8.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,690
Average Mileage:
104,700 miles
Total Complaints:
28 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (13 reports)
  2. new transmission (9 reports)
  3. transmission overhaul (5 reports)
  4. replace transmission (1 reports)
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac transmission problems

transmission problem

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2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #28

Sep 152015

Explorer Sport Trac LX 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

transmission went out, every explorer i've had transmission failure. i used to work for ford,all my family members i talked into biuying fords, HELP!!!!!

- Steven D., Aberdeen, MD, US

problem #27

Aug 262016

Explorer Sport Trac

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

Was driving along one day up a slight hill trying to accelerate when it seemed like my transmission slipped and I couldn't accelerate anymore no matter how much I pressed the gas, a couple seconds later my gears clicked back in and I could speed up, then my over drive light started flashing at me. I'm really not surprised to have this issue, I've had just about everything wrong with this vehicle that I possibly could.

- Shannah H., Chattanooga, TN, US

problem #26

Jan 012016

Explorer Sport Trac 46

  • Automatic transmission
  • 179,000 miles

INSTEAD OF BITCHING AND WHINING ABOUT THE TRANNY, I GOT OFF MY ASS AND FIXED THE PROBLEM. IT WAS SIMPLE. I PULLED THE TRANNY OUT AND THREW IT IN THE JUNK PILE. PUT IN AN E4OD TRANNY OUT OF A PICK THAT I TRADED SOME TIRES FOR. DRIVE IT EVERY DAY NOW WITHOUT AN ISSUE. IS IT RIGHT THAT FORD DIDN'T FIX IT? NO. BUT I DID I USED MY HEAD INSTEAD OF MY MOUTH. IF YOUR GOING TO USE YOUR MOUTH FILE A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST FORD.

- Barry A., ellsworth, ME, US

problem #25

Dec 142014

Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,086 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I bought this 2002 Ford POS (Sport Trac) this year. Low mileage, great shape, awesome comfort and has legendary "Blue Oval". I love(d) Fords. Everyone teased me saying the "Blue Oval" just meant they circled the problem. Well, I am starting to strongly agree.

This morning, I made an abrupt stop avoiding an accident when someone pulled out in front of me. Next thing you know, I am leaving a stop sign and almost got broadsided on the drivers side. Why you ask??? Because my transmission suddenly went into "Ford Mode"!! Couldn't go forward, couldn't go in reverse. How would've my two children felt if Dad was killed because Ford couldn't/won't solve they're F*ck up. I seriously felt like my heart stopped when that vehicle was headed right for my door. I get on the internet looking up 2002 Ford POS problems and BAM!!!,

I see thousands of people having same problems. Now tell me FoMoCo, how can you hold your standard in your name and fix these problems. I live the American Way in a local tire shop trying to support my family, barely making ends meet, and this sh*t happens. How am I supposed to afford fixing your misjudged engineering?? Things like this is why there are so many people selling drugs and prostitute, trying to find an easier route to make easy money because sh*t like this makes people like me fall into a "hole" that they can't get out of.

The cost of the repair is more than I earn in a month, just so it can happen again. I would hate to turn away from Ford but what choices do I have when I can't pay for your mistake. If customers, repeat and first-time, are what is important, then why aren't we being helped?? Show us you care!! We showed you. Now it is your turn.

- Jeremy C., Caro, MI, US

problem #24

Aug 152014

Explorer Sport Trac V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,000 miles

Like everyone else who has complained, I feel like this should not have happened. I drive less than 8700 miles per year, maintain my vehicle well and do not abuse it. After reading the complaints here, I filed a complaint with the US DOT NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and would encourage everyone with this transmission problem to do the same.

I first noticed my vehicle developed a slip, shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear, I immediately went to my mechanic and had my fluid and filter changed. Code was a P1760 Transmission Concern. He warned me that this was a common problem with Ford and the 5R55 series transmission and that the transmission would probably fail any way. I left the shop, drove 1.3 miles home and just as I pulled into the drive, the light started to flash again. I am very disappointed in Ford.

My understanding, is that Ford has been aware of this situation for some time, but is unwilling or more over, unconcerned with correcting the problem. I guess the overall problem starts with the Bosch Solenoid Pack in the transmission. When that lovely $389.00 part starts to act up, it reeks havoc within the transmission. From Aerostars to Jaguars this trans has a problem. It was a French based company that Ford no longer owns (I wonder why???). Ford sold it in 2009, but the company still produced the units till 2011 for Ford and others. By the way, your ECU has 80 different codes in it to tell you your transmission is going to suck the life out of you.

- David P., Gurnee, IL, US

problem #23

Aug 042014

Explorer Sport Trac LX 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,126 miles

I purchased my 2002 Ford Sport trac which I thought I would really love but.... four months into having it, I've had to replace the brakes completely, and the rear seals.. and now my transmission is slipping and not working properly!! What the heck??? I'm so disappointed with this truck. I looked around for a good while deciding on getting one and finally did, not I'm second guessing myself... I would love to have it fixed but my husband was just placed on medical leave and not sure how long. I need my vehicle, a dependable one, so I can continue to work..

