9.3
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$2,890.00
Average Mileage:
79,160 miles
Number of complaints:
263 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replaced with rebuilt transmission (72 reports)
- call Ford customer service and complain 800-392-3673 (58 reports)
- replace transmission (42 reports)
- transmission needs to be recalled (31 reports)
- not sure (26 reports)
- local mechanic fixed, not giving dealer any more business (16 reports)
transmission problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2002 Ford Explorer transmission failure
2009Jun 14
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 61,116 miles
My brother in law has the same car and has had the same exact problem, now researching it there are hundreds of people with this problem. Obviously something is wrong with the the quality of workmanship, and Ford needs to step up and assume responsibility. I will never BUY FORD again!!!!! There is no reason a car with only 60K miles on it should need an entire transmission rebuilt or replaced!
2005Jun 01
Explorer Eddie Bauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
After replacing the transmission, luckily while under extended warranty, after 50,000 more miles the transmission has failed again. I am beyond pissed. when you pay for a vehicle you expect it to be worth the money. I can say when I trade this vehicle I will never own another Ford
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009May 27
Explorer LXT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 89,000 miles
This transmission should be recalled - this is the second time it has failed (first at 58,000 miles). Ford will never get any of our money ever again....FYI, my husband has owned Ford trucks since 1975. Ford's CEO was on NBC's Today show this morning praising the company and crediting Ford's success to the 'quality of the vehicles it builds'. As a long time customer this is my analysis of their 'success: Ford profits by putting cheap, poorly manufactured, outsourced parts in their vehicles, and then walking away from their product. Their dealerships profit from selling, repairing and replacing these less than industry standard parts. The hard working American customer is left footing the bill. FYI, in addition to the transmission we have replaced all 4 wheel bearings, CV joints, rear differential and oh yes.......the gearshift lever snapped off in my hand. Ford.......is this what you are calling a 'quality product'?
2007Dec 11
Explorer LXT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 58,000 miles
Never buy a Ford....ever, unless you want to be stuck with a piece of junk that will fail as soon as warranty has expired. At 58,000 miles the transmission on my 2002 explorer failed (hard upshifts, hesitation-particularly when shifting into reverse, slippage, have to let foot off gas to make it shift into third....then total failure, unable to shift into any gear). Cost $1700 to replace the third band. Two years and 30,000 miles later........transmission has failed again (same symptoms with O/D light flickering on/off)........this time we have to replace the third band and the servo. Despite same symptoms leading up to failure, dealer says it is a 'different' problem. Ford will not do anything b/c it is out of warranty. Dealer finally said they would take $200 off the 2nd repair costs....come to find out they took this from the mechanic's paycheck! FYI, between 58,000 and 80,000 miles we have also replaced all 4 wheel bearings, CV joints, the gearshift lever snapped off ($800 to replace the entire steering column) and the rear differential (as well as numerous other drivetrain parts that I cannot name). Ford is making money by using cheap, sub standard parts from China, and then refusing to take responsibility for parts that do not conform to industry standards. Dealers are making profiting from selling and repairing these sub standard vehicles. My father owns a Toyota Celica with 250,000 miles...he has only had to replace the brakes & tires (ever!)....this is a truly American car, made to the standards we expect, with parts actually made in America. Please forgive me, if as an American consumer , if I say that Ford no longer deserves the name 'American Pride'....we can officially confer that honor to Toyota and Honda.
2007Jul 19
Explorer Eddie Bauer
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
What a horrible experience. I have only driven Toyotas. My wife wanted a Ford Explorer. She is driving it, not me, so we purchase a new 2002 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition. I purchase the extended warranty, because I want to be safe, not sorry and in the back of my mind, it is a Ford. The transmission completely fails in July, 2007 at 55,000 miles and 2 months after my extended warranty expires. Ford says, too bad, so sorry. We paid $3,600 for a rebuilt trans. It just failed again on June 7th, 2009. I think I have at least a 2 year warranty from the dealer on this, so they will be seeing my very angry face tomorrow. So sorry we purchased this vehicle. NEVER again!!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jun 01
Explorer Eddie Bauer
- Automatic transmission
- 76,000 miles
Add me to the list of unhappy 2002 Explorer owners. Bought the car for my son 1 year ago. As a new driver, I wanted to put him in a bigger, more reliable car for safety. Needless to say, he comes home yesterday and says his transmission light is on. Took it to a local mechanic whom I trust (those are hard to find these days) who told me the transmission is shot and needs to be replaced at a cost of $2700. So we decide we aren't going to put the money into the piece of crap car, so we go to look at buying a replacement car thinking we may be able to trade this one in. Our BEST trade-in offer...$800. Hell, the tires are worth more than that. And they wonder why people don't buy American. I have a 2000 Lexus that I just rolled 120000 miles on and have only had to put front and back brakes on once. Solid as a rock and expecting another 120000.
