8.3
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$2,078.00
Average Mileage:
81,666 miles
Total Complaints:
98 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (32 reports)
- Replace transmission (25 reports)
- ford should recall these enclosed transmissions (15 reports)
- repair transmisson (8 reports)
- drop the tranny and bring to a shop for a rebuild (7 reports)
- don't buy ford/ jaguar same problems (2 reports)
transmission problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2002 Ford Explorer transmission slips when shifting and clunks
2009Oct 06
Explorer Limited V8
- Automatic transmission
- 66,000 miles
I bought my 2002 Explorer V8 Limited in late 2001, so it has been almost 8 years.
I bought it because the American auto industry was not doing well and my brother
worked for Ford at that time. All auto manufacturers were offering rebates and 0% financing at that time. I tried to be patriotic and bought American.
Other than bad gas mileage, I love to drive the explorer. I paid over $1000 recently to change the coil and spark plugs because of the "service engine light". Other than that there wasn't any other major problem until 2 weeks ago. With only 66,000 miles, it ran normally but the tranny slipped all of a sudden and started clunking wih very hard shifting. The O/D light also started blinking. Of couse, the service engine light came on as well.
I took it to the dealer and was told it would cost $250 to just diagnose the transmission. What a joke it was because the info panel already said to check transmission and the slipping and clunking of gears still need that kind of $$$ to confirm? I left it with the dealer because was hoping a rebuilt tranny may be around $2000. When I got home, I started googling about Explorer problems and that was how I found this site. The dealer called back and told me it would cost $3100 for in-house overhaul with 12K/1 year warranty or $3700 for a re-manufactured transmission with 100K/3 years warranty - plus tax. That knocked me off my chair when I heard that. I complained about the cost, and the in house overhaul just sounded like a scam to me. Minutes later, the dealer called back and reduced the rebuilt tranny from $3700 to $3400. I told him I had to think about this. A hour later, the deal called again. He told me he could knock $50 off (so $3350) if I give him an OK now. I told him I just needed to discuss this with my wife first.
I then did some more research. I mean, although the mileage of my Explorer is rather low, but the blue book value of mine is about $7500; a bad tranny would be less. Paying $3600 (more than 1/2 of the car's value) sound silly. Besides, I am afraid I will be burnt with more issues after the fix because everytime I bring it to a dealer, it will cost me couple hundreds just to check it.
I couldn't sleep for couple nights because I was just pissed off. By the way, I also called Ford and file a report on this and was given a case #, but was told I wouldn't be compensated unless there is a recall.
I am going to pick up the Explorer tomorrow and just let it rust, and then junk it. I will send pictures of it to Ford. This is the first Ford I bought and is also my last.
2009Sep 14
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
What a POS. I hate this vehicle. I bought the car used in Dec. 07. The 1st problem(68,000miles) I had was the damn thing was stuck in 4wd, took to a Ford dealer for repair, they had it for approx. 25 days, got it back, still not fixed right, took it back, finally seems fixed, not so sure though. At about 80000 miles took it to a totally different F.O.R.D. dealer, tranny shot. Mind you this thing had warranty that transferred to me, thankfully,my options were pay $0 and get a "rebuilt" tranny with 1 6mo. 6000 mile warranty or pay around $900 and get a "new" ford factory tranny. I opted for #1 and guess what the damn thing is jacked up again. Of course the extended and tranny warranty are both up. Anyway what mine does, is driving any speed over 45 the thing like jumps in and out of gear, the RPMs stay steady but it is ANNOYING, feels liike it's gonna fall out on the road. Has correct amount of fluid and not abused, only vehicle I have. It's a royal pain ui n the ass. I think I gonna call FoMoCo and bitch, give them my exact mileage and repair bills from their "certified" service techs and see what they will do. Probably notta thing, but never know. I have a couple buddies that are mechanics and they're baffled as to what it could be. I've been around and worked on cars my whole life as well and can't even explain to the svc. managers what the hell it's doing. I think i just figured it out, that blue oval on the front.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Sep 17
Explorer XLT 6.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 88,000 miles
I have a 2002 ford explore and while driving i can come to a complete stop and what happens when i start to go but feels like its jerking. this also happens when i hit a bump while driving. i had it under warranty and they "fixed it" got it back and started again brought it back "they fixed it" got it back started all over brought to them "they fixed it" got it back went to go get it fixed again because it started again and warranty ran out wouldn't fix it I'm so done with this car its just problem after problem here not to mention if it was just seeing the fluid yea you cant even check it there is no dip stick in the car you need to bring to the dealer and ive seen where that has lead me. aggravation!!