Please help with this problem

thanks

Cheryl C

- Cheryl C., Catawba, NC, US

problem #22

Jul 172014

Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,178 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Are you kidding me? 160kms or just over 102000 miles and the O/D off light starts blinking. I'm taking the truck over to the mechanic ASAP after reading just how much of a problem this has been. It happened last night on the drive home from a coffee stop. I was still getting up to speed when the light started blinking. I pulled over, and turned the truck off and waited a bit. I turned it back on and the light went off. I noticed in the last day or so that the truck has been rougher, but assumed it was just the road. This is a bad joke: These transmission problems should not be happening at such low mileage and yet no manufacture recall? Please if you have had this CALL FORD and complain right away!

- ecorbin, Hamilton, Ontario, canada

problem #21

Feb 182014

Explorer Sport Trac V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

I'm away at college and I'm stuck. No way to get around. I'm stranded-scared to drive. I liked my vehicle before but I have lost confidence in it. Help !!!!

Update from Feb 27, 2014: My truck is great I've been driving it for about 5 years now and I've never had a problem until a couple days ago. One night I was on my way home from work and I noticed my o/d light started to blink. This was the first time it had ever done that so I just turned the car off and restarted it thinking maybe I accidentally press the overdrive button well it stop blinking. The next day I went to pull off from being at a red light and my car started to rev up. Which scared me I barely had my foot on the gas. This is when i realized something isnt right, and from that day forward my car has gotten worse. The o/d light constantly comes on and my car continues to rev up when Im going under 20 mph. At this point im terrified of driving this car anywhere.

Update from Feb 27, 2014: I'm away at college and stuck because I'm afraid to drive. The rpms rev high when at about 20 mph, the thing jumps and jerks, the OD flashes off and on. I took it to mechanic for service and he's not sure what's going on but says will cost 2000 to fix. He doesn't even know for sure. I liked my truck until this happened. Not dependable.

- Chan J., Houston, TX, US

problem #20

Sep 052012

Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

Complete Transmission failure at 62,000 miles, granted it is a 2002,... but, it came from Hawaii, now its in Wisconsin. Same story,... blinking "O/D Off" light. Unfortunate, because i love the body style and ride of the sport trac, but now I'm ready to get out of it and cut my losses. Its in the shop right now. I'm being told its going to run me $1000 for a used, or $2000 for a rebuild (not yet including labor). So,... I'm going the cheaper route, and privately selling the truck as soon as it has the used tranny installed. I would totally keep it, but i have no reason to believe that this wont happen again. In fact, after reading all the rants and raves on here about the Sport trac tranny's, this problem is almost certain to happen again, Especially going the "used transmission" route.

- 1202427, Racine, WI, US

problem #19

Dec 042012

Explorer Sport Trac LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 138,000 miles

Since this is a manufacturing/design defect and is well known to Ford, they should at least offer some relief to consumers, especially in light of the fact they are trying to build customer loyalty and entice consumers to buy their cars again.

- George S., Acworth, GA, US

problem #18

Jul 102011

Explorer Sport Trac Eddie Bauer 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 127,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Like many of you who have complained about their transmission problems with the 2002 Ford Explorer, I did as someone suggested and called the complaint department at Ford. I was told that not enough people have complained about this particular problem and year. I find that very hard to believe when there are currently 8,337 complaints against Ford on this website alone. The number #2 compaint is the transmission for the Ford Explorer. I challange everyone of you who have ever had a problem with your Ford Explorer transmission to please call Ford Motor Company and complain. If enough of us do it, then we may affect change and you just might get a new transmission or be reimbursed for your repairs. The number to call is 1-800-392-3673.

- elainepa, Doylestown, PA, US

problem #17

Dec 122011

Explorer Sport Trac

  • Automatic transmission
  • 116,000 miles

2002 Sport-trac will not go into reverse. Sometimes placing into L2 and then reverse allows it to work. Last week it slipped in forward after coming to abrupt stop. Transmission should not go at such a low mileage.

- Joe W., Sudbury, MA, US

problem #16

Oct 072011

Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 162,000 miles

OK so this Vehicle is the by far the worst I've ever had, last year the O/D light kept blinking and when I would get on the interstate it would rev at about 3500 RPM when i was going 70MPH so I took it in and the told me that my fifth gear was out and my second was on its way and that I need to get it my transmission rebuilt and I did, it came with a one year warranty, now here I am a year and two months later and the O/D light is blinking again and my gears are slipping and I'm revving 3500RPM in the interstate and have to get the same work done all over. I truly hate this vehicle and would never suggest a ford anything to anyone!