I will NEVER buy another Ford. Ford needs to man up and recall these transmissions before they find themselves in the say predicament as Chrysler and GM.
2009Apr 29
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 77,300 miles
I purchased my 2002 new. At 39900 miles May of 06 the transmission went out and needed to be completely replaced. I had an extended warranty so painless for me basically. The new transmission warranty is 3 year 36,000 mile. I am within the time limit but 2,000 miles over the warranty miles and they will do nothing. The last time I checked it did not seem like normal wear and tear for the transmission to be replaced every 39,000 miles.
When I asked the Ford service jerk, all he said is these things happen and my car is at the end of its life. Really! I guess so if you drive a Ford. I will not accept this kind of service. If I have to go to court, these idiots will do their part in getting my car back on the road. The bummer is I really love my car. I am not asking for something for nothing and I just do not see how Ford and their dealers can turn away when there are so many problems. From day one I have taken my car to the dealer for service and have taken good care of my car. This is bull!!!
Please people we must do something. We can not let them get away with this. My next car will be a Honda.
2008Aug 03
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 140,000 miles
First off, let me start by saying that from what I've learned after researching the problem that i'm one of the "lucky" ones simply because I was able to get 140,000 miles before having any trouble. So I'm told. BUT! the fact remains I just finished paying the car off and this happens.Well I guess I should say what "this" is. Transmission failure, surprised so was I. I'm a truckdriver by trade was on a 2 day turn in Jacksonville,Fl. when my wife called me and said the car is acting funny. Me being the typical man asked the dumb question; what did you do? and she says "i did nothing" (to put it nicely).So I told her to described what it was doing, and she said that it would not change gears, the O/D light was blinking on and off,and there was a really hard knock when she put it in gear. So I cut my trip short to come home and try and take care of the problem. When I got in the next day I called my local Aamco shop, we said our hello's, and he said "what can Ido for you". I said "I got an '02 explorer", and before I could say anything else he started describing the symptoms to a "T", and I was like so you've heard this before. His next question was; how many miles? I told him 140,000, he was in shock! By this time he told me he would'nt be doing his job if he did'nt have me bring it in to do a free dyno- even though he knew the problem- so I did, and low and behold there were four '02 explorers parked in the back with the same problems (miles ranging from 40,000-86,000). To make a really long story short, he said every other explorer that year has transmission problems, and the price to repair is between $2900 and $3100. So I did some research myself and that s how I came across your sight, and was literally floored at the number of problems (identical problems at that). needless to say we fixed the problem drove it for about 4 months, AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. This time we fixed the problem (still under warranty), and sold the damn thing. To put it in a nutshell FORD made a crappy transmission I know it, you now know it, and FORD knows it.They should be held accountable and recall every last single one until this is resolved.
2009Apr 10
Explorer Eddie Bauer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 101,000 miles
Well, they got me too... Argh! Explorer began shifting hard/soft at various times, especially between 2nd and 3rd. Also, experienced a mild shudder when pulling out from a stop and a high pitch whining noise when stopping and starting -- sounded like an electronic motor spinning up and down. I took it to Mr. Transmission and they diagnosed it for "free" and told me it would be $1500 for parts and labor to rebuild it (plus any "hard" parts that needed to be replaced). After they had it completely torn down, they called to tell me that it would be almost $3000 due to other damaged parts -- and that I could either pay them to fix it or come get my transmission in a box and have my vehicle towed. It would have been cheaper to order a remanufactured transmission (the entire transmission) from everdrive.com and pay someone to install it. Also, Mr Transmission only offers a 12 month warranty. Everdrive.com offers a 36 month warranty. I guess hindsight is blah blah blah...
