transmission problem
8.4
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$1,922.00
Average Mileage:
78,831 miles
Number of complaints:
55 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (22 reports)
- Replace transmission (16 reports)
- drop the tranny and bring to a shop for a rebuild (6 reports)
- ford should recall these enclosed transmissions (5 reports)
- replaced solenoid body (2 reports)
- don't buy ford/ jaguar same problems (1 reports)
Helpful Websites About 2002 Ford Explorer transmission slips when shifting and clunks
2008Jan 14
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
ok, here goes. transmission jerks while shifting from gear to gear and seems to slip while accelerating. also in the morning when it is first placed into gear I can usually count to 5 before it clanks into reverse or drive for that matter. gas mileage is reeeaaallllyy bad, maybe from the slipping. dealer says its going to cost around 3500.00 for a replacement trans. I said "can you put a Chevy trans in it!" he didn't think that was funny. My 1996 olds cutlass has 230,000 miles on it and still runs great. Ford should have their "sealed' transmissions hurled at them with a medieval catapult. Think Ill just set it on fire and collect the insurance.
2002Nov 05
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 32,000 miles
We bought a 2002 Ford Explorer, shortly after buying it the transmission fluid started leaking it was still under warranty and the problem was repaired a couple month later the transmission started to show signs that there was something wrong. When I would put the car on drive or reverse it would take a few seconds before the car changed into gear and it would jump to the gear. I took it to the dealer several times and always they would say the problem was fixed and it was for a couple of weeks, then it would start all over. I would take it back in finally before the extended warranty expired, I took it back to the dealer the finally said they would replace the tranny, when the Ford inspector came they said there was nothing wrong with the transmission and they put it back on the Explorer, after I had been with out my car for a month. A few months later, of course after the warranty expired, the transmission went out. I had to have it rebuilt and paid $3,500 to have it rebuilt a new one would have cost me $5,000 +. It has been 1 1/2 years since I had the transmission rebuilt and it just blew out AGAIN. Ford Explorers SUCK, I will never buy a Ford again. Oh and the service engine light turned on after about a month from when I bought it even with warranty they never fixed the problem and this year was the first time I needed to smog it of course it did not pass. FORD SUCKS.
2007May 16
(reported on)Explorer XLT 4.0
- Automatic transmission
- 89,000 miles
I�m the first owner of a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4x4. This vehicle had problematic transmission from day one. Truck was @ different dealerships four times with the verdict �transmission performs fine�. Last time (@40,000 miles) I paid $1500 for the repairs. After one year in service, transmission started slipping again. Trans shop tech told me that they have to replace it with a rebuild unit. While I was deciding on what to do with the transmission, rear differential started to leak. I should mention that it was loud from day one but lately noise became unbearable. So I decided to replace differential first. After used 2004 differential was installed all transmission problems went away. I could not believe it myself and took truck to the transmission shop for a computer check. Tech checked it several times and told me that trans works like a clock. I don�t know what it was but I�m happy now.
2008May 01
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
I bought it in 2005 and I thought I was getting a great deal on it. The next day I went to pick it up, I heard noises. I took it back to them and it was the wheel bearings that were bad. They sold me a car that had bad wheel bearings, at least the dealership did fix that issue. It wasn't much after that the passenger window wouldn't roll back up...next, a new motor for the window. You can't just buy the part, it's a whole kit. That was a chunk of change for that...then the timing chain snaps and melts the motor...time for a new motor now! Recently, I had to get the heat/temperature valve/door fixed. I could switch it from hot to cold and I could hear a banging, it finally went out...keep adding the cost here...next...the transmission...it takes forever to slide into 2nd gear, sometimes it jerks and makes a clanking sound....the o/d light flashes and the check engine light stays on....Ford sucks!!!
2003Jun 11
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
was jerking when shifting gears,was told by Akins ford that this was normal.3 months later it felt like someone hit me in rear going into last gear and shifting down to first.transmission solenoid package replaced,no more jerking then 62000 miles later started again but they said they only warranty there work for 36000 :( sad.
2008May 15
Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,600 miles
SO, I've had this SUV for 3 years now. Only two more years and its mine oh mine! Unfortunately its the biggest POS of life. I've had more problems with this car from day one than all the other vehicles I've ever owned(And that folks is right many).