2006May 23
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 12,000 miles
i bought a ford explorer in 2006 and it started shifting hard in about 2007 it is hell, me and my famliy went to colorado in it, and it barly makes it over the hills it shifts hard and i am tired of it i also have another ford a f-250 2008 and it a darn guzzler i loved fords but after all this i am sorry but these are the last ones i will ever purchased.
2009Sep 03
Explorer XLT 4.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 134,216 miles
ok bought it may 2008.replaced rear coil,rear strut,lower control arm,upper control arm,sparkplug most cracked,transmission leaking,transmission slips,doesn't shift properly,sometimes stalls when putting into drive,locks when putting into reverse at times,radio doesn't work anymore,internal compass always says north,temp off whack,
plastic thingamajig on back with ford emblem ripped off when i had a carwash,need new tierod/allignement,emergecy brake completely shot,4way is now only 2 way flasher
but hey i look good driving it:) the only thing i dont understand is why ford does not HAVE A FREAKEN RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION!!!!!!!!would be really fun passing a car and oops another car is coming in the other lane...need to accelerate yay tranny slip.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Sep 10
Explorer Limited 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 126,000 miles
I HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED 2 YEARS AGO , THE OD LIGHT FLASHING ,TRUCK JERKING WHEN GOING INTO GEAR AND THIS TIME CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT IS ON .LAST TIME I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER WHO SAID THAT I NEEDED A VALVE BODY AND SOME OTHER STUFF I BOUGHT THE PARTS FROM THEM BUT TOOK THE TRUCK TO A TRANSMISSION DEALER FOR A MORE REASONABLE REPAIR PRICE . THIS TIME THE FOR DEALERSHIP IS SAYING BASICALLY THE SAME THING AS BEFORE WITH A 3,700 TICKET ATTACHED I CANT AFFORD TO PAY THIS FOR THIS PIECE OF SH*T AGAIN. FORD NEED TO RECALL THIS TRANSMISSION OR WE NEED TO GO TO THE BBB OR ON A TALK SHOW OR SOMETHING ...THIS IS MY 5TH AND MOST EXPENSIVE FORD AUTO SO DO THE RIGHT THING FORD AND FIX YOUR SH*T!!!!!
2009Sep 01
Explorer XLT V8
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
After just replacing the engine for 6,300$ I have no heat and the piece of crap is clunking hard when it changes gears. It's not even worth repairing and can't trade it in..We need the vehicle to get kids to school and us to work FROZEN, NOISY, and BROKE!!!!!! Really bad experience.
2009Jul 15
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 112,000 miles
Well this is a common problem that I think Ford should take at least part of the responsibility for the repair. Have a 2002 Ford Explorer ,started out flashing o/d light then engine light then transmission slip at high rpm under acceleration between 2nd and 3rd gears. I have done a lot of reading on line, found a site that told about a fix for this problem.www.servobore.com- . I have put my truck on jack stands serviced my transmission added Red bottle of Lube Guard . It took about 300 miles after service now ,the transmission is perfect (for now) . After about a month the o/d light has come back on and engine light has come back on. No problem with transmission (for now ). I hate that this transmission doesn't have a dip stick which makes it hard to service at home. There are other problems that ford is aware of that they won't do anything about, rear end noise and rear hatch panel cracking below glass.
2009Sep 08
Explorer Limited V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
First of all, for all you good people who own this piece of crap called a 2002 Ford Explorer, you have my sympathy! To anyone who is looking into purchasing a Ford Explorer or a Ford anything, think long and hard and choose something different!
So, here is my story...Just about a year ago, I started noticing that my transmission would occasionally slip. I would drive and all of a sudden it would act like it was in neutral. I bring the POS to my transmission man and he has it for just about 3 weeks but, cannot find anything wrong with it,no trouble codes etc. He tells me to bring it back if the problem gets worse. Well, on a drive up north the POS does the same thing and I hear a bang when it finally gets back into gear. My friend was following behind and heard this bang with her windows up and music playing. I bring it back to my transmission man and he removes the pan and finds a good amount of metal, not shavings, good chunks of metal. Bottom line, the transmission is crap, selonoid is crap and too much heat caused major damage. My transmission guy is going to fix this but the cost...a whopping 3600 bucks. Let me add in this,,, I bought the POS in 04 and one month later the transmission crapped out and my husband ripped the dealership a new one and demanded a new tranny. They obliged but, my tranny guy says after taking it apart today that they did a lousy job the first time with it.