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Apr 04
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 81,203 miles
Wow if I knew what I know now about ford and their price of sh*t explorers I would've Neva even spit on that piece of sh*t my tranny went out at 82k if I didn't have an extended warranty the price to rebuild the tranny would've been $2700 I still had to pay 700$ out my pocket, that's a down payment and a couple of notes on a new ride...ford sucks ass!!! And their shitting on the small people aka uneducated consumer
2003Nov 18
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 0 miles
This transmission was taken in for repairs several times. They refused to find any problems the first 2 visits. The car would accelerate and take off by itself, jerk, slow down when you are trying to accelerate and it makes clunking noises. The final results, I stepped out of this car to put a 4 year old in his car seat, and the transmission engaged itself in reverse. The door knocked me down and the tire ran up over my pelvis. I've been in rehab, and with several doctors dealing with permanent nerve damage to my left leg for 6 years now. BE CAREFUL! Turn it off before stepping out of this car.
2009Mar 30
Explorer XLT 4WD 4.0L V6 Sohc
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
Adding this to the transmission section but basically front axle differential went in the poop bucket way before its time but well after warranty. Pinion/bearings most likely, and lots of metal in the differential. I had to stick a magnet in since it didn't have the magnetic cap. Looks pretty common for Ford. I barely used the 4WD and owned it since new. To boot, I have already had to complain about several of their service shops... changing the tires the batteries and doing other maintenance that was not required while I was deployed. Since my wife doesn't know much about vehicles she would tell me about it afterward and I was powerless to do anything about it from overseas.
2009Mar 16
Explorer XLT 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 71,000 miles
I bought this stupid crappy exploder in may of 2008, immediately had the rear differential/bearings replaced ($1500.00 of which the warranty covered $500) and this month after only owning the used truck for 10 months and 71,000 miles on it the transmission goes out. I had NO WARNING. The O/D light went on as the transmission went out. I have a 7 year child and I could have been stranded with this lunk of junk. I took this truck to a trusted mechanic before purchasing the truck and the transmission was checked on the machine and there was no indication that the transmission would go out. I want Ford sued as this is clearly screaming for a recall and compensation. As a single mother I have put $3,500 additional dollars into this truck and there is still something wrong with it. It stalls sometimes when putting it into drive. Who knows what that will lead to. I am driving it into the Mississippi River! I hate this truck.
2009Jan 18
Explorer 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
Purchased the vehicle new 8/02 and by 1/03 started hearing a rattling noise. Took vehicle to Rice & Holdup, NJ(dealer) 3 times before someone found(or would acknowledge) the problem - the transmissions. Did some repair and vehicle seemed fine. Now 1/09, only 64,000 miles on it, warranty expired 8/08 and the transmission is totally shot - it just died - and they tell me there is something wrong with the rear but it can't be checked since the vehicle can't be driven. Rice & Holdup, NJ gave a price of $3550 to fix the transmission and at first offered nothing for our troubles and then came back with a crappy offer of 10% off - and the $3550 doesn't include whatever is wrong with the rear. Emailed Ford customer service and got the same "sorry, your warranty expired - nothing we can do" bull. Ford has to be taken to court!!! I cannot believe all the people having the same problem. It was obviously a defect and Ford needs to pay up - I don't care if they go out of business paying everyone back. They are a bunch of @#s%a#@s!!! Took the junk pile to a private shop to be repaired - don't know what the charge is yet but Ford will never see another dime of my money.
2009Mar 06
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
Took my dads explorer on a little 2 hour trip skiing...car full of friends, boards, skis, and bags...halfway there white smoke begins cloud from behind the truck like its Nascar or something...get out as huge tractor trailers fly by to take a look under the truck to see tranny fluid spilling from the housing...an hour later I'm sittin in a ford dealer in the middle of no where instead of riding a ski lift....thanks ford for your incredibly reliable vehicle...there truly needs to be a recall on this!!! just think of all the people that own this truck and have not posted on here!!!! I love the truck and so does my dad but holy crap...it shoulda came with a 4 foot bed to haul around all the problems...what a shame...all i can really say and think is WHERES THE FREAKEN RECALL!!!!!
2009Mar 05
Explorer EB 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 67,400 miles
Add me to the list of '02 Explorer blown transmission. Classic slip 1-2 shift, no 5th, clunks loud going into "R" & "D" Tranny light on, "check transmission" on in message ctr and now "service engine soon" now glowing. Last Ford I'll ever own/buy.
