission problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.
2008Apr 04
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
Same issues as I've read here a thousand times. Blinking OD light 2 weeks ago. On restart, went away for a week. Next long drive in the truck, got an 'overheating transmission' error. took it in to my shop (Curry's Falls Church) and nobody was surprised. Transmission had to be rebuilt by Hi-Tech Transmissions. They said this was incredibly common in both the Explorers and Jaguars of this age.
Tidying up the truck this spring (rear passenger window assy is broken as well) and selling it ASAP!
Corey G.
Vienna, VA, USA
SEND A COMMENT »