I go to lunch today and when I put it in reverse and started to back up it jumped several times and made some God-aweful noises... ok I think... keep going... then I pull into the gas station and dear god in heaven what the heck is that noise coming from under my vehicle!??! sounded like a combo of a car wreck and train passing by... taking it to the shop tonight before I pick up my daughter. Im terrified to see what it is and how much its going to cost, especially after reading all these complaints!
2006May 18
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
This is obsurd!!!! A rebulit tranny was put into my car in 2006, I wish I had known about this site then!!!!!!! I had to go with out a car for a week!!!!!!!! while the dealer scratched there head. We we on a road trip with our kids when this happened.
2008May 08
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 111,400 miles
Well I mean come on. I'm like the 300th person posting on this website about the same problem. Here's the story. I bought this Explorer used with 111,160 miles on it. I bought it off of my boss. He gave me a wicked awesome deal on it, so i couldn't pass it up. When I first picked it up, it had been sitting for 1 1/2 years.This was not due to the fact it didn't run, he (my boss) just had better cars that he enjoyed driving more. I didn't notice anything until about the third day. Pulling out of my driveway, it will start fine in first, slip, rev up to about 4 grands, then LURCH into second gear. It seems to only do it like once from the start of the trip to the end of the trip. Meaning it would do it coming out of the driveway, and not again till parked, and taken out again. I asked my boss about it, and he said that they bought three for their fleet at the other company he works at, (he owns the music shop that I work at, plus another contracting job). He said ALL THREE had the same problems. I'll list the problems. I mean there is really no need to, you can pretty much take every problem that is listed with the tranny, body, and rear-end, and thats what have having. God-awful whining while in overdrive, and while accelerating, clicking sound that sounds like aluminum cans clanking together when accelerating (this is more audible when close to something, like going through a drive through, or a bank drive through where you are close to a wall so the sound bounces back and is clearly audible). I have two cracks on the back of the body, right on either side of the ford logo on the back. It is lined up so well, it almost looks like it is supposed to be there. As far as the transmission OD light coming on, I haven't had that problem, but I mean I've had the vehicle for less that a week. I took it to a buddy mechanic of mine, just thinking that the transmission fluid needed changed along with a new filter. Keep in mind, this is before I found this website. He told me that there is no way to check it, and I have to take it to a Ford dealer to get the tranny serviced. After hearing all these things, I'm almost afraid to go and have it done. I mean I'm going to call them tomorrow and just be real with them and see if there is any reason why I should bring it in. Because I'm sure not putting a new tranny in it. I mean you guys are saying that it is taking 2k-3k+ to get the tranny rebuilt. I only paid 2k for the thing!! I mean like I said, my boss gave me a good deal. I just don't know what to do. I mean I'm just going to keep driving it, and see what happens. I mean I'm 17, and this is my first car. I worked hard for it, and I want it to last. Apparently Ford couldn't care less about what is going on, or maybe they do, and cant afford to fix it. Ha.
2008Apr 23
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
I have had my Explorer since 2005 and slowly the transmission has been giving me trouble. First the O/D light would blink when I hit a certain gear (yet not all the time) It went from shuttering between gears to clunking into gears, now It whines like a remote control car when shifting. I am pretty sure this means a new transmission is in my future. It sucks. Everything else on the car is fine!
2006Apr 04
Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
I will never own a car where I can not check the transmission. When you start the car it takes a few minutes to move like it is low on fluid But hey guess what I cant check it. I don't know how many ford explorer owners I know that have the same problem Ill stick to Chevy
2008Apr 05
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 120,711 miles
There are enough complaints here that I need say no more - except, as difficult as it is for me to say... don't buy American, and definitely DON'T BUY FORD, JAGUAR, or Range Rover. Jaguars are having just as bad problems with transmissions and window regulators, etc... You name it. What's sad is how much it takes before these American companies care enough to think about the buyer/customer. Then we'll be hearing them crying on the Stock market (and therefore, they screw the customer/investor AGAIN!) It's just plain pathetic!!!