2008Jul 04
Explorer LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I don't think I can add much more to the words already posted about the 2002 Explorer. Cost us just a tad over 3K to get the transmission replaced. The new transmission has a 3 year / 30K warranty but I doubt we'll own it that long. The A/C is also broken and the vents do not work properly. When rotating the vent control the air will sometimes be directed the way you want it. Overall I'm very disappointed in the quality of this vehicle. At 80K miles the truck should have a ton of life left and should not be causing so many headaches. I will not buy another Explorer and I am leary about purchasing a Ford at all at this point.
2005Apr 29
(reported on)Explorer
- 62,000 miles
I bought the 2002 Ford Explorer with 19,000 miles in 2004. I figured a fairly new car should not have any major problems except the normal wear and tear. WRONG! Within the first year of me owning this vehicle several problems occurred. Just to mention a few, the window regulator failed which caused the window not to go up in the dead of winter. The airbag light kept coming on, and finally the transmission is completely shot and needs to be replaced. Called the Ford dealership and they said "These things happen, Sorry". Called the Ford company, they said "You are not covered under warranty and we can't help you at this time, Sorry!". So what have I learned about Ford, which stands for (Found On Road Dead and Fix Or Repair Daily), Fix airbag light $50. Fix driver side window $350. Fix the transmission, $3500. Realizing that Ford makes inferior cars and you will never buy another Ford again, Priceless.
2005Apr 28
(reported on)Explorer XLT
- 65,000 miles
Ford should have a recall on this truck... maybe if we get enough people to complain about it or maybe have 20/20 do a report we all can get something back...
thank you.
2008Nov 14
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
I bought the used explorer from a Ford dealer in 2006. It had 32,000 miles on it when I bought it. At 72,000 miles while going on a trip for the weekend the vehicle began revving at high RPM's before shifting into gear. I traveled approx. 5 miles to my destination and parked the vehicle for the weekend. I knew it was the transmission, but did not know how extensive it was. I could not check the transmission fluid because that year they did away with a transmission dip stick and the only way to check the transmission fluid was to crack a bolt located on the transmission housing under the vehicle. Boy ford does not make things easy to check easy things like transmission fluid any more!
I had the vehicle towed to a transmission place and they later told me the transmission was destroyed. $2,800 later (Nov. 2008) I am driving again wondering what is going to go next. Won't be buying another Ford again, probably foreign like toyota or nissan. I have only heard good things about their power trains, unlike the fords!
2009Feb 13
Explorer Limited 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 135,000 miles
i bought this nice explorer used but still in great condition so to my suprise the peace of sh*t tranny blew overdrive and reverse and i understand that it is a common problem i think it should be recalled and fixed by the ford motor company and maybe they should make something that last more than a 100000 miles.
2009Jan 01
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 145,000 miles
I bought the car used and never had a moment of trouble then at around 140000 miles it started to implode, first a hub for about a thousand then almost 3000 on a transmission and the hassle of not having the car.
2008Oct 20
Explorer XLT Eddie Bauer 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
Always had Ford vehicles in the driveway...... NOT ANYMORE! I always bought American made vehicles (FORDS = 90%) and decided that this POS is going to be traded in for a Toyota. I haul my children and others in this vehicle constantly to sporting events and I'm not going to risk it anymore. This vehicle has been in the shop for numerous problems and repairs... wheel bearing failure, rear broken coil springs, valve noise, belt alignment problems, doors locking and unlocking while driving, horn blowing at 3am while trying to sleep, and many many other problems. BuhBye Ford. I'm glad none of my tax dollars went to you in a bailout!
2008Dec 19
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 167,000 miles
second transmission in 5 years. This transmission was rebuilt a few years ago because of bad servos. I was informed that the servos are bad again. I did not know that this vehicle had this much problems with the transmission.
2003Feb 01
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 1 miles
i dont have a ford or had one
but i have figured out and always heard that foreign cars are the best HONDA is bout #1 their cars last forever i have never had any probs with my Honda civic I LOVE IT
and the other best is Hyundai
and saab
but i never owned hyundai or saab
2009Jan 26
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 79,900 miles
Another one bites the dust...My lovely 2002 explorer - paid for and only 79,000 miles is headed to the junk yard. Always maintained as recommended in manual and no warning before the transmission blew and the dealer said $4200 to replace. Not worth it. Went and bought a Honda CRV the next day. Will not ever buy ford again. Have the classic 2002 explorer that also had the rear window motor burn out and the back window hatch broke. What a piece of junk!!!!