From all the complaints I have read here and elsewhere on the web, Ford should be ashamed of themselves for this disastrous transmission. I for one will never do business with Ford again and I will tell everyone I know in hopes the word spreads. Why a class action law suit has not occurred is beyond me but, I hope at some point action is taken against Ford! To all Ford dealerships I pass along the way,, you'll be sure to get the finger from this pissed off woman!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Jul 20
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
I have been a loyal Ford owner for over 10 years; but, when I purchased the Ford EXPLODER, I was very disappointed. Bought it @ pre-owned sale in February 2005 & day after dealership had to replace transmission for a ticking noise. Six months later, a leak. Then problems in 2007, shifting from park into reverse, big clunk & jerk. Had work done. Now during acceleration, from a full stop, transmission slips, rpms go up, clunks & jerks through the gears. I've read other complaints, a lot of them, about the same problem and I find it hard to believe that the Ford Motor Company hasn't issued a recall or something for this hunk of junk transmission. I had a '97 Ford Mustang & they had a recall for the reverse gear (5-speed man). Ford needs to start listening to their customers or they're going to start loosing them to the foreign competition or GM.
2009Jun 30
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 97,500 miles
Ford really needs to be held responsible for this problem. When i took my truck in to be diagnosed the person informed me that he has had alot of people with the same problem. It all boils down to saving money. Ford gets a certain amount for each transmission sold and they get that profit and the consumers expense. I have not even reached 100,000 miles on my truck (Explorer XLS V.6). Something needs to be done.
2009Jul 07
Explorer XLT 3.9L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 71,458 miles
Yes, I'm another poor SOB who owns a 2002 ford explorer (Exploder). I had owned a 1969 Ford mustang and loved the vehicle. For it's age it had been a great car with only minor maintenance costs considering it's age. I tend to like American vehicles and needed a larger vehicle for my family. I liked the look of the new series Ford Explorers and bought one with approx 40,000 km on the clock. It's been generally good with the exeption of a failed electric window - rear passenger side (a plastic part probably worth about $2.00) and cost $500.00 to fix. OUCH!. Little did I know what was coming.
At 115, 000km my transmission started to slip and I took it into my Ford dealer expecting it to just need a service. He told me he would have to replace transmission with reco one and it will set me back $4,120.00. I almost died! It is complete BS that a supposed 4x4 transmission should fail so soon, what's it made of; PLASTIC. Ford don't give a damn, I'll never buy one again! If enough people do the same, they may pull their head out!
2009Jul 02
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 146,000 miles
Bought this from a relative who had the transmission changed. This is a 3-year-old transmission. It slips in 3rd gear and I can't go over 40 mph. The transmission also makes a weird sound during accelleration. Mechanic cannot find a problem. Code came up as a 3rd gear issue. Did not bring it to Ford, but after reading all of these complaints, I am not about to. I will report it to the NTSB as someone had suggested. Ford should take pride in their work and fix these cars. My next car will not be a Ford unless they take care of this problem. Class action suit. . . anyone?!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2005Jan 15
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
Transmission was slipping during up shifting. Also major delay and clunk when shifting from Park to Reverse. Both problems continued to worsen over time. AAMCO did a transmission rebuild at 50,000, seem to have fixed the problem, noticing an occasional clunk during upshifting at 105,000 miles now, but problem is very minor relative to how the transmission behaved at 50,000 miles.
2009Jun 05
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
This is the second time the transmission is going out. The first one was overhauled at about 75,000 miles, under an extended warranty. I'm getting the same poor shifting, poor acceleration and clunking when going into gear.
2009May 25
Explorer XLT
- Automatic transmission
- 99,800 miles
I had no idea that the transmissions in these SUV's were a problem until mine failed. One day it was working, the next my wife is telling me that the "clutch" is slipping. We took it to the dealer, they wanted over $4,000. No one at the dealer told me about the design flaw on the tranny. We are looking into alternatives now. While looking on line I found many complaints about this specific issue. How can Ford just ignore the problem?
2003May 31
Explorer XLT 6 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 10,000 miles
Ever since I bought my car I have had a problem with knocking, slipping transmission, whirring noise from rear end. Have had differential checked, transmission checked with no answers. I now have 100,000 miles and acceleration between 30 and 40 mph does a shift which is equivalent to going over three or four small speed bumps before it kicks in to gear.
I will never buy a ford again. Always have driven a honda and that is my next vehicle. Sounds like ford has known they have had a problem but have ignored. Typical.