2007Jun 29
Explorer XLT 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
Ive taken in my car in for a diagnostic after a week of flushing out my transmission fluid at its recommended transmission fluid maintenance. Suddenly the O/D light is blinking and I was informed that I needed a new transmission. I brought it in for service and after service they told me problem solved. That wasn't the case. I brought it in numerous times after that. All they seemed to do was turn off the sensor. After a few months I experienced it again so I took it back to the mechanic. Now they've informed me that one of the solenoids is frozen so I need that to be replaced. Told me that it would be done and ready for me by Friday! Well Friday came and still car's not done and no calls to inform me of anything. So I decided to call and now I'm informed that I need a new transmission computer since there is a shortage from there that will cause the transmission to go out again. Ford sucks ass FORD really does stand for Fix Or Repair Daily. Since I purchased this worthless car I spend more money fixing it when I had my honda. Does anyone know, on average, how much a transmission computer box costs?
2008Mar 03
Explorer EB V8
- Automatic transmission
- 38,000 miles
We baby the car and this should not happen with low millage
2008Mar 07
Explorer XLS 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Another FORD problem. My Auto Tranny OD light was the first sign, then the engine service light cam on. Now the tranny is slipping when pressed to go...As I see this is a problem for many...Would like to here what the solution is before I get ripped off by these dealer repairs...
2007May 13
(reported on)Explorer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
Ford should eat these enclosed transmissions because they are junk.
2005Sep 01
Explorer XLS V8
- Automatic transmission
- 52,000 miles
This transmission should be recalled. We had problems with this transmission right a
after we purchased it. Just to find out that it is a enclosed transmission and there is n
nothing you can do on your own to service it. We took it in and had it serviced cost
a few hundred dollars. This seemed like it help. But within a month it was slipping
again and just has progressively gotten worse. It is a piece of shit product. And Ford
1920Mar 01
Explorer Xlkt V8
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
When my transmission started slipping when changing gears, my hubby took it to the dealership. They suggested we not replace the transmission, but have some part of it fixed. We did this for around $800.00 and it was better for about a month. It is now worse than ever. I hope the transmission lasts until I buy a new car. This is one of the many problems I have had with this Explorer. (I have owned 3 before this that were fine. My many problems: CD player, air blowing through all vents instead of the one I have 'dialed', heater, 4x4 not engaging, window fell down and won't go back up (though I can hear the motor still working), parking brake cable broke, air bag light on, check engine light, sun visor broke and wouldn't stay up, the lovely huge crack under the back window, and of course the transmission slipping. Ford, thanks for the lemon edition of the Explorer.
2008Feb 18
Explorer XLT 4,0
- Automatic transmission
- 99,000 miles
TRUCK WON'T SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE COLDER IT IS,THE WORSE THE PROBLEM BECOMES! I CAN LET THE TRUCK WARM UP FOR 15 MINUTES AND IT WILL STILL NOT GO INTO GEAR UNLESS I GIVE IT SOME GAS. WHEN ALREADY IN GEAR TRANNY CLUNKS IF I HIT THE GAS HARD. SLIPS IN AND OUT OF GEAR WHEN COLD.
2008Feb 01
Explorer XL 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
I've been a Ford owner for many years, owned 2 1956 f100's. We bought this vehicle with 19,000 miles and bought the 75,000 mile extended warranty and now the transmission is slipping and making a rough noise when it shifts. I had heard through a mechanic friend that that there were problems with the Explorer transmissions. I didn't realize how bad until I visited this site. I haven't had the transmission checked but I do intend to call Ford's Customer Service and see what kind of crap they will feed me. My wife loves her Explorer but I'm sure that will change when it fails completely as it seems to be inevitable.
2007Dec 12
Explorer Eddie Bauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 84,000 miles
don't buy ford. i will never buy a ford again. after i had the rear end replaced after the total replacement of the transmission, i have now spent more fixing the car then i bought it for, in 2 years time.
2008Feb 04
Explorer Eddy Bower V8
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
Designed to fail?! This truck has had 99% highway/ city miles, no 4wd driving, no trailer, no extreme use, and full maintenance mostly at Ford dealership. Took it in because of wine at certain acceleration and starting, and a gap (rough shift) between 2->3 and 3->4. They said it failed diag and has worn parts and only way to fix is to rebuild for 2500+ or put in new for $3,500. It is only worth about 10K.
2004Jun 01
Explorer 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
I had to many American vehicles to mention and doing the research on
2007Dec 20
Explorer XLT 4.0L SOHC
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
FORD....FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT i have an 02 Ford Explorer XLT and when I shift to reverse I hear a clunk and it cost me about $2,300 to get it fix and I only had it for 10 months and it doesnt have any warranty now. I bought it from a used dealer. Ford is a piece of shit, they should make a recall about this.. i think everyone should file a complaint at..