2008Apr 17
Explorer Eddie Bauer 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 107,577 miles
My last Ford! The transmission did last over 100,000 miles but I have always taken care of my vehicle and most of the miles are light highway driving to and from work. When you buy an Eddie Bauer you are supposed to get Ford's best, something that you could keep if you wanted for several years. Now I am stuck with this vehicle with a so-called remanufactured transmission that is doing the exact same thing my old one did (slipping between 2nd and 3rd gear). What irritates me most is Fords dishonesty about the problem. I complained about the slipping right after I bought my explorer new and of course since the problem is intermittent the dealership said nothing seemed to be wrong. But they knew something was definitely wrong. Now I have the same issue with the refurbrished transmission and I'm stuck with this piece of junk. I want to trade it in but Ford is the only dealership that I would want to pass the problem off to. The problem is I am not going to but another Ford. Since they are so indifferent about a problem they know is a defect in engineering I assume they figure loosing customers is cheaper that trying to compensate for this horrific mistake. Even if they would have done something to keep the cost down would have probably kept me on but they only wanted to keep the cash flowing. My trust in Ford is gone!
2009Jan 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L 6 cyl 5a
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
Started with a slight "bumping" feeling while driving that would go away after a few minutes. Then a whining sound from the back. A few weeks later the key got stuck in the ignition, couldn't shift to park, and fluid leaking all over. Found out it was a bad TRANSFER CASE ($1,000) that caused my DIFFERENTIAL ($1,500) to fail. Had to replace both. Above costs are only for the parts,not the labor. Within the last year i have had to replace both rear WHEEL BEARINGS the DIFFERENTIAL and the TRANSFER CASE! I have always owned Ford vehicles and this is the first time I have EVER had any major problems. This tells me the quality and workmanship has gone down hill along with their business. I will NEVER buy another Ford. When I replace the Explorer and Pontiac Aztec we own I will be buying TOYOTA or NISSAN. This breaks my heart but I can not trust the US auto industry anymore. Can't afford all the problems. Why has Ford not acknowledged these problems? CALL THE FORD CUSTOMER COMPLAINT LINE! WE MUST!
2007Mar 27
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
This car is sh*t.
The transmission went out at ~75k miles. Then THREE more times in the next 25k miles. Yes, three transmission failures in 25,000 miles.
My initial failure cost about $2,800. First failure had 734 gear ratio error in fourth (3-4 flair).
One year later they replaced the valve body.
A year after that the direct clutch lip seal failed.
The O/D light flashes, the alarm is constantly going off, I drive without interior lights because they don't reliably turn off when the car is left unattended. The compass perpetually shows I'm going west.
This car is sh*t.
2008Feb 14
Explorer Limited 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 69,445 miles
At 64K I raised the issue with my Ford Dealership, they ignored it. It kept getting worse and when bringing it in for an oil change they dismissed it. Brought it to a Transmission shop to drive it and they did research and found the tech articles about it. Brought that into the Ford dealership and they stated it is out of warranty and we can do three things, sell/trade the vehicle which I own, put in a third party replacement kit (90 day warranty), or a Ford transmission with a three year warranty, chose the latter.
They had to fumble around with getting the engagement to work properly and I literally have to force the vehicle into Drive to get it to engage else sometimes it would slip into Neutral at the worst times!!! Is this SAFE, NO!!!
I just found this site and wish I would have found it earlier as I'm experiencing other issues with wheel bearings replaced and now springs/struts?? The vehicle is not used for off-road or towing...this is not acceptable and did some research and had to write today.
Everyone is griping but everyone NEEDS TO CONTACT FORD else this is on deaf ears. I wrote and others should click the Resources tab or contact them here in writing or Email. I see they did not send me a copy of my Email to them so I would save that 1000 character Email in a word processor file and also write a letter to back it up! Let's organize and get something done on all these 2002 Ford Explorer issues as I'm now 5.9K in the hole if I replace my springs/struts...this is INSANE at 78K!!!
Ford Customer Relationship Center
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, MI 48126
(800) 392-3673
https://secure.ford.com/footer/contact-ford/contact-us-email?contactMainTopic=VehicleServiceIssues
2006Mar 15
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 81,000 miles
We rebuild the transmission $2100.00 and replaced the front end 700.00 in 2006.