2008Jan 01
Explorer Limited V8
- Automatic transmission
- 69,000 miles
This is ridiculous! Did we not give Ford our money to bail them out and they can't recall a transmission that they knew was not correct!?! We definitely need a class action brought against them. If you know of one..please let me know!
2009Feb 01
Explorer XLT 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
Ok, all I want to say is that I would really appreciate if Ford would recall this tranny that we have. I am a married 23 year old young adult with two babies and I am only trying to make it in this world and what happens to me when we first purchase our dream car? The transmission goes out after 12,000 miles of purchasing it! I could not believe it! Ok, we got the money to fix the transmission..didn't get to enjoy it, but we got our only means of transportation fixed so that's all that matters...then... 2 months later after shelling out 2,600 dollars, it is going out again. I don't know what to do? We are totally on our own and cannot afford to go through another one of these problems. It really sucks because we went back to the place where we got our tranny fixed and they closed their location in the Bemidji area and now we are trying to find this location where National Transmissions relocated to and we cannot...are we totally just out of luck or can someone please start a lawsuit and include me in this. I would totally appreciate the help...no one else is helping us...if you help me I would return the favor if I get my own lawsuit. Thank you for listening to my complaint. :)
2009Apr 01
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 93,000 miles
I regret having a Ford now that I am having all these problem. I am prepared to enter into a class action suite against the Ford Company. I am number 633 with a complaint about the transmission. This is unacceptable that they did not recall this car part.
2009Feb 22
Explorer Eddie Bauer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 102,000 miles
We just bought this truck used from a dealership and amazingly, the transmission went out shortly after the 1,000 mile warranty ended. We had only made one payment on the truck! The transmission started slipping around 102,000 miles and the "check transmission" light and O/D light kept blinking. Also, it clunks loudly when trying to shift from park to reverse. Took it in and a Ford dealership (Aitkin Motor Company) and they charged us $360 to tell us the transmission is shot, needs to be re-built or replaced. This is our 3rd Ford Explorer. Obviously Ford should recall the transmission. Is this the thanks we get for being a loyal customer?? We will never buy another Ford again after this.
2009Mar 26
Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 84,000 miles
Well I had this piece of crap rebuilt by Cottman in North Philadelphia, exactly 1 year ago. It was at the shop for over a week and a half, after I took it home, I had to take in back within 2 weeks because the solenoid pack (cause of all of the problems initially) failed again. Another week in the shop, brought it home and the darn thing has never shifted correctly, but who has time to keep running back and forth to a shop on the other side of the city. 3 weeks after I needed a transmission overhaul, both rear springs broke (snapped is more appropriate and no off-roading, just Philly potholes - now I know that they are legendary, but damn this is an SUV) I took it to Meineke, and guys stated that this was the 3rd explorer this month, and that Ford was infamous for substandard springs.
$1,200 later back on the road, the transmission has started the same issues as in my original post from Feb 08 (needless to say same problem we all are having) - Father-in-laws' (TEXAS) 2002 Explorer same problem, Father-in-laws' brother (TEXAS) 2002 Explorer same problem, and co-workers girlfriend (PHILLY) 2003 Explorer same problem. Coincidence I THINK NOT. We all refuse to fix, will drive till they die and then junk.
So for those of you who keep these pieces of crap, parts should be easy to find. I'm calling around to see if I can find an attorney who is willing to commence a lawsuit and if I'm successful, then I will be emailing each and every person on this site with this problem to join. And I'm writing a letter to all three news agencies to inform them and see if they will take a look at the web postings.
2003Sep 01
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 13,000 miles
We bought our 2002 Ford Explorer in 2003. We had the car three days and the transmission had to be replaced. This is at 13,000 miles. The same problem happened again but worse at approximately 40-50000 miles. On a trip to California the transmission started smoking and we had to stop in the desert. The tow trucker came and told us he picks these Explorers up all the time. They break down A LOT! I still have a clunking sound out of nowhere it makes a THUD AND I MEAN LOUD! This car is definitely a LEMON, and I am pursuing a class action suit. Everybody that owns one of these cars should get their money back.
2009Mar 01
Explorer LX
- Automatic transmission
- 125,450 miles
I had to have my transmission repaired. The symptoms: the Explorer wouldn't shift until you slowed the speed down and then it decided to shift. This was a real pain! Then, the engine light came on and o/d light started to blink.
I have had no problems after paying $2,000...so far.