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm
..so they could make Ford do a recall for the transmission.
2008Feb 05
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
ford has had a lot of problems out of this shitty transmission, they need to recall and replace the piece of shit.
2007Feb 08
Explorer EXL 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 45,000 miles
I BOUGHT A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. AT 45,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY STARTED TO SLIP WHEN SHIFTING TO 2ND GEAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE REPAIRMAN TOLD ME THE REASON THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT IS BECAUSE OF INFERIOR STEEL. HE TOLD ME FORD BUYS THEIR STEEL FROM PLACES LIKE CHINA,PAKISTAN, INDONESIA. YOU KNOW, 3RD WORLD COUNTRIES.
ANYWAY, I CALLED FORD AND TOLD THEM ABOUT MY PROBLEM. THEY SAID IT WAS MY PROBLEM BECAUSE I FAILED TO PURCHASE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. I TOLD THEM I DIDN'T BUY THE WARRANTY BECAUSE I HAD FAITH IN THEIR PRODUCTS. AFTER ALL, THEY SPEND A LOT OF MONEY ON RADIO AND TV TELLING EVERYONE HOW RELIABLE THEIR PRODUCTS ARE. SHAME ON ME FOR HAVING FAITH IN FMC AND THEIR PRODUCTS..
2007Dec 08
Explorer XLS 4.0L Flex Fuel
- Automatic transmission
- 92,000 miles
How these people sleep at night after failure to address a problem as long lasting as this one wonders me. Explorers are great SUV's. Love mine except the STUPID problems. Transmissions have been a problem in these things forever the new computer shifted model is just worse than the rest. Do they do no road or endurance testing on these thing? Mine has been making trouble since 40,000 miles. Would that had I unloaded the thing then. Unfortunately for me loved the ride, the space inside, the maneuverability, the quiet ride etc.
2007Sep 04
(reported on)Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 67,253 miles
the 2002 ford explorer is a joke i bought it used in 2004 the dealer telling me it was still under warranty i drove it for around a year then the transmission started slipping and making a loud clanking noise when shifting i took it to a ford dealer who said is was not under warranty so now i am stuck paying out of pocket for the piece of junk i will never own a ford again even if it was given to me i would not take it because you are out more money fixing the dumb thing
2007Nov 23
Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 112,000 miles
So im complaint number 25, and now I just had to get back on here and tell you that my tranny is gone on my truck Im mean POS Explorer!!!! Its great not having a vehicle, I didn't even have this thing for a full year.
2007Nov 20
Explorer XL 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 32,000 miles
sounds horrible and just downright annoying when you cant drive your kids to school because the truck sounds like its going to blow up because it thinks its hitting the rev limiter, but you are barely moving.
2007Nov 05
(reported on)Explorer XLT 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
We bought this Explorer only because we had a baby, last December, and now not even a year later, the tranny sounds like it is about to go. From park to drive it takes about 5 seconds to kick in, then shifting into second and third, it really clunks and you what almost get a whiplash, okay not that bad but its really pissing me off. I want to take it back up to Miller where I got it and tell them to give my Toyota Celica back. I went up to Ford and all they did was print some shit off the computer and gave it to me, so I don't even know where the tranny fluid is, let alone try to find the special tools the papers say you need. I should have just gotten that Navigator instead of this junk-mobile of a Ford. I think Ford should recall all these pieces of junk and give us our money back or give us brand-spank in new ones that actually will work for some years.
2007Oct 28
(reported on)Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 57,300 miles
With 57,300 miles my transmission on my 2002 Explorer started slipping when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear and when placed in reverse. Ford Motor Co. would not pay anything to help fix the problem. The service department at the local Ford dealer said even if my extended warranty was still good he said it would not be covered. My repair bill is 2,300 dollars. I plan on selling this car as soon as I can. I filed a formal complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is the agency that forces a recall. I want all others with the problem to take a few minutes of their time to do the same. Have your vehicle mileage and VIN #.
If we all do this we may be able to push for a class action law suit as well� John
2007Aug 29
(reported on)Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 96,000 miles
I baby'd this truck. But at 93,000 miles began to hear grinding in rear... turned out to be rear wheel bearings. Short time later foward gear went out in transmission. Had to get all new rear wheel bearings and a remanufactured transmission for $3500. While it was in the shop I went down the street and bought the competing Hummer H3 with 6 yr/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. I'm done with Ford.