Now in Jan. 2009 we are going to replace the transmission again $2000.00 and I still owe
on the #!* thing. I think Ford needs to pay up and make it right with all the Explorer
owners.
2008Dec 18
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 116,000 miles
The Explorer started acting unusual when trying to shift from 2nd - 3rd. I Googled the problem and found this website. After reading a few... hundred posts I realized the problem was both common and severe. I asked around and found a local mechanic who also does transmissions. He runs a smaller shop with only a couple mechanics on staff but said this was the 3rd Explorer with transmission issues in less than a month. That is saying a lot considering the town he is located is a predominately Chrysler town because of all the Chrysler and supporting factories located there and they don't see many Fords. He gave me several options including a used transmission ($1,800), a Jasper rebuilt 3 year - 36k mile($3,000), an LKQ rebuilt 3 year - 100k mile rebuilt($2,500), , and a new transmission($3,500). I chose the LKQ. The transmission is still adjusting as we drive it since we don't have 500 miles on it yet. It seems to have solved the problem although the shift from 2-3 isn't as firm as it was when the truck was new. As so many others have mentioned, let me know if there is a class action lawsuit. This transmission was obviously a design defect from the beginning and Ford continued to use it in subsequent years.
2008Dec 31
Explorer Eddie Bauer
- Automatic transmission
- 87,234 miles
There are so many of us having this same problem Ford should pay for the rebuilds. How can we make a class action suit?
2009Jan 07
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
Awesome Ford exploder. Right up until the trans decided to take a crap. Started with trans od light and 4X4 light starting to flash and stay on momentarily. Then fast forward a few weeks and the trans begins making the most horrific noise when not on pressing the accelerator. Trans shop told me it will be about $3500 to repair. Blue book on the truck is $3000 bucks. I traded it off on a new one they gave me my trade in quote without even looking at the truck so tooooo bad soooooo sad FORD HAD TO EAT IT!!!!!! Anyway I now have a new truck payment that two weeks ago I wasn't even prepared for. AWESOME!!!!!!!!
2009Jan 05
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 112,000 miles
This is the second transmission in 112000 miles. I started the engine placed the vehicle in drive and got nothing. The engine would not engage with the transmission. This is among many problems I've had with this vehicle. FORD (F*cked Over Rebuild Dodge) this is an overstatement. Dodge does better than this.
2007Aug 10
Explorer XLT 4.O V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
WELL,,LET ME START BY SAYING THIS.....I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS S@#T!,,,I HAD FORD'S BEFORE AND NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD BE GOING THRU THIS...I HAD A 1995 FORD EXPLORER AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM,,,SO I DECIDED ON AN UPGRADE SO I WENT OUT SHOPPING FOR A NICE TRUCK AND DECIDED ON BUYING ANOTHER FORD...WHAT A F@#$%^NG MISTAKE THAT WAS....I SAW A BEAUTIFUL 2002 FORD EXPLORER IN 2007, AND I BOUGHT IT....A MONTH AFTER THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT,,I WAS JUST DRIVING NORMALLY AND WHAM..RATTLING ALL OVER THE ROAD...COST ME $2500 AND I WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY SO I PAID 20% OF THAT....1 YEAR LATER NO MORE WARRANTY...WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THE TRANNY WOULD GO BAD AGAIN, I THOUGHT I WAS SET FOR ANOTHER 100,000 MILES....SPOKE TOO SOON...NOW THE TRANNY CLUNKS AT TIMES WHEN SHIFTING IN REVERSE ,,,WHEN I PUT IT ON DRIVE,,IT HESITATES..TAKES A COUPLE OF SECONDS TO SHIFT EVEN MINUTES,,BUT ONCE IT CATCHES,.IT DRIVES FINE.. TOOK IT TO AMCO...THEY WANTED $1600 TO LOOK AT IT...WOW THAT WAS NICE...."WHAT WOULD HAPPEN WHEN YOU SEE IT"...."CHARGE ME WHAT EVER YOU WANT BUDDY"..."HELL NO".......IT DRIVES PERFECT...WHEN IT DRIVES, I JUST DONT UNDERSTAND...I EVEN DROVE IT TO CHICAGO LIKE THIS...14 HOURS, AND ABOUT 20 HOURS BACK DUE TO THE WEATHER... AND HAD NO PROBLEMS,,,, AS LONG AS I DONT PUT IT IN PARK ITS OK...IT JUST TAKES TOO LONG TO SHIFT IN DRIVE...I DONT HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT NOW AND IM STILL PAYING FOR THE TRUCK...SO IM JUST