2009Mar 11
Explorer XLT 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
UGH.. I will never have another ford again! When my dad was buying me a vehicle, I had a choice between an explorer, and a Chevy Trailblazer.. Im sure that if i had gotten the trailblazer, I would be fine, and worry free. But my transmission Shifts very VERY hard, it hits when i put it in drive, or reverse, and it slips.. I have no idea what to do.. anyone else have any suggestions??
2009Feb 16
Explorer XLS 4lt V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Naturally, the warranty just expired. The check engine light came on at the exact same time the transmission started to fail. Last summer the O/D light came on while pulling a light trailer and has not returned on, since. I'm sure it's related. The truck has never been in the shop. Sure, I'm pissed off, but not to insanity like numerous other posts. I may even buy another Ford. I never say never.
2009Feb 06
Explorer LTX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 118,000 miles
What a joke! $2,800 for a rebuilt transmission. Now I'm stuck with a car that's not worth anything to me or a new buyer until I fix it. Talk about being in between a rock and a hard place. Almost from day one this car had issues shifting. I wish I would have followed my gut and bought a foreign outfit to begin with ... oh well, live and learn!
2008Sep 18
Explorer XLT 4L 6 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 137,000 miles
Have already had to replace the front and rear wheel bearings, rear springs, and the air bag switch in the steering column, along with the recall for the rear hatch hydraulic struts. Transmission failed without warning. The repair shop (not the dealer) said there were parts of the band for third gear in the pain when they dropped it and it needed to be replaced. They said they had encountered this problem on other explorers. I am a veteran and a patriot, however I work hard for my money and will not throw it away on another vehicle from the "big three". Bail out money? My ass, let them go bankrupt. I am sure Toyota will but the factories, machinery and tooling.
2009Jan 18
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 120,598 miles
This started yesterday, and I found this site immediately by chance. I was not happy to find this many posts with the same EXACT thing that had happened to me and even worse, with very poor outcomes and high "repair" bills. Do people have to die before Ford takes responsibility for a lousy product? I am in a position to where all I can do is pray about it cause the money is not there to fix it. I am self-employed and my wife stays at home with our two kids. This is the only car we own, and are upside-down in it. I accept responsibility for making a bad purchase and Ford should do the same for making a bad product. I am having to pay, and so should they. We will see how this works out, but prayer is all I got right now.
2007Mar 07
Explorer LXT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
I couldn't believe the transmission went at just 68,000 miles. They had to replace the water pump too because, as the mechanic explained, the transmission was made from aluminum and as it broke down the dust went into the pump and ruined that too. My parents had such a bad experience with a Ford mini van that my brother thought I was a fool to buy a Ford, I guess he was right. Never again
2008Jun 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
I purchased this vehicle in May. The next month, less than 1,000 miles later, the transmission kept refusing to shift. We had no inclination before this, otherwise I would not have purchased this vehicle. I got lucky by purchasing an extended warranty from the dealer for an extra $3,000.00. I purchased this only for the fact that everyone I know who has owned a Ford has had some sort of problem. Since then, about a million other things have gone wrong with this vehicle. I cant wait to get rid of it, but no one is desperate enough to buy it. Guess I am stuck for the time being.
2008Dec 25
Explorer XLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 94,000 miles
Thanks to the internet I am able to find this site. Whinning humn started at above 40MPH and it's annoying. I also had problems with the gears slipping when I turn it on and shift from Park to Reverse or Drive. I'd had to put it back to Park and rev up the engine in order for it to shift into gear. Took the SUV into Ford and the guy seems to know exactly what it is and told me that it's going to be a 2 day job. I'm out of town right now and this will be a big hassle. I'm just curious if I can drive it around 40MPH and take it back 180 miles to my mechanic @ my home town so I won't get ripped off by Ford. Thanks for everyone's complaints as it helped me know that I'm not the only one with these problems.
2005Jul 18
Explorer Limited 4WD 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 63,444 miles
At 43000 miles, I had the transmission tested because it clunked on deceleration. After paying 100 dollars for a diagnostic test, the dealership said that everything was fine. At 63000 miles later, I complained again about the noise and they replaced the transfer case for 1100 dollars; then at 68844 miles, the transmission fails completely while on a ski trip. The transmission is rebuilt for 2500 dollars. And finally, at 72341 miles; it's completely gone...finally, the dealership replaces it with a re manufactured transmission for 3304 dollars. Thank God I bought an extended warranty. I know I will have to replace the re manufactured transmission soon too...It's starting to clunk intermittently.