2007Oct 13
(reported on)Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
This is the final straw for me with this poorly engineered vehicle. The tranny hesitates and shifts unpredictably from first to second then O/D light starts blinking. After lots of research it appears the most likely cause is worn case bore, where the pin for the 2nd gear and overdrive band servo actuator passes through the case. If the people designing these machines spent even a bit of time in their lives working with their hands on real parts they would know better than to pass a hard steel pin in a wear point fashion through a softer aluminum casting. It is no wonder so many transmissions experience this problem. The shame is most consumers don't get this explained to them so they believe its the fact that these "American" vehicles are built with poor quality that they are problematic when most times its the poor engineering causing the long term reliability problems. Isn't it interesting that so many Japanese engineered vehicles can be built in North America and still remain reliable well into old age? The reasonably responsible thing to do is buy something designed in Japan and built here. Which definitely takes Ford products off the list.
2007Sep 16
(reported on)Explorer ? 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
recently I was sent a letter notifying me of a recall with the cruise control catching fire, Ford's solution is to put in a fusible link. A fusible link does not fix the problem with the cruise it only keeps the wires from starting a fire past that point. It would be nice if they replaced the cruise itself. Recall # 05s28
2007Sep 19
(reported on)Explorer EXL 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I was told Ford's specs on 1999-2002 models for torquing the valve body on was too low causing the gaskets to blow out and cause internal leakage. If Ford knows they are wrong, why not a recall??? Repairs call for replacing the gaskets and torquing to current specs. I had the bad experience of having the local garage jerk me around on the actual repairs so I think I am going to pay about $200 more to have it resolved than it should have. I have had it in for the 3rd time and will be picking up the vehicle later today. I'll see if they know what they are talking about. After resolving the problem about a month ago, the same issues came back. Now they said they needed to re-program the computer! Sigh!
2007Sep 10
(reported on)Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 58,000 miles
Transmission is starting to slip, and clunk felt when it does catch. Slips when going into reverse. Less that 60,000 easy miles on this 2002 Ford Explorer. Scared to find out how much this will cost to repair. This definitely seems like it should be a recall item.....
2007Sep 05
(reported on)Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
Didn't think I was alone. Have always owned Honda's and Toyota's and went against my gut instinct when buying this car. I liked the looks of it but was leery of buying a FORD (Fix Or Repair Daily).. Put $700 worth of brake work last month and now this.
My OD light had been flashing and then car would not shift into gear, check engine light followed. We took to a FORD dealer and were told it would cost $3500 to replace tranny. Replace the tranny on a car with 70,000 miles on it? They will keep getting away with this until people stand up. CONTACT the company, whatever you have to do. I'm going to do whatever I can. This is complete b. s. . and of course we owe more than the car is worth and are screwed all the way around. Good Luck!
2007Aug 16
(reported on)Explorer LS 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
Well, after reading all the complaints, looks like I am another one trapped with the 2002 Junk Ford Explorer with the OD light flashing, the gears slipping and no Ford answer.
There is my last Ford and maybe the last American car that I will own.
2007Aug 14
(reported on)Explorer XLT 4.0L V-6
- Automatic transmission
- 104,000 miles
Have driven ~1 million miles. 3 vehicles over 250kmi [all mopar], never had a tranny problem and don't change the fluid, etc. Do normal maintenance. This explorer is a pain. Having another used tranny installed. Failure happened 5 hours from home. Rental car and connections with friend got me home. Will replace this junker ASAP. Also, the plastic across rear and below window cracked. Another defect? Never notified of any recalls, although I bought as 2nd owner at 22kmi.
2007Jun 29
(reported on)Explorer
- Automatic transmission
- 54,000 miles
RECALL THIS TRANSMISSION FORD LEGAL ACTION COMING YOUR WAY IN MY CASE
2007Jul 22
(reported on)Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
WOW! Thought I was alone on this. My POS Explorer tranny is slipping going 20-30 mph. Driving to work on a Saturday going in the freeway. Luckly less traffic and my tranny starts slipping. I'm like what the f#@*! I'm giving gas and my rpm is reving up but speed wasn't. Took the next exit and took small streets. Called a couple buddies for advice then left work and went to a Jiffy Lube to get my tranny fluid serviced. Left Jiffy Lube for home and starts slipping again. WHAT THE F@#*!!!!! Worth the try but spent $90 buck for nothing.