GOING TO DRIVE IT TO THE GROUND LIKE THIS AND HOPEFULLY IT WILL LAST THE DURATION OF THE CONTRACT....BUT IT IS A SHAME THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THE TRANNY,,IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN...I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT THIS P.O.S, I AM DISAPPOINTED WITH FORD,,,IM A SINGLE DAD...AND WHEN I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK,,I THOUGHT IT WOULD OUTRUN THE 1995....MODEL...BUT GUESS WHAT...THE 1995 IS STILL RUNNING LIKE NEW AND MINE IS NOT...ANYBODY WANNA SUE THIS BASTARDS....COUNT ME IN...I WILL BE RIGHT NEXT TO YOU IN COURT....ITS JUST NOT RIGHT AND IT IS INJUSTICE WHAT THEY DID WITH THIS MODEL...NO DIPSTICK...THAT IS A MISTAKE...AND THEY NEED TO REIMBURSE US ALL FOR THEIR MISTAKE..EVERYBODY I TALK TO WHO HAS A NEWER MODEL FORD...ITS THE SAME STORY...WITH THE TRANSMISSION....ITS NOT FAIR.....AAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!
2008Dec 22
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
Overdrive off light started blinking, then shut off after a few mins. Took it into a transmission shop just in case and found out the overdrive unit had gone bad which caused an internal lock message on the vehicle computer. Once they pulled the transmission apart it would not go back together, it was a mess. Well $3000 and a rebuilt transmission later is what it needed. I see so many complaints about these transmissions I am shocked that Ford has done nothing about it. I called Ford and of course there are no recall's for this transmission issue. As soon as it was fixed it traded it in for a new 08 Chevy Suburban. I will never buy a Ford again!!!!!
2008Dec 03
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 99,300 miles
Hi. Just wanted to add the same ole story. O/D light flashing, check engine light on, slipping from first to second, etc. etc. This is beyond acceptable!
Brought the car in to our local Ford dealership two years ago (when it was still covered under warranty) with tranny concerns...we were leaking fluid, dealership said "the tranny was sweating" Whatever that's supposed to mean. Unfortunately, we accepted that answer and continued to drive the truck. The truck would hesitate to go into reverse than slam as it finally shifted. The problems continued to get worse. At this point, we have failure in 2nd gear and 5th gear and no overdrive. The same local dealership says there is no easy fix, now (no more warranty) we need to replace the tranny. Go figure - that's an easy 4 grand to them. Whoever heard of a sealed transmission anyway, it is insane not to be able to check your own fluids. It certainly ensures Ford service job security. I cannot justify paying more on a repair than what the car is worth (especially when we still owe money on this vehicle). We are so disappointed to read all these posts and know that this company has no intentions of fixing the problem. We would be interested in a class action suit, but don't know the first thing about filing one. Thanks for listening...good luck to all of us....Hoping for a recall soon....Happy Holidays!!
2008May 14
Explorer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 57,000 miles
I will never buy another FORD. As far as I'm concerned they owe me $5700.00 between the 2 transmissions I had to replace in both my 2002 explorers in the last 8 months. I also have an electrical problem with this one that was in 4 or 5 times under the warranty and they said they kept fixing the problem. Well guess what, warranty is up and I still have the same electrical problem. I need to get rid of the pieces of garbage. I say don't bail Ford out.
2006Dec 15
Explorer Eddie B 4.0L?
- Automatic transmission
- 89,000 miles
I replaced the Transmission at about 80k tham had to replace the motor at 110k because the camshaft cap fell off. Now it has 175k and the transmission is gone again. We need a class action on this POS
2008Dec 15
Explorer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 81,000 miles
I added a complaint a while ago and this is just an update of sorts. Took my explorer in today to see just what exactly would happen with this tranny. The repair shop says the whole thing will need to be replaced. It will cost $2450.00. Great, just in time for Christmas AND my Anniversary. I am SO ANGRY. I can't believe Ford will not do a thing to resolve this. I will never EVER buy a Ford again. No wonder their company is going down the crapper.