2008Dec 07
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 45,000 miles
I own a 2002 Explorer, and i been having problems with it since i bought it. Every time I fix something, something else gets messed up!!!! I was trying to save money to fix my radiator, because it was leaking, and now my car will not go in drive or reverse! I tried to accelerated after doing a complete stop and nothing. So I pulled over and tried to put it on reverse and I got the same results. Once I put it on park it made a really bad grinding noise. I HATE this truck!!!! I live in Chicago and its sooo cold out right now. I had to push it 2 blocks while it was snowing and very cold. And to top it off my 4X4 does not work. Never did. My sis also has an Explorer, but hers is a 97'. She also had the same problem! I really hope they Recall this problem and rein burst the money to all that had this problem! DO NOT GET AN EXPLORER no matter what year it is!!
2007Nov 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 101,000 miles
What is going on here? Why hasn't Ford figured this out. This is the #1 problem listed on the internet.
2008Oct 04
Explorer XLT 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
Looks like I am in the same boat with all the rest. I have had many problems with my Explorer but they were covered under my extended warranty (75000 miles) Now I am on my own, and the transmission is giving me the classic symptoms- Slipping from 2nd to 3rd gear, sometimes wont shift at all unless I take my foot off the gas. Takes about 5 seconds to shift from reverse to drive. Sometimes clunks so bad when coming to a stop I have to look in my mirror to see if I got rear-ended. I brought it into Ford and they said since it is out of warranty I would have to pay for a new transmission. Why wont they admit there is a problem? They are loosing customers fast over issues like this. Me included. I only hope I can get this lemon running good enough to sell it.
2008Nov 08
Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 140,000 miles
This is absolutely crazy. My mother's Explorer is having transmission problems, had the clunking around 60,000 miles, now at 140,000 transmission slippage and lights flashing. This is all highway miles, and she babies this car. I can't believe how many people reported this. I sent a complaint to the nhtsa, and I hope others do. This economy is in a huge crisis, and our American people should not worry about getting screwed over right now by our own manufacturers. No wonder American car manufacturers are going down. Ford has known about this problem for years now, and no resolution. I say Jeep and foreign all the way.
2003Sep 10
Explorer LX 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 56,000 miles
Since the Transmission was replaced I've experienced numerous electronic problems which I have ignored for the last 80k. I have only a general complaint about AMERICAN CARS. What happen to the days of the shade tree mechanic? Why can't we make cars WE can work on? I used to enjoy working on my car, now its made so I cannot!
2008Oct 23
Explorer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 125,000 miles
I am having the same problem as everyone else on here, all that clunking and tranny slips have lead to the inevitable, it has to be fixed or replaced and the cost exceeds $2,500. The car in its current condition is not worth that much and to make matters worse I still have to
pay about $3,000 on the loan I took to buy the damn car. Total lose-lose situation. I would definitely not buy another Ford car, after finding a website that advised to call the Ford 800 line to see if they would give a "good-will" repair, I did so. Of course because there is no recall on this issue Ford could not help, BUT she was REQUIRED to let me know of the "amazing" deals that Ford had on NEW cars. UNBELIEVABLE! To which I replied if I don't have the money to make repairs I don't have the money to get a new car, besides I would not buy another Ford. Of course you get the usual "I'm sorry to hear that".
And since calls may be recorded I did let her know that there were no recalls on this issue because Ford would lose out on way too much money and that Ford would never place a recall for the same reason. Not sure if it will help but give them a call with your VIN# and make your complaint known, (800) 392-3673, let them know that for an "AMERICAN" company they sure like to screw us Americans out of our hard earned money in this failing economy. URGHHHHH!!!!! Extremely irritated with all this!!!!!!
2005Apr 01
Explorer Eddie Bower 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
Its weird the car at 35mph when its shifting from i believe 4th to 5th will sometimes slip and clunk it doesn't happen all the time but it happens. Hope fully after reading all those complaints it will be fine I HOPE!!!
2008Aug 30
Explorer Eddie Bauer
- Automatic transmission
- 88,000 miles
Every time I went to shift or even turn it would make this really awful and quiet annoying clunking noise.
2006Jul 27
Explorer V8
- Automatic transmission
- 30,000 miles
Got a partial cover under warranty because even though the miles had expired, the life of the warranty had not. The car was never driven hard nor used for towing.
2008Jul 12
Explorer XLT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 105,455 miles
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.
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!
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2007Jan 06
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
the problem was at 25 mph and after the mechanic worked on it, the problem moved to happening at 35 mph and has been doing it ever since then.
Kathy J.
Priest River, Idaho, USA
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