Should of listen to my girlfriend, buddies, and family about POS Fords! Should of known the sales rep at Ford doesn't own one either. NEVER again will I buy another ford in my life! Got 1.5 years left on my payments for a truck sitting in my drive way. Too late to trade it now. Just another problem added on to the list for that truck. Gotta drive mom's 97 camry to work that still drives and feels like new off the lot. Now I know why they sell Fords cheaper. They want to make sure you have that extra money to repair it. Payoff $28,000. Repairs $2,800. Seeing look on your own face when the tranny goes out, Priceless.
2007Jul 17
(reported on)Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 52,000 miles
This ford sucks. I had an explorers prior to this one and it was great. We had a valve spring in the engine break at 38,000 miles and was told by Ford that it's out of warranty and not their problem. Now we are having tranmission problems for which they issued a technical service bulletin and Ford once again told us that it's not there problem. Are you noticving a trend here, Ford built a bunch of crappie vehicles and won't stand behind them. Well, that's the last Ford will ever see of my money, and I plan to tell everybody about my experience with Ford, so pass the word.
2007Jun 22
(reported on)Explorer XLT 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
(sorry this is so long... i didnt realize how much complaining i could really do) This 2002 Ford Explorer XLT with the 4.6L V8 seemed perfect for our family when we purchased it about 2 and half years ago. It has the off-road package (although the wildest thing it's seen was a little mud) and the towing package (has never towed ANYTHING).
The Explorer showed trouble signs about a month after we purchased it (wouldnt start one morning... sitting in the driveway and the thing wouldnt start... had it towed to the dealership and the problem was fixed under warranty, but thats a different story). A few months after the first problem, the transmission was slipping. This was around 50,000 miles and the warranty fixed it. Well, after that round of issues, we thought we were home free. The Explorer performed flawlessly for about 2 years.
Then the transmission problem started. First it started off small (much like others, around 95,000 miles), a pause between shifting from Park to Drive. As the months went on, the problem got worse. It would seem to take AT LEAST 5 seconds to shift into gear. Well, it came time for me to come home from college (about 150 miles away from home). On the way to pick me up, my mother started having SEVERE problems. The Explorer didnt seem to have enough power to climb these West Virginia hills (it wouldnt downshift) and the O/D Off light was flashing. She finally made it to pick me up and we started home. The Explorer had a very hard time shifting out of first. The rpm's would hit the red and it would suddenly "jerk" into the next gear. I noticed that if I let off of the gas when it "should be shifting", it made the shifting a "little" easier. The drive home took forever, top speed around 60 mph (ridiculous for a V8... I would generally cruise at interstate speeds of 75-80 mph before the problems). Thankfully, we made it home with the O/D Off light flashing and the Service Engine Soon light on.
The Explorer now has around 110,000 miles and we have yet to have it serviced. We still drive it on occasion (only when we HAVE to), at least until I can afford to have it serviced (I was told it needs a pressure modulator pack). I am disappointed with Ford's Automatic transmissions (but I must say, the Explorer is a tough SUV... failing transmission, but it never did leave me stranded on the way home from college.... BUT I figure it's about to lay down and die any day now!). I do agree that Ford needs to issue a recall on these transmissions. How can they even imagine that it's possible for all these problems to just be wear and tear?? Our Explorer was babied and well taken care of and now the transmission is going out... what is up with that?? Come on Ford, get with it. I also have a 1996 Chevy Camaro (beautiful car). This car is much older than the Explorer and I promise you, it's been drive MUCH harder yet it's still running EXCELLENT. Come on Ford, how is it that you can say there is nothing wrong with the auto tranny is the 2002 Ford Explorer? Im a college student working very hard to get through school, and now I will have to find a way to pay to have the tranny serviced. I dont appreciate Ford not offering any help with this. Whatever happened to looking out for your customers?
2007Apr 21
(reported on)Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 34,000 miles
Not even make it to 50k and the fuckin piece of shit transmission slips and would take 5 seconds to go into reverse
Ford = Found On Road Dead
2007Mar 26
(reported on)Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 94,000 miles
Same story. Junk Transmission. Wheel Bearings go bad constantly, Differential crapped out once. And, to top it all off, I'm upside down on the loan. This will definately be my last Ford unless they decide to step up and offer some kind of assistance for this piece of crap that they dumped on the public. At the very least, they could make a vehicle that will outlast the loan that is paying for it.