- Christopher D., Charlotte, NC, US

problem #15

Aug 192010

Explorer Sport Trac

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

When I first got the Sport Trac I loved it! I had some minor, normal car problems with it after it reached over 100,000. Then my transmission started slipping once in awhile. After that then my overdrive started flashing constantly even when I would first turn the vehicle on. After that I got the overdrive checked out when I took the vehicle in to a Ford dealership to get my already recalled cruise control fixed. They checked it and told me it would be $356 dollars to fix and would take half of a day. I thought it wouldn't be a big deal when I got the money for it. After they checked the transmission would slip constantly and my overdrive stopped flashing so I took it to an independent automotive repair and they told me it was my transmission. Now when my transmission slips and when it stalls my overdrive will flash after it shifts. After doing some research online about the other 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac models I will never by another Ford Explorer Sport Trac and will not recommend to anyone about buying one of those models!

- Shelby S., Brownstown, IL, US

problem #14

Dec 072010

Explorer Sport Trac LX 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,257 miles

took this vehicle in to have preventive maintance done ,(50K replace transmission fluid & filter) on the way home lost the transmission. Started slipping 200ft from the service station. Was told it would come out of it. It sure did.... the transmission is totally fried.

Research show a ton of issues with the 2002 tranny, why id Ford getting away is shoddy products. I take very good care of my vehilces and I am meticilous about up keep. This truck was working perfectly when I took it in for service. I has never towed a boat, trailer, camper or anything heavy. I was told by the repair shop that the fron seal was not there, the transmission had moulded seals and they had never seen that before? the original fluid that came out of the pan before was fine in color, it had no metal shavings or pieces in the bottom of the pan, the magnet was clean with not particles on it, there was nothing in the pan to indicate a problem... I was asked why I was changing the fluid &filter because it looked fine. I told them suggested maintaince by Ford Motor Co. Ford needs to step up and accept responsibility for shoddy parts and vehicles. Where is the Goverment on these transmission issues???

- pbill, Farmington, ME, US

problem #13

Dec 282010

Explorer Sport Trac

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

I am having problems with the trans and it sounds like the same problem that a lot of people are having along with the many people who wont take the time to write. Ford, what happened to you? What went wrong? I was brought up to believe in you, well the faith is gone. I tried to tell the ford dealership that there was a problem when I had 60000 on the truck and they said they could not find a thing and to be on my way. Now she slips from 2nd to 3rd when she is cold and revs up pretty high and will catch the gear. I mean it has just been little things here and little things there with this piece of junk. looks are cool but does not do you any good if the damn thing will not move. I bought it with 29000 and have never missed oil change/service, a lot of good that did me. should of driven this piece into the ground, ha, prob last me longer. dont buy a ford explorer sport trac from the year 2002. That being said, anybody looking for a 2002 blk sport track? great price!!!!! ha ha I wanted to believe First On Race Day but Found On Road Dead seems about right!

- leebo, Charlotte, NC, US

problem #12

Apr 012010

Explorer Sport Trac 4.0lV6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

Its has been very stressful for me This is my only transportation to work. And don't have $2500 to get this fix. I will not be buy a Ford again car or truck.....

- barbragh, West Memphis, ARK, US

problem #11

May 202010

Explorer Sport Trac XLT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 29,826 miles

I recently have noticed problems with my automatic transmission shifting erratically' and even the OD lite came on but went off, so I didn't give it anymore thought. But after reading some of the complaints I can see it's a waste of time complaining to Ford. Rest assured I will be buying a new vehicle soon , but it won't have the Ford nameplate on it. If this is how arrogant Noth American companies are to customer complaints it's no wonder there is nothing being made here anymore. Or is that what they are up too. I understand the Big 3 all have signifigent invesrments offshore, and I'm sure this helps create jobs here.

- Walter B., Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada

problem #10

Feb 032009

Explorer Sport Trac V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,683 miles

So we brought the vehicle to our local dealer because the transmission was starting to surge upshifts. They did a fluid change and sent us home. On the way home, the OD light started flashing so my wife turned around and went back to the dealer. They called a couple of days later saying we needed a new transmission for $4K. After I got off the floor I asked if they had read the service codes or checked the filter. I wanted to know why a new transmission was needed in a vehicle with fewer than 40K miles. After another couple of days I was told that the error codes were pointing to bad fluid pressure and that the transmission was full of brass shavings. The only remedy a shiny new transmission for $4,000. Damn! I've never towed anything and the vehicle has always been well maintained by me. It seems to me a transmission should outlast my tires!

- David L., San Rafael, CA, US

problem #9

Oct 202008

Explorer Sport Trac Limited 4.0lsohc

  • Automatic transmission
  • 128,002 miles

o/d light keeps blinking, wont shift between 2nd and 3rd gear only if i do it manually and wont gonto 4dw

- gmcdowell, Kingston 6, FL, Jamaica

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