So today I'm going to take the $2000 that I had saved up (because originally I thought that was all it was going to cost and I have no way to come up with another $500) and try to trade this POS in. I will be killing my credit in doing this, due to the loan being upside down, but at this point, I just want out from under this POS. At least if I go to a GMC dealer, I will get a vehicle that will last me the life of the loan! Shame on Ford.
2006May 16
Explorer Limited 4WD 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 72,341 miles
This is BS...Can you fix it right the first time...How incompetent can you be!!! You repair it, rebuild it, then replace it! Incredible.
2005Dec 22
Explorer Limited 4WD 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 68,844 miles
A great ski trip gone bad...I left my tranny in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Thanks alot Ford for a great product
2008Dec 05
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I am very upset Here it is Christmas and I have a 2500 transmission rebuild bill, only to come to this sight and find it is a major problem that Ford is not doing anything about. I have always had a ford but this is my LAST one
2008Dec 03
Explorer Limited V8
- Automatic transmission
- 82,230 miles
I love my Explorer, minus the gas mileage, and this transmission. Ford makes nice cars but I will never buy again. My parents had an explorer transmission went out at 34000 miles, lucky for them it was covered under warranty, unlucky me, mine is not. I would expect ford to stand by their consumers and fix THEIR problems, not us. Isn't if the problem exists in every car, or the majority, they should fix it. F&*K em. I actually hope with this recession they go out of business, but not, alot of people loosing jobs. Ford has lost another customer, I have had two fords and both crap. Good looking, comfortable, but bad workmanship.
2008Dec 01
Explorer SE
- Automatic transmission
- 83,000 miles
I can't believe this, wish I had looked up the car before I was hyped up by the Ford dealer. I bought this car to replace our junker thinking it would be good to have a car for our three children to ride in that was safe and dependable. Well, two years after we bought it, after dealing with several other minor issues, including the horrid clunk of shifting from park to reverse, the D@#* thing is in the shop today because as my husband was leaving to go to work the transmission started making the worst sound I have ever heard. So, merry Christmas kids, Santa is getting a new transmission because he still owes more on his sleigh than it's worth. Sorry about the lack of dolls and trucks under the tree, Ford has done it again! I will never own another ford, and I am definitely calling to complain, this eeds to be recalled-transmission failures consistently happening under 100,000 miles? that's ridiculous. My 95 Chevy ran better than this!
2007Jun 01
Explorer Lmtd Eddie Bauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 107,000 miles
NEVER EVER BUY A FORD! This was my first - a very expensive Eddie Bauer Ford Explorer- and I had to have the transmission rebuilt at 107,000 miles. I babied this car - I took it in for regular service checks, etc. I asked the dealership to call Ford and help with the expenses and I was told because I had over 100,000 miles it was my responsibility to pay for it. I will never buy a ford ever again!
2008Nov 20
Explorer 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
Everyone who has this problem needs to take the time to Call Ford's Customer Care line. They say that if enough calls are registered about a problem they will open an investigation. Posting on these sites is great but does not add to the count of registered complaints through Ford. If you do have to get the problem repaired save your receipt and you may be reimbursed if a recall is issued. If you don't complain to FORD directly, a recall will never happen. This definitely SUCKS! No wonder the American car industry is in the state it's in!! My transmission started grinding last week when I was just starting out at low speeds or going into reverse. It hasn't totally failed yet but is on the verge. Merry Christmas to me! Just what I wanted a new transmission!!
2008Oct 04
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 10,100 miles
Just a little more off my chest! along with not been able to pay my bills BECAUSE I USED THE MONEY ON FIXING THE DAMMED TRANSMISSION AGAIN
you people need to recall it... If I ever get a new vehicle it will not be a ford unless you pay my bills for December 08
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2008Apr 02
Explorer XLS 4.0L
What a crappy product. Absolutely hate this car and Ford altogether. Never will buy Ford!!! Tried to support the economy and bought American, WTF! I wish I've seen this page before I bought this crap. Like all the other hundreds and thousands of unlucky Explorer owners, my transmission has problems switching to 3rd gear. Will cost several thousand dollars. Have been delaying the work for a year. One day, I guess I might just die on the road. But what can i do until I have extra thousands to spare? Seeing this many number of complaints, Ford should really consider recalling/exchanging. Surprised that no one started a legal complaint. Wish I knew anything about law.
bluedevil
Durham, NC, USA
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