2006Oct 09
(reported on)Explorer LX
- 96,000 miles
I feel like an idiot!! My friends all told me not to buy a Ford. I bought a 2002 Ford Explorer in great shape from a dealership. Everything was fine until it turned 96000 miles. Then.... like all the other suckers.... the O/D light came on and it wont shift properly and hangs between gears. As i was reading I was shocked at all the stories exactly like mine!!! Screw Ford and their football team! I'm going Foreign!!!!
2007Feb 23
(reported on)Explorer LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
I have a 2002 expolorer and I would never ever buy a ford car .. can't wait to get rid of this truck ... hate it!!!Ford should just go out of business for good!!!
2006Nov 02
(reported on)Explorer 4.0
- Automatic transmission
- 73,000 miles
I have had this car 1 month. The O/D Light Blinks. It "CLUNKS" into and out of 1st gear. A trusted mechanic has it in his garage tonight. I have had ford all my life with some kind of screwed up problems. FORD product-EVER. We need a lawsuit or a recall for this problem. Someone's going to get hurt or stranded. My advice is to not buy a Ford explorer or any Ford-ever. I've lost all faith in American craftsmanship.
2007Feb 20
(reported on)Explorer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 89,000 miles
This is the first time I visited this website. I can't believe how many issues there are with the sealed tranny. AND... it looks like they (FORD) didn't fix the problem on later models. (look at '05 and '06 complaints). I have always bought FORDS but I have lost faith in their quality and support of our $31K SUV.
I see many stated that FORD tried to put another fluid in the tranny but it did not help!!! Our Tranny is starting to slip a lot.. we are the original owners and take very good care of the truck but I guess it did not matter.
I'm going to sell it quick and get a Pilot. It has the seating room we need for our family..... and very few complaints!!!!!
2007Feb 16
(reported on)Explorer Eddie Bauer 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
After reading the other complaints I think this is going to be a real pain, the OD light started flashing yesterday so I stopped and had the fluid and filter changed. It is still flashing and slipping. Not looking forward to what it sounds like I am about too deal with.
2006Dec 29
(reported on)Explorer Limited 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 30,000 miles
Some time it takes about 3-5 seconds for the car to go into gear
2006Dec 11
(reported on)Explorer XLT 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
Seems like every 5R55W tranny gets this problem with 60-90,000 miles. I think that it's kinda funny that the local ford dealership would have 5 solenoid bodies in stock for such a new vehicle... They Know it's a problem, Ford should do a recall!
2006Nov 22
(reported on)Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 77,000 miles
Many of the same problems as the other complaints. I should have researched more prior to purchasing this vehicle. First indication was the O/D light flashing. I drained the tranny fluid and dropped the pan. The oil was burnt and full of metal filings. The magnet on the inside of the pan was also 3 times it's size with metal filings. I changed the filter and replaced as much oil as I could. I was hoping that things would improve after all that. Things were okay for a month, but now the tranny is suddenly whining loudly, has trouble going in and out of gear, and slips between 2-3 gears. My next plan is to drop the tranny out myself and bring it to a shop. I may choose to completely replace it, or have it rebuilt. Whichever is the most cost effective. I'm only 1.5 years into a 5 year loan on this junker and can't stand the thought of trading it in already, but I'm very tempted. It was also in the shop 5 different times for other major stuff within the 60 day used car warranty. Like many people, I think a recall is in order. I religiously service my vehicles and never abuse them. Sure, "built Ford tough"... sounds like false advertising to me. I can't wait to buy foreign again. Another trusty Jeep Wrangler is also an option since my 2000 has never let me down. My wife and 3 year old daughter are too precious to be riding in an unreliable Explorer.
2006Sep 28
(reported on)Explorer XLT
- 53,000 miles
What i beleive is my transmission failing is really start to get annoying! between gears it slips and takes almost 5 secs sometimes to engage into the next gear! I dont think in my lifetime i will ever buy another FORD!
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Jul 12
Explorer XLT V6
Who was the genius that came up with the self enclosed, non serviceable transmission (other then forcing you to go to their dealers rather then open market). I usually follow standard recommendations of 40-50k transmission flush, but it is not practical to drive to next town over to leave car for the day with Ford. From the looks of this board, it is definitely time for a recall on these transmissions.
Jeff T.
Canton, MI, USA
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